Titleist AP1's for a 20ish handicapper?

[Bullitt5339]

I have been demoing clubs for a few days now, trying to figure out what I want to buy next week. My current irons are just too much for me, they have no forgiveness and I tend to hit them low and left all the time. I broke out my old set of cheapies, and hit them much better, so I think it's time to swap out my Clevelands for something a bit more forgiving.

Demo'd the AP1's yesterday, and was surprised. I can only hit them on the simulator, so it's hard to see what they'll do on real grass, since I can be a bit of a digger...lol I really liked them, and they've jumped to the top of my list, but I'm still wondering if I may be getting into a club that's over my abilities again. I was an 18 handicap last year, but it dropped to a 24 after I bought my current irons (I just can't hit greens). I need something that I can improve with, and the Clevelands just aren't inspiring any confidence when I stand over them anymore.

MPF says the AP1's are much much much more forgiving than the CG Red Tours, but I know that those rankings can be a little misleading.

[James_Black]

why didn't you just post here?
http://thesandtrap.com/forum/threads...-should-I-demo

try them out on a grass range?
don't buy them unless you really like them

[summerman]

I have the mizuno mp 52's and I'm a 20 handicapper or so and they are helping my game imensly. shot 40, 42, (on 9) and a 84 on tough course. don't be afraid to get a club above your current ability. I think it helps more in the end.

[Crey23]

Dude go for it....I started playing Jan-09, with a set of AP1 (08) with graphite shafts that I received as a Christmas gift. All the Pro's and sales folks, that I talked to, told me that I was way over my head, and that I should trade them in...I refuse to believe that, so I kept them, and couldn't be happier.

When my HC started to go up again, I thought it may be the clubs....I demoed a few sticks, but ultimately came back to realize that I have a n incredible set of clubs, and It was swing that needed to be tossed! So I worked on it a bit, and so far this year I have dropped 2 points, and I am only plying once a month.

They are great sticks, specially if you are serious about playing, and you really want to play and improve...you'll have clubs for a while.

[CarlSpackler]

I've been trying different irons for a little over a month now. I sold my Adams A2OS set Friday, so I guess it's time to pull the trigger. So far I like the Adams A7, Nike V-Red Split cavity (they felt really balanced and just right) and Cobra S2 Forged. I am leaning toward the A7 since they are the only set in the running that comes with hybrids integrated in them and ball contact felt much more solid that my A2OS set.

[alomar123]

They are very forgiving. Way more than my old Cleveland cgs

[WUTiger]

...

Not sure what you mean by misleading. The MPF measures factors based on the clubhead design and user-friendliness. Even Maltby warns that it doesn't say anything about the club's shaft, which is (at least) 50% of club performance.

Look up the specs on the CG Red Tour vs. AP1 shafts, and this may explain some of the difference between the two iron models.

[sean_miller]

Not sure what you mean by misleading. The MPF measures factors based on the clubhead design and user-friendliness. Even Maltby warns that it doesn't say anything about the club's shaft, which is (at least) 50% of club performance.

Which factor refers to a design feature that inspires confidence in the player looking at club at address?

[J_Bone]

Everyone can offer suggestions for what works for them. Maybe you can get an idea of different ones to try. BUT, you need to try them on grass and see how they feel and respond to you.
If you are a digger like you said, you may need clubs that have a more forgiving bounce and sole. Something with a thicker sole.

[Pk88]

I've been trying different irons for a little over a month now. I sold my Adams A2OS set Friday, so I guess it's time to pull the trigger. So far I like the Adams A7, Nike V-Red Split cavity (they felt really balanced and just right) and Cobra S2 Forged. I am leaning toward the A7 since they are the only set in the running that comes with hybrids integrated in them and ball contact felt much more solid that my A2OS set.

the VR split cavities look very very nice. I am thinking about getting a set of the full cavity irons...I love the VR line.

[WUTiger]

Which factor refers to a design feature that inspires confidence in the player looking at club at address?

That would be the personal "tie breaker" after you've test hit different club models. That's why I play the Hyper-X Tour driver instead of a Cleveland HiBore. Both tested out equal in performance.

[Bullitt5339]

The reason why I can't get a club with a thick sole is because I absolutely can't hit a club with a lot of offset, and most clubs with a thick sole have a lot of offset in them. I've never had a set of clubs with a lot of offset, and even though they're supposed to be Super Game Improving, they make me play worse. A little offset is OK, but I was looking at SGI clubs because honestly, I've been hitting the ball that bad with my irons. I demo'd X22's, G10's and G15's, and couldn't get anything that resembled good contact. Even at address, they just didn't look right to me. The Ping i10's were pretty good, the AP1's and the Mizuno MX300's weren't too bad.

But, I was talking to a friend of mine who's spare set is Mizuno MX-23's, and he hit my clubs and swears that the MX-23's are a lot easier to hit. He's a 10 handicap and had trouble hitting my CG Golds high and straight. So he's bringing me the MX-23's tomorrow and letting me play a couple rounds, and if I like them I can buy them for cheap. If not, he'll take them back and put them back in his spare bag.

[mck]

I have been demoing clubs for a few days now, trying to figure out what I want to buy next week. My current irons are just too much for me, they have no forgiveness and I tend to hit them low and left all the time. I broke out my old set of cheapies, and hit them much better, so I think it's time to swap out my Clevelands for something a bit more forgiving.

Ap1's are a game improvement club so I think any skill level can hit them. I've played many rounds with them and they are very forgiving.

[J_Bone]

The reason why I can't get a club with a thick sole is because I absolutely can't hit a club with a lot of offset, and most clubs with a thick sole have a lot of offset in them. I've never had a set of clubs with a lot of offset, and even though they're supposed to be Super Game Improving, they make me play worse. A little offset is OK, but I was looking at SGI clubs because honestly, I've been hitting the ball that bad with my irons. I demo'd X22's, G10's and G15's, and couldn't get anything that resembled good contact. Even at address, they just didn't look right to me. The Ping i10's were pretty good, the AP1's and the Mizuno MX300's weren't too bad.

MX-23 are good clubs. You will like them.

[CarlSpackler]

MX-23 are good clubs. You will like them.

That's good to know. I went to pick up my new Adam's A7s and found a used set of MX-23s. I bought them.