Hi Kabbott! I just recently got into the Maltby craze and although a bit older than you (45), share a similar handicap (4.9). I was a low single digit before kids… then hovered at about an 8 for a lot of years… now back playing more.
I have really engaged in the DTC brands, Sub70, New Level, MacGregor in the past 6 years. This is two fold as I enjoy tinkering and the Head only options from DTC allow me to test and try at an affordable price and in 2025, technology is allowing DTC to be extremely competitive with some DTC brands touching major tours.
Obviously, everything is personal preference but I can share my own experience.
I started this whole thing with a 7 iron TS3 in pearl finish. I agree with the size thought process, however, the damn thing was so easy to hit. If you get deep into some threads… there is talk that it likes to go left… but, I haven’t experienced that any more than other stuff.
I then got a TS4 7 iron, Gap wedge and DRT S 56 and the Utility in the 3 iron.
The reason specifically for the clubs was that I had extra shafts so I could test 1:1 on a launch monitor.
I hit the TS4 7 iron well, but not as well as the ts3. The gap wedge and 56 I have been thoroughly impressed with. The Utility is a rocket launcher.
My most recent move was getting the black finish in the ts3 8 iron to try. Again, hit it outstanding, but, the thing I noticed was that the black really minimized the look of the ts3.
I haven’t hit the te+ but I am sure you won’t go wrong. I would second Ryan’s response that the ability and affordability to test and try things.
My plan is to blend the TS4 and the TS3 with a 1 degree bend… I’m just not sure if I am weakening the TS3 or strengthening the TS4… but, either way, I would let you know that the TS4 are very forgiving…
My humble opinion is that the Maltby price and lineup allow players from all abilities from low singles to high handicap to enjoy the game at a outstanding price without sacrificing anything.
You’ll likely get a more in-depth response from others and Britt, but from my understanding they are all going to play similarly for a low hcp golfer and to get the head that appeals to you the most. I’d fall into the high hcp range and ordered a 6 iron KE4 Max, TS3 and TS3.5. On the SIM the TS3.5 seems to be the way I’m leaning but want to hit them off grass before making the call. Could be worth experimenting with a couple clubs to decide, then sell the ones you don’t choose. That’s my plan.