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As a topline story, the Proto Concept C03TC is a relatively compact cavity back iron that sits beautifully in the middle ground between a traditional blade and a power-jacked players’ distance iron.
Packed with high-quality materials and clever technological features, it is designed to elevate playability for the mid-to-low handicapper, so let’s see if it can hold its own against some of the best irons in the game.
(Image credit: Future)
From a technology standpoint, Proto Concept has utilized 3D CAD design to optimize the center of gravity for each specific loft. The most notable and visible tech feature is the CNC-milled undercut cavity present in the 4- to 7-irons.
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This precisely machined channel varies in depth, width, and angle depending on the club, effectively lowering the CG to help launch longer shots effortlessly. The shorter scoring irons intentionally forgo this undercut to deliver a flatter, more controlled flight.
The entire set is forged in Japan from premium S20C carbon steel, providing a pure, single-piece construction.
(Image credit: Future)
Looks-wise, the C03TC is undeniably attractive from the back angle.
The smart, understated branding avoids being too ‘in your face,’ and for some reason I really enjoyed the visual of the little CNC undercut cavity.
While I am not normally a fan of blending finishes on iron clubheads (as anyone who regularly reads my iron reviews will know), the combination of chrome, brushed steel, and matte elements is executed subtly here, and is actually genuinely additive to the premium feel.
The head shape in isolation is stunning – featuring a lovely curved toe, nicely balanced blade length, and a relatively straight leading edge that frames the ball beautifully.
(Image credit: Future)
However, it’s certainly worth noting the visual offset.
Because of how the leading edge transitions into the hosel, to me the club visually appears to have more offset than it actually does (and the 7-iron possesses a fairly hefty 3.9mm of face progression to start with).
Offset has almost become a bit of a dirty word in the iron game of late, with many people associating its presence with game-improvement-style design, but in reality it is a look and a feature that many of the world’s very best players seek out to manage the timing of their strike, start lines, and actually just visual preference.
There is a long list of top, top players who demand as much offset as possible, including Adam Scott, Cameron Young and Bernhard Langer.
In this instance, because of that, the profile is one that some players will absolutely love, but one that will potentially alienate others who prefer the leading edge and hosel to match up a little more.
(Image credit: Future)
Performance-wise, the feel off the nickel-chrome plated face is beautifully soft, undeniably providing that quintessential high-quality forged sensation.
I had briefly wondered if the undercut channel might diminish the solidity of strike in any way, but absolutely not. Impact sensation is every bit as dense and responsive as category leaders such as the Mizuno Pro S3.
Through the turf, the C03TC features quite an aggressive sole geometry. While there isn’t much bounce in play – which could, in some instances, cause steeper deliveries to struggle slightly on entry to the turf – the relative width of the sole softens that minimal bounce, making it surprisingly playable.
Furthermore, the trail edge relief grinding ensures that the exit from the turf is exceptionally smooth.
(Image credit: Future)
With the 7-iron coming in at 32˚, it covers a nice territory between more traditional blades at around 34˚ and some of the more ‘loft-jacked’ players’ distance irons that can come in sub-30˚.
At £257 per iron, these are very much premium-price-tag irons. Golfers will have to make up their own minds as to whether they see enough performance to drag them away from more familiar names and brands, but I can absolutely testify to the exceptional build quality and world-class feel.
If you are a mid-low handicap player who looks for a good bit of offset and wants an exotic iron option that won’t look like a carbon copy of your friends’ bags, the Proto Concept C03TC is a really strong option.
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