The Golf Monthly team test the new Titleist 716 CB irons to see how much forgiveness has been squeezed into this traditional iron
Key technology
Titleist engineers have used a new co-forging technique to precisely place 55 grams of tungsten in the heel and toe (only in the 3 to 7 irons). This creates the same forgiveness profile as the 714 AP2 iron. The stock steel shaft offering is also new – the AMT shaft from Dynamic Gold (Ascending Mass Technology) are lighter in the longer irons to launch the ball a little easier.
The Titleist 716 CB irons have retained the same sleek, stunning look of the previous generation. But the work the engineers have done has been to improve the MOI (or forgiveness) of the club. In our testing, this was evident through the consistency of distance. Hitting a handful of shots with each iron, there was a disparity of three yards between the best and worst strikes. For those looking to dial themselves in and maximise their birdie opportunities, this is a huge plus.
Like with the Titleist 716 MB irons we were impressed buy how well the club was getting through the turf at impact. This led to a great feel and impressive distance.
The recommended retail price for the Titleist 716 CB irons is £117 per club for steel shafts and £133 for graphite.
Verdict
The Titleist engineers haven’t strayed too far from the impressive looks of the previous generation CB model but what they have done is make this version significantly more forgiving. As a result they have created a thoroughly traditional looking iron with genuine forgiveness.
