REVIEW: TaylorMade Tour Preferred Irons Series
Today I'll be reviewing and comparing the new TaylorMade Tour Preferred MB, MC and CB irons. While all three clubs are from the same series, each have very different features and personalities that you should consider before choosing one over the other.
First, the boring specification stuff
All three irons are meant for mid- to low-handicap players (15 or lower; hence, "Tour Preferred") with the MBs being more on the low-handicap spectrum. Those suckers are about as close to a true blade as you'll see in today's golf equipment world, meaning the MBs could probably also double as a butter knife at the breakfast table. Forged from 1025 carbon steel, there is little to no technology inherent in the MB irons, so what you see is what you get. Shankers need not apply.
Conversely, both the MC and CB irons feature more muscle behind the club face, helping those of us who need a boost in power and lift. For example, the MC irons come equipped with a 'muscle cavity' backing that lowers the MOI in each club, allowing for higher ball-flight across the set. TaylorMade's patented Speed Pocket is on the 3- through 7-irons while the scoring clubs are more traditional.
Finally, the CB irons feature the most technology among the three, which includes the same muscle cavity but adds more perimeter weighting for increased accuracy. They also feature stronger-than-standard lofts, meaning the CBs are designed for distance.
Performance and Feel
Overall, I was very pleased with all three TaylorMade Tour Preferred iron lines. The CB irons were by far the most forgiving, and the ball felt soft off the clubface. I was also able to hit the ball much further than I'm typically used to, which are a result of the stronger lofts. The look of the club might be a bit robotic or sci-fi for my liking.
The MC irons were also quite forgiving, but you definitely know when you missed the sweet-spot. I found distance numbers and spin rates to be about the same as my current iron set. The club's appearance was closer to traditional, which I preferred. I could definitely see these clubs in my bag.
The MB irons were extremely unforgiving, which is expected of a pure blade design. However, once I made solid contact, I actually liked the feel of these irons the most of the three. The trick, of course, is to find the center of the clubface every time. I can't do that as often as I'd like. I also preferred the look of the MBs the most.
Why you should buy these clubs
If you are a better player looking for a set of scoring machines, try out the MB irons. If you're a weekend warrior who can break 90 consistently, either the CB or MC irons would treat you quite well. Plus, due to their strong lofts, the CB irons would be my recommendation if you struggle in distance. If you would like to upgrade to a newer set of irons that will play similar to your current set, try out the MC series.
Why you should not buy these clubs
If you are a 9-handicap or higher, do not buy the MB irons. You simply will not enjoy them enough to appreciate how great the irons are; you simply are not good enough. Furthermore, if you are below a 9-handicap, I'd shy away from the CB irons as they will produce inconsistent yardages than you are typically accustomed to. If you are looking for something mind-blowingly different from your current irons, do not buy the MC irons.
