Titleist AP1 Irons Review
Posted May 9th, 2008 by Alan Olson
Do you aspire to be a become a better golfer? Then Titleist has some irons for you.
To say the buzz about the AP1 and AP2 irons from Titleist is loud is an understatement of quite some size. I cannot recall a product release in the last couple of years that generated the amount of interest, comments, feedback and questions from Sand Trap readers and forum members as these groundbreaking, technology-infused irons from the traditionally traditional Titleist.
Between our announcement of the 2008 lineup, Erik's field test and his AP2 review, we've received well hundreds of comments and questions. Add this to the amount of discussion and buzz in our forum and it's really quite remarkable the excitement these irons have generated.
We're going to focus on the AP1 irons for this review, which Titleist says is for the "skilled and aspiring" golfer. What is an "aspiring golfer"? While I would say all golfers are aspiring to some degree, I think the AP1 are designed for those of us who are in the double-digit handicap range. We show flashes of our golfing potential, but still have an evolving golf swing that could use a little forgiveness while still providing feedback to help us improve. Thus, perhaps we "aspire" a wee bit more than the guy who plays once a month.
Read on to find out this aspiring golfer thinks about these "sure-don't-look-like-Titleists" irons.
Design and Technology
Developing an iron that maintains the coveted "Titleist feel" yet is forgiving enough for us double-digit handicap golfers is a tall order. That Titleist claims to have done so is nothing short of remarkable. The dual cavity and multi-material design are a radical departure from anything Titleist has made in the past and have been designed with one key bit of player feedback at the forefront: feel.
The Advanced Performance (AP)1 irons are cast from 431 stainless steel and feature a tungsten nickel box that is laser welded to the body and is located in the back and sole of the iron. It covers the lower cavity and is designed to keep weight lower while giving players both good feel and added forgiveness. This lower center of gravity gives players a higher launch angle with more ball speed and what Titleist calls "consistent spin performance across the hitting area." The upper cavity sits above the elastomer cushion and is adorned with a metallic cavity plate. Weight is pushed to the perimeter to give you increased forgiveness.
The dual cavities provide a great blend of forgiveness and feedback. It looks a little busy here, but you can't seen any of this at address.
The cavities are separated by what Titleist calls a "central cross member and elastomer cushion" which provide rigidity behind the impact area of the thin clubface as well as lessons vibration to give you increased feel. Again, it's all about providing feel.
The wider sole offers playability from various lies without "excess bounce or dig," meaning you are still going to get decent shots even if you happen to hit the ball a bit fat. That's helpful for those of us who don't always make the best swing.
Esthetics
Confessional time. The first time I saw pictures of the AP1 irons, I thought the folks at Titleist had gone crazy. They looked… well… ugly. I equated Titleist with making beautiful looking clubs and these were shockingly different. "Big" and "clunky" were two adjectives that came to mind.
After unboxing my set of AP1, I was reminded never to judge a club's true appearance based on pictures found on the Internet. In person, the AP1 look quite nice. They are still a bit "busy" for me graphically and might end up being an acquired taste for some, but you don't see the graphics or cavity-back elastomer insert at address, so for the most part, I've forgotten about the "business." In real life, the AP1 don't look big or clunky at all.
While I think it's somewhat important how the club "frames" the ball, the angst I hear and read about topline thickness is a bit overrated, in my opinion. Does the AP1 have a thicker topline than most Titleist irons? Sure, compared to the ZM and ZB. But I would venture to guess that they are the same size - or thinner - than the toplines of comparable clubs on the market. If you can discern that small difference, then you have much better eyesight than I. The AP1 sets up nice and clean behind the ball and gave me confidence and in the end, that was good enough for me.
A bit busy for my taste but the only time you see the back is when the AP1 sit in your bag. Plus, the aluminum cavity plate helps out with all that feel.
Titleist says the "AP1 irons offer a contemporary, confidence inspiring appearance in the playing position and a semi-underslung hosel junction." Simply put, they are a nice, traditional looking iron with some serious technology hidden inside. Rounding out the looks department are dual hosel lengths with shorter ones in the long irons to keep the weight low to help out with launch and a consistent blade length with enhanced progressive offset.
Performance
Let's get this out of the way right off the bat: the AP1 irons are not some magic club that will correct your slice, lower your handicap overnight, and cause you to be the envy of your playing partners (well, maybe the last one). These are still Titleist irons and even though they have some serious technology to make them more forgiving, they will smack you around if you do not make a decent pass at the ball.
Yes, the topline might seem thick to some but after a few well stuck shots, you won't even notice.
I finished last year at a 17.4 index after going through some swing changes and becoming a dad for the first time, so I didn't play nearly as much golf as I've played in other years and my practice time was next to zero. I would like to move to a "player's" cavity-back iron from my current set that is more on the game improvement, zero-feedback spectrum that while might be a bit out of my league at the present, will help me develop as a golfer. With the time commitments of fatherhood, that could be a bit tough.
With all of that in mind, I was a bit worried that the AP1 wouldn't be able to help me out too much based on how they looked. I still want to advance as a golfer, so I need a little feedback and a lot of forgiveness if I'm to both enjoy golf and improve. That worry quickly went away after the first few shots at the range and on the course. After getting the assorted hooks and slices out of the way, I found the AP1 to blend a nice amount of forgiveness while also providing some feedback.
As for the feedback department, the AP1 do not provide much if you just missed the sweet spot as you are rewarded about the same for shots that were hit flush versus hit very close. Where the feedback started to turn up more was shots that were struck closer to the heel, toe, and low on the clubface (thin).
The feedback was muted nicely and you didn't get the stinging hands when you mishit a ball - more of a reminder that you didn't make your best swing insetad of a harsh rebuke. When you do catch one flush, I felt the impact to be quite soft. Distance wise, my mishits would still get good distance and the flush shots were absolute rockets. The ball seems to jump off the club face.
One word of caution - I found I've had to relearn all of my carry distances with using the AP1 and that is something you should keep in mind. They are a stronger lofted iron (though still weaker compared to many competitors), and the combination of the slightly stronger lofts and the True Temper Dynamic Gold High Launch shafts seemed to produce a bit more carry distance than my current irons. Around half a club, but obviously your mileage (or yardage, in this case) may vary.
I'm not complaining about the extra distance gained by any means, I've just had to learn to tone my swing down a notch or two for certain distances and that is a good thing as with the AP1, you don't have to swing very hard to get rewarded with not only a well struck ball but also very nice distance as well.
If you look closely, you can see where the tungsten nickel box meets with the steel body.
I found it a bit easier to hit a draw versus a fade with the AP1. Not that a fade can't be coaxed out of these, it just seemed that a draw was slightly easier to pull off. Having said that, you can work the ball either way a little, which for those of us still learning to do so was nice to be able to pull off without being penalized too harshly when making a less-than-perfect swing. I had plenty of practice with punch shots from the trees and had some fun with the amount of curvature I could put on the ball. Hopefully that's a shot I won't have to experience much of the rest of this year.
It took me a few rounds before I could get accustomed to the high ball flight. The True Temper Dynamic Gold High Launch shafts put the ball up in the air fairly quickly, but shots still penetrated nicely. Even shots dead into the wind had the same ball flight with no ballooning and less loss of distance than I'd have anticipated.
One final note about the performance is that the the grooves on the Titleist AP1s conform to the proposed revised specifications. What that means for you is you may encounter and have to learn to deal with fliers again. It took me a few rounds but I think I'm becoming more aware of how to deal with it.
I have to say that the AP1 provided a nice blend of forgiveness and feedback. You will still get rewarded with a decent shot if you don't hit the ball quite perfectly every time but you are also provided with decent feedback that will help you make better ball striker. Oh, you can still punished if you make a bad swing but the AP1 provided me with a good amount of feedback to help me get better while offering forgiveness on days when your swing is a little off.
Specifications
The AP1 come standard with True Temper Dynamic Gold High Launch steel shafts or Titleist VS Proto-T 75 graphite shafts as well as Golf Pride Tour Velvet grips are available for righties and lefties in a 4-PW set which you can find for a retail price of $699. Also available is a 50° "W" wedge and a 3-iron, for those of you who can still hit one.
Don't worry though if the stock options aren't up your alley (or your swing and tastes fit into something better) as with the Titleist FittingWorks you have a myriad of options.
Shaft options include steel (Dynamic Gold, Dynamic Gold with Sensicore, Dynalite Gold, Dynalite Gold SL, Dynalite Gold SL with Sensicore, Tri-Spec, Nippon NS Pro, Precision Rifle, Project X, and Project X Flighted to name a few) and graphite (Aldila VS Proto-T in additional weights and Graphite Design YS-IRON+w/GAT).
If you not a fan of the Golf Pride Tour Velvets, you have a host of other options from Golf Pride, Lamkin, and Winn.
Getting fitted for the correct length and lie angle is important. Righties can customize the
length from +2 inches to -1 inch (lefties from +1" to ½"). Lofts can be adjusted +/-
1°, and righties can adjust the lie angle from +4° to -2° (+/- 2° for lefties).
Iron Loft Lie Offset Bounce Length ---- ---- --- ------ ------ ------ 3 20° 60° 0.245" 1° 39.00" 4 23° 61° 0.220" 1° 38.50" 5 26° 62° 0.195" 2° 38.00" 6 29° 62.5° 0.170" 2° 37.50" 7 33° 63° 0.145" 3° 37.00" 8 37° 63.5° 0.125" 4° 36.50" 9 41° 64° 0.110" 5° 36.00" P 45° 64° 0.105" 6° 35.75" W 50° 64° 0.100" 7° 35.50"
Conclusion
The AP1 irons are a radical and bold departure from any iron set that Titleist has come out with in the past. Just looking at a picture of them, you would have to second guess as to what exactly they were thinking as the looked quite "game improvement - no feedback".
Pictures however do not justify how nice these irons look and once you hit a few shots and experience the nice blend of forgiveness and feedback, you'll probably forget your first impression of that picture you saw. I know I did.
Feedback
We'd love to hear from you! Comment below or join our forum.
Posted 09 May 2008 at 2:22pm #
I have been axiously awaiting this review since Erik's Field Test and AP2 Review!
Excellent review! Bravo!
I've been playing the AP1s for almost two months and your review matches my thoughts to the tee.
Like you, I was down to a 17.4 last Fall; however, my swing went south and I went back up to a 22. After a couple of lessons and much practice/playing with my AP1s, I'm glad to say that my handicap is quickly dropping again.
After I first demoed the AP1s and AP2s against my 755s I decided to stick it out with my 755s. However, after consulting with my instructor/fitter he highly recommended that the AP1s would be better suited to my current game. He was right. The AP1s require a lot less work to get accuracy and distance control. I now have a lot more confidence with my AP1s vs the 755s and that's half the battle.
I'd like to add that in the looks department, the AP1s do not have as much visible offset as many of the game improvement clubs and this helps make it easier to get used to the slightly thicker topline. Now that I'm used to them, the slightly bigger head/topline provides a stable and powerful frame behind the ball.
A few years back I briefly defected from Titleist to the Mizuno MX-900s. While they were beautiful and great feeling irons, they always felt a bit clunky and had a lot of visible offset(especially the 7 through 3 hybrid-type irons). Additionally, high/ballooning shots seemed to be the default. I never got used to them and went back to my Titleist 704CBs, followed by the 755s and now the AP1s.
As the saying goes, "Golf is a journey not a destination" and as an "aspiring golfer" I'm extremely happy that the journey has taken me thus far to the AP1s!
Posted 09 May 2008 at 5:13pm #
I forgot to add that for me, hitting draws as well as high/low shots is relatively easy with the AP1s; however, I've personally found that it's really tough to hit fades on command. While I have been able to pull off a fade now and then at the range, I've really had to work hard. Even then, many of the shots still want to go high and straight, which isn't a bad thing if you're not aligned too far left. However, at my handicap, this is a minor compromise with which I'm willing to live.
Posted 10 May 2008 at 9:17pm #
I've heard that the AP1s face wasn't as wear resistant as the AP2's. Can you comment on this?
Posted 11 May 2008 at 2:20pm #
First off, golf clubs are used for hitting balls off a variety of surfaces, which means that they're bound to get marred, scratched, scraped and possibly chipped or dented. Come on, they're golf clubs!
I know club pros who have beautiful Mizuno/Titleist/Hogan, etc. blades that display the scars of many rounds and I'm guessing that it doesn't affect their playability.
Personally, I select clubs on how well they look at address and how well they perform, not "wear resistancy" since I think most quality clubs will last a lifetime unless you abuse them.
The AP1s are cast from 431 stainless steel versus the AP2s, which are forged from softer 1025 carbon steel. So theoretically, I would think that the AP1s should be more "wear resistant".
That said, both irons have only been out for a couple of months, which I don't think is enough time to make an accurate determination of "wear resistancy". Personally, I have yet to replace an iron due to wear, although I think my trusty 60-degree lob wedge is starting to get there.
Posted 11 May 2008 at 8:58pm #
The AP1s are polished, not chromed like the AP2s.
Thus, they wear as well as other similar clubs, e.g. Callaway X20s.
I have had my AP1s for a few weeks, and they look fine after a few rounds.
Of course, as I am the finestr ballstriker in my house ... I don't hit them too often on the polished part of the club face.
Posted 12 May 2008 at 9:15am #
I'm happy to see Titleist making some game improvement type irons, in the tradition of those old DCI's.
I know they own Cobra, and there are image/branding issues they pay attention to, but I think it would actually help Titelist to have at least a few club offerings that are geared toward 'average' golfers.
Posted 12 May 2008 at 11:38am #
I really don't understand all the hoopla about these irons. I hit them during a demo day session and was not overly impressed. Yes, they are good, but not outstanding. There are other irons on the market that are superior. I personally like my Mizuno MX900 better which has similar but greater technology.
Posted 12 May 2008 at 11:26pm #
gregg said on May 12, 2008:
To be honest, gregg, I don't understand the hoopla about any irons...or you could say I believe all irons deserve hoopla equally!
There are many, many good club sets out there today. I'm not saying I know all of them or am any authority on the matter, but technology is pretty good across the board, and hype and hoopla are just that...There is a certain mystique about Titleist, and as they haven't really made a splash with clubs very often in recent years, I think people are justifiably excited to see some new, energetic offerings from Acushnet.
Posted 12 May 2008 at 11:55pm #
I as well am debating on the AP1's. I am currently hitting the MX-23's that I bought about 4 years ago. I am sitting at 22, but primarily because of my poor short game. Was a 14 years ago before kids and a real job. If someone said chip this ball from 50 yds. in to the green or die, I would probably die. Nonetheless, in today's world of technology, my MX-23's feel like anvils, compared to the AP1's with the lite project X shaft. Even compared to the G10's or the i10's the 23's are very heavy. Anyone a Mizuno owner that has gone to or considered going to the AP1's or the i10's? (couldn't get over the chunky feel and look of the G10's) Thoughts on how these compare? Are they enough "game improvement" for a hacker like me?
Posted 13 May 2008 at 9:32am #
I just moved from my Mizuno Comp-EZs which I've had for about 6-7 years to the AP-1s. My hcp has gone from a 12 to about 15 from lack of play, so I really wanted a club that would be more forviging that my Comp-EZs.
I hit all the major brands and quickly narrowed down my choice to the AP-1s and the Mizuno MX-25s. I loved my Mizunos, so I was leaning toward MX-25, but I just could not ignore the consistency and eaze with which I hit the AP-1s. They just stood out head and shoulders above anything else I hit, and I went into the process not even interested in Titlelist. My last experience with their irons, the DCIs, was not great.
I'm still a little nervous about giving up that forged 'feel', but at this point in my golf career I'll take any advantage I can get. And from what I felt, the 'feel' factor was not that big of a deal. The AP-1s felt pure and sweet when I hit them flush.
I had them custom fit at +1/2" and 2deg upright with the SuperLight shafts, so I am awaiting their arrival. I can't wait to get them out on the course.
Dave
Posted 13 May 2008 at 2:03pm #
DRW said on May 12, 2008:
If I had to make a purchase when I demoed the AP1's, I would have selected the Cleveland Gold over the Titliest. You should give and try and if you like them, pick up a set used. Also, another great alternative are the Callaway MX-20's. Both of these, in my opinion, are better choices.
Posted 14 May 2008 at 9:36am #
Dave said on May 13, 2008:
There nothing like the "forged" feel. When hit near the sweet spot they are longer than cavity backs. Did you try the Mizuno MP-57? The reviews state they are forgiving forged irons.
Posted 14 May 2008 at 11:36am #
gregg said on May 12, 2008:
I do understand the hoopla.
I believe the AP1s cater to a player segment (lets say 10-15 hcp) that typically does not have many options. These are players that could be single digit hcps, if it weren't for family, work, age, ..., and would like some forgiveness in their irons (without playing gooseneck, huge offset GIs).
For them, IMO, these are the best irons in many years. They may not work for all of them, but a Lot of them seem to think so.
Posted 14 May 2008 at 12:24pm #
I retired my older Titleist irons for the AP1s.
Working with my club professional and going through the Titleist FittingWorks System, we arrived at a configuration of standard lie and the stock graphite shaft, lengthened one inch.
The immediate outcome and benefit to me include a return to a much more rhythmic swing and improved tempo that is resulting in a consistent predictable draw. I find it difficult to manufacture a slice or hook with the AP1s, but on command, I can hit a fade if the shot calls for a fade.
The better swing I am putting on these irons has also dramatically improved my consistency with my wood play, which is an added bonus.
For this 56 year old body and six foot frame, I look forward to seeing a drastic reduction in my handicap index over the summer, and I am well on my way!
Posted 15 May 2008 at 10:38am #
I am debating between Ping G10s and AP1s. I hit them both at a custom fitting and really liked both of them. Assume they are the same price as they are close.
I am 38 and figure about a 20-22. These are the first new irons I have bought in 12 years so either way, they will be a big improvement, but I am on the fence with which one to go with.
Any feedback would be appreciated.
Posted 16 May 2008 at 1:52pm #
Peter said on May 15, 2008:
I think either one will work. I would give Ping the edge for their fitting process and higher resale value. I believe golf magazine tested the G10 above the AP1. I am also in the market for new irons and tried a lot of them. I am leaning more toward a forged set, mainly for feel and repeatability. If I was looking for forgiveness, I would go with the Cleveland Hibore Irons (all hibrids).
Posted 19 May 2008 at 11:19am #
If you're just playing a couple times a month and don't care if you get any better and want to hit the ball all over the clubface with good results, get the Pings.
If you want to improve and feel your misses get the Titleists.
Personally, I have the AP1's and find them much easier to look at than any G series ping.
Posted 19 May 2008 at 3:30pm #
[...] Titleist AP1 irons [...]
Posted 19 May 2008 at 9:07pm #
DRW said on May 12, 2008:
I have played Mizuno MX-20's, MP-60's, and currently have MX-25's. I bought the last set last summer 2007. This spring I replaced the 5 and 6 iron with the AP1 5 and 6 iron. Crazy right? I am considering changing all irons to AP1's but am seriously debating myself. I like the AP1's very much. I think they are as smooth as the forged MX-25. I seem to be a bit more accurate with the Titleist irons (my first real set of irons was Titleist some 40 years ago and I miss them). Mishits seem more forgiving and they are just a little longer than the Mizunos. They look a little clunkier next to the MX-25's all in the same bag, but I am liking the way they play.
Posted 21 May 2008 at 10:03am #
I am a Mizuno fan and have MP60 and R wedges.
Getting a bit slower now and want to enjoy rather than stuggle with consistancy I reluctantly faced up to playing to my handicap catogry but still want to improve. Tried loads of top brands but with Titleist coming in with the newest technology and forgiveness.
In terms of feel from a forged to cast AP1 I actually got more 'soft' feedback from the Titliest! In part more club face to use and the dampening elastomer works. Distasnce was better and trajectory was good. (never had sa problem getting airbourne but these seeemed to have more airtime) Accuracy also improved. Never a worker of ther ball and natural flight being straight I can't comment on workability or otherwise
I tried the AP2 but not as good for me.
So, I've ordered ap1s 4 to gap wedge (lofts are strong as pw is 45 degrres so a bit of a gap to sw) in the high launch standard steel and vockey spin wedges. went through fitting process and look forward to fun and low rounds!
Posted 21 May 2008 at 4:43pm #
i appreciate the input, comparing the mx 25s with the ap 1s. Am a left handed golfer and am presently considering which to go with. have only demoed a 6 iron mx 25 but love hitting it. tried the ap 1 at a demo day. also impressive, but did not have the same feel. (I think) Continuing to have a difficult time deciding which way to go. Presently play to a 17. Any further thoughts from golfers who have made similar comparisons will be helpful.
Posted 22 May 2008 at 2:08pm #
mark said on May 21, 2008:
I don't think you can make a bad choice between these two. But because the AP1s are new, you won't get much of a discount in the used market. The MX-25's are a better value used. You should checkout Mizuno's presentation of their forging process on U-Tube. It explains why forged clubs are more consistent. Also, there very good reviews at "the deep rough" web site for the MP-57 and the new MX-950.
Posted 22 May 2008 at 5:30pm #
My handicap is 11 and am currently playing Ping i10s but am looking to switch has anyone any thoughts about which one could be right for me the AP1 or AP2 I play at Scotscraig Golf Club in Fife Scotland and it is windy 90% of the time i was custom fitted for the pings with regular shafts but i think the stock ping shafts are too soft
Posted 28 May 2008 at 10:56am #
Thanks for all the feedback on the AP1's vs. my MX 23's. After going back to the club and having them set me up a 6 iron AP1 with a project x 5.5 shaft off the demo cart, I was not as impressed as I was with the club I hit at demo days. Two of our pros mentioned that they thought the Titleist fitting system, where you pick the shaft and screw on the heads, is definitely flawed and not a proper representation of the club. He is trying to work with the rep to get me a "real" club to demo. If the fitting system 6 is any indication of what I will get from the AP1's, then I am going to stick with my Mizuno's for now and spend my money on improving my swing.
Posted 29 May 2008 at 12:39am #
Steve,
I am a similar HCP and am considering the Ping-i10's. Why would you switch to the AP1? I am playing Hogan Apex Pro. They are great when I hit well, but I tend to dig with them and have a hard time controlling the direction. I need more consistent dispersion and a rounded leading edge.
Any input would be much appreciated.
Thanks.
Posted 29 May 2008 at 4:14pm #
I went looking for a "game-improvement" set with some "player" charateristics OR a cavity-back "player" set with some forgiveness. Based on Golf Magazine and Golf Digest, I made a list and hit several sets. The AP1's stood out in the former category and the Callaway X-20 Tours in the latter.
As a 14hcp looking to improve, my current Ping G2's were straight and high with the same feel on every shot. The G2s are closer in setup to the i10's with the current G10's having much larger soles and almost hybrid charateristics at first glance.
I hit the X-20 Tours and AP1's similarly and I loved the heel grind on the Callaway's but the Titleist simply felt better swinging and looked better at address. I won't pretend that the $100 cheaper Titleist wasn't a small factor.
Posted 29 May 2008 at 4:40pm #
The Ping i10s are ok when I am swinging well but i find I have to try and dig out a shot ,they are not the greatest for distance either . I play a links type course and find they ballon up in the air into the wind , was never a lover of Ping irons until I saw these and thought I would give them ago but never liked them much. Anyway have tried both the AP1 and the AP2 from the pros fitting cart and a getting fitted for the AP2S nxt week he is saying 8 week delivery .I took out the 6 iron AP2 with a regular Dynamic Gold shaft and was blown away with these I hit our courses Par 3 3rd which is 201 yards with the 6 iron with a slight breeze at my back I hit another and the same result. I hit these into a strong wind and didn't lose much distance with a great flight. I hope this helps you. PS what course do you play
Posted 29 May 2008 at 5:59pm #
I really appreciate the input. I ordered the ap 1s last friday. Six through pitching wedge. Not ready to give up my gap, sand and lob wedge, all of which are big bertha and are vital parts of my game. I found the ap 1s were more consistent and I definitely picked up an extra ten yards or more on equally well struck MX 25s. I went in prepared to purchase the mizzuno. The titleist won me over. By the way, I played a final round with my big berthas today. As if playing with my mind, I shot my best round in two years. As if to say, "not so fast my friend...we're not ready for the heap yet."
Posted 29 May 2008 at 9:27pm #
mark said on May 29, 2008:
I read a lot of reviews where claim they gain yardage by changing irons. If the shafts are identical, it is highly unlikely you will see any significant gain in distance from simply change the head of the iron.
Further, it has been proven that forged irons are more consistent and repeatable than cast irons, and forged blades go further than forged cavity backs.
Posted 29 May 2008 at 11:49pm #
gregg said on May 29, 2008:
In this case the heads are different in loft and design. The AP1 lofts are stronger than the MX-25's by 1-degree. Also, the CG appears to be further back in the AP1 heads, which probably provides more initial launch. The standard steel shaft for the MX-25s are the DG Superlites, which is probably not a true apples to apples comparison against the DG High Launch in the AP1s.
With regard to forged blades versus cavity backs, there is a good article in the June 2008 edition of Golf Digest called "Forged Fossil" that covers the forged blade versus cavity back debate. It provides distance results using an Iron Byron swinging at 90mph. While the forged blade provided the longest yardage on center hits, its cavity back equivalent produced longer distances on each type of off center hit.
Most mid to high handicappers don't have enough consistency and repeatability in their swing to hit center shots everytime. For them, cavity backs don't penalize their distances and direction on off center hits as much as blades do.
It's like playing Craps. It's heck of rewarding when you get the 15-1 payoff bet on a Yo 11 bet but how many times does that happen? You're typically better off playing the odds that pay out more often.
Posted 30 May 2008 at 10:31am #
The best analysis about the blade versus cavity debate is found at:
http://www.thewedgeguy.com/blades-versus-cavity-backs-a-golf-club-epiphany/#more-18
Posted 30 May 2008 at 11:47am #
I don't know how the topic of forged blades worked its way into a discussion of the AP1. It is well accepted that a perfect, sweet spot hit on a forged blade will look, feel and fly nicer than a forged cavity back which, in turn, would look, feel and fly nicer that a cast game improvement cavity back. Each targets completely different skill levels - the forged blade topic might be better suited in the AP2 discussion where it competes for players to switch from the muscle backs (much like several pros have done by playing the AP2).
The point for mid-handicaps is that the perfect shot is not as frequent and the 1/4 inch miss is something I want to know happened but don't want to be overly penalized. When my 14 hdcp becomes a 5, I'll be more focused on workability and the forged debate.
In the meantime, I consider the AP1 a great starting point for those people, like me, who want to improve their shot feel but not get overly penalized (and hence discouraged) with slightly off center hits.
Posted 30 May 2008 at 2:53pm #
If Adam Scott, one of the best players in the world, is playing a forged cavity club, why wouldn't I play even more of a game improvement iron? (I am a single-digit golfer.) Golf is hard enough as it is, I want all the help I can get. I am currently playing R7 XDs and I am looking to switch to the AP1s. I also only carry 11 clubs but that is for a different thread.
Posted 02 Jun 2008 at 12:49am #
Im currently in the process of buying clubs. I used to be a professional baseball player but have since retired ( due to shoulder problems) and now play golf alot. Without any formal lessons or anything, I hit my driver around 290 and hit my irons well. I average around a 90 and am now "dedicating" myself to the game. This means I will be taking lessons on a regular basis and practicing alot. I dont know whether to go with a "game improvement" iron or not or get one that is not strictly blade but not "game improvement". I hit the Cleveland CG gold and titleist AP1 and hit them well with my 6 iron averaging around 200-205yds. Does anyone have any advice im kind of stuck here
Posted 02 Jun 2008 at 9:44am #
I purchased a set of AP1s this past weekend - have played one round with them and am very happy.
I used to be a 6 handicap, until work, living in NYC and everything else got in the way. I had been playing with Mizuno MP-33s and finally decided it was time to give up the blades...at first the new look of the AP!s had me a bit scared that they weren't going to provide much feel or touch, but after hitting them on the range for one hour I was quite happy.
I almost bought the AP2s, but decided they were too much of a "player's club" and I was frankly looking for something easier to hit and more foregiving. The AP1s still provide nice feel, while not being penalized for miss-hits (which unfortunately happen more often than i'd like nowadays)...these clubs will allow me to once again enjoy my golf rounds while improving my scoring quite a bit.
When I was a 6 handicap I would have enjoyed playing these clubs...let's i hope I get back there soon.
Posted 02 Jun 2008 at 3:34pm #
jake
Go with the AP1s there so easy to hit i've hit both at a demo day and for someone who is just starting out the AP1s are awesome
steve
Posted 21 Jun 2008 at 8:01pm #
I just got AP1s and i love them and i heard some of you say that you are finding it hard to hit a fade well that is because most golfers starting out tend to have a swing that makes the ball cut fade slice... w/e so they made it easier to hit a draw so that is the reason it is harder to hit a fade
Posted 24 Jun 2008 at 9:52am #
For all of you older golfers who have been playing for awhile and feel a bit stagnant, the AP1s are great irons to revitalize your game. I'm 60, and they are the easiest clubs I have ever hit. Yes, a well struck forged club feels terrific but how often does that happen? The AP1s feel great shot after shot and are more forgiving. The look has that classic style, like sitting in a '59 Corvette. Thanks Titleist for making a great club for mid-capers of all ages, even though you won't admit it.
Posted 24 Jun 2008 at 11:35am #
I have a set of AP1s that i am selling 3-GW...let me know if interested acgreen@gmail.com
Posted 29 Jun 2008 at 3:15pm #
Good review...thanks....
AP1 vs G10 vs X20 vs TM Tour Burner -- that is my ultimate question.
All will be better than my current set of Titleist DCI Oversize of 11 years.
Thanks for the advice previously submitted and anymore you're willing to say....
Posted 07 Jul 2008 at 8:41pm #
Thank you for excellent review!
I've been playing golf little over 2 yrs with Callaway Fusion Wide Sole and was looking for new iron set. After trying Mizuno MX25, Callaway X20, Taylor Made Burner, and Titleist AP1, I have decided to go with.......... I am/was big fan of Callaway from the start and now I was open to any suggestion from golf shop and reviews.
I am currently hitting mid 90's and wanted to replace my irons so that I can get feedback from irons. After trying all irons above I went with TITLEIST AP1!!
I can honestly tell you that I was never a titlest fan other than Scotty Cameron Newport 2 putter that I currently own. I just bought it today will leave a feedback later in the month. Thanks again for great review and article.
Posted 10 Jul 2008 (5 weeks ago) at 10:01pm #
I too am a Mizuno user. Currently with the MP60 and as I face my 60th birthday I am beginning to want something gs but all seem to little easier to use than the 60s. I found your assessment very useful and interesting. I have spoken with my pro and he keeps orienting me to the AP2 as he claims the AP1s to be heavier. I play to around a 10-12 and so am concerned that the AP1 might be too much of a game improvement club. I have tried the Bertha and Ping clubs and found them to be way too draw/hook prone for me and wondered if the AP1 were closed face and if htey are too hard on a natural right to left ball flight. Thanks.
Posted 11 Jul 2008 (4 weeks ago) at 3:56pm #
Dave Shaffer said on July 10, 2008:
The Pings (I assume you refer to the G10s) have a massive offset that runs about .10" greater in the mid-irons than the AP1. If you're a straight hitter or hit a natural draw already then a draw/hook wouldn't be unusual. The Miz M60 have an offset and general specs closer to the AP2. The AP1 is inbetween the G10s and AP2s (on the AP2 less offset side of things).
If you're like my father and plays a set for 5 or 6 years, you might want to think about which direction your game will be going over that time to aid your decision.
Otherwise, you just have to hit them to find out.
Posted 16 Jul 2008 (4 weeks ago) at 8:32pm #
I recently purchased the AP1's here in Brunei(which is in Borneo) and had them fitted with regular flex, NSpro950 steel shafts. There was a demo at our local range by Acushnet and so i tried the AP1, AP2, and the Cobra UFI and i instantly loved the AP1.
'm 29, athletic and took up golf in 2001. I've been hovering over the 14-18 hcp for the last 2 years and have been using Mizuno MP30's for the last 3 years. My friends think i've downgraded myself to cast irons and cavity backs but in all honesty, all i care about is an improvement in my game. I can shape my shots a little and my natural ball flight is a slight draw. I shoot in the high 80's and low 90's and was looking to improve my game by having a better iron game.
Unlike the MP30's which were forged, i obviously had less feel with
the AP1's but what got me was the level of forgiveness these irons gave me on mis-hits. On my MP30 5-iron, a mis-hit on the toe would have taken my ball 30 yards off the target line but on my last round, a mis-hit went only 10 yards off, which for me isn't too bad. When i hit the ground before the ball on the Par 4 10th, the ball still carried a good 120 yards when using the 5 iron. On my MP30's, the same mis-hit would not go very far.
It's true, there is some offset on them but not noticeable plus i can still hit fades and cuts. The elastomer really works and there is hardly any vibration on impact which gives a nice feel on feedback.
A word of warning. These AP1's have stronger lofts than what you might be used to. My Mizuno PW had 48 degrees but the AP1's have 45 degrees. I was scratching my head on my last round when i over-hit my approach shot from 120 yards with my PW. They are a full club more than what i was used to so i had to trust the club and change my yardage.
I've played only 3 rounds and wil give an update it after a few months. Pretty satisfied with the clubs, they are my first Titleist set. This one will be staying in my bag for a long time.
Posted 20 Jul 2008 (3 weeks ago) at 1:40pm #
Can anyone advise on whether it makes more sense to pick up a set of 775CB (as the price has dropped drastically)vs getting the AP1. How would you compare and rate these 2 "game improvement" irons from titleist? Thanks
Posted 21 Jul 2008 (3 weeks ago) at 3:01pm #
Had and loved the Callaway X20 Tours, however my swing didn't love the ProjectX 6.0's. The AP1's look very similiar to the X20T's, only with a slightly larger face and while still giving some necessary feedback, they don't punish my older paws as much. The more minimal than GI offset is the same, the lie's are the same, the top down views are the same thickness. I had some fundamental swing flaws that required lessons and alot of practice, which in turn beat up my paws to the point where I just didn't want to practice anymore. The switch to the AP1 and regular TT HL shafts has allowed my to practice more, actually slow the inner need to kill the ball to get any distance and smoothed out my tempo. Traded in my X20T's for the AP1's and only forked 290$ out of pocket for them at GolfSmith.....my reward was less pain, 5-10 yards per club and a 6 pt drop in my HCP. A guy earlier said it right, these are the "GI" clubs for the 18 HCP'r looking to get to 9. The i10's are alot like the X20T's, in the smaller head and less offset is better mentality. The AP1's do all the above, but with a larger effective hitting surface. For me, it was a no brainer. As for the club/loft selection in the standard set. I carried a 3 HYB anyway and always wanted GW that was the same as the rest of the set, spaced 5* apart from the PW, couple that with a 58/8 Titliest wedge(bent to 56/6) and I have the perfect 125/100/75 yd combo going(9i/41, PW 45, Gw 50, very low bounce utility SW/56). marry that to known distances for a full/3 qtr/half swing(Butch Harmon/Golf digest swing tip) and I have become deadly from 125 in. Now I still have a chance to 3 putt for that bogey!
Posted 21 Jul 2008 (3 weeks ago) at 3:09pm #
oh yeah, I'm also deadly from 125 yards too!