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In the ever-evolving landscape of Direct-to-Consumer golf manufacturers, one finds that a single name rises, Phoenix-like, above the din of mediocrity: Sub70 Golf. This distinguished company, fueled by equal parts craftsmanship and conviction, has made it their mission to place finely engineered instruments directly into the hands of discerning golfers everywhere. With industry veterans such as Tommy Armour III and Tag Ridings lending their imprimatur, Sub70 stands as a beacon of quality in a marketplace all too often cluttered with hollow promises.
Recently, in my quest for the ideal driving iron—a pursuit not unlike searching for the perfect family vehicle—I tested a veritable menagerie of options: from the Titleist U505 to the Srixon ZX Utility. Among them stood a fascinating contender: the Sub70 699 Pro V3 Utility.
Initial Impressions and Looks
To say I was pleasantly surprised would be an understatement bordering on the criminally inadequate. Expecting a modest cardboard box typical of value-driven brands, I instead received a veritable presentation piece: a sleek obsidian-hued box adorned with Sub70 insignias, cradling the club in luxurious foam. The head was wrapped with care, accompanied by a tour-style sticker noting its precise weight.
Ah, attention to detail—how it warms the soul.
The club itself is a study in elegance: a refined topline, impeccable proportions, and a design language that whispers sophistication rather than shouting for attention. My lone quibble concerns the offset, but alas, in the realm of utility irons, such things are often as inevitable as bad drivers in Seattle.
Verdict: 10/10
Performance
The 699 Pro V3 performed with the poise and consistency of a seasoned Utility. Ball speeds, distances, and shaping potential all mirrored its more expensive, more ostentatious rivals. I chose the 3-utility, purposefully selected to follow my 3-wood, produced a impressive 240-yard carry on average when paired with a Dynamic Gold X100 shaft—its flight nothing short of symphonic.
Its forgiveness is almost shocking. Of all the utilities tested—Srixon, Titleist, Callaway, Wilson—the Sub70 proved the most consistent from heel to toe. From the tee, it was the unambiguous champion; from the fairway, however, it settled comfortably into third place, felled only by slightly inferior turf interaction. The Wilson and Srixon models glided more gracefully through the grass.
Still, the versatility of the 699 Pro V3 is beyond reproach. Driving iron, long-iron replacement, emergency escape tool—it handles each role with smile. I’ve used it to extricate myself from lies so dire that even Ghandi might have declared them hopeless.
Verdict: 8/10
Value
Now, here we reach the point where my professional composure is sorely tested. For Sub70 to produce a club of this caliber at such a price is simply—well—absurd. Outrageous. Scandalous! One stands a better chance of stumbling upon a leprechaun during the Christmas season than locating a superior utility iron for this sum.
And for those of us who enjoy a bit of club tinkering (guilty as charged), Sub70 even offers a head-only option—a courtesy many major manufacturers refuse to extend.
If every golfer had the chance to test one of these marvels while utility shopping, consumer confusion might well vanish overnight. I can state without reservation: I highly recommend the Sub70 699 Pro V3, whether you’re replacing long irons or seeking a standalone utility.
Verdict: 10/10
Conclusion (with a Gentle Chaser of Smack Talk)
Purchase one—immediately—and await future iterations with bated breath. The performance is excellent, the customer service superb, and the value nearly unbeatable. While it may not claim the title of longest utility (falling about three yards shy of the T505U), it is quite literally half the price of most alternatives.
My only critiques? I wish the trailing edge of the sole borrowed a bit from Srixon’s delightful V-Sole geometry, and—perhaps selfishly—I wish Sub70 were not strictly DTC. I understand the economics, but I cannot help wondering what triumphs await should their wares ever grace the racks of pro shops nationwide.
As always, this is Smack, encouraging you to play well—and play tastefully.
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