In the current golf equipment landscape, the ceiling for iron prices seems to vanish every season. With major manufacturers pushing sets well beyond the $1,500 mark (before you even get to your Cobra 3DP and McLaren’s of the world!), the barrier to entry for a premium, forged players' iron has never been higher.
However, spending time with the Sub 70 669 TC irons does nothing but reinforce my long-held belief: if I were a paying customer rather than an equipment tester, paying more than $1,000 for a set of irons makes very little sense.
It feels like a choice born out of habit, with most people seeing only what is available in their local pro shop and remaining unaware that incredible direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands like Sub 70 are producing world-class hardware at a fraction of the cost.
The ‘TC’ stands for Tour Cavity, and the 669 is definitely designed for the golfer who wants the workability of a blade with just enough perimeter weighting to take the sting out of a slight mis-hit. Forged from DT-4 soft stainless steel, the 669 TC undergoes a triple-forging process to ensure structural integrity and a dense, high-quality feel.
From the back, the 669 TC offers an extremely premium aesthetic. The branding is delightfully minimal, allowing the soft CNC milling lines to do the talking. There is a refined, industrial elegance here that suggests high-end craftsmanship. As a bit of a traditionalist, I am also a sucker for the knurling around the hosel - it’s a small, classic detail that adds a touch of character to a very clean design.
Down behind the ball, the profile is expertly executed. Sub 70 has opted for very traditional shaping and blade lengths in the longer and mid-irons, providing that sleek ‘players’ look that better ball-strikers crave. As you move into the short irons, the profile becomes a touch more ‘squat.’ It’s a subtle shift, but one that really suits my eye; they look compact and sturdy, framing the ball beautifully without looking oversized.
One of the most thoughtful design elements is the pre-ground leading edge. By softening the entry point of the club into the turf, Sub 70 has created a sole that glides through the ground rather than digging. Whether you are playing in firm links conditions or lush parkland turf, the interaction is superb, providing the meaty ‘thump’ every golfer loves to hear.
The feel of these irons is exceptional - soft, responsive, and communicative. You know exactly where you’ve struck it on the face, yet the DT-4 steel provides a dampened, ‘buttery’ sensation on centered strikes.
Performance-wise, ‘consistent’ is the word that kept coming to mind during testing.
In an era where some players' irons are chasing distance at the expense of gapping, the 669 TC stays true to its mission. The launch window is stable, the spin rates are exactly where a low-handicapper needs them to be, and the carry numbers are remarkably predictable. For a better player, predictability is the ultimate currency, and these deliver it in spades.
A notable feature is the loft indexing. The 7-iron sits at 32°, which is a touch stronger than competitors like the TaylorMade P7CB or Titleist 620 CB (both at 33°). I find this to be a fantastic option. Often, when you seek out this category for the looks and feel, you are forced into very ‘traditional’ weak lofts. If you want more distance, you usually have to bend them, which can inadvertently increase offset and decrease bounce. Starting a fraction stronger allows for that extra bit of ball speed without compromising the club's visual or functional integrity.
One area where Sub 70 truly laps the field is the buying experience. They offer options the major manufacturers simply don't: Satin, Black, or Raw finishes? You got it. Twelve different ferrule options? Why not. The ability to customize the aesthetics of your set to this degree is something the top brands could learn a lot from.
If I were spending my own hard-earned money on a set of irons this year, the Sub 70 669 TC and the Haywood Golf CB would be at the very top of my list.
With their soft impact feel, superb turf interaction, and sheer predictability, the 669 TC proves that you don't need to spend $1,500 to get a ‘tour’ level experience. They are a masterclass in value and performance.
