Maltby vs Sub70 - Has Anyone Picked a Favorite?

[games]

I'm ready to go all in (except driver and putter) on a DTC company bag. 

I've used Maltby wedges and irons awhile now.  The TS2 have been truly game changing.

 

But, I'm watching the rise of Sub70, and the raving customer service experiences.

Has me considering trying something new.

 

My perception is that for me, these are the pros of each company:

 

Maltby

- already in my bag, and overall excellent experience;

- new products on horizon (including full face wedges and TS3 irons) look stellar;

- customer service and assembly work performed have been great;

- all-in bag irons, wedges, hybrids projected to be lower by $150

 

Sub70

- great contemporary looks (thinking 699 pro right now);

- would consider hitting their driver;

- love idea of getting fit in person (Sycamore a few hours away);

- like their SM platform (including mentions by TXG and Scott Hogan)

 

Anyone with direct experiences with both that have a clear favorite?

[bbfifas]

17 minutes ago, games said:

 

Sub70

- great contemporary looks (thinking 699 pro right now);

- would consider hitting their driver;

- love idea of getting fit in person (Sycamore a few hours away);

- like their SM platform (including mentions by TXG and Scott Hogan)

 

Anyone with direct experiences with both that have a clear favorite?

 

If you can get fit by them in person, then for me that is the way.  

[Springsteennut]

I would go for the fitting. I’ve been fit by Jason and I think it was Kevin and both did an excellent job. They both really listen and are very thorough. I have never felt like I was being rushed out of there so they can get to the next person.

[Rodrig13]

I agree generally with what being said here. There are a few YouTube videos up of Sub70 fitting experiences, so you can get a better idea of what is offered in terms of services and components they offer. 
 

However having owned both Sub70 and Maltby sets, I found the 699 series to be much harsher in feel than I expected from a hollow body design. Additionally, their fairway woods, hybrids, and drivers have a very niche demographic. Most of my experience and general feedback of those offerings are that they can be significantly unforgiving. The 829 Pro Driver is ridiculously low spin. 
 

Performance wise tho, I don’t think you can go wrong as long as you get a solid fit. For me, the TS line of irons from Maltby has offered me exactly what I was looking for. So I never really felt the need to migrate away from them as gamers. They give me great numbers (drop and stop) and unparalleled forgiveness in a forged feeling iron. The 699/699 pros were similar in forgiveness but I didn’t like the thick top line and harsh feel. Also, Maltby is getting ready to release a few new driver designs in the next year or so. If they are anything like their KE4 Tour TC driver, I’ll be interested. That driver is no joke. In a Tensei Blue shaft, it knocked my buddy’s off the rack SIM2 out of his bag. 
 

One thing I will add is that you could also look into New Level irons. They are slightly more expensive than Maltby stuff. But I hit the original 902’s out of curiosity at a 2nd hand store. They are by far the softest irons I’ve ever hit. 
 

That said, if it were me I would choose performance/fit over everything. A Sub70 fitting within driving distance is probably the way to go. You could also take the fitting numbers and match the specs from another vendor. Whichever way you choose to go, good luck!
 

 

Edited March 11, 2022 by Rodrig13

[games]

Thanks to all who replied.  Interesting all have mentioned ability to be fit by / at Sub70 as being a big positive.

 

@Rodrig13 I know what you mean about the TS line from Maltby.  I do wonder why anyone would buy P790s over TS2, other than aesthetics and name recognition.  Then again, maybe in a way, that's what I'm doing here...

[Moose07]

Having been a long time maltby guy I also switched it up on the DTC brands and went to Haywood. I ended up with their signature MB’s in raw and absolutely love them. The look of a players iron with classic lofts and are as forgiving as the Maltby mmb17’s. Maybe give Haywood a look. 

[Ger21]

40 minutes ago, games said:

I do wonder why anyone would buy P790s over TS2, other than aesthetics and name recognition.

You can sell the P790's and get a fair amount of money for them. Maltby clubs have minimal resale value. If that's important to you.

[ode1]

I think there is a distinction between DTC and Maltby....may not seem like much, but clubmaking vs. DTC.  Whilst they all start out as components, you can't get Sub70 as head only, IMO that's a pretty big distinction!  Sorry for the tj OP, hopefully just a minor tj🤔🤓😎

 

Given the lineage of Sub70<--HurricaneGolf<--DiamondTourGolf, Jason has been around a long time and has really made a splash with Sub70....I really like that they have a broad lineup from tiny blade to big GI/SGI, and you can get most any shaft/grip and at a reasonable up-charge, no crazy OEM mark up.

 

My vote-both😉

[bryanwmilburn]

I've been eyeing a set of TS1s for a while now myself. However - my experience with Sub 70 has me considering buying a set from them. I have the 699 Pro U in 2 and 4 and they're absolutely incredible. Best 2 iron I've ever owned (and I've owned all the major OEMs) and I also have the 699 Pro Tour 4 wood which I think is the best fairway I've ever owned. That, plus the personal touch of SWAG and hand-written specs and thank you notes, really impressed me. Having said that - I've played New Level for my last 2 iron sets and they provide the same amazing customer experience so I'll maintain my loyalty to them as well. So many good DTC options out there in terms of value and customer service I don't think you can go wrong either way. 

[Jmccas]

I’ve hit the TE Forged from Maltby, the 699 Pro and the 639CB from Sub70 and the 623M, 902 forged and 623CB from New Level. I think New Level is the most refined out of the bunch. 

[ChaosTheory]

1 hour ago, Ger21 said:

You can sell the P790's and get a fair amount of money for them. Maltby clubs have minimal resale value. If that's important to you.

 

In dollar terms, it's probably the same loss either way.  And you can't spend percentages.  🙂

[Sparky14]

Both are great companies, and I have bought often from each. I will concur that Sub70s service gets a bonus, they are fantastic to deal with. Nothing wrong with Maltby CS, but Sub70 goes a step further. You won't go wrong either way. If I had to give an edge, here's is where I'd lean....

 

Sub70 - "standard" forged irons (MB and CB), drivers, woods 

Maltby - "high tech" forged irons (TS1/TS2), "bargain" irons (STi2), women's clubs 

Equal - Putters, Wedges

 

For me though, Maltby's TS1/TS2 are the best thing from either company.

[games]

1 hour ago, ode said:

I think there is a distinction between DTC and Maltby....may not seem like much, but clubmaking vs. DTC.  Whilst they all start out as components, you can't get Sub70 as head only, IMO that's a pretty big distinction!  Sorry for the tj OP, hopefully just a minor tj🤔🤓😎

 

Given the lineage of Sub70<--HurricaneGolf<--DiamondTourGolf, Jason has been around a long time and has really made a splash with Sub70....I really like that they have a broad lineup from tiny blade to big GI/SGI, and you can get most any shaft/grip and at a reasonable up-charge, no crazy OEM mark up.

 

My vote-both😉

Maltby sells assembled clubs direct to consumer, built to spec.

[taki27]

Is it your intention to go all 1 company or are you willing to mix and match, so for example a Sub 70 wood and hybrid and Maltby irons or vice versa?  I’m a long time Maltby guy.  Ever since they dropped the horrendous Logic Tradition M series graphics.  

[games]

Well, sometimes you get a sign which way to go.  This morning, I was looking at SM postings of the pre-opening of The 70, the new storefront for Sub70.  In the corner of the fireplace room, there were four college pennants.  One of them was from the small Wisconsin school I graduated from!  

 

@taki27 I'm definitely now "all in" for irons, wedges, and maybe a putter!

[bellairemi]

I have no problem with Sub70 as far as service and brand but the 699 Pro's I ordered from them were out of spec (lie and length).  Maltby nails assembly and will do some more creative building than Sub70 offers (I do 3/8" steps when I order from  Maltby).  Now awaiting the arrival of the TS3 irons later this year.

[RolandofGilead]

I’m sure Sub 70 wedges are good, but the Maltby M-Series+ and current TSW are all-world quality.

 

Irons depend on what you are looking for. I think the Maltby TS-1,2 are better than the Sub 70 699 but I think Sub 70 makes better forged CB and blade irons.

 

Sub 70 putters are in a different materials/price category above Maltby.

[Sparky14]

On 3/12/2022 at 12:05 PM, RolandofGilead said:

Sub 70 putters are in a different materials/price category above Maltby.

Not with the Maltby Pure Track line, those are a bit nicer than the Sub70. But the Sub70 wide blade is awesome. And with the weight kits included with Sub70, I think it is a better value overall.

[Klubster]

A little late to the conversation, but...  I have been a long time customer of Maltby and Golfworks.  I have assembled many clubs and have been very satisfied with their products.  Recently decided I needed new irons and ordered the new for 2022 KE4 Max set with Rapport shafts.  I decided to let them assemble the clubs.  They did an excellent job.  Beautiful head design.  Swing weights were right at D1 for the 4 thru 9 irons and D4 for the PW and GW.  Great feel and workability for a GI head. 

 

Went through a fitting for Callaway Mavik clubs a while back but they were unable to guarantee delivery because of shortages.  Glad I decided on these and saved a chunk of money.  Maltby is as good as the OEM brands in every respect.

Edited June 1, 2022 by Klubster

[focus4]

As a players CB player I think the Maltby TE forged are a steal. Also has a .355 OR .370 hosel so will take any shaft you can find. Feels as good as any other premium forging i've hit too. Only issue is the old school lofts (35* 7 iron!), but hey just order another long iron. 

[solarbear88]

If you went and paid up front for a fitting, you could then order whatever you wanted from whoever you wanted.  You could even get the fitter to give you a list of alternatives to the shaft of choice so you can save money.   Lots of places that do this. 

 

[CUBuffaloes]

I have played both and agree with a lot posted here.

 

1) Fitting at Sub70 is a big plus

2) I like the TS1/2 better than 699 Pro if that's the sort of club you're looking for

3) Blades, player blades of Sub 70 are flat out awesome

4) Customer service at both have been great but Sub 70 has that more personal touch. Great folks at both places.

 

[Shilgy]

On 3/11/2022 at 6:52 AM, Ger21 said:

You can sell the P790's and get a fair amount of money for them. Maltby clubs have minimal resale value. If that's important to you.

True…but then you saved the cash and then some up front so really lost nothing.