More of the 710 Series Irons from Titleist
Posted August 7th, 2009 by Erik J. Barzeski
From the range of the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational, we bring you a sneak peek at the new 710 Series irons from Titleist.
A few days ago we gave you a sneak peek at Titleist's upcoming 710 Series of irons: the CB, MB, AP1, and AP2.
Today, we present our own images, from the range at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational in Akron, OH, as well as some video. Enjoy.
Let's start with the AP1, a club that was perhaps under-valued by golfers in the 8-18 handicap range. Titleist really feels that the 710 Series AP1 is going to be a great club for those golfers. Given my experience with the club, I'd tend to agree. Titleist has made some great improvements to the AP1, but the question remains: does the bogey golfer think that all Titleist clubs are for the low handicappers? Will Titleist's "For Skilled Players" reputation continue to dampen sales of the forgiving, game-improvement AP1?
Here's a look at AP1 at address, followed by an image of the cavity and some shots comparing AP1 to the new AP2.
The 710 Series AP1 features a thinner topline and a bit less offset than the current AP1.
Here's a good look at the AP1's cavities. Note the notch and the new heel-toe weighting.
The AP1 and AP2 both see the addition of a full-cavity plastic ring to create a buttery feel.
The AP2 (left) and AP1 clubfaces. The AP1's blade length is a bit shorter in the 710 Series.
The AP2 (left) and AP1 toes (and my reflection). Note the differences in bounce between the two.
The stabilizing "arms" aren't really all that thick, but they have a tremendous effect on feel.
Two more shots of the cavity sand the arms. They're equally small in AP1 and add a little "coolness" to the clubs in addition to the more buttery feel.
The Titleist 710 Series AP2, CB, and MB at address. AP2 isn't much thicker than even the MBs!
Titleist's 710 Series MB, CB, and AP2 (L to R) as seen from the toes. Note the sole thickness on each.
In the clubface image, I bet you can't tell which is which. And finally, one last look at CB and MB.
For those wondering about blended sets of the CB and the MB, that won't be quite as easy as with previous generations. The lofts on the CB and MB are the same (previous generations had stronger-lofted cavity back models), so the CB launches a little higher and with a bit more spin than the corresponding MB iron. Golfers may need to do some set tuning or loft bending in order to blend CB long irons with MB short irons.
One final note: as with the previous generation of clubs - AP1, AP2, ZM, and ZB - these clubs conform to the new groove rule going into effect on January 1, 2010 for professional golfers and for serious amateurs on January 1, 2014. You won't need to buy new irons just to conform to the rules.
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Expressed opinions are not necessarily the opinions shared by others on The Sand Trap or The Sand Trap itself.
Posted 07 Aug 2009 at 3:26pm #
Nice looking clubs. Thanks for these pics!
Vimeo is a nice platform, too.
Posted 07 Aug 2009 at 3:43pm #
Oh boy.....
Posted 07 Aug 2009 at 8:46pm #
ok...I think my wallet is about to take a hit. These AP2's look like exactly what I've been looking for...time to pull the trigger
Posted 08 Aug 2009 at 12:58pm #
I wonder if they will still look 5 yrs old after a month of use like the first generation AP1.................?
Posted 09 Aug 2009 at 12:32am #
I wonder if project x will be stock??
in all of them??
Posted 10 Aug 2009 at 6:52am #
Looking at those AP1s makes me wonder when did Callaway gain control of Titleist....?
Posted 10 Aug 2009 at 11:31am #
Billy said on August 10, 2009:
Well, Titleist is really pleased with the way the AP1 came out. I hit the first generation and they feel a lot better than any of Callaway's GI irons, and these offer even better feel with a bit more forgiveness and thinner lines.
Posted 10 Aug 2009 at 11:59am #
How would these compare to say, the Mizuno MP-52s? I currently play the Ping I3+ and am looking at new irons. I've recently become an 8 handicap player. There are so many good sets of irons out there now that it's hard to decide.
Posted 10 Aug 2009 at 1:00pm #
Cinco said on August 10, 2009:
Obviously, I haven't had a chance to hit the 710s yet, but I'd expect them to be a little less forgiving and more workable than the MP-52s. To me, the decision for any player in the upper single digits (or close) is whether to go with a more forgiving club to maximize mis-hits or a slightly more demanding club to optimize feedback and reduce mis-hits. Part of it is certainly how much practice you put in, but it's also about whether you get joy from a well-hit shot, or only from the score on the card. The 52s are decidedly on the forgiveness end of the scale, but may mask some less-than-stellar contact. You can read my full review of the MP-52s in the Reviews section of The Sandtrap.
Posted 11 Aug 2009 at 7:41am #
Very cool preview. I especially like the video - did you record that with a 5d mkII?
Posted 11 Aug 2009 at 4:48pm #
This is obvious proof that Titleist has a niche market… who doesn't know this? They own a reputation that any number of club making companies would love to be known for: they are the "players choice." Why would they expect any different outcome on the sale of the AP1s than the one they got? Better yet, why do they want a taste of the grass on the other side of the fence? I know, I know… profits look good to any executive, and how can we maximize our exposure in all levels of the market?? Please…
In their defense, the AP1 is not a thick soled gaudy looking thing… hell, it's probably not as easy to hit for a 20+ handicapper as some other clubs. But, in most "Titleist-for-life" eyes it was a step into the Busch Leagues.
TITLEIST, you haven't made a mistake with the AP1s… my old man loves them. But you don't need the sales data to tell you what you already know… you make "serious clubs for serious golfers." By the way, the 710 MBs are going in my bag asap… good step in the right direction
Posted 11 Aug 2009 at 8:24pm #
Really like the look of the new CB's and will see if they can finally put my old, battered MP32's into retirement
Posted 12 Aug 2009 at 2:32am #
Scott said on August 11, 2009:
I agree with Scotty. I think Titleist has done a nice job of sticking to what they do best... these are still irons for the better player. It's nice to see a blend of technology and looks. They've got Cobra to handle the game improvement market.
Posted 29 Aug 2009 at 8:59pm #
Just a thought - I am playing with a set of Hogan Apex bought new in 2003, which I like. Playing to a 1 handicap, and the group of guys I play with have suggested that even though I can play with forged, muscle back irons, technology has advanced and I should really consider a cavity back blade like the AP2. So, reading a few articles on the clubs, and all looks good, hit a few 6 irons (ap2's) at my club today, and like them, and it is obvious that these are workable, great feel, and more forgiving on offcenter hits. Our pro mentioned that the new sets are coming out, and I may want to wait (he was just trying to give me all the info that may influence my decision). Doing research on the new series, and I get to the last line in this article, about grooves. I dont understand the groove thing, but my general understanding, pro's are going to play with grooves that spin the ball less out of the rough....good for them, but I like spinning the ball out of the rough. For this reason, am I better off buying the current version to get the more aggressive grooves. I only play the club championship, no amatuer tournaments that would restrict my play. Thoughts...I think I am better off with old grooves, not new grooves.
Posted 30 Aug 2009 at 8:49am #
I'm pretty sure that The current AP2's have the new grooves as well.
Posted 31 Aug 2009 at 11:17am #
Rudygu said on August 30, 2009:
Yes, which is why the article concludes by saying:
Posted 31 Aug 2009 at 11:57am #
Thanks...I need to do a little research to understand the impact of the new groove rules. I guess the question is, will an older model club, with the old groove setup be better for a low handicap amateur than newer models with less aggressive grooves?
Posted 03 Sep 2009 at 12:33am #
do you have any of the specs for these irons
Posted 04 Sep 2009 at 10:09pm #
I've been hitting Titeist irons for 15 years now. I'm an 18 handicap
and I love my 735 cm 6 iron and my 704 8 and 9 irons. I have the 804 7 iron the 731PM 3ron and the 704 4 iron. I have a Hogan game inprovement 5 iron now but next year I'm going to order the new 710 CB 5 iron. Am I a crazy left handed hacker, you ask? Yes I am but trust me fellow hackers, you need to step it up and get these Titleist "Players" irons. Okay, I'll admit they take some time getting used to however once you get used to them you'll never go back to game improvement clubs ever.
Now, my friend the scratch golfer just bought the Mizuno MP 52's and he loves them. Another new players club is the Ping i15's which if I was to switch irons I would go with Ping but I think Titleist irons are the best of the best.
And my Vokey 56 sand wedge? Forget about it, it's the best club in my bag.
Well, keep on hacking in the free world.
Festus
Posted 28 Sep 2009 at 12:40am #
I wonder if they will allow one to buy say 3-5 in an AP2 and 6-PW in the MBs??? Tired of Titleist full set purchase requirements.......
Posted 02 Oct 2009 at 11:23am #
Titleist stated to me that the only existing clubs they manufacture that do not conform to the new groove requirements are their Vokey Design Wedges.
Posted 13 Oct 2009 at 10:23pm #
How about the 755's which I play (and love, but I might be tempted by the AP2's) Do they conform? If not then I guess Steve Stricker will be switching over soon..