Equipment

Are these the next, new Titleist irons?

Published

11 years ago

Feb 10, 2015

Since 2011, Titleist has unveiled new models of its AP1, AP2, CB and MB irons every two years in the U.S. — and more specifically every other July.

The lone curveball? In the fall of 2012, Titleist debuted its 712U, a hollow-cavity, fast-faced iron that’s been extremely popular with tour pros and amateurs as both a driving iron and a long iron replacement.

The 712U has been such a good performer, in fact, that many golfers have wondered why Titleist has not yet created a full set of hollow-cavity irons. Well, it appears that the company has, at least for the Japanese market.

Photo from GolfWRX Member yUmaRouS

The 716 T MB irons use a multi-material construction to lower the center of gravity (CG) of the fast-faced irons. It can be expected that they will be more forgiving than the 712U, and fly a little farther, too.

A Titleist representative told GolfWRX that the 716 T MB is a Japan-only product. No word if something like them will be available when the Titleist unveils its next line of irons, which are expected in July.

Click here to visit our forum, where the photo originally leaked.

Related Topics:irons Titleist

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32 Comments

As much as some can't stand him....

Jul 2, 2015 at 9:51 am

I know someone who has them, says they were the worst feeling Irons he has played in a long time….maybe because they are hollow? I don’t know

Reply Report comment
Tom Wishon

Jun 26, 2015 at 5:49 pm

BTW, these irons which are made exclusively for the Japan market are manufactured by Virage Tech Industrial of Chengdu, China and not by any of the Japanese forging companies. And on top of that Charles Su, owner of Virage Tech, owns the utility patent pending for this iron design as well – Pub. No. US 2014/0123471 A1; Pub. Date – May 8, 2014. Not Titleist. These irons really are as close to a work of art as can be made presently in the golf industry. And BTW #2, Virage Tech is also the manufacturer of the new this year Hogan forged irons.

Reply Report comment
- christian
  
  Aug 8, 2015 at 9:04 am
  
  They are cast, so why any of the japanese forging houses would be involved beats me.
  
  Reply Report comment
denny b.

Jun 20, 2015 at 3:20 pm

Speaking of Asian Markets. I have a set of Ping eye 2 becu 1 thru sw and Ping ISI becu 1 thru sw. the former in very good and latter in excellent condition. I heard selling these in Japan will bring a very good price. Just asking as I have no idea if true or how to accomplish selling them. Thanks for any input.

Reply Report comment
Jim

Mar 7, 2015 at 12:04 pm

These clubs look a lot like a set of taylormade irons I bought back in the late 80’s. the Taylor’s were not as polished as these but looks like the same concept.

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BOBBY D

Feb 25, 2015 at 3:38 pm

TITLEIST…# 1…THE BEST

Reply Report comment
Waqar

Feb 18, 2015 at 6:58 am

Japanese made or made for Japan only clubs are always of higher quality as the Japanese have a very low tolerance for lack of quality. No one can match them in metal working.

Titliest is Korean owned, tmag is German owned, Honma is Chinese owned, cleveland is srixion or Japanese owned, XXIO is Dunlop owned. Honma makes golf sets which are sold for USD 50,000 per set. Rich Asians (Japanese, Chinese, Thai, and others) which there are plenty of, buy these clubs. This is the future of golf merchandise market.

When major companies spend millions on R&D of a product, they recover this cost from their Asian clients, and once this is done they bring the technology to Europe and America. Plus there is so much innovation by very small Japanese companies that it makes worthwhile for major companies to have a strong presence in this market.

Reply Report comment
SUMO

Feb 12, 2015 at 5:35 am

Here’s a translation:
A revolution born to keep on attacking aggressively.
All for hitting your best shot.
Hybrid Muscleback iron.

Technology:
-high technology multi-compound hollow muscleback iron
-blade look preferred by tour pros
-thin face designed for faster ballspeed off face
-tungsten weight on toe and heel for high MOI hollow design
– lower deeper center of gravity means higher trajectory even with strong lofts

forged, shafts DG, NS950 NS Modus
5-P costs 1620 dollars, 234irons cost 270 dollars extra

Japan’s probably a cash cow for golf companies, some golfers here play golf to show off fancy clothes and bags and clubs instead of fancy swings, which isn’t good or bad.

Reply Report comment
LindyLoulie

Feb 11, 2015 at 1:52 pm

These look great! My only question is… why do U.S. golf gear companies, e.g. Titles, TMAG, Callaway, and others, offer the Asian markets certain models of clubs, putters, etc. that we in America don’t have access to??? They are AMERICAN companies, so they should allow AMERICAN customers access to ALL their products! I have no doubt that the Asian markets have access to products sold to the U.S. market.

I collect putters, and I have seen many Asian-market-only TaylorMade putters which I would have loved to be able to purchase. I can — if I order from Japanese golf shops for outrageous prices + pay duty taxes! I have a Scotty Cameron 34″ Circa 62 #3 with the leather “steering wheel” grip (putter) that was made only for the Asian market. The Circa 62 line was only available in 35″ length here in the U.S. — except for the Holiday and My Girl special editions which were 34″ and 33″ respectively. I was able to get that 34″ Asian putter on eBay in like-new condition.

Anyone have some insight into this policy of “export only” clubs made by American companies? Would love to hear the rationale behind it.

Reply Report comment
- Ren
  
  Feb 11, 2015 at 5:36 pm
  
  Well, for what it’s worth, Titleist is now owned by Fila, a Korean company. And Taylormade is under the Adidas umbrella, a German company. We live in a time when it may not be accurate to say any one multi-national company belongs to any one nation.
  
  As to why they offer certain products in Asian markets only, I believe that the market for new clubs in many Asian countries is still relatively small with a lot of concentrated wealth. That is not representative of Asia at large, but the market for new clubs within Asia. This is contrasted with an American golf club market which I would guess has a lower avg income among purchasers of new clubs, as well as a lower tolerance for what they’d find acceptable. So these companies probably do a little cost/benefit analysis and realize that they’d never sell enough super-high-end clubs in the US to make it worth it. Which is the adverse reason they probably don’t offer low-tolerance OTR clubs in Asia.
  
  They probably suspect that the very small group of people in the US who would have spent big bucks for clubs will find ways of getting them anyways, and then the big manufacturers don’t have to dilute the brand equity of the JDM clubs etc., or worry about moving high-cost/lower-margin goods in the US.
  
  Hope that finds you well and leads you to ponder just how interconnected this world has become.
  
  Reply Report comment
  - LindyLoulie
    
    Feb 12, 2015 at 12:05 pm
    
    Ren, thanks for enlightening me. I am quite surprised that Titleist is owned by a Korean company! I thought the American company, Titleist owned Fila! Just like I thought TaylorMade owned Adidas.k Boy, I sure got that backwards. Explains a lot.
    
    I am aware that in Japan golf is primarily a sport for the elite with country club memberships being next to impossible to obtain by anyone, much less the common man/woman. That said, however I understand that the Japanese and Koreans are “Golf Fanatics.” I have read that because Japan is so small there are few courses, and to obtain a membership in one a person must pay huge amounts of $$$$$$$ just to get on a waiting list until a member dies. I understand that most folks have to be happy “playing” at a local multi-tiered driving range. This being the case, it is understandable that what you say is true. The elite are willing to pay big bucks for the premium equipment. It is a huge status symbol. Look at the XXIO, Honma, OnOff, and Maruman brands. VERY expensive clubs.
    
    I guess when seeing things from this perspective we are fortunate to be able to purchase good clubs here in the good ol’ U.S. for what are pretty reasonable prices compared to what the Asians and Europeans have available to them.
    
    I recently had the opportunity to try XXIO and Honma clubs. BEAUTIFUL sticks! BIG $$$$$!! Would have paid the price, however they were too head-heavy for me which caused problems for my arthritic hands. But I do have to say that the quality was there!
    
    Yes, the world truly IS interconnected. Too bad we all can’t just get along despite our cultural differences!! 😉
    
    Reply Report comment
    - christian
      
      Aug 9, 2015 at 9:43 pm
      
      They have access to all the USDM stuff PLUS the JDM lines.
      Otherwise the logic (simplified) goes something like this: US customers sre looking for a bargain and brands compete mainly on price, Japanese customers are obsessive about tolerances, quality, fit and finish. Not price
      
      Reply Report comment
  - rer4136
    
    Jun 11, 2015 at 1:29 pm
    
    All of this also explains why there are virtually no jobs for Americans. Bravo Bridgestone for at least making golf balls in the U.S.
    
    Reply Report comment
Golfraven

Feb 11, 2015 at 8:10 am

Uhh, nice. Where is the rest of the 916 line?

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Fnar

Feb 11, 2015 at 3:16 am

Titty is losing to both TM and Callaway in overall sales in clubs. Balls they sell well but not clubs. So now it’s time to join the band wagon. After all, Titty is owned by an Asian company, so it might as well do what it needs to do to keep up with Asia and the rest of the world and not just club sales in America. I mean this club looks exactly like the Nike Vapor Speed, which is a fantastic club for the amateurs. So why not?

And I hear Titty has a D4 and a D5 driver ready…….. so it’s turning into another TM or Callaway!

Reply Report comment
- Designs Clubs
  
  Feb 11, 2015 at 11:29 am
  
  Wow! Might want to research that data before making that claim. While their overall club sales MAY be higher (I’m not even positive that is true at current typing), their market share has been declining (I am positive of that). Titleist has be one of the main companies picking up the lost market share from TM and Callaway.
  
  Reply Report comment
slider

Feb 10, 2015 at 6:43 pm

I would play these

Reply Report comment
Donnie

Feb 10, 2015 at 5:39 pm

Those just *look* JDM…. (i.e. cool stuff that we’ll never get)

Reply Report comment
Fsubaseball21

Feb 10, 2015 at 4:48 pm

Driving iron? RSI – UDI. Taylormades new one. Just did a product test. It’s the best ever made in this category. Hands down!

Reply Report comment
- slider
  
  Feb 10, 2015 at 6:07 pm
  
  taylormade definitely has a market in the golf world but when it comes to producing good quality products they are definitely far behind titleist
  
  Reply Report comment
  - NN
    
    Feb 11, 2015 at 12:50 am
    
    They’re both made in China ; )
    
    Reply Report comment
  - HackerDad31
    
    Feb 11, 2015 at 10:37 am
    
    Can you elaborate? just curious as to where this opinion comes from.
    
    Reply Report comment
  - Regis
    
    Feb 11, 2015 at 3:57 pm
    
    Which product innovations has Titleist introduced to golf: Metal woods; Rescue clubs(hybrids); Adjustable Shafts; Speed Slots (also known as Active Recoil Channels) ?
    
    Reply Report comment
Kees

Feb 10, 2015 at 3:58 pm

Titleist trying to compete with the Mizuno H5.
Never really understood these utility clubs. Never deliver the distance and ease of use of a hybrid, nor the feel and accuracy of an iron.

Reply Report comment
- Chris
  
  Feb 10, 2015 at 6:03 pm
  
  Hybrids are hook machines for better players
  
  Reply Report comment
  - Chris
    
    Feb 10, 2015 at 6:54 pm
    
    Like the PGA tour players that use them? What a ridiculous statement.
    
    Reply Report comment
  - theo
    
    Feb 10, 2015 at 10:21 pm
    
    Christopher – You’ll learn how to hit a hybrid soon. Keep practicing. In the meantime we’ll let Zach Johnson and Jordan Spieth know your thoughts on hybrids.
    
    Reply Report comment
    - Teaj
      
      Feb 11, 2015 at 8:28 am
      
      Both are played on tour, I am going to the Utility Iron so I can flight the ball how I want high into a green and low off the tee, hybrids tend to fly high no matter what. at least that is my experience unless I thin the crap out of a hybrid.
      
      Reply Report comment
Kees

Feb 10, 2015 at 3:54 pm

Japan only release: probably to compete with the Mizuno H5.
Have to admit that I never really like these utility clubs. Never seem to deliver the distance and ease of use of a hybrid, nor the feel and accuracy of an iron.
To each his own I guess.

Reply Report comment
paul

Feb 10, 2015 at 3:41 pm

i have a 712u 3 iron and its money in the bank. can’t wait ’till these drop.

Reply Report comment
Chris

Feb 10, 2015 at 2:44 pm

a set will be on the BST in 3…2…1…

Reply Report comment
- Mike
  
  Jun 1, 2015 at 4:47 pm
  
  NOW!
  
  Reply Report comment

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Equipment

2026 Edition: Most comfortable walking shoe? – GolfWRXers discuss

Published

2 hours ago

Jun 2, 2026

Will Schube

In our forums, one user has asked a question sure to interest all sorts of golfers. What’s the most comfortable walking shoe of 2026?

@RobDMB posed the following question:

“Looking for suggestions/recommendations on the currently available most comfortable walking shoes – preferably waterproof. Essentially looking for something comfortable like a running shoe, but with some stability and waterproof for golf. Decent room in toe box as well. Any recommendations are appreciated. Thanks!”

Our members in the forum have been sharing their own recommendations on the best walking shoes that can also survive a number of golf rounds. Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.

SheriffBooth: “To check all your boxes I’d vote for whichever of the current Nike lineup fits your feet the best. Obviously the Victory Pro 4 and Victory Tour 4 are good enough for the two best players in the world, but the new Pegasus, Next% Tour 3, and Tempo all look really good too.”
i*windows: “when I had issues with my feet I played in Asics running shoes they were a little bit like the hoka’s above, very comfortable, now I’m back to Ecco shoes which are great.”
mshills: “Everyone’s feet are different so this will be a long list of lots of different shoes. For me, anything from Ecco’s Biom lineup. Nothing else comes close.”

Entire Thread: “2026 Edition: Most Comfortable Walking Shoe?”

If you aren’t a member, join us in the GolfWRX forums today!

Equipment

AVL gets fit for a KBS TGBlack driver shaft

Published

2 hours ago

Jun 2, 2026

GolfWRX Staff

AVL says: When it comes to the equipment you play, you have countless options. It is dizzying and exciting at the same time. What is best for my game? With a recent trip Carlsbad, California, and with that I had the pleasure to visit the KBS Golf Experience.

KBS has been a household name when it comes to steel shafts. Kim Braly is the author of countless wins in tour golf when it comes to shaft design. Now with the graphite TG Black the lineup expands. Specifically, I visited KBS with getting fit for a new driver shaft in mind, it was time to get this locked in with the new KBS Tour TG Black driver shaft.

I was met by Andrew in the shop and got to see some great merchandise, custom colors for putter shafts and snuck in a few putts before we went to the fitting bay to hit this TG Black. We based the driver off my current gamer. Plenty of options and more when it comes to getting a driver to match your gamer and beyond. Hit a few balls to warm up and we were off and running.

When I’m on the course, I like to see a little left to right ball flight with driver. Andrew and I talked about some of the things were seeing during warm ups and then started to dial in with TG Black. I was hitting a TG Black 70X. After a few swings I knew this shaft was very stable and responsive. The ball sounded really good off the club face as well. As we worked through the fitting I was talking with Andrew on some scenarios you would have on course.

I went through with hitting a lower drive with changing the tee height and trying some swings as if I was on a par 5 where you could let it rip. The shaft was feeling really solid on both kind of swings. Need to have the shaft be able to be there for you with a stock with and when you get in situational scenarios like hitting it low in the wind or letting one go downwind. The TG Black was right there.

I’m no robot and I liked how the shaft performed on strikes outside of the sweet spot: It didn’t climb too much with spin on mishits. The dispersion stayed very consistent. The first shaft was a pretty good fit, but we tested further to see what else we could capture with the data. I found with a lighter shaft, along with my tempo changing, the mishits were exaggerated but it was amazing how the club felt. Very solid.

I tried a heavier TG Black as well and it just didn’t sync up as well with my swing. I think it was one of the most important parts of the fitting was trying shafts that I normally wouldn’t hit. It was confirming to see why you play what you play. It is truly individual when it comes to fitting, and that’s the main thing I really liked being at KBS, they have seen it all when it comes to shafts.

From the fitting, we found the TG Black 70 X was the best fit for me. We went over to the workshop and Mitch built the shaft to spec. Tipped the shaft a half inch, got the grip on there, logo down of course, and soon enough it was ready to hit. I know the TG Black is going to be one to be swung with confidence when it comes to tournament time!

More on KBS TGBlack driver shafts

Most golfers know KBS Golf shafts but not many know about their graphite wood shafts. KBS is one of the leaders is golf shaft design but their reach goes much further than just iron shafts. Your whole bag can get the same high performance that your irons have whether it is a driver, fairway, wedge, or even putter. Earlier this year KBS launched brand new driver shafts; the PGW and the TGBlack to fit a wide range of golfers depending on their needs.

The team at KBS went to work on a new driver shaft and sought out feedback from some of the best players in the world on multiple professional tours. What they came up with is the new TGBlack wood shaft for those players who put control and stability first. We have seen quite a few players out on tour with the new TGBlack already like Jason Day who has the TGBlack in all of his woods.

TGBlack is a shaft designed to produce a more penetrating flight with lower spin. KBS uses high modulus carbon fiber throughout the shaft to create a stable tip section to optimize launch and lower spin. To hold all of that high-modulus material together KBS designed a special resin system to increase the feel of the shaft so even stronger, faster players can get a smooth feel from a stable shaft. Usually those two things do not always compliment each other. The EI profile of the TGBlack is smooth in order to use stored energy better to help keep ball speeds up across all weights and flexes.

KBS made sure that the TGBlack can fit a wide range of golfers with their weight and flex offerings. You can get the shaft in a 40g regular all the way to an 80g TXX stiff flex. This range will allow your fitter to test out a few options in order to find the best performing shaft for your swing!