Iron AP1 vs AP2

Hi Allen. My handicap factor is 13.8 and like you I play 3 - 4 times per week. I am on my second set of AP2's - started with them in '09 and upgraded to 714's two years ago.

The initial impression for me was how the club looked - the AP2 just gave me more confidence standing there at address. Looking at my notes from '09 I see that once past the looks I went for the AP2 because I felt the turf interaction was more to my liking and the club provided more workability - a draw was much easier. I also was impressed by the feedback from the AP2 - I didn't have to almost miss the ball to get feedback that it was a toe hit.

When I upgraded to the 714's I still preferred the look of the AP2's over the AP1 but I was hard-pressed to notice a difference in turf interaction. I still found the AP2 had the edge in workability and feedback. My fitter at the time suggested a mixed set - AP1 for the 5&6 iron and then AP2 for the 7-PW but I opted to go with straight AP2's principally based on the feedback I got from the club.

I haven't seen the 716's yet but I am sure that Titleist has refined the two lines even more so that some of the differences I found are probably blurred even more now.

I hope my comments help. Good Luck with your search !

Mike M

Thank you Mike

Hi Allen, I'd go with the AP2's personally. I had a set of AP1's and then last year I switched to AP2's and my handicap went down 2! Great irons and great feel and they are still a bit forgiving. You'll know after you've hit both what's best for you but for the extra $$ it will cost to go with the AP2's it's well worth it. Good Luck!

Stephen, Thank you Allen

Hi Allen.
I play to 0 handicap and had been playing 710 MBs. I switched to the new 716 AP2 and love them. I think at a 12 handicap with the proper shaft you will be very thrilled how they feel and play. The AP1 may feel good also but you should see what the numbers say and if its close choose the AP2. you will learn to hit them and may improve ball striking because of the feel.
hope that helps.
Cheers,
James G

Hi Allen,

I guess there are a few things to consider. For what it is worth, and not knowing what irons you currently play, you really won't go wrong with either the AP1s or the AP2s.

A large part of the process involves getting fitted as you have indicated. If you do it at the Regional Fitting Centre at Northview, you will get lots of different shaft options to test out. Kathy, the lead fitter, has great tools for you to sample, and she uses the Trackman to also provide you with data feedback on the various shaft/head combinations.

If you see yourself as progressing towards a single digit handicap and appreciate the feel of the forged club, then you may prefer the AP2. If you see yourself as someone who wants to play, appreciates the confidence of playing a strong iron with good "forgiveness" then perhaps the AP1 is the better choice.

Playing either the AP1 or the AP2 is not an all or none proposition -- you can be a single digit handicapper with the AP1 and you can be a double digit handicapper with the forged AP2. It will come down to your personal preference -- do you like the feel and ball flight characteristics of the forged clubs vs. the extra forgiveness and good distance of the AP1.

The fitting process will allow you to test the various shafts with their launch characteristics so that you can find the combination that best suits your desires.

For me, I went with the AP2's (714 version). I committed to practicing more and getting the most out of them. I love the feel factor (a sweetly struck ball with a forged club is delightful), and I love the ability to shape my shots - not to mention that the AP2's are delightful to look down at address.

They may not be as long as the AP1's but I am at a stage where I prefer the ability to get a more consistent ball flight/trajectory and ability to hit consistent distances with minimal deviation in dispersion (provided I put a similar swing on the ball).

Regardless Allen -- enjoy the process! Take the time to discuss options and alternatives with your fitter. Know your criteria before you go in and have fun!

D.

Allen...
When I had my fitting I ended up with the AP1's. The change from my previous TM products was quite amazing. Most likely a combination of the fact I upgraded my technology by 7 years, moved to Titleist, and had a proper fitting. I got the 712's when they first came out, and still play them today. I am now a single digit (bounce between 5 & 6) and play between 3 and 4 times per week. Of course that is only once the snow is gone :)
In my opinion, once you go for your fitting, let the numbers and the feel tell you which is correct for you. Remember that both the AP1's and AP2's can be perfect clubs and the selection will be affected significantly by your shaft choices. Most importantly do NOT make you selection simply because one is supposed to be more "professional" than another. There were a number of tour pro's that used the AP1's and the AP2's in their bags and had success with both. That is how good the clubs are !
Darius

Hi Allen,
How did the testing go?
Did you make a decision on AP1 or AP2?
We're curious to know. Please don't hesitate to let us know if you have any other questions.

Cheers,
Mitch D