Louisville Golf vs. Sub 70 vs Hogan Irons (or any other similar brands)

[jrhart13]

Looking to get a set of blades from some (varyingly) independent manufacturers. Currently drawn most to Louisville because they have much better options for making a half-set (proud half-set cult member here) and communicating specific preferences with the manufacturer, but I wanna hear opinions from people with experience. Anybody that can speak to Louisville Golf 304 Blades quality?

Mainly looking at the smaller manufacturers because 1) Price and 2) I want the handcrafted + forged at that price point. I'm less inclined to go for a used set of something like MP-33s or Black Pearls because I need very specific specs (+2 Lie/Loft, X-stiff), so I've narrowed to these 3 for design+price+quality.

Aesthetically, I want the thinnest top line possible -- like sheet metal thin. I know the forgiveness drawbacks, but I hit a Hogan Apex 99 2-iron off 80% of tees and I don't have huge issues, so its a risk I'm willing to take.

Thoughts everyone?

[Tommyj]

I can't speak to the quality of the Louisville blades based on personal experience, but its doubtful they are in the same ballpark as the Hogans. The Louisvilles are 304 stainless steel, so they are probably a cast club, whereas the Hogans are forged 1025 CS. Louisville used to be a respected player in club manufacturing back in the day, but that's 40 years ago when they made decent forged irons and persimmon woods. I don't think their current stuff warrants comparison with what the OEMs and smaller boutique companies are putting out. And to be fair, you shouldn't expect too much given the price - the 304 blades are currently on sale for $390 for the set.

[JoeFrigo]

I played and still have Sub70 639 MB's..... incredible club and feel. Nothing about it says $600 instead of $1000 for an iron set. Are they Mizuno's???? No, but overall darn good clubs with 0 complaints from me. I was shocked how nice they are

 

theyre more forgiving as blades go. slightly thicker with just a tiny bit more offset .... but really there is nothing wrong with them. The owner is amazing and wil give his cell number to call him directly if you have any questions/concerns

[Myherobobhope]

Can confirm. Talked with Jason this week. Louisville stuff isn’t even on my radar and I live in Louisville.

i win a hogan driver and three wood here last year. Beautiful clubs.

[dmeeksDC]

The spec adjustments you list are not unusual so no problems there. The new Hogan Icons seem to match your preferences. Those are getting strong reviews and are forged vs the Louisvilles but are still inexpensive — with 10 pct off can get them 4-P for $693 now. But Hogan does not at this point do half-sets. I’ve not looked at Sub70. Hear good things. You would need to look at top lines since you want it super thin.

[JoeFrigo]

Thats wild! I won a Hogan driver and fairway last year also. The driver really impressed me and was very low spin! The fairway I got rid of with in days. Had the same shaft as the driver but heavier and it was 50 yards shorter than my m6 3w last year. Tried a new shaft and was just as bad. I wonder if the loft was off or something cuz I hit moon shots with the Hogan fairway

 

but yea Jason is a great dude. I live an hour and a half away so he let me come in last year and try all the clubs. Very very nice man who truly wants to get you the best product that fits you.... Plus with their guarantee performance policy you cant go wrong. Im thinking of ordering the black 639's now

[jrhart13]

Appreciate the feedback, that's good info. Does anyone know if Sub 70 is open to doing half-sets or otherwise custom configurations (ie. 3, 6, 8, PW).

[Myherobobhope]

From talking to Jason, they also have some other shaft options... Great guys to work with!

[Springsteennut]

i can’t speak for the others. I have bought from Sub 70 and it’s been an excellent experience. Jason really is great to work with. I’ve been to their location and hit most everything they sell. Really good stuff.

[Myherobobhope]

Did you ever pull the trigger? I’m buying a 5 iron from them tomorrow to fill a gap and get a feel for their clubs.

[jrhart13]

Still figuring it out -- I'm also in college so trying to figure out optimal price to set ratio. I think Sub70 is the clear winner here though and all the things above were good to hear.

[Myherobobhope]

Sub70 should build a half set if that’s what you want... they’ve been very responsive and helpful with me.

[jrhart13]

That's what I was thinking, something like 3,6,8,PW,SW or along those lines.