Comparing DTC irons

[Kevin McManus]

On 11/1/2023 at 8:01 PM, GolfSpy_BEN said:

We had members test the Caley’s and the Takomo’s this year. Here are links to the testing threads, for your information and perusal:

Good Luck with your search!

I believe they are the same clubs made at two locations because the looks and lines are too close for coincidence! Performance is spot on with both hltting their windows differently but similar results! You can’t fool us everyday or even the same time each 

[Bernie Gaydosik]

 In my opinion,

- #1 DTC is Sub70. Been playing 639CB irons since 2020. But just ordered a new set of 659CB's because one of my grandsons 'borrowed' them and I know they aren't coming back 

- Product quality  and workmanship is top shelf and their Customer Service is world class 

[Medfloat]

DTC has been in my mind for a while now since the price of golf equipment has skyrocketed.  All the usual players are on the list (Takomo, Caley, etc.) but which one?  Throw Vice in the mix (they look great) and the decision becomes more difficult.  Now to find a way to hit them without all the waiting for shipping and the return hoopla.  I was fit into Titleist T200 a couple months ago - $1400 for the set is crazy - that extra $700ish could be 2 dozen rounds with dinner and a trip! 

[aguybadatgolf]

I only have experience with Sub70 so I’ll just speak to their clubs. I bought my 699 pros about a year and a half ago now. I called their number for advice on my fitting and the owner was the one who picked up. He walked me through my options explained the pros and cans and so on. I was about to pull the trigger when he told me they had a pre owned set that was returned in the 30 day window that fit my specs perfectly for $300. Couldn’t say no to that and a week later they showed up. They were literally brand new, still had the wrapper on half of em. I have since ordered a driving iron from them and had a similar experience. The customer service is top there and they always add some free stuff like hats, ball markers, belts, etc. to the box. My brother also bought an iron set and loves them. Our playing partners are very impressed as well and all agree they will strongly consider sub70 when they are looking at new irons.  

[Owengeorge13]

I bought a new level 480db 7 iron demo club. 4-p is right around 1k.  I’m saving up to buy the rest of the irons.  I’m pretty impressed with them.  They also have the new 480tc and mc.

Edited June 15 by Owengeorge13

[AndyK]

Takomo… end of story.

[RetiredBoomer]

Looking at the websites, it appears than many of the major OEMs are selling DTC as well.

[cnosil]

Just now, RetiredBoomer said:

Looking at the websites, it appears than many of the major OEMs are selling DTC as well.

Yes,  but DTC is typically considered brands that are not available in golf shops and only available through the retailer themselves.   For example, Callaway can be bought through their site but also a store like PGA Tour Superstore so it isn't considered DTC.

[RetiredBoomer]

Just now, cnosil said:

Yes,  but DTC is typically considered brands that are not available in golf shops and only available through the retailer themselves.   For example, Callaway can be bought through their site but also a store like PGA Tour Superstore so it isn't considered DTC.

I see. Thanks.

[Djgettysburg]

These look, by the photos, really similar to my Payne Stewart irons- oldies but my go to when my swing is off. 

[BuddaBlades]

I’ve tried multiple sets of DTC irons, from multiple brands over the years (Sub70, Hogan, KZG, Maltby, Haywood, etc..) I play Edel irons now (SMS/SMS Pro Combo) and one could make an argument that they’re more DTC than an actual retail brand. I digress. 
 

Over the years, I’ve built my list of favorite irons based on feel, performance, and myriad other factors. What I will say is that from a feel perspective, the Sub70 639MB was an incredible iron. Currently sits 3rd on my list for all time feel, and that list has names like Edel, Mizuno, Epon, Miura, Fourteen and Itobori on it.  Jason and those dudes over there at Sub70 make a very, very good iron. And for me, perhaps the best all around DTC iron company is indeed Sub70. 
 

I would put Maltby and Haywood tied 2, and on from there. The newer line of maltby irons TS1 - TS4 and the TS1-im are all really, really good. But, tend to have a larger profile that some players are put off by. And of course, Haywood makes fantastic stuff and all these brands can compete with the big boys if you actually give them a look. 

[Willie T]

The “iron-wedge” portfolio of my bag is all DTC: 6i, 7i - Edel SMS forged; 8i thru PW - Maltby TS-1 forged irons; 50-54-58 wedges - INDI FLX-S.  I love them and ain’t they purdy: 

[Notjackdaniels22]

I bought my first DTC club the other day. It's in process. I went with Sub 70 for a utility iron since it is soooo highly regarded and reviewed by MGS as well as other sites and YT channels. I will say my interaction with the company was absolutely top notch answering my questions and getting me what should be the most optimal configuration for what I am looking for. I am incredibly impressed up to this point and cannot wait to give the club a whirl. I also have a buddy who bought some of their wedges and said the same thing, excellent experi3ncr and interaction with the company and said they perform incredibly. He's just about a scratch golfer and said they are SOLID. I'd recommend 100% thus far having a real conversation with a real person and real rep from Sub 70. 

[Wolfstrum]

I place an order for my first Sub 70 iron yesterday (Saturday) and sent a note about desired swing weight for the club. Didn’t expect a reply until Monday (normal business day). Surprise! Got an email this morning (Sunday) with their response. 
Customer service starting off top notch. 

[Notjackdaniels22]

12 minutes ago, Wolfstrum said:

I place an order for my first Sub 70 iron yesterday (Saturday) and sent a note about desired swing weight for the club. Didn’t expect a reply until Monday (normal business day). Surprise! Got an email this morning (Sunday) with their response. 
Customer service starting off top notch. 

I chatted with someone yesterday and placed my order... same with you was expecting Monday at the soonest. Incredibly exceptional CS at Sub 70.

[AndySP]

I’ll put in another shout out for New Level.  I have a combo of the (no longer made) PF-2 and the 902 and they feel great. It’s been a while since I’ve tried something else in the same category to know whether it’s time to change, but I’m still hitting them well now.

Before buying them I spoke with the owner to make sure I was picking everything out right and he was super helpful.  They adjusted lie, length, and swing weight and got them out the door pretty quickly.  They were put together flawlessly as well.
 

No complaints. They were definitely worth the price at least