FORGED PLAYERS CAVITY BACKS COMPARED: CB-44 VS P7MC VS ZX7 MK II VS PRO 243.

Shopping for a forged players cavity back usually comes down to a short list. The TaylorMade P7MC, the Srixon ZX7 Mk II and the Mizuno Pro 243 are on most of them. We built the Parks CB-44 to sit in that same group, so here's how they line up on paper, what the big brands do well, and where we fit.

What these four have in common

All four are one piece forged cavity backs. None of them are cast, and none of them use a hollow body or an insert. That matters because it means the feel and the build start from the same place: a forged carbon steel head with weight moved out toward the edges of the head to help on off center strikes.

They also share a similar set makeup. Each one is sold as a 4 through PW set, seven clubs. And the 7 irons are close in loft and length, so you're not comparing a players iron to a distance iron with jacked lofts.

The numbers side by side

Competitor specs and prices come from each brand's website and authorized retailers, and may change. All trademarks belong to their owners. Parks Golf is not affiliated with these brands.

Reading the table

Loft. Three of the four have a 32 degree 7 iron. The P7MC is a touch weaker at 34 degrees, which tends to mean a little higher and a little shorter with the same swing.

Offset. This is where the shapes differ most. The P7MC has the least offset at 2.1mm, the Pro 243 has the most at 3.1mm, and the CB-44 and ZX7 Mk II sit in the middle. Less offset usually looks cleaner at address to better players. A bit more can help square the face. Neither is right or wrong, it's about what you like looking down at.

Length. All four are 37 inches in the 7 iron except the Pro 243 at 37.25. Any fitter can adjust length, so treat this as a starting point.

Material. All four use soft carbon steel, which is what gives forged irons their feel and lets them be bent for loft and lie. The CB-44 is forged from S20C and then CNC milled. The Pro 243 also uses chromoly in the 4 through 7 irons.

Price. This is the big gap. The CB-44 full set is $699.99. The others run $1,199.99 to $1,399.99, so the CB-44 is about half the price.

What the big brands do well

It's worth being straight about this. The major brands have real advantages.

Their irons are played on tour, and that testing and feedback loop is hard to match. They have huge fitting networks, so you can walk into a shop almost anywhere and hit a fitting cart. You can pick from a long list of shafts and grips at no upcharge or a small one. And they hold resale value well, so if you change sets in a couple of years you'll get a good chunk back.

If those things matter most to you, one of those three is a good choice.

Where Parks fits

We make the CB-44 the same way: one piece forged, S20C carbon steel, CNC milled. We sell direct instead of through retail shops, which is the main reason the price is lower. We don't use cheaper materials or skip steps to get there.

Full sets come built with our Parks Tour 120 stiff steel shaft and a Parks Tour 360 grip. If you already work with a fitter, you can order heads only and have them build the set with whatever shaft and grip you choose. Heads only are $449.99.

And since you can't walk into a store and hit one, full sets come with the Parks Promise. You can test the 7 iron for 30 days before you commit to the rest of the set.

Who should buy which

Buy a P7MC, ZX7 Mk II or Pro 243 if you want to be fit in person at a local shop, you want the widest shaft menu without building your own, or you expect to trade in or resell the set down the road.

Buy the CB-44 if you want a one piece forged players cavity back with specs in the same range and you'd rather spend the difference on a fitting, a wedge or a season of range balls. It's also a good fit if you have a club builder you trust and want heads only.

If you strike it well and want even less help, look at our MB-99 blade instead.

You can see the full CB-44 specs and set options on the CB-44 page.

FAQ

Is the CB-44 a good P7MC alternative?

On paper it's close. Both are one piece forged carbon steel cavity backs with a 37 inch 7 iron. The CB-44 has a stronger 7 iron loft (32 vs 34 degrees) and a bit more offset (2.7mm vs 2.1mm). The CB-44 full set is $699.99 compared to $1,299.99.

Are there good forged irons under $1,000?

Yes. The CB-44 is a one piece forged S20C cavity back, and the full set is $699.99. Of the four in this comparison, it's the only one under $1,000. Heads only are $449.99 if you'd rather have your fitter build them.

Can I get the CB-44 fit to me?

You can order heads only and have your fitter or club builder build them with the shaft and grip you choose. Carbon steel can also be bent for loft and lie.

What if I don't like it?

Full sets include the Parks Promise. Hit the 7 iron for 30 days, and if the set isn't for you, send the whole set back for a full refund.