Being a huge golfer, especially based not far from Chicago, the name Bettinardi is quite familiar to me. If you aren’t, they are a premium golf brand that specializes in Milled putters. The founder, Robert Bettinardi, worked with the likes of Scotty Cameron to help deliver the first US-made 100% Milled putter to the golf world.
Getting fit at the Oak Brook facility was second to none. Although the facility is aimed toward the putter enthusiast the space is a haven for any golfer. Featuring two putter fitting bays, one iron/wedge fitting bay, a large putting green area for the general public, a build shop in the back, and the most unique room, “The Hive.” The Hive is something Bettinardi started in 2016, making one-of-one or limited-run products. Anything from crazy club cover designs, unique face milling patterns, obscure colors, and even a putter with an insert made of moon rock. This limited-access room is always changing with new products and designs dropped monthly. If you want something truly bespoke, you need to check it out.
I thought this was an iron review?
Alright, let’s get to it. Bettinardi’s first lineup of irons, the MB24 & CB24. These irons have a very classy look, with a hint of Bettinardi flair and a nod to their signature honeycomb pattern. Both irons are fully forged from 1025 carbon steel and have internal tungsten and ceramic weights to “maximize forgiveness while maintaining balance and consistency from one iron to the next.” Let’s be honest, these aren’t screaming High Tech irons, but they are adding enough for the everyday player to get the most out of these irons.
The MB & CB were developed in tandem with each other to enable a mixed set at any separation point. There are a few visual differences that are worth calling out. The CB, as you would expect, has a slightly thicker top line, a wider sole, and more offset. Honestly, though, these go fairly unnoticed unless sitting them side by side. The shaping of the head is nearly identical and frames the ball very nicely.
As expected, with the CB & MB names, the priority of each is slightly different. The MB prioritizes more turf interaction and aesthetics. The CB is geared more toward forgiveness, higher launch, and a little extra distance.
MB & CB Performance
Let’s start with the Muscle. I’m a sucker for a thin top line (MP-33 review). The MB24 delivered exactly what I was looking for with less spin and a slightly lower launch. The short irons cut through the turf nicely and delivered a very smooth swing. The feel was a little firmer than expected but very solid.
On to the CB, I won’t lie, when testing the 7 iron in the fitting, I wasn’t so sure about them. I got the 4-6 in CB and couldn’t have been more wrong with my initial impressions. They do produce higher launch and more spin than the MB, but on course, it wasn’t drastically noticeable. The things that really shined, these things were remarkably soft feel and forgiving as hell. Don’t get me wrong, you can still shape them, but on course, the sweat spot feels like twice the size. I will also call out that the 4 iron is everything I want it to be: a forgiving, soft, and has an extra gear to get some great bombs if you need it.
Bettinardi started strong with their first set of irons. They are a perfect blended set if you want more precise scoring clubs and need a more forgiving long end. The only minor complaint I have is the feel of the MB if they can get that to the softness of the CB, I don’t think they would leave my bag for a long time.
Bettinardi Offering
The MB24 & CB24 are available on Bettinardi.com, at many local fitters, and in their Studio B fitting center, which I highly recommend visiting. The shaft selection through Bettinardi is comparable to other online brands, which is a little more limited then I prefer but covers a good range of golfers. They are very good about giving the ability for customization of Length, Loft, Lie, Ferrules, Grip selection, & Wraps. Since I tested these irons, they have released two new colors, Black Rainbow and Oil Can Bronze, which both look fantastic and give you the ability to add even more customization to your set.
These clubs are absolutely worth a try. If you are in the Chicago area or looking for a new set of irons, these should be on your list.
One response to “Can a Premium Putter Brand Bettinardi, Make Good Irons?”
I have used a Bettinardi putter in the past but not tried the irons. How do they compare to Mizuno’s lineup?