50 Words or Less
The Titleist 716 T-MB irons are the only truly new iron in Titleist’s 2016 line. An interesting and attractive concept, but the results are average.
Introduction
Every new Titleist release creates great excitement among the brand’s fans, but the 716 T-MB irons took the hype to another level. As if being the only truly new model wasn’t enough, the T-MB has intriguing visible technology and limited availability. We put it to the test to see if it lives up to the hype.
Looks
In the bag, the Titleist 716 T-MB irons are among the sharpest looking irons of the year. They appear to be a classic muscle back, but the sole features a dark grey tungsten weight that is larger in the heel and toe.
At address, the T-MB is not quite as exciting. With a medium top line and modest offset, it’s indistinguishable from numerous other irons aimed at the better player.
Sound & Feel
Perhaps the most disappointing element of the Titleist 716 T-MB irons is the feel. When a club has the look of a muscle back, you expect a soft, pure feeling, but even centered shots with the T-MB feel firm. Mishits go right past firm and enter the realm of feeling harsh. On the other hand, the stark difference in feel between good and bad shots does provide excellent feedback.
Performance
When utility irons first made their comeback a few years ago, Titleist’s 712U was among the best available. It looked great and was surprisingly easy to hit long and high. Unfortunately, the Titleist 716 T-MB irons doesn’t walk in those same shoes. Despite the tungsten weighting in the sole, the T-MB doesn’t launch that high or that easily.
When it comes to forgiveness, the T-MB is even with or a bit worse than the other irons in the “players” category. Small mishits are covered up fairly well, but when you move substantially toward the heel or toe, you can expect to see the ball end up well short of your target and significantly off line.
The 2, 3, 4, and 5 iron versions of the 716 T-MB are available individually as utility irons at most Titleist dealers. The 6-AW are also available, but only through Titleist’s MOTO custom order program.
Conclusion
The most hyped member of the Titleist’s 716 family is also the most disappointing. The 716 T-MB irons promise to deliver enhanced forgiveness and easy launch in a traditional-looking package, but they fall short of their performance goals.
He founded Plugged In Golf in 2013 with the goal of helping all golfers play better and enjoy the game more.
Matt lives in the northwest suburbs of Chicago with his wife and two daughters.
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7 Comments
Matt – I encountered the SAME results with the T-MBs…I ordered a set 4-GW (KBS Tour V stiff shafts) and while I liked the longer irons, the shorter irons…especially the 9 iron…PW…GW just felt dead to me. Perhaps it’s due to the hollow design but they felt dead and I had some strange results (for example the GW went nowhere for me).
I play the full set and these irons are incredible. The have a high launch with plenty of distance, lots of forgiveness and excellent feel and feedback. I was shocked at this review. I’m an 11 and my first three rounds were 77-78-77. First time in years that I’ve had three consecutive rounds in the 70s. I’ve tried the Ping G and i series and the ap2s. These felt better, were longer and more forgiving. Great irons.
JDV – How often do you play? How old are you and whats your height and weight? I am about to pull the trigger after hitting the T-mb CB and MB; I like the T-mb more. I am 150 lbs. 5’8″ and can’t hit my blades long at all! I haven’t hit my 3 or 4 iron in years. Looking to get some distance but still be able to have workable irons upto #7. What would be your advice for someone looking to upgrade from 690 mb’s. Thanks.
Did a distance and dispersion comparison between the Mizuno JPX 900 Forged irons and the Titleist T-Mb irons. I would hit about 25 balls with each iron in a large playground, and eliminate the outliers and then count the remaining balls. About four months and 350 shots later the Titleists won! The Titleists also felt a lot softer with a higher ball flight.
If you have sufficient swing speed, this club is great. If not, its a dog. I bought the Titleist 3 iron T-MB to finish out my set of AP1s (710). I had difficulty hitting long shots and thought buying a more expensive club might help. At first, the T-MB didn’t seem to be worth the money. Eventually, I paid for some golf lessons – changed my grip and now turn my hip more at the right time. My swing speed is much faster. I switched out my hybrid for the 3 iron T-MB: straight controllable 200-215 yds. Awsome! Also changed out my Ap1s for some forged MBs. I am becoming more and more fond of having feedback from off center hits as long as I get reasonable distance. BTW, they’re always little shorter if you don’t hit them square. Went from a 26 to 19 hcp and still going down. Working on chipping and preventing the 3 put.