The Adams Idea CB2 Irons are the latest in moderate game improvement irons from the company that has made their mark on the industry with the hybrid/iron combination set. The CB2 is a deviation from this formula with no hybrids offered with the set so that the player is able to choose which of the several different models of hybrids that Adams offers to complete the set.

The CB2 iron set has many of the same design elements of the CB1 irons, but with some added forgiveness built into them for the slightly less accomplished ball striker. They are form forged from 8620 carbon steel which is a slightly firmer steel than is used in a majority of other forgings. They have the same footprint as the a4 Forged set that was introduced a couple of seasons ago, a moderately larger head size and deeper cavity for added stability through impact. There are two stabilizing pads on the lower perimeter of the cavity to both increase moment of inertia and lower the center of gravity of the iron. The slightly wider sole provides a measure of forgiveness on shots hit a little fat, the club will not dig into the turf immediately to prevent the five or ten yard shot that always gets a great response from your buddies in the group. Despite the mid-sized width of the sole, it is cambered four ways to minimize the drag through the ground for less energy loss at impact. The progressive offset through the set provides control with the shorter clubs while offering enhanced playability with the longer clubs. The slightly thicker pad behind the center of the face provides vibration dampening for enhanced feel and sound that will give the player a tour level amount of feedback at impact. The stock shaft offering in steel is the KBS 90 shaft, a slightly lighter weight version of the very popular KBS Tour shaft that has been a big hit on tour. These irons also have the same Nickel-Chromium plating that is on the CB1 and Pro MB irons that has drawn a great deal of positive feedback from consumers.

The first thing that I noticed when hitting a few shots with the 6 iron on the range was that the KBS 90 shaft gave the club a lighter feel. I figure that the lighter shafts provide a slight increase in club head speed which created a three to five yard distance increase per club versus a heavier shafted iron. The slightly larger profile versus the Pro MB irons, which I am currently using and the CB1 set that I am trying to work into the bag did catch my attention and was a bit off putting to me. I could sense that a player would gain a measure of confidence when looking down at these, not a huge amount of offset and the top line is not as thick as some of the other clubs that are out on the market. The ball flight was noticeably higher than the other two sets that I mentioned, but not a ballooning flight that loses distance. I found it a little tough to hit a lower flighted shot, but it was not terribly difficult to shape the ball right or left. The feel off of the face was a little firmer than the Mizuno MX300, but softer than the Nike VR Full Cavity or Titleist AP1 (both cast clubs) that are similar in target player group. Personally, I did not like that I was able to see the back of the cavity at address on the 4 and 5 irons, but that is a personal preference of mine and is a result of playing blades for so long. I have played the Pro MB irons which have the same black finish as these irons and was pleasantly surprised with the durability of the finish.

This iron is designed for the player who is a fairly consistent ball striker, but has some days where it deserts them. They are a very good option for a player who is looking to move from a super game improvement iron to a game improvement iron that will challenge them while still enhancing their game to a moderate level.

Recommended: Yes