Equipment
Back By Popular Demand: Titleist C16 Irons
Last April, Titleist did something out of character. It released a line of golf clubs called C16 without the extensive testing and validation process that’s typical for the company’s products. Like concept cars in the auto industry, these were “concept clubs” created for the purpose of experimenting with new technologies, materials and manufacturing processes in an effort to push existing boundaries.
“We weren’t really sure how it would go and how the products would do,” said Josh Talge, Vice President of Marketing for Titleist.
Titleist did no marketing for the clubs, and as you might imagine, they were expensive: $1,000 for a driver and about $3,000 for a set of irons. They were also available in a very limited supply — about 1,500 drivers and 1,000 set of irons — and restricted to buyers willing to be fit for the clubs at Titleist-authorized locations. Despite those hurdles, the clubs sold quickly. And due to popular demand, Titleist is releasing an additional 1000 sets of the C16 irons.
“So many people who hit the C16 irons would say things like, ‘I’ve never done that before or I didn’t think I could do this.'” Talge says. “Golfers were getting a club more distance … all in a package that looks like a players club.”
As with the original launch, fittings are available at the company’s TPI Oceanside and Manchester Lane test facilities, as well as Titleist Fitting Days and Titleist Thursdays trial and fitting events. With the relaunch, Titleist has also added 50 select fitting partners around the country who can now fit C16 irons. The reason Titleist is requiring golfers to be fit for the C16 irons is two-fold, Talge says. The company wants to make sure C16 iron buyers are confident they’re getting something limited and special. Just as importantly, Titleist wants to continue to learn from the C16 irons.
Much has been learned already. When Titleist originally launched the C16 irons it did so with the option of a special “SureFit Grip,” an adjustable counter-weighting feature that gave fitters the option of positioning a 20-gram weight at the bottom or top of the grip to change the way a golfer’s hands rotated at impact for improved performance. It proved beneficial for some C16 buyers, but Talge called it “complex.” He pointed to Titleist’s inability to offer it as an option in more than one grip model and the complications of re-gripping clubs with SureFit grips as the reason it will not be included in the re-launch.
“You could only get [SureFit Grip technology] in a grip that was basically a Tour Velvet,” Talge says. “And when it came time to change your grips, it had to be done by Titleist … We’re still working out some of those kinks.”
Titleist’s C16 driver, on the other hand, proved to be a product with technologies that were immediately ready for mass production. It introduced a moveable-weight technology called SureFit CG that was added to the company’s 917D2 and 917D3 drivers, which were released in the fall of 2016.
Talge emphasized, as Titleist did with the announcement of its C16 clubs in April 2016, that there is no set launch schedule for its concept clubs. New concept clubs will only be released when the company feels it has created a ground-breaking design… or in this case, when golfers can’t get enough of a previous design.
Titleist’s C16 irons ($375-$415 per club) will be available April 15 in the U.S. and in select global markets for right- and left-handed golfers. All of Titleist’s custom shafts and grips are available at no additional cost with one exception: AeroTech’s Steelfiber (+$56 per shaft). Learn More about the C16 irons from Titleist.
Odyssey Golf announced Tuesday that the already popular Damascus Milled putter lineup is getting more options.
Initially launched back in April, only in a Damascus Milled #7 head (in plumbers or double bend configurations), the family grows to four with a One Wide, Two and Rossie S shape, all available in the second limited-edition drop at retail on June 6th.
“Damascus Steel is a beautiful material, and the patterns tell the story, because every one is different” said Odyssey General Manager, Jacob Davidson. “But what stands out is that as beautiful as these putters are, the feedback from Tour has been the exceptional feel of these putters. We wanted to deliver the most premium performance-driven putter we’ve ever done at Odyssey. When you look at this product, we have so much confidence because there is not one thing we’d do different. On this one we really took our time over the last couple years to try to perfect the design.”
Created from a layered construction of multiple steel alloys, this Damascus Steel insert is forged, folded and pressed to create a unique, striking pattern in every piece. Think of it like a fingerprint. Each Damascus construction comes with its own 1-of-1 style pattern. No offerings will ever look the same.
The layered structure, combined with a specialized heat treatment, delivers a finely tuned, highly responsive feel different from other insert materials. The Damascus steel is audibly different compared to other inserts, potentially with slightly more feedback. Odyssey also uses AI-designed back contours to maintain consistent ball speed across the face, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern tech.
Each head in the line is precision-milled from stainless steel and features a blasted silver finish to complement the Damascus insert and sole plates.
With Tour feedback, Odyssey has also developed, in collaboration with Golf Pride, a grip featuring meticulously crafted edges, pistol shaping and a classic modern tour feel.
L.A.B. Golf has been the pioneer when it comes to Lie Angle Balanced putters for years now. When you talk to another golfer and zero torque putters comes up, as it will since it is the hottest thing in golf, the first brand out of their mouthes is L.A.B. Golf. Currently their putter line up has something for every golfer, wether your like blades or mallets. But the company has a new creation for golfers that we saw out on tour just a few weeks ago and is now available to us, the VZN.1i putter.
One of the big stories with the new VZN.1i putter is alignment in the form of the shape. L.A.B. has always given us plenty of alignment options in their putters with different line formations and shapes that can be laser etched onto the top of the putter. With this new design they used the shape of the head and the open cavity in the middle to help enhance the alignment for players. These shapes help players lock into their intended line to improve accuracy and concistency.
“VZN.1i was approached formulaically by combining everything we’ve learned from the success of previous L.A.B. Golf models into a familiar mallet shape that’s easy on the eyes and even easier to putt with,” said Cameron Day, Senior Vice President of Product at L.A.B. Golf. “Every L.A.B. putter is engineered to roll the ball on its intended line through Lie Angle Balance technology. With VZN.1i, we took things a step further by simplifying another critical aspect of putting: alignment.”
Like most of the other L.A.B. mallet putters the VZN.1i is machined from a solid block of aluminum and features a 303 stainless steel face insert. Steel face inserts on all L.A.B. putters not only enhance the sound and feel but they improve ball speed for better distance control. The new shaping also offers two ways of picking up your ball, using the sole or the rear flange can scoop up the ball. The company is offering the VZN.1i with a 1.5 degree forward shaft lean or a vertical shaft option in order to fit more golfers. Each VZN.1i is hand balanced and 10 other stages before it is complete and ready to ship. L.A.B. has its custom program where the golfer can select their length and lie but also head color, shaft upgrades, and grips to make their VZN.1i fit them perfectly.
The VZN.1i is available now starting at $499 for stock models and $599 for custom.
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!
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TheRealDeal
Apr 18, 2017 at 1:02 pm
I’m bagging these sweet sticks!!! Breaking 90’s here I come.
#1HoganFan
Apr 16, 2017 at 11:44 am
To quote a vender a the PGA merchandise show on Orlando a couple if years back. “There is nothing new in golf just new ways to sell it.”
KK
Apr 15, 2017 at 9:40 am
I understand the T-MB because it’s small and very forgiving. This is big and chunky and marginally better than the $800 AP1.
Dan
Apr 15, 2017 at 12:11 am
I’m beginning to think that the golf companies are pandering to the .1% or .10% of Americans that can afford clubs like PXG, Honma and these current clubs. The everyday working class golfer who gets out every other Saturday is getting lower on the totem pole. Even $500 drivers are getting to be too much. I guess class discrimination knows no bounds. As I’ve said before, I’m still playing my Cleveland 588 MT’s and shooting in the 80’s. 🙂
Dave R
Apr 14, 2017 at 10:22 pm
Right on Brad T you can’t buy a golf game. Well think about that awhile.
BigSean
Apr 14, 2017 at 12:11 pm
These are some sweet sticks, know why mean. My mom said she will buy me some when I move out of her basement. She’s just went to get me a 50 and a pack of cigs. Later fellas…..
Smiller
Apr 14, 2017 at 12:01 pm
Now I can buy a backup set of clubs to use when my PXG’s are in the shop. My buddy Jim Grundy has these and they are friggin’ incredible! He hits them long and straight on every shot. From an engineering standpoint they are second to none, and none left town!
Tyler
Apr 14, 2017 at 11:57 am
I’ve hit the C16 Driver. It’s ugly and doesn’t compare to Titleist’s regular line of woods.
Obumma
Apr 14, 2017 at 11:53 am
I can do things with these irons I have never been able to do:
1. Hit the ball
2. Get some height
3. Look the part
4. Be really cool
5. Hang with Scotty
Thomas Murphy
Apr 14, 2017 at 11:41 am
Next gen T-MB for PXG price that is fashion forward for people with cash and strong brand affinity.
Mark
Apr 14, 2017 at 6:41 am
Silly money for clubs.
JS
Apr 14, 2017 at 2:57 am
Does anyone know why PGA pros don’t play these? Spieth is staffed by titleist…. why aren’t any of their staffers playing these?
a
Apr 14, 2017 at 12:17 am
Lower lofts on irons are necessary with the new club technology. Titleist sold the initial run of irons………..so obviously they had the need to produce more.
Golf is a sport but also an industry….
Chuck
Apr 13, 2017 at 10:35 pm
I know I’d like to try them. Are they hollow, like T-MB’s? I’m guessing not, since there’s no hole in the toe which I think is sort of required in the manufacturing process.
So; is there a single tour player, on a single tour (U.S., Euro, AustralAsian, etc.) who has a single one of these clubs in play?
I remember when some of the Japan-only stuff notably made it into tour bags. Ernie Els’ cherished 690.CH 3-iron comes to mind. If these were so magic, you’d think that there’d be some of that.
Eric
Apr 14, 2017 at 1:53 pm
Nope they’re hollow.
Chuck
Apr 14, 2017 at 7:12 pm
Thanks Eric I appreciate that info. With the T-MB already in their line, it really makes for a curious offering.
Mat
Apr 13, 2017 at 8:33 pm
C16 Mar-o-lago edition.
Mike
Apr 13, 2017 at 7:48 pm
With the weight moved low in the head they launch high, therefore the need to strengthen the lofts. These are some awesome irons, forgiving yet workable. I have them with the KBS Tour X. I have a Trackman and an E6 simulator and everyone that’s hit them likes them. They are in a league of their own.
The dude
Apr 14, 2017 at 3:12 am
Ha!…love it….
Mr Muira
Apr 13, 2017 at 6:22 pm
SHANK!!!!!
matt_bear
Apr 13, 2017 at 2:00 pm
it plays a club longer because they basically labeled the clubs wrong. Comparing the lofts of the C16 to a set of CB’s it’s literally a club difference. lol
Fat Perez
Apr 13, 2017 at 12:22 pm
Well, at least we won’t hear from the whining “lefties” about being left out! Step right up and get gouged ya bunch ‘o wrong siders! PXTitleist to the rescue!!!!
Double Mocha Man 4 President
Apr 13, 2017 at 11:56 am
You are da man
Tyler
Apr 13, 2017 at 11:07 am
These clubs are most no better than any other club in it’s category. If you have the swing you can pretty much play whatever you want and there is no need to pay 3k for a set of irons.
Hoselshot82
Apr 13, 2017 at 11:02 am
I’ve had a mint condition set on the classifieds that I can’t even sell for 1750.00
3PuttTerritory
Apr 13, 2017 at 10:03 am
The shaft upcharge @ full retail+installation in a $3000 set of irons is my favorite, most Titleist thing ever.
Bogeypro
Apr 13, 2017 at 9:55 am
I hate to say I told you so, but this is what PXG is doing to the market. For every club that PXG sells for $350, the others will do the same. Its about to get really stupid in the equipment business….
Tom
Apr 13, 2017 at 10:29 am
as long as there is a demand and there’s money to be made.
Tom
Apr 13, 2017 at 10:34 am
ya know after thinkin some more I’m wrong. Costco “signature” balls are popular and the price has been kept low.
Tyler
Apr 13, 2017 at 11:06 am
I was thinking the same thing.
Player
Apr 13, 2017 at 12:03 pm
I can’t wait for the Kirkland Signature forged irons to come out. Same performance as the C16 for $600 a set
Brian
Apr 13, 2017 at 3:21 pm
Acushnet lawsuit notwithstanding.
david
Apr 13, 2017 at 9:33 am
guys these irons are magical. crazy ball speeds and feel and sound awesome. sold a bunch of sets to all skill levels. guys just hit them better. if you haven’t tried them you don’t know!
Dj
Apr 13, 2017 at 10:51 am
Hard pass. All marketing. These are no better than their retail offerings. Nothing but a quick money grab
Stan
Apr 13, 2017 at 12:09 pm
Thanks Lyle Lanley.
Joey5Picks
Apr 13, 2017 at 1:44 pm
I’m sure they all dropped their handicaps by half.
Brian
Apr 13, 2017 at 3:23 pm
I’ll stick with my Mizunos and save $2k in the process. Plus I can customize shafts with no upcharge unlike Titeli$t
Brad T
Apr 13, 2017 at 8:53 am
perfect for the people who think they can buy a better game.
Joe
Apr 13, 2017 at 9:07 am
what’s the difference between buying a new driver every year or buying an expensive set of irons? I honestly do not know 1 person with the ability to afford these irons doing so because they think it will make their game better….
I do, however, know many people who cannot afford the $500 new driver that think it’ll help them lose their slice.
Jack
Apr 13, 2017 at 10:37 am
I became a pro after I got fitted for these irons. It was that easy. Boom
chinchbugs
Apr 13, 2017 at 12:13 pm
I was actually selected to the all-universe team after switching to these
Ian
Apr 13, 2017 at 8:22 am
Alright, hands up. Who demanded the C16 irons?
Tazz2293
Apr 13, 2017 at 9:24 am
Averting eyes, whistling softly to self while slowly walking away
gdb99
Apr 13, 2017 at 8:42 pm
I didn’t, but I hope to hit them in a couple weeks during my Titleist Thursday fitting.