LA Golf CB-26 Irons deals
LA Golf is a brand that often feels shrouded in a bit of mystery. Known primarily for its high-end shafts and driver face design, it has cultivated a reputation for forward-thinking, sometimes radical innovation. Because of this, I was intrigued to see how it would tackle a product category as steeped in tradition as the player’s cavity back iron.
Its journey into hardware has been interesting to watch. We know LA Golf worked extensively with Bryson DeChambeau on some prototype “curved face” irons to rival the Avoda irons he has been playing for a couple of years, and while the “Scientist” put them through their paces, they never quite made it into his competition setup before a well-publicised parting of ways.
(Image credit: Future)
However, the more traditional MB and CB models have clearly struck a chord with Sergio Garcia, who has been spotted testing and gaming a combo set of both.
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Sitting in the bag, the shelf appeal of the LA Golf CB-26 is undeniable. Forged from 1020 carbon steel, the CBs feature a gorgeous premium matte finish that reduces glare and looks very high-end. The visible weight port in the back cavity gives off a strong industrial vibe, reminiscent of the classic Callaway Apex CBs, which is meant as a definite compliment in my book.
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4-Iron(Image credit: Future)
7-Iron(Image credit: Future)
Pitching Wedge(Image credit: Future)
At the address, the club presents a profile that demands good ball striking. You get a fairly thin, rolled topline and minimal offset that frames the ball beautifully. However, I did find the toe profile slightly jarring. To my eye, the toe protrudes a bit too aggressively, creating a somewhat angular aesthetic rather than the soft, curved transition back to the topline that I usually prefer to see.
It’s a subjective critique – and perhaps I’m being overly fussy – but it’s a distinct visual trait that some may love, and others, such as myslef may question.
Strike the ball out of the middle of the CBs, and the sensation offers a good, solid thud. It is certainly not firm, but it doesn’t quite possess that deep, melting softness you get from the absolute best-in-class forgings like the Mizuno Pro S3 or the TaylorMade P7CB. It’s a “business-like” feel – crisp, direct, and honest.
(Image credit: Future)
In terms of data, the results are exactly what you would anticipate from a classically lofted forged cavity iron (the 7-iron sits at a fairly traditional 33°). Nothing jumps off the page in terms of distance, but that isn’t the point of this club.
What is fascinating is how closely the CB-26 mirrors the performance of its sibling, the MB-26. The feel and flight characteristics are almost identical, which may explain why Sergio Garcia found it so easy to blend them.
(Image credit: Future)
During my testing, the only discernible differences were a marginally (and I do mean minuscule) higher launch angle from the CB, and, if I am really clutching at straws, perhaps a touch more ball speed retention on mishits.
However, it is difficult to quantify the latter definitively, as no two mishits are created equal, and there is often a “placebo effect” of confidence when switching from a blade to a cavity back.
(Image credit: Future)
Where this iron truly separates itself is in the build quality and components. I am a huge fan of the weight ports allowing swing weight adjustments exactly where they should be – behind the strike. This avoids the need for tip weights, which can alter the CG or the application of unsightly lead tape.
Additionally, the stock shaft offering is tremendous. I tested the L-Series 120i graphite model in 5 flex (X-Stiff), and the stability was hugely impressive.
I’ve conducted several ‘What’s In The Bag’ interviews over the past few years where players have been using the L-Series shafts, and it has now become clear why. It offers the tight dispersion of steel with the vibration-dampening qualities of graphite, making for a potent combination.
(Image credit: Future)
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my testing time with the LA Golf CB-26 irons.
They offer a unique blend of “standard” design and modern material application. If you are in the market for a new player’s iron and want a departure from the usual suspects – without sacrificing the ability to build a precise, custom-weighted set – these are absolutely worth a test.
LA Golf CB-26 Irons: Price Comparison