This time of year is always exciting for the golfing community as it usually coincides with the debut of all the new equipment for the upcoming season. Golf gear fans everywhere can’t WAIT to see all of the new gear for the season! One brand that has generated a ton of buzz and a loyal fan base is Sub 70 Golf. Like many loyal Sub 70 fans, we too are anxious for the new 2021 Sub 70 equipment releasing this season.
Something I really appreciate about Sub 70 is that they don’t believe in releasing new equipment just for the sake of doing it. If they’re going to release something new, it’s to introduce something totally different or better than what they already have. While I appreciate that, it also leaves the Sub 70 fans salivating and wanting more! Well good news, we’re going to give you a look at the first batch of new 2021 Sub 70 gear being released, as well as some of the new gear that’s already out.
639 CB/MB Raw Finish Irons
The Sub 70 639 cavity and muscle back irons are absolutely fantastic clubs! In fact, they’re my faithful irons I use for shaft testing on this very website. Sub 70 offers both models in either satin chrome or a black PVD finish, both of which looked great. That is, until now…
In 2021, Sub 70 is offering the 639 CB and MB irons in a raw finish. That Tour-inspired raw finish reduces glare and gets that cool rust/patina look just like the pros. Additionally, the raw finish also offers precise feel by removing any coating on the carbon steel. Just pure raw forged steel right into the ball for improved feedback!
You can read our review of the 639 CB here and the 639 MB here.
649 MB Tour Irons
Sub 70’s 639 irons have been highly regarded by many high-skilled players for a variety of reasons. Their good looks, playability, and excellent feel caught the attention of quite a few Touring professionals. However, some of these players provided valuable feedback to Sub 70 inspiring a brand new iron for better ball strikers. The 649 MB Tour irons.
A slightly wider sole on the 649 Tour is designed to prevent the club from digging into the ground at higher speeds and with steeper angle of attacks into the ball. This is a common characteristic of a player really going after it to get some good bite on the ball. This slightly wider sole helps alleviate that dig into the turf. Weight placement in the head has also been modified to provide a slightly higher launch angle.
The new 649 Tour has a further reduced offset and is designed to remove the left miss at any swing speed. Sub 70 ported weight out of the center of the head and added a tungsten weight more toward the toe. This is to promote a more neutral face angle at impact. Between this weighting and the offset, faster swingers will be able to worry less about that left miss when they jump on the ball as the face will not want to rotate shut on them.
This will be the most “low handicap” iron in the Sub 70 family and has the smooth player’s looks to match.
TAIII Irons (Tommy Armour III Irons)
The TAIII/TA3 irons have been probably the most anticipated clubs in Sub 70’s history so far. This club collaboration has been in the works for about two years between Sub 70 and “the paradigm of championship golf urbanity, Tommy Armour III”. There really is a lot to say about these irons, which we will certainly be doing in future content, but the TAIII is truly a unique and fun design to look forward to.
Each iron is designed to achieve a specific flight characteristic as you progress through each head. That progression is seamless both in feel and looks as you progress through the set to fit different performance needs for each shot. Higher launch, long distance, and soft landings in the long irons, medium piercing trajectory in the mid irons, and precision flighting and control in the short irons.
To borrow directly from Sub 70, “the Sub70 TAIII irons offer help where the low handicap player wants it, with better trajectory control and playability in the long to mid irons, while providing the utmost in precision and feel in the short irons. The set was designed in collaboration with the legend, Tommy Armour III, and not only fits with his eye on the course, but matches his classic and unrivaled sense of style.”
I was fortunate to hit an early prototype of the TAIII earlier this year and it was pretty impressive. I’m just as excited for this release, if not more so, as all the Sub 70 fans out there.
286 Wedge
The 286 wedge is the next evolution from Sub 70’s original forged wedge. Following roughly two years of research and development, Sub 70 landed on the much more refined 286 wedge. Designed for a wider range of players, the updated leading edge is slightly straighter with a better “roll” into the sole for improved turf interaction. This design allows the club head to slide smoothly through the turf for better contact with the ball.
Another change/addition is the additional third port in the club. Through extensive testing, Sub 70’s designers found this gave the 286 a more optimal ball flight without sacrificing bite around the greens. Helping with that bite is the fully CNC-milled face and grooves.
The Sub 70 286 wedges will be available in satin chrome, black, and raw finishes. The Sub 70 286 wedges are also available from 46º through 64º.
JB Wedge
True, I’m most excited for the TAIII irons, but the Sub 70 JB wedges are a close second. I apologize for the humble brag in advance, but I was also able to hit a prototype of this wedge in a raw finish. Although it wasn’t fully baked yet, it was incredible. Better players that want the versatility required to play a wide range of wedge shots are the target audience for the forged JB wedges.
“JB” stands for Jeff Bushnell – Sub 70 master club builder, and former professional golfer. Jeff’s not just an all-around great guy, but he also has a keen eye for club design and fitting. With those talents and his many years in the game, Jeff came up with a great profile in both low and mid bounce sole options. Add in the JB wedge’s fully forged head and CNC-milled face for incredible feel. Bold statement to make in a sneak peak of gear, I know, but I’ve felt it!
The Sub 70 JB wedges will be available in satin chrome, black, and raw finishes. The Sub 70 JB wedges are also available from 46º through 64º.
Final Thoughts – 2021 Sub 70 Releases
These are just the first releases for Sub 70 in 2021. I’ve been extremely impressed by everything I’ve tested from Sub 70 so far, so I’m excited to try out the new stuff like everyone else. That said, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t most excited for the TAIII irons! I’m telling you, I think these will be a “can’t miss” iron this season. We’re also working on lining up some pretty exciting content to go with the TAIII irons. Just saying…
But stay tuned! There will be more exciting new gear and updates from Sub 70 in the very near future! Both new wedges are currently available on Sub 70’s site in the black finish. Look for all of the irons mentioned here to hit the site in February.
About the TAIII irons, are those specifically for low cap players or could a mid cap play them?
My personal thoughts are that it really depends on your iron game. You might be a mid handicap because of your tee game, putting, etc, but if you’re a good ball striker with your irons, you’ll be absolutely fine. That said, from my experience with the prototypes last summer, there is a little friendliness to them that I think could be fine for some generalized 9-13 players.
Again, that’s my personal thought. It really depends on the player…if that makes sense.
What clubs are designed for slower swing speeds and or senior golfer
While I would say that none of the clubs are designed for any age group or swing speed, if you’re looking for something super forgiving and easy to launch with good height and carry, they have iron models already like the 739 and 699. If you’re less worried about forgiveness, maybe the 699 Pro. I’d say it’s more about getting the right shaft for you in terms of senior/slower speed.
I love the look of the 699 irons (or 699U/699 combo sets) and wonder how much forgiveness they have. I’m a mid to high teen handicap (partly for bad putting) that is looking for a decent set of clubs to replace the mixed bag I currently play. I was fit a while back and was recommended the AP1s, but balked at the price. Would the 699s be similar in forgiveness, more, or less?
Sort of tough to compare as I feel the AP1/2 comparison is becoming dated as of recent (let me be clear, that was always one of my go-to comparisons for the industry), so I can’t really relate it them to an AP1, but at a super high conceptual level, I would say it’s probably a fair comparison at a way better price. Mind you 699U is a driving iron and definitely doesn’t fit in a AP1 comparison.
We have reviews for 699U/699/699 Pro if you do a search. Take a look at those, and hit us up with any follow up. We’re pretty close to the Sub 70 guys so we can make sure you feel great about any decisions you make with their clubs.