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First generation Titleist AP1 question


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I was walking 9 holes this last weekend when I was joined by this guy from New Jersey a few holes in. He was a much better golfer than me but very nice to golf with. He advised my clubs were blades and made more for scratch golfers. He was not doing this in a negative way more being informative. I bought these clubs used from a guy in my church and am slowly learning to play this summer. I have had a couple of 9 hole rounds in the upper 40's and I started in the mid to upper 50's at the start of the season. Should I look into getting different irons? I think I am slowly improving but don't want to stack the deck against myself. What do you all think?

Driver: Taylormade RBZ :tmade: Irons: Titleist AP1 :titleist: PW-4 All other clubs are needing upgrading as I am able to afford it.

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The AP1s aren't "blades" and have always, I believe, been Titleist's game improvement class clubs. They do advertise that their newer clubs are even more forgiving, but those shouldn't be too bad. If you are interested in new and perhaps even more forgiving clubs you will have a number of good options, but your old AP1s are good quality sticks. A bigger question might be whether they have the right shafts for your swing, i.e. Regular Flex, Stiff, etc. Assuming the correct shaft flex, you might also have the lie angle checked, it is easy to check and easy (thus fairly inexpensive) to adjust if you have the right tool, which a club repair shop will.

Driver: Titleist 913 D2 10.5*, Aldila RIP Phenom 50

Fairway 1: Titleist 913F, 17*, Titleist Bassara W55

Fairway 2: Titleist 913F, 21*, Titleist Bassara W55

Irons: Titleist AP1 714 5-PW, Aerotech Steelfiber i95

Wedges: SCOR 4161 48/52/56/60, Genius 9

Grips: GolfPride New Decade Red Mid-size on all of the above.

Putter: Scotty Cameron Newport 2 - Super Stroke Slim 3.0

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I was walking 9 holes this last weekend when I was joined by this guy from New Jersey a few holes in. He was a much better golfer than me but very nice to golf with.

He advised my clubs were blades and made more for scratch golfers. He was not doing this in a negative way more being informative.

I bought these clubs used from a guy in my church and am slowly learning to play this summer. I have had a couple of 9 hole rounds in the upper 40's and I started in the mid to upper 50's at the start of the season.

Should I look into getting different irons? I think I am slowly improving but don't want to stack the deck against myself.

What do you all think?

AP1's are definitely not blades.  Most people know Titleist for their CB's and MB's that the pro's use and aren't familiar with their other irons so when they see Titleist they assume tough to hit, Mizuno suffers from the same stigma.

That said the AP1's aren't the most forgiving club you can buy but they are great GI irons even for high handicappers.  Since you bought them used, they might not be fit for you properly so you might just want to make sure the shafts and lie are right for your swing.

Joe Paradiso

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How much approx should I budget worse case for new shafts and adjustments if needed.

Driver: Taylormade RBZ :tmade: Irons: Titleist AP1 :titleist: PW-4 All other clubs are needing upgrading as I am able to afford it.

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How much approx should I budget worse case for new shafts and adjustments if needed.

Try here to give you an idea of new (like new) and used with good value.

Look at the X2Hot or XHot in 5-PW and look at either hybrids or XHot or X2Hot high lofted fairways for a 3i and 4i equivalent. The X2Hot/Xhot Series have extremely thin faces to offer more speed (distance), and are large enough to offer great forgiveness. Of course, it helps to have the length and lie fit to you, as well as flex and shaft....

http://www.callawaygolfpreowned.com/?gcid=rd201

At the same time, the AP1's are Titleist's most forgiving irons -- I think the original AP1s are a bit clumsy looking but the new generation AP1s seem an improvement.

Ping G400 Max 9/TPT Shaft, TEE EX10 Beta 4, 5 wd, PXG 22 HY, Mizuno JPX919F 5-GW, TItleist SM7 Raw 55-09, 59-11, Bettinardi BB39

 

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How much approx should I budget worse case for new shafts and adjustments if needed.

There's two questions there.  For a lie adjustment, I would think (but really don't know for sure) that it would be less than $100.

For shafts, the recommended flex is based on swing speed, but it is important to note that there is overlap, so at some swing speeds you could use either Senior or Regular flex, then at higher speeds there is a range where you could use either Regular or Stiff, etc.  But if your AP1s have R-flex shafts and you have a decidedly Stiff flex swing speed (or slower so you should really be using Senior flex) I would be hesitant to jump into replacing the shafts.  At that point, unless you seek out used shafts and find someone to install them for you, you are probably looking at a pretty big investment in old clubs.  You might be better off finding a different set of irons (used perhaps) and then selling/trading the AP1s, or donate them to another beginner.

Driver: Titleist 913 D2 10.5*, Aldila RIP Phenom 50

Fairway 1: Titleist 913F, 17*, Titleist Bassara W55

Fairway 2: Titleist 913F, 21*, Titleist Bassara W55

Irons: Titleist AP1 714 5-PW, Aerotech Steelfiber i95

Wedges: SCOR 4161 48/52/56/60, Genius 9

Grips: GolfPride New Decade Red Mid-size on all of the above.

Putter: Scotty Cameron Newport 2 - Super Stroke Slim 3.0

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How much approx should I budget worse case for new shafts and adjustments if needed.

You may not need them, if you are not very tall or short or have really long or short arms the shaft length is probably okay.

Shaft stiffness is based mostly on how your swing loads the shaft and swing speed.  If your swing speed is too slow for the shaft you may have difficulty getting the ball high in the air, conversely if the shaft isn't still enough you could balloon your shots and also have greater dispersion caused from the shaft whipping.

If you go to a golf store with a simulator have them measure your swing speed.  Typically under 85 mph head speed on driver would be senior shaft, 85-100mph regular, under 100-115 stiff.  As @Mr. Desmond overlap depending on how your swing loads the shaft.

Let us know what your swing speed is and we can give you more assistance. If you had to change your shafts it would probably pay to trade them in or sell them on your own rather than swapping shafts.

Lie angle is measure on a board based on how you swing the club.  If you're really new to golf and haven't grooved in a swing you would just want to verify the lie angle isn't completely incorrect for you but in many cases with cast clubs (except Ping) it will be within 1* - 2* of a standard lie.

Joe Paradiso

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I will try to get my club speed measured. I am 6'4" and my clubs have been extended one inch.

Driver: Taylormade RBZ :tmade: Irons: Titleist AP1 :titleist: PW-4 All other clubs are needing upgrading as I am able to afford it.

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AP1s are "on the bubble" for beginners - some can handle them, others would find them a bit much. A couple of things to consider - a club fitter could check you out on these matters.

  • What is the shaft flex, and shaft weight? Shafts that are too heavy/too stiff rob you of clubhead speed, which makes it more difficult to get the ball airborne.
  • Are the shafts the right length,and the clubs the correct lie angle? If the clubs have too upright a lie, you would tend to miss left. Too flat a lie, miss to the right.

Also - and I don't mean to change the subject - have you had any golf lessons ? A couple of lessons could help you shape your swing, and a good instructor pro could see if your clubs need any tweaks.

If the clubs simply don't fit you, consider switching. You could swap the AP1s for another, friendlier set of used irons. Advice from a teaching pro I know: Get clubs for the swing you have, not for the swing you want.

Focus, connect and follow through!

  • Completed KBS Education Seminar (online, 2015)
  • GolfWorks Clubmaking AcademyFitting, Assembly & Repair School (2012)

Driver:  :touredge: EXS 10.5°, weights neutral   ||  FWs:  :callaway: Rogue 4W + 7W
Hybrid:  :callaway: Big Bertha OS 4H at 22°  ||  Irons:  :callaway: Mavrik MAX 5i-PW
Wedges:  :callaway: MD3: 48°, 54°... MD4: 58° ||  Putter:image.png.b6c3447dddf0df25e482bf21abf775ae.pngInertial NM SL-583F, 34"  
Ball:  image.png.f0ca9194546a61407ba38502672e5ecf.png QStar Tour - Divide  ||  Bag: :sunmountain: Three 5 stand bag

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I have had one set of three lessons and he did not mention any concerns. This is my first year ever of playing regular golf(more than once or twice a year for outings). I am just now getting comfortable with my swing at first everything felt awkward and all I could do with irons was push them right. I am steadily becoming more comfortable with them. I believe my flex is correct. I get good club head speed but I know I am not fast enough to need stiff. I will get that confirmed though. I am hitting my PW-8 good for my game and it's my 4-7 that I am not as consistent with but I believe that it is a me problem more than a club problem. When in a groove I hit them well. But I also get in runs where I push them to the right.

Driver: Taylormade RBZ :tmade: Irons: Titleist AP1 :titleist: PW-4 All other clubs are needing upgrading as I am able to afford it.

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You're on the right track! Keep with the lessons, and let your swing develop for the year.

If your 8-PW work well, the longer irons should come through as you have more experience with them.

If you can get a sand wedge and a fairway wood and/or a hybrid, you should be set for the early going.

Focus, connect and follow through!

  • Completed KBS Education Seminar (online, 2015)
  • GolfWorks Clubmaking AcademyFitting, Assembly & Repair School (2012)

Driver:  :touredge: EXS 10.5°, weights neutral   ||  FWs:  :callaway: Rogue 4W + 7W
Hybrid:  :callaway: Big Bertha OS 4H at 22°  ||  Irons:  :callaway: Mavrik MAX 5i-PW
Wedges:  :callaway: MD3: 48°, 54°... MD4: 58° ||  Putter:image.png.b6c3447dddf0df25e482bf21abf775ae.pngInertial NM SL-583F, 34"  
Ball:  image.png.f0ca9194546a61407ba38502672e5ecf.png QStar Tour - Divide  ||  Bag: :sunmountain: Three 5 stand bag

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I have had one set of three lessons and he did not mention any concerns. This is my first year ever of playing regular golf(more than once or twice a year for outings). I am just now getting comfortable with my swing at first everything felt awkward and all I could do with irons was push them right. I am steadily becoming more comfortable with them. I believe my flex is correct. I get good club head speed but I know I am not fast enough to need stiff. I will get that confirmed though.

I am hitting my PW-8 good for my game and it's my 4-7 that I am not as consistent with but I believe that it is a me problem more than a club problem. When in a groove I hit them well. But I also get in runs where I push them to the right.

Stay with the lessons and then see what the clubs do.

A 4-6i is challenging for most people. I do not use a 4i, and will not use a 5i until I see more improvement. Hybrids work better on the course for me at the moment. I am also in the midst of lessons.

Ping G400 Max 9/TPT Shaft, TEE EX10 Beta 4, 5 wd, PXG 22 HY, Mizuno JPX919F 5-GW, TItleist SM7 Raw 55-09, 59-11, Bettinardi BB39

 

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Just hit my best bucket of the year with my irons.... 6 iron still needs some work but PW-7 were solid.... My 6 was going the exact same distance as my 7 and at times was only going as far as my 8. All in all I was very pleased. I am going to stick with them until my swing gets more consistent but still will find out my club speed.

Driver: Taylormade RBZ :tmade: Irons: Titleist AP1 :titleist: PW-4 All other clubs are needing upgrading as I am able to afford it.

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Just hit my best bucket of the year with my irons.... 6 iron still needs some work but PW-7 were solid.... My 6 was going the exact same distance as my 7 and at times was only going as far as my 8. All in all I was very pleased. I am going to stick with them until my swing gets more consistent but still will find out my club speed.

I'll just chime in and echo the others saying to keep investing in lessons.  Yes, investing.  Taking lessons regularly can really help someone new to golf develop a decent swing.  Then taking a lesson periodically after that will help keep you from falling into bad habits.  The golf swing isn't natural for most people and professional instruction can really make your progress much faster and the game more fun.

Driver: Titleist 913 D2 10.5*, Aldila RIP Phenom 50

Fairway 1: Titleist 913F, 17*, Titleist Bassara W55

Fairway 2: Titleist 913F, 21*, Titleist Bassara W55

Irons: Titleist AP1 714 5-PW, Aerotech Steelfiber i95

Wedges: SCOR 4161 48/52/56/60, Genius 9

Grips: GolfPride New Decade Red Mid-size on all of the above.

Putter: Scotty Cameron Newport 2 - Super Stroke Slim 3.0

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I'll just chime in and echo the others saying to keep investing in lessons.  Yes, investing.  Taking lessons regularly can really help someone new to golf develop a decent swing.  Then taking a lesson periodically after that will help keep you from falling into bad habits.  The golf swing isn't natural for most people and professional instruction can really make your progress much faster and the game more fun.

Great advice Pirate... I really like my instructor and plan on doing another group of three lessons later this summer. They have been very helpful.

Driver: Taylormade RBZ :tmade: Irons: Titleist AP1 :titleist: PW-4 All other clubs are needing upgrading as I am able to afford it.

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Note: This thread is 3547 days old. We appreciate that you found this thread instead of starting a new one, but if you plan to post here please make sure it's still relevant. If not, please start a new topic. Thank you!

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