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Posted: August 4, 2009
Titleist Brand Ambassador Søren Hansen made a brief detour as he traveled from his home in Monaco to this week's World Golf Championships - Bridgestone Invitational. Søren and Titleist Tour Leadership representative for the PGA European Tour Mattias Jelver paid a visit to Acushnet Company's World Headquarters in Fairhaven, Mass. In addition to saying hello and spreading some goodwill among Titleist and FootJoy employees, Søren and Mattias booked an appointment to visit the Acushnet Company Testing Facility where a set each of Titleist's new MB and CB irons, built to Søren's specifications, awaited him. Click the photo gallery below for an insider's look at Søren's fitting and the new MB and CB irons.
Søren Hansen tests the new MB and CB irons
Søren has played a set of 670 irons for many years and has been reluctant to switch out of the traditional blades. Søren is a wonderful iron player and he relies greatly on his ability to properly flight and work his iron shots. The feel and feedback that the muscle back 670 irons have provided is also something that Søren can't sacrifice. Mattias, however, having seen prototypes of the new MB and CB irons, knew that the time was right to get Søren back on the proving grounds.
Several players in the U.S. have already put the new irons in the bag, including Titleist Brand Ambassador Greg Chalmers, who used a full set of CB irons en route to his best performance of the season, a runner-up finish at last week's Buick Open. At the Acushnet Test Facility, Søren compared the new irons to his own and against one another, utilizing a Trackman Launch Monitor and the expertise of Acushnet U.S. Player Research representatives Karen Gray, Jeff Beyers, Alex Stimpson and James Kroeger.
At the end of his session, Søren fit beautifully into the new irons, but he was left with two difficult decisions. The first dilemma was whether to mix 3- and 4- CB irons into his set, or 3-, 4- and 5- (he hit the MB 5-iron nearly identically to the CB 5-iron, but the CB moved through the turf a little easier for him). The second (and more difficult) question in Søren's mind was whether to put the new irons straight in the bag for the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational (Mattias has promised us an update from Akron).
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Which type of ball did Søren hansen use in this test?
What is the difference between the new CB and the 690.cb?
JET wrote on August 11, 2009 at 11:08AM
Søren Hansen used the same Titleist Pro V1x model that he uses in tournament play during the testing.
Peter, we will have all specs and details about the new irons posted on Titleist.com in October.
JET wrote on August 11, 2009 at 1:08PM
The ZM irons feature V-grooves that conform to the new USGA/R&A regulations, as do the vast majority of prior generation Titleist irons.
JET wrote on August 11, 2009 at 2:08PM
Hi, I just upgraded to a 909D2 (9.5 deg) with a stiff VooDoo shaft. I have mixed feelings. I used to play a 907D2 (10.5 deg) with a stiff VS Proto by you, which was a tad too stiff for me. The VooDoo shaft feels lighter, it is 10 grams heavier actually, and whippy. I added distance at the expense of control. Unfortunately there is no Titleist fitter in this country. Any suggestion?
JET wrote on August 11, 2009 at 10:08PM
I, like Søren, have played a set of forged Titleist irons for years. I do not see what the model of irons that I have. On the hosel I have letters instead of a number. It reads: MDRVF. Could you help me with this and tell me what model my irons are?
JET wrote on August 12, 2009 at 12:08AM
These new irons look absolutely amazing and even more sharp than the latest offerings from another forged iron manufacturer. My question is will it be possible to purchase a mix and match set (i.e. 3&4 iron from the CB and 5-PW from the MB)?
JET wrote on August 12, 2009 at 4:08PM
when do you expect the New MB and CB irons that Davis love and other players are playing to be released!
I have some 660 irons that are mixed with 735CMs 3 @ 4 irons. How have the PX shafts worked compared to the X100 shafts?
JET wrote on August 13, 2009 at 4:08AM
Great insight as usual :)
What type of camera were you using for the photos?
JET wrote on August 13, 2009 at 9:08AM
My 690MB irons have been a joy to use. I play most of my golf on a Scottish links course.
I have two questions: Firstly are the new MBs and CBs chrome finished - like the 690? While it is not a problem, playing on a links, especially in damp weather or rain (no surprise in Scotland!), you do have to take care to dry off the clubs thoroughly after a round to prevent rust spots appearing and damaging the irons - and headcovers for the irons are essential for everyday use if you want to keep the clubs from being damaged - please make some Titleist branded ones).
Secondly, the 690 could be customised (mine were) but the range of options on that model was kept limited by Titleist, due to the problem of the chrome finishing cracking if too much bend was attempted in the fitting. Will the lie and loft on the MBs and CBs be capable of movement in both cases of plus/minus 2 degrees?
(Just for information - I was recently fitted for a 909D3 - to replace my 905S - and after a little experimentation and help from your guys and agreeing on the shaft - I can see an improvement distance wise from an average of 220-225 yards with the old club to 245-250 yards with the 909. An incredible difference which I would never have imagined possible. I now rave about the benefits of customisation to anyone unfortunate enough to happen to be listening to me!)
JET wrote on August 13, 2009 at 10:08AM
The new irons will officially be released this fall.
JET wrote on August 13, 2009 at 10:08PM
What is the difference between a dynamic gold s300 shaft and the tour issue of the same #'s?
JET wrote on August 18, 2009 at 1:08PM
Craig-
The 690MB may be available through our Repairs Department for re-head services. You can contact Repairs at 1-800-742-7609 to check.
JET wrote on August 18, 2009 at 7:08PM
Vineet-
When the new irons become available, consumers will be able to custom order any combination of the four models that they feel suits them best.
JET wrote on August 18, 2009 at 10:08PM
Britt-
Shaft comparisons are very player dependent. We recommend that you work with a fitter and try both shafts to determine which is appropriate for you.
Carlo-
Sorry to hear that you are having difficulty finding the right shaft for your new Titleist driver. There really is no substitute for being properly for your club specifications. If you let us know where you live, we should be able to put you in contact with someone that can assist.
According to True Temper, the DG Tour Issue shafts feature a tighter weight tolerance and are sold in matched sets for precision custom fitting.
JET wrote on August 18, 2009 at 11:08PM
Mark-
The new MB and CB irons are chrome finished, like most previous Titleist Forged irons. Complete product details, including custom options, are being finalized and will be available on Titleist.com in early fall.
Glad you are enjoying the new custom fit 909D3...I'm sure the extra 25 yards is coming in handy!
Sam-
We don't have any records on hand for that particular serial code. Have you checked out our <a href="www.titleist.com/.../category.asp rel="nofollow">Golf Club Archive on Titleist.com</a> for your model?
Which tour player uses ZB irons?
I am seeing this trend of pros shfting to cavity backs. I dont know if low-mid handicappers like me should continue with the ZB. I previously used Cobra Gravity Back Irons.
I love my 909F2 with Voodoo Regular shaft. Recommend me a driver at 9.5 deg.
I use a Futura from Scotty Cameron. Intend to shift to a mallet. Any suggestions?
JET wrote on September 3, 2009 at 12:09PM