Sub 70 659 TC Forged Irons Review

The new 659 irons series by Sub 70 Golf features three new styles, including the incredible 659 TC Forged irons. Designed for players who love the feel of a cavity back but the look of a thinner topline, the 659 TC Forged irons are the perfect blend of forgiveness and playability in an affordable package.

Sub 70 659 TC Forged irons.

Sub 70 659 TC Forged Irons Specifications

Featuring an updated and modern design, the 659 TC’s include weighting directly behind the sweet spot of each iron to help with launch and ball speed at impact. This design is the newest in Sub 70’s arsenal, and this is one of the few times I’ve seen the term “Tour Cavity” used in recent years.

The TC is billed by the brand as “both a bridge and an elevator, in that it is meant to bridge the gap between the CB and MB, allowing players to create the perfect combination set for their unique game, but also as a standalone set that will elevate one's ball striking and ability to shot make.”

The 659 TC is forged and milled from a single billet of DT-4 steel. Given its role as a bridge between the player's iron and the mid-handicap CB, the TC borrows the best features from these designs to reward shots of any quality.

The 659 TC 7-AW heads have a 6 gram toe weight to help keep the face from closing down with the mid and short irons.

Sub 70 659 TC Forged irons specifications.

Performance and Feel

I initially had the opportunity to test out the 659 TC Forged irons at Sub 70’s fitting studio — The Seventy — in Sycamore, Illinois. This is the ideal situation to test any new clubs and I was pleasantly surprised to be one of the first to try these new irons post-release.

Spoiler alert: I liked these irons so much I immediately knew I needed my own set ASAP. Here’s why.

At impact, the 659 TC’s feel incredible. They feature the same forged feel fans of this club type will love. This includes the sound at impact, the sensation in your hands, and the precise turf interaction. This was further validated once I received my custom set of irons and hit them off turf. These irons feel exactly like competing, more expensive irons on the market.

Distance, flight and shot control were all exactly how you would expect from irons in this category. I found their distances to be repeatable without being too long. I did gain a handful of yards across the set with the 659 TC’s compared to similar sets from competing brands.

While impacted greatly by the shaft you choose, flight control with the 659 TC’s was optimal. I went with a shaft that promotes a higher ball flight — something I need anyway — and these irons hit the ideal trajectory window with every swing. I was also able to work the golf ball however I wanted, albeit slightly less so than with a muscle back iron.

Sub 70 659 TC Forged iron sole.

Appearance and Overall Impression

What struck me most when I tested the irons were the 659 TC’s modernized design. These feature a shape that will appear familiar to golfers of any skill level, and it’s one that promotes confidence in the player. The satin finish (which I went with for my set) is still a little “bright” in terms of chrome finish, but glare wasn’t an issue in the least. The TC’s are also available in black or raw finishes.

Overall, I think it’s well past time we stop referring to Sub 70 as simply a “more affordable alternative” to fit your budget. While the direct-to-consumer model does allow for lower pricing, Sub 70 has grown a massive following of golfers they actually listen to and adjust products in response to their feedback, while also staying in line with industry trends. The 659 TC Forged irons are an example of the brand’s progression, creating a product that performs as good (if not better) than other irons in the “players-cavity” category.

I have no problem stating that the 659 TC Forged irons are some of the best I’ve tried in recent years. When a design works, it works, and Sub 70 has absolutely knocked it out of the park with this iron.

For full pricing details, customization options, and more, visit the Sub 70 659 TC Forged site here.