Your opinion on best DTC irons?

[HeftyLefty5]

Being left handed and some of these DTC companies offering a selection of left handed stuff is really nice. That said yes its hard to not be able to try things but its even harder when you decide to go try and hit some left handed offerings and the fitting sections of places have little to no left handed stuff and minced meat shaft selections. DTC is something I've treated this way, I'm gona try this for what i purchased it at and then i can turn around and sell it if I don't like it.

 

Sub 70 stuff is very good, gamed irons and wedges from them last year. 

[hammergolf]

I have no experience with Sub70, Takomo, or others, but I can definitely say New Level are as good as any major OEM I’ve ever played.

[JxMOx]

I have experience with New Level irons, utility iron, and two wedges, as well as a Sub70 lob wedge. I wouldn't hesitate to buy from either again. One of my best friends has gamed 699pro v2s for the last few seasons and loves them.

I think it helps if you have a general idea your preferences and even the shafts you get along with due to fitting being limited (but not unavailable) across the world. Both companies answered countless emails from me when deciding on what I wanted and usually they have sales around majors/holidays (or if you sign up from email).
I don't think you could wrong with either but listen to yourself along the way.

[HalfSet]

New Level by a mile, I just wish they had more lefty options so I could make a proper combo set.

[endy]

As far as utility irons and irons go, New Level is tough to beat. The new 702 line is fantastic. 

[Warrior42111]

I have a sub 70 hybrid and New level Irons (902 OS) would not hesitate to order from either again.

 

Also, their customer service is top notch. With sub 70 there was a delay on a shaft they asked to set up a call to learn about my game and see if there was another option and if it didn't work they'd replace the shaft when back on stock. 

[bluedot]

20 hours ago, jonsnow said:

I'm probably going to be replacing my Bridgestone DPCs sometime this year. I've liked the DPCs a lot & had them refinished & regrooved a couple of years ago. I'm not willing to pay what new OEM irons are going for these days so looking at the DTC options. I like what I see on video reviews of Takomo, Sub 70 & New Level offerings but hard to get a good feel for them without seeing them live. May take advantage of some demo options. For those who've gone this route, which do you like & why? Thanks...

You realize, I’m sure, that for the most part the answers you’re going to get are guys recommending what they already bought.  That doesn’t mean that they aren’t correct about THEIR DTC irons being great clubs, but it isn’t a very good way to compare.  So maybe don’t limit your research to just this forum.

[lambo428]

14 hours ago, MattM97 said:

 

A few DTC brands like New Level you can buy a single "demo" iron for under $100 i think. Then can order the rest of the set if it works if not you have a beater club for the desert or whatever. 

Hello Matt, I understand that and did that with New Level and actually bought a used set of New Level irons (same specs as demo)...a waste of time and money.  Of course, just my opinion and my experience.

[uW0tM8]

Another vote for Sub70. I played the 659CBs for a while (passed my PAT using them) and really enjoyed them. Haven’t got to test other brands much. Currently playing F:aktor and they are absolutely butter. Even the wedges are money. Would definitely check them out as well! 

[bigdriveandy]

Currently using New Level 902 PD. Mind you I have tried multiple times to get them OUT of my bag bc I am a certified snob and I don't want to be gaming DTC clubs. So, of course all my golfing buddies make fun of my "knock off clubs," but honestly the performance, feel, and looks (behind the ball, where it matters most) is just too good and I've gotten tired of trying to find something that performs better. 

 

I haven't ever owned golfworks clubs but I have met the team that designs them and I can attest they take it very seriously. But as someone already said, how the Maltby MPF ratings are calculated is always going to dictate how they design their irons, so they will all have some similar characteristics like lower CG, shorter hosel, wider sole and higher MOI.

[lefthack]

21 hours ago, MattM97 said:

 

A few DTC brands like New Level you can buy a single "demo" iron for under $100 i think. Then can order the rest of the set if it works if not you have a beater club for the desert or whatever. 

 

Ben Hogan as well. You can get a standard 7 and return it, or pay a little more and get custom shaft and bent for like $120 or something to keep.

[downbylaw11]

Haywoods cb's are my current gamers. Ive had sub70s and new level stuff in the bag as well, but they haywoods were the only clubs that really had their own unique look, and the only dtc at the time that offered their nicest models in left hand which is pretty rare for dtc. Theres a lot of good options oit there though now so you probably cant go wrong.

[Thayneil]

On 5/28/2025 at 3:08 AM, Rbsiedsc said:

Sub70 will get you the most customization possible from a shaft and grip perspective. New level is a close second and they are less expensive than Sub70s new offerings. Takomo's are the cheapest but also most limited in customization and are coming from Europe.

 

I had a sub70 hybrid and liked it. If I knew what I knew now I'd still be gaming it. I also am gaming a Caley (Another DTC) utility iron and it is really fun to hit. However, that company is a lot like Takomo in terms of customization.

 

Haywood golf is a higher end DTC out of Canada. Buddy has a wedge from them and loves it. Heard lots of good things about them.

 

When I got fit for my irons, I regretted not going DTC to save some green FWIW.

Takamo have European owner but I believe the clubs are assembled and shipped from Hong Kong

[lefthack]

13 hours ago, downbylaw11 said:

Haywoods cb's are my current gamers. Ive had sub70s and new level stuff in the bag as well, but they haywoods were the only clubs that really had their own unique look, and the only dtc at the time that offered their nicest models in left hand which is pretty rare for dtc. Theres a lot of good options oit there though now so you probably cant go wrong.

 

I bought both the MB and the CB with the thought I would blend them and I sold the CB's a month later. They were great, but the MB is glorious. I even got the 3 even though I have no business with a 3 iron  🤣

[chch3]

I just bought a set of SUB 70 669 CB heads.  I got them for $60 a head from one of their recent sales.  I demoed them first before I hit them through their demo program.  I was really impressed with them.  I am waiting on some collared ferrules I had to order to build them up.  They are my first DTC clubs.  

[Rbsiedsc]

1 hour ago, chch3 said:

I just bought a set of SUB 70 669 CB heads.  I got them for $60 a head from one of their recent sales.  I demoed them first before I hit them through their demo program.  I was really impressed with them.  I am waiting on some collared ferrules I had to order to build them up.  They are my first DTC clubs.  

curious to hear about the CB heads.

[chch3]

3 hours ago, Rbsiedsc said:

curious to hear about the CB heads.

They have a bit of offset.  I don't mind offset though.  Feel is pretty decent.  Not as good as my Mizuno forged clubs, but not bad at all.  When I get them built up next week, I will post some pics.

[Ty_Guy]

There is a lot of positive talk about New Level here, but not a lot New Level irons in any signatures!

 

Is that the nature of DTC clubs? There are very good ones, but they are always a "close second" choice when choosing to purchase?

 

Either way, you all have me interested in New Level. I'm off the check out their site!

[Ger21]

3 minutes ago, Ty_Guy said:

There is a lot of positive talk about New Level here, but not a lot New Level irons in any signatures!

I was ready to pull the trigger on a combo set (623MB-623CB) a few years ago, but they had a manufacturing issue that rendered their MB's non conforming. By the time they resolved it, I had moved on.
Another thing, is that when the company was sold (True?), their prices went up substantially.

[Urb]

1 hour ago, Ty_Guy said:

There is a lot of positive talk about New Level here, but not a lot New Level irons in any signatures!

 

Is that the nature of DTC clubs? There are very good ones, but they are always a "close second" choice when choosing to purchase?

 

Either way, you all have me interested in New Level. I'm off the check out their site!

My experience was great.  They hit all my specs perfectly, which is probably their strongest selling feature.

 

Their oversize models fit a specific niche: big/forgiving, soft feeling and lower bounce.  It was exactly what I needed at the time.

 

I cleaned up my swing and don't need shovels anymore.  I also found another brand that doesn't feel as nice but solves other problems (better sole for my turf and zero offset).

 

https://truezerooffset.com/

 

I shill this dudes clubs every chance I get so he stays in business.  Can't look at offset clubs anymore.  

[NRJyzr]

56 minutes ago, Urb said:

I also found another brand that doesn't feel as nice but solves other problems (better sole for my turf and zero offset).

 

https://truezerooffset.com/

 

I shill this dudes clubs every chance I get so he stays in business.  Can't look at offset clubs anymore.  

 

I have a set of the D-23.  They're quite nice.  I went with a poor shaft choice (for me, too light and a flex soft) that I've not rectified yet, so they're still on the bench.  

 

Need to get off my backside and get that reshaft done.

 

I sometimes wish I'd gone with the CR16; tend to prefer smaller clubheads...

 

edit:  I see he's switched to 304 stainless from 431 stainless...

 

Edited May 30 by NRJyzr

[lefthack]

7 hours ago, Ty_Guy said:

There is a lot of positive talk about New Level here, but not a lot New Level irons in any signatures!

 

Is that the nature of DTC clubs? There are very good ones, but they are always a "close second" choice when choosing to purchase?

 

Either way, you all have me interested in New Level. I'm off the check out their site!

 

I looked at both New Level and Sub 70 before I went all in on Haywood. I've never hit either, but I liked the fact I was talking to Josh Haywood before I bought my wedges. Then he let me know and sent me mock ups of the MB and CB before they came out. I was first in line after that. 🤣

[discover-it]

I have a set of Takomo 101T's and enjoy them as much as my Mizunos and Bridgestones. Ordered the heads and built them myself.

[chch3]

I got to the range for the first time after building up the full set of Sub 70 669CB.  I like these clubs a whole lot more than I thought I would.  Shafted up with Dynamic Gold 115 Mid S300.  My only regret is not getting the gunmetal shafts.  These are the PW, 8, and 6 irons

[Sparty4202]

On 5/30/2025 at 8:56 AM, Ty_Guy said:

There is a lot of positive talk about New Level here, but not a lot New Level irons in any signatures!

 

Is that the nature of DTC clubs? There are very good ones, but they are always a "close second" choice when choosing to purchase?

 

Either way, you all have me interested in New Level. I'm off the check out their site!

Check my signature…..I’ve been playing my New Levels for 2 years now…they replaced a set of Ping i210 irons. They check all the boxes for me and their QC is better than most of the OEM equipment I’ve bought in the last 5 years. (my i210 irons came from Ping with the 7 & 8 iron the same length….took Ping 2 attempts to properly correct that issue!! and I consider Ping to have the best QC of all the OEMs).

[noraagolfs]

I have had NEW LEVEL and SUB70.

 

Both are excellent. I was out in Scottsdale and had a wedge fitting at New Level, the guys were absolutely great. Clubs are also top notch. I have the utility iron, 3 wedges and a set of rare black irons. I would buy again.

 

I also have Sub70 699 V3 irons and a 949 hybrid. I had the opportunity to go to Sycamore and get fit for the irons. Again, top notch service and experience.

 

I cannot justify spend $500-$1000 more dollars for a "name brand" OEM. I'm a good golfer (5 hdcp) I can't tell the difference form a Sub70 iron to a Mizuno iron on the strike. 

 

I have had TM, Mizuno, Srixon, OnOff, and Titleist irons and either of these brands are just as good, if not BETTER.

[Thayneil]

On 5/28/2025 at 3:08 AM, Rbsiedsc said:

Sub70 will get you the most customization possible from a shaft and grip perspective. New level is a close second and they are less expensive than Sub70s new offerings. Takomo's are the cheapest but also most limited in customization and are coming from Europe.

 

I had a sub70 hybrid and liked it. If I knew what I knew now I'd still be gaming it. I also am gaming a Caley (Another DTC) utility iron and it is really fun to hit. However, that company is a lot like Takomo in terms of customization.

 

Haywood golf is a higher end DTC out of Canada. Buddy has a wedge from them and loves it. Heard lots of good things about them.

 

When I got fit for my irons, I regretted not going DTC to save some green FWIW.

Takoma is actually shipped from Hong kong.Finland owner

[Rbsiedsc]

19 minutes ago, Thayneil said:

Takoma is actually shipped from Hong kong.Finland owner

Ya. Forgot they use a foundry in HK

[borker]

On 5/27/2025 at 4:40 PM, lambo428 said:

I don't understand the allure of DTC irons...you usually can't try them before purchase...they all look like they came out of the same factory in China (at least the cast ones do)...and they are no longer reasonably priced. Even if forged, they are no where near as nice feeling as Mizuno, Titleist, etc.  I tried a set of New Level irons - nothing outstanding about them and returned them.   

 

I recently picked up a nice used set of Mizuno 921 Tours for under $700 with the shafts that I wanted.  So in my opinion, any 2-5 year old used, mainstream irons in great shape will probably outperform any new DTC brand and still cost less.

 

Sadly, +1

 

I love the idea of a DTC. Love to support a business trying to break in vs the big guys, putting their skin in the game, etc. It isn't easy, I imagine, to start a golf equipment company when even some very large names have called it quits (Nike) or have dwindled down to shells of themselves (Adams, Hogan, etc).  DTC usually has better customer support, the owners themselves are available to speak with, have easy configurations with a lot of choices online and offer lower prices for new stuff than OEM. I especially want to support Sub 70 being that I have a connection to them as I was raised about an hour away.

 

But how can a DTC even compete? Social media flooding and YT creator affiliation is so obvious as to be a major turn off for me. DTC like Takomo are like late-night infomercials. I can at least feel, see and try 7 or 8 big brand OEM's at local golf stores. I can try putters, etc. A iron doesn't need much R&D but how can a DTC even compete in feedback, testing, multiple pro types they can afford to scrap, etc? Also, DTC look like cookie-cutter designs picked from a AI CAD or something. 

 

My last nitpick with DTC may sound pompous, but the world revolves around "brands" and status. Golf is no different (and may be worst than average actually). To the 99% of players not on GolfWRX, a DTC is a knockoff club. I recently demo'd Sub 70 irons and had them with me for a round with my golf group. My golf group are the successful c-suite types with decked out golf bags of newest clubs. One of them noticed the Sub 70 clubs and asked me what they were with a quick "ohh" after explaining they are a DTC golf company. My son's 15yo friends sort of chuckled and brushed them off when I showed them the demo irons.  Sure, play what you want, who cares what others say, but both times it was annoying (and sort of embarrassed) having to explain the idea of DTC clubs and I felt like was using nothing other than a cheap knockoff (while the 15yo's had new Callaway's). 

 

I actually have in my garage a full Maltby iron head set I planned to build and try out to see how they perform. They actually look better and feel higher quality than any other DTC I have seen in person. Let my son have them as he doesn't care. But I am conflicted on just returning them. Ebay, Golf Galaxy pre-owned, the sales forum, etc just are a way better value and choice over DTC IMO. You can find 2-4 year old lightly used sets for half off or more from new OEM and often still cheaper than DTC.

 

PXG is a MAJOR DTC success story. But what got them to that point was being able to get into stores and getting a tour presence, so they rose quickly and weren't strictly DTC for long. 

Edited June 29 by borker

[drongreen]

I'm currently a 6 hdcp and looking for new irons and highly considering the New Level 702CB's. I personally like to be a little different and don't care about having the "big name brand" clubs in my bag.

 

I think it all comes down to how good you are. If you're a 15+hdcp and rocking DTC clubs, then naturally people will assume it's because of the clubs, or you can afford the big brand. If your a single digit playing DTC clubs, I think you get a bit more respect and it gives your DTC clubs validity, especially if your beating your buddies and playing well.

 

Just my 2 cents.