Titleist emailed us some images from the Buick Open, where they’ve rolled out their fall 2009 iron lineup to their tour staff. The 2009 lineup is essentially a tweaked 2008 lineup, with four models: AP1, AP2, CB, and MB. Those will be the model names. They’ve come to be known by their series name – the “710” series – but word is the official names are AP1, AP2, CB, and MB.
Titleist plans to begin selling the irons later this fall, though again this marks the first week that they’re rolling them out to their entire PGA Tour staff.
Titleist says that the new AP1 irons offer better feel, more forgiveness, and an improved shape with a thinner topline throughout the set and a shorter blade length in the short irons. The new feel is hotter and more lively.
AP2 improvements are similar, and Titleist feels they’ve taken a great iron and made it better. Similar to AP1, they’ve improved the feel, shot control, and ground contact – particularly in the short irons by reducing bounce by one degree. The great performance, shot workability, playability, and looks have been retained, while the feel has been improved by making the new feel a bit more solid.
A big part of that feel in both sets is likely due to the thermoplastic urethane (TPU) “arms” that stick up a bit in the 710 series of the AP irons (both models).
The new CB and MB irons are traditional 1025 carbon steel forgings, available in full cavity back (CB) and muscle back (MB) models. Word on the street is that mixed sets of the CB and MB will be readily available.
Complete details, including specifications, the typical tech callouts, features and benefits, and all that jazz should be available at Titleist.com early this fall. If you’d rather not wait that long, some additional shots are available on two posts at Titleistblog.com: here and here.
Continue reading “Sneak Peek at Titleist’s Fall 2009 Irons: 710 AP1, AP2, CB, and MB”