Tungsten is the thing in Titleist's 716 line of four iron sets, but their club designers took it to an extreme with the 716 T-MB utility iron.
The T-MBs are high muscle back irons that sport an average of 80 grams of tungsten on bottom of the club head, moving the center of gravity low and deeper in the iron to create a high-launch long iron with less spin and more distance. Like with the other 716 irons, Titleist made the lofts a degree stronger in response to the higher launch created by the tungsten, which makes up almost one-third of the club head's mass. Titleist testing indicates the head produces about 2 mph higher ball speed and 200 rpm less of backspin compared to the 712 U irons.
The 431 stainless steel body has a thin, unsupported face for more flex at impact. Using this material allowed for the placement of the tungsten.
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The company is reluctant to call the T-MB a driving iron, but rather think of it as an iron that can be used in many situations where distance is required. A pre-worn leading edge reduces digging while interacting with the turf.
Initially, the company designed the clubs the simply serve as longer long irons, with 2-5 iron designs. However, full sets of the T-MB irons will be available through the company's MOTO, or made only to order, program.
Titleist's T-MB irons will be available for $200 per club on Oct. 23, as will be the full set through Titleist MOTO.
