This is Golfer Geeks’ Takomo 301 MB irons review.
I’m an avid golfer, 6ish handicap (on my way to a 2), and frequent tester of golf gear since 2015.
Quick Take
Takomo 301 MBs are the best blades for the money that I’ve tried.
- Knockout good looks. Perfectly compact head with a thicker topline and sole than traditional blades.
- Superb sound and feel. Some of the softer irons I’ve hit in a while. (Maybe since the 301 CBs). Even when you miss the center, which is my habit.
- You can hit any shot your skill allows.
- Almost unbelievably good price
One warning…Look elsewhere if you need help with distance or you can’t afford to lose any. These are consistently 3 to 7 yards shorter than my standard distances on seemingly solid contact.
Golfer Geeks Verdict
4.4/ 5
The Scorecard
Bag Appeal5
Distance3
Sound & Feel4.5
Launch & Flight5
Forgiveness4
Value5+
The best blades for the money that I’ve tried.
5 = Among the best / 4 = Very good / 3 = Average–acceptable / 2 = Below average / 1 = Poor / 0 = ☠️
Best For
Strong ball strikers well familiar with the sweet spot and have ALL the distance they need.
Considerations
They’re likely shorter than your current irons.
The Verdict
Bottom line, and distance issues aside, I really like these irons…a lot.
They look great…really great. They feel great. They hit great. They play great.
They just hit the ball shorter when every other manufacturer is maximizing distance.
If that doesn’t bother you, run - don’t walk, and get these babies.
They’re an incredible bargain and I promise you will enjoy hitting and playing them.
Best Value Blades
Takomo 301 MB Irons
Pros
- ✓Among the best looking irons on the market
- ✓Superb quality and craftsmanship.
- ✓Heavenly sound and feel.
- ✓Accurate and consistent.
- ✓Insanely good price.
Cons
- ✕Shorter than most player irons we’ve tested.
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In this review of Takomo 301 MB irons, I discuss my experience with the clubs, any unique features and benefits, customer reviews, and potential recommendations. I also tell you who I think should be playing them and why.
About Jamie
- Handicap: 6.5
- Expertise: reviewing clubs since 2015
- Right/Left-Handed: Right-handed
- Typical ball flight: Mid-High Tight Draw
- Golf ball used: Titleist ProV1x
Set Tested
- Set: 4 iron – PW
- Iron Shaft: KBS Tour C Taper 120g
- Shaft flex: Stiff flex
How We Tested
Range sessions: 2+
Rounds of golf: 2
Launch monitor: 2+
7-Iron Launch Monitor Data
7-ironLaunch Monitor #s
Club Speed85mph
Ball Speed111mph
Carry Distance160.5yds
Peak Height69ft
Spin5767rpm
Takomo 301 MB Review
| Category | Grade |
|---|---|
| Bag Appeal | 5 |
| Distance | 3 |
| Sound & Feel | 4.5 |
| Launch & Flight | 5 |
| Forgiveness | 4 |
| Value | 5+ |
Bag Appeal: (5) Gorgeous. Pretty. Bella. Among the best looking blades I’ve ever seen in person. The heads are perfectly compact. Topline and sole are thicker than other player blades. Minimal cosmetics. Classic styling, but better.
Sound & Feel: (4.5) Very soft. Very solid. This is almost a 5 in my book. Almost.
Forgiveness: (4) These are already short irons, so you don’t want to be missing them by much. That said, they are never ever harsh on any mishit that I’ve experienced. So, I don’t consider them overly punishing.
Distance: (3) They’re short in my experience. I confirmed this with a long-hitting buddy of mine that owns them. He’s had them for most of the year and says they’re definitely shorter than other irons he’s owned.
Launch & Flight: (5) They can do anything you want, assuming you’ve got the goods.
Value: (5) Outstanding. ~$93/club. Excellent performance per dollar.
My Experience with the 301 MBs
Mild frustration and confusion on the range with lack of distance. They are consistently about half a club shorter than other comparable irons.
Thrill on the course with accuracy and scoring.
My first impression of the MBs was that they were incredibly handsome clubs and there’s no way these things aren’t $1500 clubs. I mean, they would be if they were made by ANY major manufacturer.
The minimalist look of the heads pairs very well with the KBS Tour C Taper shafts I got them with.
As mentioned above, they’re generally short. Not every single time, but I had to hit them so perfectly to get my distance, I found myself going after the ball waaaay too hard at times. (I don’t like doing that)
I have an excuse though, I’m recording launch monitor data for a review and I expect certain yardages with irons of a certain loft. And I want to get accurate data.
I can say now, with accuracy, I had to flush them, really flush them, to get my distance. And, as mentioned above, I’m not the only one who’s experienced this.
All that said, I like them a heck of a lot and really enjoy playing them. There’s nothing like puring a premium golf ball with a well-made iron and watching it go at your target.
I think maybe, just maybe, if I work on my iron contact and get even more precise, I’ll get that distance back. But, does someone my age need to go to shorter, more demanding clubs?
Bottom line: If you appreciate a fine iron and you appreciate premium sound, feel, and performance, these may be the clubs for you. You just have to be ok with taking more club most of the time.
Who Should Play Takomo 301 MB Irons?
Takomo says 0-2 handicap or better. I can’t disagree. I’m a 6.5ish strong iron player and I consistently gave up half a club of distance or more.
Low handicaps (Yes): Especially 2 handicaps and better. Just like Takomo says.
Mid handicaps (No): Too much for you. Give the 201 MKIIs or even the 101 MKIIs a look.
High handicaps (No): You’ve got better Takomo options with the 101 MKIIs.
Best Alternatives to Takomo 301 MB Irons
Other than the 301 CBs, all these irons cost double or more than the 301 MBs. But, you do get more premium performance and feel from them.
Takomo 301 CB Irons – A lot of the same playing characteristics of the MBs, but a touch more forgiveness and a touch more distance. A touch.
Mizuno Pro S1 Irons – Even more gorgeouser than the MBs. Similar playing characteristics, but longer and you get that “5” on sound and feel.
Taylormade P-7CB irons – One of my favorite Taylormades of the last few years. Shame they’re not more popular. They do it all while looking gorgeous. Probably going away soon. Get them while you can.
Customer Reviews
An average rating of 5 out of 5 with 29 verified reviews in.(1) Seems like many of the reviewers (who were higher handicaps) were seduced by the looks and surprised by the MBs forgiveness. Many claim no loss of distance, which is hard for me to believe.
Final Verdict
Takomo 301 MBs are precision irons meant for golfers who prefer control and premium feel. They’re meant to guide you around the course and help you score. Not help you with distance or cover up for mishits.
That said, they are VERY hard to resist for this 6 and a half handicapper.
- They’ve got premium looks and performance at a fraction of the cost of the big boys.
- They sound and feel about as good as any iron on the market.
- They give you consistent distance for greater accuracy.
- You can play any shot shape in your arsenal: left to right, right to left, high, low, etc.
Thanks for checking out our Takomo 301 MB irons review.
Best Value Blades
Takomo 301 MB Irons
Pros
- ✓Among the best looking irons on the market
- ✓Superb quality and craftsmanship.
- ✓Heavenly sound and feel.
- ✓Accurate and consistent.
- ✓Insanely good price.
Cons
- ✕Shorter than most player irons we’ve tested.
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