I have been playing these irons for a little over two years now. They definitely provide the look and feel you would expect from a high end, quality, forged iron. Like ALL forged clubs, they can get "nicked" quite easy (clubs banging around together)....so I wish now I had of bought those little iron club head protectors. Oh well. The lofts on the clubs are very traditional....which is a good and bad thing. Good, in that you don't have to worry too much about spacing between PW and LW. This means that the PW has a loft of 48 degrees vs 45 degrees found in some big clunky clubs (thus leaving you a gap of 15 degrees between PW and LW). The down side to this, is that when you stand up on the Par 3's and the guy with the big clunky Callaway's asks you what you're hitting and you respond "7 iron" and he's hitting a "9 iron" -- be prepared for it to effect your ego a bit. I get tired of telling people playing big clunky clubs that my clubs have traditional lofts. But...oh well....the look and feel of these clubs far offsets the worry of loft differences. That being said, the look and feel of an iron is so important (in my opinion) and these clubs are excellent in both areas. This is the longest I have kept any set of irons....so take that for what's its worth.

Customer Service

Titleist? So-so....no complaints really.....

Similar Products Used:

Callaway X-Tour (felt like a hard forged...good try though Callaway).

I bought these irons to replace an ill-fitting set of Mizuno MP-14 irons. While these irons lack the "buttery" feel of the Mizuno's, they feel and sound more solid. This level of pleasant feedback allows me to control my distance better and hit both high and low shots with greater ease. The more modern profile of the DOT series (+1/2", 2* upright) matches my specifications. I look forward to hitting more greens now that I've switched to the higher flighted, stronger lofted modern blade!

Customer Service

Customer service has been good with Titleist. No problems yet.

Similar Products Used:

Mizuno MP-14, Mizuno MP-33

I'm left handed and have been playing callaway x14 for a few years and I was looking for a new set that would take me to the next level. I tried several sets that included callaway x16( very bulky),titleist 731,hogan ftx,and pings but none had the feel that the 690.mb gave me. I have noticed that you need to make a decent swing on these clubs for them to perform and that's what I'm looking for. I was a 15 hanidcap and now I'm down to a 10, not because of the clubs alone, I have gone to the classic swing school in myrtle beach last month and I would suggest that anyone that wants to really improve needs to go to a school to get there swing on tape, clubs checked and really see what they need to work on to improve. I have all the confindence in the world in these clubs from hitting the 3 iron to the pitching wedge. They are also one of the best looking clubs on the market. They are alittle expensive but you get what you pay for.

Similar Products Used:

callaway x16, hogan ftx, titleist 731, ping.

I was discouraged for years by my local golf shop (a well-known national chain) from buying blades. I even had one store manager tell me that not many pros play them anymore – which, I later uncovered, is complete BS. I was a 14 handicap when I gave into instinct and bought my 690.MB “experts-only” clubs last Fall. Contrary to widely-held expectations, my handicap has done nothing but drop since they’ve been in my bag (I’m now a 10). I love these clubs and will explain why below, but first it’s worth asking a question: what gives? Every sales person tried to talk me out of buying blades and into new game-improvement clubs. Is there a massive conspiracy of disinformation? Are forged, muscle-backed blades so good that there is a effort to keep them the best secret in golf? Do stores just really hate Titleist and want folks to buy Callaway and Ping? What’s going on? I clearly don’t have all of the answers, but one element of the answer – and the focus of this review – is what different golfers mean by, and want from, “forgiveness” in a given club. As most golfers are recreational and aspire to be nothing but, I think the industry generally has the mindset that “forgiveness” essentially means the ability to hit the ball far with a swing that is unsound. If you play a couple times a year in a corporate outing, that’s perfect. However, if you are a serious golfer determined to get better, what benefit does that kind of forgiveness give you? As someone who wants to be better, my definition of “forgiveness” is much more progressive. It has to do with creating a club that you don’t have to be a professional golfer to use (i.e., it has enough weight and depth to get a 5I airborne without swinging the club 110mph). Let me clarify the difference between the two definitions. My Callaway X-16s were amazingly forgiving as it relates to the former definition. So much so that I could swing wildly and still hit the ball on the mammoth sweet spot almost every time. However, in my opinion, this actually created swing flaws that held my game back. Sure, I didn’t have to put the perfect swing on the club to get it to perform, but neither did I need to focus or swing smoothly. Hard to get better when your equipment doesn’t demand it. When I set up against these 690.MBs, I feel like I have to put a good, smooth swing on to get the ball to perform and – surprise, surprise – most of the time I do just that! The clubs line up in a way that makes you focus. Let me say it directly, these 690s make me play better. Moreover, the feel that comes from hitting a forged, muscle-back iron is addictive. There’s just really no other way to say it. When you hit a ball on the screws with this club, your first instinct is that you missed it because it’s so pure you almost feel nothing. Then you look up and see that beautiful trajectory… it makes me want to hit the course right now. And, if you define forgiveness the way I do, there is plenty of forgiveness in the 690.MBs. They are slightly larger than traditional blades and the muscle weighting is very generous – enough to get any ball airborne without having to “stand on” the club. I also like the beveled leading edge and the club’s corresponding ability to blow through turf. As a nice bonus, there is no club that looks better in the bag or at address. If you are a golfer serious about getting good (notice I didn’t say a seriously good golfer), then the 690.MBs are an excellent choice. I now feel strongly that player’s clubs are an essential element of the journey to become good, not a gift to yourself once you’ve reached that destination. If the blade is just too intimidating, then try the 690.CBs. Besides being really fun to hit, these clubs – in my opinion – will make you a better golfer. Full stop.

Customer Service

Great customer service at Titleist, which is a good thing because you will be forced to interact with it. Salespeople at all the local golf stores generally know less than what is commonly available on the Internet from manufacturers’ web sites. As an example, because this blade has nearly the exact same specs as its sister club the 690.CB, you can make your own set of “pro-combo” irons if you wish. Titleist will let you build pro-combo 690 sets on a custom order basis provided you buy at least 5 of one of the sets (i.e., 6, 7, 8, 9, PW in muscle back/3, 4, 5 in cavity back). Your golf-shop manager will tell you this is impossible. Go directly to Titleist and work everything out first. ONE PIECE OF ADVICE: Regardless of what clubs you play, get custom fit. If that means going to your local golf store or proshop, fine but I would highly recommend going to someone who really knows how to custom fit clubs (i.e., hitting off an impact board and wrist-to-floor measurement is about 30% of getting custom fit). A good way to judge is whether or not the place that is going to fit you has a launch monitor.

Similar Products Used:

X-16, X-16 Pro Series, RACLT, RACTP2, Titleist 704.CB, Titleist 690.CB

Had these 690mb's for two seasons now. Before, was playing with an older set of Mizuno left-handed TP-9's (1989, I believe). I'm using the stock TT S300 steel shaft with the lie adjusted 1 degree flat. Excellent clubs all around. The 8 through PW are my favorites. Extremely accurate and easy to control distance. You won't get any freaky, unexpected 140 yard shots from the PW or any of the clubs for that matter. A thin top line makes me feel like I can pop it out of any lie. The long irons require a sound swing but hit fairly easy with consistent distances. There is a little more club offset in the longer irons. I am considering adding some lead tape to the 3 and 4 iron for a little more weight behind the ball. These aren't the cheapest sticks around but they sure are some of the prettiest ones I've ever seen. They do feel a bit more firm on well struck shots than my Mizuno's, but the grooves still look new after two seasons and many rounds. I feel that Mizuno uses too soft of a forge. Makes for a nice feel but can be expensive if you play quite a bit and put alot of demands on the grooves. Lastly, I appreciate the fact that Titleist offers one of its top models to us left handed golfers. I didn't have many brands to choose from. I have sent a thank you email to Titleist. Since my purchase, I see that Cleveland and Tommy Armour is now offering blades for lefties. I have tried the Tommy Armours (my golfing partner bought a set, he is also lefty) at the range and noticed no difference in performance compared to my Titleist. The new Armours are excellent for the price. I am extremely pleased my my Titleist 690's and will have them until the grooves look like banana peels. Can't say for sure if they are the best thing out there, but I love them to pieces. Haven't broke 70 yet, but kept it in the 80's all last summer with my best round being 81. I have given these an overall value rating of 4. This has nothing to do with the performance of the clubs. I feel that the price is a little high. Armour is offering a comparable club for half the price. I think Titleist could revise their prices and make these clubs a little more attainable. I paid $900.00 for these things! So now I have to hold onto my '87 Volvo for a while longer.

Customer Service

They have been excellent with returning my emails.

Similar Products Used:

Mizuno TP-9's, Taylor Burner, Callaway x-14

I waited 6 months from the time of purchase before writing this review. These clubs are the finest I've ever owned and I've owned countless sets over the years. The metal used in these clubs is slightly harder than some of the so-called "butter" irons. I hate butter feeling irons. I'm looking for a solid feel, not something to spread on toast. I only play a Pro-V1 ball, so can't speak to the feeling with other balls, but it may be that this combination is key. On-center hits are unbelievably solid. The quality is top notch. The leading edges are all beveled and play well in all conditions. Thin top line but not too thin. Heel-to-toe length is perfect. Head shapes throughout the set are also perfect. Shaping shots is no problem and they play very neutral. I'm beyond picky when it comes to my clubs, but these are simply outstanding and worth every penny.

very nice club.....very forgiving for a blade....more forgiving than a calloway...not kidding.the best feeling club i ever hit.i had to get rid of these though....i hit a high ball as is and these blades sent the ball to the heavens...i prefer lower ball flight....if you have problems getting a high trajectory....run and buy these clubs.

Customer Service

they are great

Similar Products Used:

literally all of them...titleist 681 blades the very best.

I was waiting an opportunity to own a set of 690 MB (not the dot model). Finally had a chance to acquire one recently. I would say it is a great set of irons for these attribute: distance (longer than my previous Apex plus), greater control and accuracy and surely a A+ for the feel and the appearance. I do not regret one second this great addition in my bag. These irons are there for a long long long time.

Similar Products Used:

Ben Hogan Apex Plus

Thease clubs have proven themselves in my bag they are quite thin compared to some blades so would suggest that the player should have good ball striking to consider buying a set. I use them and they go alot further than my other blades and seem to have an increadbly solid feel to them. I use X100 shafts which i would recommend you buy with irons if you are a of a low figure standard

Similar Products Used:

Ben hogan blades, titleist 704, cleveland ta1.

A buddy bought these irons for himself and didn't like them ... thought they "went" 1-2 clubs shorter than his taylor made. In trying them out, I was absolutely shocked how they felt. I always thought you had to be a scratch golfer to hit blade irons ... wrong! They have a smaller head then my Callaway x-12 irons. Dont' let the smaller heads fool you! You put a decent swing on the 690's and you'll be shocked how sweet they are. They look good and unless you hit them very badly, your shot will end up ok compared to what they would have been with my other irons. Even the 3&4 irons are fun to hit; thinking of even getting a 2 iron and I NEVER would have considered it before. I really like the thinner edge on these clubs especially if you're in the rough or fringe around the green. Much easier for you to cut through the grass to hit the ball. I'm not an especially long hitter - a 7 iron for me is about 150 yard shot with about a 10 yd difference between each club. The irons do have a higher flight path than before but the clubs are so much straighter! My buddy only wanted $300 for the set and after trying them, I would have paid much more than that! I've used them about 36 holes now and can not express how much I like them. Shot a 1 over par 73 yesterday and if I could have made a putt, would have been my best 18 hole score ever. You should get some type of club cover on them as they are a softer type metal than my Callaways were. They are a nice set of irons to look at and may even try to work the ball a little bit in the next few weeks. Anyway, do NOT be afraid to try them! If you don't put a good swing on them you'll know it. Always a few of those per round but they are pretty forgiving. Not any different than the x-12s I had. No comparison though as far as how they play ... 690 mb's are the bomb!

Customer Service

no contact with them

Similar Products Used:

callaway x-12's lynx black cats