EPON AF-Tour CB Iron Review
Recently, I had the chance to test this golf club.
The club I tested was the EPON AF-Tour CB Iron, 7-iron model.
The shaft is the N.S.PRO MODUS3 TOUR120.
Loft: 33 degrees
Club Length: 36.75 inches
Shaft Flex: S
Shaft Weight: 114g
Balance: D1.5
Kick Point: Mid-high
Club Total Weight: 425g
This is EPON’s stylish new iron.
EPON’s clubs are all beautiful and of high quality, providing a visual treat every time.
For a golf club, “beauty” and “quality of craftsmanship” are integral aspects of performance.
Looking at this iron, I found myself captivated by its beauty.
It’s a standard cavity-back iron.
While “pocket cavity” and “undercut cavity” designs dominated the market for some time, standard cavity-backs like this are now more common.
High-tech irons are impressive achievements of innovation and engineering, but I find myself drawn to the appeal of this classic style.
Its size is standard, and there doesn’t seem to be any external weighting or multi-material construction.
The back face design is simple yet stylish, and I thought the designer had excellent taste.
The depth of engraving is standard, and the sole has enough thickness to suggest a reasonably low center of gravity.
Although modern irons often use external weighting to achieve a low center of gravity, this iron exudes a “pure low CG” reminiscent of classic designs.
The top line is standard and sharp rather than rounded.
A top line’s appearance significantly influences the visual setup at address. This iron’s design instills confidence.
The sole width is standard and exudes a good balance.
The sole is a critical contact point, and its design needs to inspire confidence in clean turf interaction. This iron gives the impression of cutting smoothly through the grass.
The neck is slightly shorter, but this seems to be the standard nowadays.
The sole features a gentle curvature, striking a balance between flat and highly rounded designs.
This shape seems consistent with current trends.
The leading edge is slightly ground but not excessively so.
Similarly, the trailing edge shows minimal grinding.
While many modern irons feature aggressive grinding on the leading and trailing edges, this iron keeps things simple—perhaps intentionally.
The face has no milling, maintaining a clean, simple aesthetic.
I’ve always thought that 13 scorelines on a 7-iron face offer the best visual balance. Nowadays, 14 seems to be more common.
When I set up with this iron, I couldn’t help but smile at its beauty.
As expected of EPON, this iron is stunning.
The head isn’t oversized, which makes the ball stand out more, enhancing confidence. Oversized heads can sometimes overshadow the ball, making it feel smaller and harder to control, but this iron naturally instills comfort and assurance.
Those who prefer large or heavily offset irons might find this design less appealing.
Practice swings felt smooth, with just the right weight, making it easy to find a rhythm.
Clubs that are too light can feel unstable, but this iron’s weight strikes an ideal balance. The slight heft makes it easier to leverage gravity for a smoother swing.
Everyone’s preference for weight varies, but many modern clubs are becoming so lightweight that they’re challenging to control.
I found myself increasingly excited to hit balls with this beautifully crafted iron.
I felt genuinely happy and grateful for the opportunity.
I Started Testing
The “feel” at impact was soft and exceptional.
It matched my expectations, providing a satisfying and pleasant sensation.
While hollow irons are gaining popularity, this iron embodies the traditional feel that I think irons should have.
In terms of “launch,” it felt neutral—not overly forgiving across swing speeds, but also not overly demanding.
Unlike many modern irons with strong lofts, this club produced trajectories that matched its appearance at address.
However, I suspect it requires a swing speed of at least 43 mph to perform well.
The “stability” is standard—not overly forgiving but adequately balanced for its category.
The cavity-back design offers reasonable forgiveness without being unnaturally lenient. It provides enough feedback to identify mishits.
The “workability” is outstanding.
This is a clearly manual iron, responding well to both draws and fades. It allows players to trust their natural shot shape.
While not as reactive as a muscle-back, it offers excellent control and adaptability.
The “distance performance” is moderate—slightly leaning toward distance, but not in the realm of modern “distance irons.”
For golfers who value precision over sheer yardage, this club strikes a good balance.
Post-Test Thoughts
This iron is a masterfully crafted, classic design rather than a high-tech marvel.
While innovative, high-tech irons have their place, the timeless appeal of a well-executed classic cannot be overlooked.
As I mentioned earlier, clubs must captivate visually before anything else.
A club that excites you before hitting is truly remarkable, and this iron checks all the boxes.
For those who’ve grown weary of overly forgiving, distance-oriented irons, or who are considering transitioning from stainless steel to forged irons, this is a must-try.
Many golfers find that overly strong-lofted irons compromise their ability to stop shots on the green or control distances precisely. For such players, irons like this could be a game-changer.
Of course, distance irons suit many golfers who enjoy their added forgiveness and yardage.
EPON continues to meet diverse golfer needs, and I’m excited to see how their clubs evolve.
I eagerly look forward to EPON’s future innovations.
☆
Ease of Setup: ☆☆☆☆☆
Feel: ☆☆☆☆☆
Launch: ☆☆☆
Stability: ☆☆☆
Distance Performance: ☆☆☆
Workability: ☆☆☆☆
(Out of 100 points)
☆ 1 = 0–20 points
☆ 2 = 21–40 points
☆ 3 = 41–60 points
☆ 4 = 61–90 points
☆ 5 = 91–100 points
EPON Golf Official Online Shop
EPON AF-Tour CB Iron: A Forged Masterpiece for the Serious Golfer
Elevate Your Game with Precision and Feel
The EPON AF-Tour CB iron is a testament to Japanese craftsmanship and engineering excellence. Designed for the discerning golfer seeking the ultimate in feel, precision, and workability, this forged blade offers a level of performance that is second to none.
Key Features:
Precision Forging: Crafted from a single billet of high-quality carbon steel, the AF-Tour CB offers a soft feel and exceptional feedback.1
1.
Epon Forged Irons AF-Tour CB, AF-Tour CB (Satin) (Japanese)
Compact Blade Design: The compact blade design with minimal offset provides a classic look and promotes a high level of workability.
Progressive Muscle Back: The strategically placed muscle back provides stability and forgiveness without sacrificing feel or control.
Tour-Inspired Shaping: The shaping of the AF-Tour CB is inspired by the demands of professional golfers, offering a tour-proven performance.
Why Choose the EPON AF-Tour CB?
Unparalleled Feel: Experience a soft and responsive feel that inspires confidence on every shot.
Precision Control: The compact blade design and progressive muscle back provide exceptional control and workability.
Versatility: The AF-Tour CB is suitable for a wide range of golfers and course conditions.
Timeless Style: The classic design and premium materials make the AF-Tour CB a timeless addition to any golfer’s bag.
Consider a Custom Fitting
To ensure the perfect fit for your game, we recommend scheduling a custom fitting with an EPON-certified fitter. A custom fitting will help you determine the optimal shaft, grip, and lie angle to maximize the potential of the AF-Tour CB.
