We got our first look at the Titleist 718 CB and MB irons at the brand’s 718 launch event at Archerfield Links.
Although these clubs have been seen on tour for a while now. And what a superb start they’ve had.
Rafa Cabrera-Bello won at the Scottish Open with 718 MB and then Justin Thomas grabbed his first major at the PGA.
Both players use the MB with Rafa going 3-PW and Thomas doing the same but opting for a CB in the 4-iron.
The MB model is actually the most popular on the European Tour. The likes of Andrew ‘Beef’ Johnston and Matthew Southgate opt for the pure bladed look and feel.
On the PGA Tour it’s the AP2 which is used the most.
So what’s new with the 718 and what has been changed from the 716 CB and MBs?
Titleist 718 CB and MB irons – First impressions
To be honest, there’s not a great deal which has changed – these are forged clubs which don’t have the same technology as the APs and T-MBs.
They are all about looks, feel and workability. Yes, there’s a cavity and a bit of tungsten in the CB which is going to make it a bit more forgiving but these clubs are for the best ball strikers.
Titleist 716 CB and MB
I’d be hard pressed to pick out five differences between the 716 CB and MBs and the 718 models.
We spoke to Matthew Southgate at the launch event and asked him how and why he switched from 716 to 718.
He said that the numbers and the look at address was exactly the same – that’s why he had no trouble making the switch.
If they started going five yards further, he probably wouldn’t have changed. He wanted them to do exactly what his 716 MBs did but was happy to have a shiny new set.
