Bettinardi CB24 Iron Review
Bettinardi has released its first-ever irons to market, and in this review we take a look at the CB24
The CB24 is a high-quality forged cavity back, players iron. With excellent feel, solid performance, and oozing shelf appeal, this is a very strong first entry into the low-handicap iron market.
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Beautifully finished with exceptional shelf appeal
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Soft, deep impact feel
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Excellent all-round ball data
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Slightly chunkier than some competitors
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Bettinardi has been responsible for dreaming up some of the best putters in the game for a long time, so when news broke that it was releasing some iron models to market, I was very interested to see what followed. In this review, I am looking at the CB24 model that aims to take its place amongst the best irons of 2024.
In terms of design, the head is a one-piece forging of 1025 carbon steel but within that, they also feature what Bettinardi refers to as tri-material construction. Essentially, this is the internal introduction of high-density tungsten and military-grade CMC (Ceramic Matrix Composite) that is aimed at maximizing forgiveness and also allows Bettinardi to pinpoint CG locations depending on the loft of the club. This is aimed at providing more launch in the long irons and better spin control in the scoring clubs. The CB24 aims to provide ultimate playability through the progressive CG location and perimeter weighting.
From a looks perspective, much like the MB24 model, Bettinardi has done an exceptional job in terms of shelf appeal here. The cavity detailing is exquisite and the small chrome accents really pop on the otherwise brushed satin finish. I would never get bored of looking at these in the bag. However, as with the MB24, down by the ball they aren’t as pretty as some for me. The refinement of the back of the clubhead isn’t mirrored down by the ball where they look a bit cumbersome in my opinion.
The top line is a touch thicker than many other irons in this category such as the Titleist T100 or the Mizuno Pro 243, giving them a somewhat chunky look at address. Furthermore, I am not a big fan of the transitions from hosel to head, or probably even more so from the hosel to the leading edge. The transition line just pinches in a little too much for me creating the illusion of more offset than is actually present. As always though, aesthetics are very much a subjective topic and some people may well be looking for that slightly meatier look in their irons.
The overall performance of the CB24 irons was very good, both from a data perspective and also in the more unquantifiable areas such as feel, turf interaction, and workability. I tested the Bettinardi CB24 irons at Saunton Golf Club, with TaylorMade TP5 golf balls and gathered data using my FullSwing KIT launch monitor.
I found a touch more ball speed than with the MB24 model, which was reflected in the slightly livelier feel, while launch and spin remained pretty similar, producing an average 7-iron carry number of 177 yards. This sits pretty much in the middle of the pack of the irons I have tested in 2024 in the low handicap iron category.
My highlight of testing was the feel of the CB24 which was very high-end. There’s a real depth to strike but also a hint of liveliness which is a pleasant combination and the contoured sole does a good job of guiding the clubhead smoothly through the turf.
The CB24 irons come with an RRP of $1600 for a seven-iron set and come with a couple of stock shaft options (KBS Tour and Dynamic Gold MID 100) along with numerous other custom offerings. The stock grip is a Bettinardi logoed Golf Pride Tour Velvet 360.
On the whole, despite my misgivings around the address profile, the Bettinardi CB24 irons are a really solid set of forged cavity back irons, that will not only perform well but will also feel great and look sensational in your golf bag!
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Joe has worked in the golf industry for nearly 20 years in a variety of roles. After a successful amateur career being involved in England squads at every age group, Joe completed his PGA degree qualification in 2014 as one of the top ten graduates in his training year and subsequently went on to become Head PGA Professional at Ryder Cup venue The Celtic Manor Resort. Equipment has always been a huge passion of Joe’s, and during his time at Celtic Manor, he headed up the National Fitting Centres for both Titleist and Taylormade. He’s excited to bring his knowledge of hardware to Golf Monthly in the form of equipment reviews and buying advice.
Joe lives in North Devon and still plays sporadically on the PGA West region circuit. His best round in recent years came earlier in 2023 where he managed a 9 under par 63 at Trevose GC in a Devon & Cornwall PGA Tournament.
Joe's current What's In The Bag?
Driver: Switch between Ping G430 Max 10K & TaylorMade Qi10 - both with Fujikura Ventus Black 6-X
Fairway wood 1: TaylorMade BRNR Copper Mini Driver - Fujikura Ventus Black 7-X
Fairway wood 2: Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke TD 5 Wood - Fujikura Ventus Black 8-X
Irons: TaylorMade P7CB 3-PW with Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100 shafts
Wedges: Callaway Opus 50, 54, and 60 degrees - Project X LS 6.0 shafts
Putter: Odyssey Toe Up #9
Ball: TaylorMade 2024 TP5x
Grips: Golf Pride Tour Velvet 60R
Bag: Vessel Player IV Pro DXR Stand
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