Sub 70 669 Irons Review

Sub 70 669 Irons

The Sub 70 669 irons represent the latest iteration of the brand’s flagship player’s iron. Available in three distinct models – CB (Cavity Back), TC (Tour Cavity), and MB (Muscle Back) – the 669 irons blend classic forged craftsmanship with modern design enhancements. Forged from soft DT-4 carbon steel, each version delivers a premium feel and feedback that better players expect, with subtle performance enhancements tailored to different skill levels. Whether you’re a mid-handicap player seeking forgiveness, a shot-shaper looking for control, or a purist craving the ultimate in workability, the 669 family offers a solution without sacrificing feel or performance.

The Looks

First and foremost, there are three different finish options to choose from with the Sub 70 669 irons. Players can choose from satin, black, or raw finishes depending on their preference. The satin finish offers a clean, classic look with minimal glare and likely the most durability. The black finish gives the irons a bold, modern appearance with a stealthy vibe. This black finish is a “QPQ” which is more durable than most other black finishes so it will withstand the rigors of golf much longer. I also feel like all three 669 irons look even more compact in the black finish for those that are really looking for a tight players’ appearance. Last but not least, the raw finish will develop a patina over time for a well-worn, custom character.

Across the CB, TC, and MB models, the 669 irons share a unified compact, players-inspired shaping. All three feature relatively thin toplines, minimal offset, and clean, understated branding. I’m a big fan of the black paint on black QPQ finish! Any differences at address are subtle, but purposeful. The MB is the most compact with the thinnest topline, and has a different muscle shape than its predecessor.

The 669 TC maintains that clean look with just a touch more forgiveness. Those familiar with the Sub 70 659 irons will find the 669 TC to be “more TC” in my opinion. It definitely fits more comfortably between the MB and CB appearance-wise than the 659 TC did. Lastly, the CB is slightly thicker in the sole and topline without losing its players’ iron appeal. I’ve really come to prefer this in my long irons as I appreciate the performance benefits, but it visually blends into the rest of the set perfectly.

How Does it Feel?

Feel is obviously going to vary somewhat across the Sub 70 669 irons depending on if you’re hitting a CB, TC, or MB. What ties the entire lineup together is the incredibly soft, responsive feedback from the DT-4 carbon steel forging. Each version of the 669 delivers a satisfying, responsive feel on well-struck shots that far exceeds their price point.

That said, it’s fair to say that each model has its own personality, so to speak. The MB offers the most direct, traditional blade feel. It’s pure when you hit the center, and very honest when you don’t. The TC keeps that crisp, solid sensation but adds just a bit more forgiveness, with a slightly larger sweet spot thanks to its slight cavity. The CB is the most forgiving of the three, with tungsten weighting positioned low in the head and a more pronounced perimeter weighting. An undercut in the cavity further enhances stability, making it the most forgiving performer of the group.

Sub 70 also refined the 669’s sole for improved turf interaction. Thanks to a more modern leading edge and a beveled trailing edge, the 669 irons glide cleanly through the turf with minimal digging or bounce. It’s just right. That refined sole design is consistent across all three versions of the 669 irons and helps maintain feel and control.

How Does it Sound?

Like the feel, sound across the Sub 70 669 irons is influenced by the specific model you’re playing, but all three share a refined, quiet quality that better players will appreciate. Thanks to the DT-4 carbon steel construction, impact produces a soft, muted traditional forged “whack”. The CB might take on a little more of a smooth “whap” than the other two irons. Its undercut cavity helps absorb excess vibration and soften the sound for a slightly more subdued tone. Across the board, there’s a consistency to the sound that matches the premium feel of the irons.

On-Course Performance

What I appreciate most about the Sub 70 669 irons is that each version does exactly what it’s designed to do, and does it well. Whether you’re a precision shot-maker or someone looking for a bit of forgiveness without sacrificing feel, there’s a 669 head to match. The MB is perfect for players who want total control. It’s responsive and workable, letting you shape shots in either direction with ease. Its slightly modern design makes it a little easier to launch than your dad’s old razor blades, but it still delivers that strong, piercing ball flight. (Depending on your shaft setup, of course.)

The TC offers similar feedback and control but adds a touch of forgiveness. There’s a bit of toe weighting that subtly adds a hint of fade bias. It still feels crisp and responsive but is just a bit more manageable if you’re not quite ready to dive into a muscle back. The CB is definitely the easiest to launch and the most forgiving of the bunch. Tungsten low in the head helps get the ball up, and the added offset gives it a mild draw bias that can help players who struggle with a right miss. I’ve personally found the CB especially useful in my long irons. It has a lot of the elements I like from the TC and MB, but it’s just easier to hit consistently.

A major strength of the 669 line is how well the models blend together. Since the loft, lie, and sole design are consistent across the lineup, you can build a combo set that plays fairly seamlessly from top to bottom. Whether you’re hitting a CB 5-iron, TC 7-iron, or MB 9-iron, the turf interaction and performance stay remarkably consistent. Obviously there’s a little more forgiveness in the CB, but you get the idea…

Final Thoughts – Sub 70 669 Irons

The Sub 70 669 irons are a clear step forward for one of the best direct-to-consumer brands in the game. Compared to the previous 659 series, the 669s feature strong refinements that improve the overall playing experience. I found the sole design to be noticeably better through the turf, the TC is a more defined middle-ground option, and the MB feels a touch tighter and more responsive. Throw in a subtle boost in overall feel, and you’ve got a more polished experience from top to bottom.

I’ve been playing a combo set of a CB 5 iron, 6–7 TC, and 8–PW MB, and honestly, it might end up being my gamer setup for the season. The transitions are seamless, and the performance matches exactly what I want from each iron in its respective slot. Whether you’re looking for workability, forgiveness, or a little bit of both, the 669 lineup makes it easy to find your fit, and you can do it without spending a fortune.