With subtle yet distinctive changes to their multi-material irons, Titleist is staying true to its serious golfer roots by making irons that looks and feel great, sound amazing, and instill confidence that every golfer is looking for. New this Fall, AP1 and AP2 irons offer you a choice in blade size, forgiveness, flight and performance.
The AP1 is the larger of the two blades and offer the most forgiveness. It has turned heads with its new and improved look and exceptional distance control.
To enhance ball flight, Titleist has a progressive CG (center of gravity) that varies from lower in long irons to higher in short irons – that creates higher launching long irons and flatter launching short irons for better carry distance with outstanding control. Mid and short iron lofts have been strengthened 1° to flatten out ball flight and retain appropriate green stopping ability in long irons.
Forgiveness is increased through a deep undercut, dual cavity design with high density tungsten weights. This technology maintains optimum ball speeds across the face, which means better distance control.
The sole on the AP1 long irons is wider than previous models to lower cg and improve turf interaction. In short irons the sole has been narrowed to enhance versatility in all kinds of turf. All the irons have a pre-worn leading edge for smooth turf interaction. Cosmetic changes include a slightly beveled top line with a satin polish and a bright polish cavity for a superior look.
The new AP2 players iron may be one of the cleanest and most attractive irons on the market today. Not only does it look the part, but it plays the part with improved distance and flight control. For Titleist, the name of the game is precision which means controlling trajectory and distanceto stop the ball as near the pin as possible. AP2’s also carrying the advanced CG height progression to create amazing distance control. The advanced CG height progression makes the long irons easier to carry specific distances and the thicker face on the short irons creates a flatter more penetrating flight for maximum distance control.
Similar to the AP1’s, AP2’s feature a dual cavity design but differ in the placement of the high density tungsten weights in the heel and toe. The weight distribution creates a higher MOI (moment of inertia) which will help promote consistent speed on miss hits for better distance control.
In the last few years, there has been an increased focus on iron distance with some other irons strengthen lofts to produce distance at the expense of trajectory. New Advanced Performance irons offer increased distance while maintaining long iron flight and green stopping ability..
In the Cluboratory, we tested the NEW 714 AP’s against the 712’susing TRACKMAN launch monitors. Tests were done with 6 irons and same steel shafts. Based on the testing done in the Cluboratory here are a few noteworthy points:
- Ball speeds are greater with 714 AP1 over 712 AP1 while AP2’s are similar
- The NEW 714 AP’s both have lower spin characteristics over the 712 AP line
- 714 AP1 tends to launch higher than 712 AP1 with lower spin for greater distance
- 714 AP2 promotes lower ball flight with less spin to appeal to the stronger player
Here are the detailed results:
AVG. | Club Speed | Ball Speed | Launch Angle | Spin Rate | Smash Factor | Carry Distance |
714 AP1 6i | 94.2 mph | 130.5 mph | 13.6 deg | 6538 rpm | 1.39 | 186.6 yd |
712 AP1 6i | 96.6 mph | 131.7 mph | 12.7 deg | 6669 rpm | 1.36 | 185.7 yd |
AVG. | Club Speed | Ball Speed | Launch Angle | Spin Rate | Smash Factor | Carry Distance |
714 AP2 6i | 96.1 mph | 129.7 mph | 13.9 deg | 6821 rpm | 1.35 | 180.1 yd |
712 AP2 6i | 95.6 mph | 128.8 mph | 14.2 deg | 7222 rpm | 1.35 | 176.5 yd |
*Note: results may vary depending on individual’s club speed and angle
In conclusion, Titleist continues to bring innovative, high quality and high performance irons with each release. Using a two-year product lifecycle allows their R&D team time to work with their tour players to refine and improve products with each and every product release.
These irons are guaranteed to keep the Titleist junky satisfied while appealing to the full spectrum of serious golfers. Be sure to call us to schedule a fitting and experience these irons first-hand.