Titleist 716 AP1s or AP2s

[ajb316]

I went to a Titleist fitting centre yesterday to get fitted for some new irons with the view of either getting the AP1's or AP2's.

I am a 10 handicap, decent ball striker, 7 iron 165-170 yards.

I went in with the view of maximum forgiveness (AP1's) but after hitting both clubs my numbers were virtually the same (except AP1's went little further due to lofts).

My fitter was leaning towards recommending the AP2's as he didn't feel with my swing speed I would get anymore forgiveness out of the AP1's. However I still feel I would be giving up some forgiveness.

I preferred the looks, sound off the face and flight of the AP2's, butmy current mindset is still whatever makes this game easier to score low!

I want to get down to 8 this year and keep progressing lower so I guess my question is which would you go for out of the 2 sets?

Ideally I'd combo the set but the lofts don't allow it which is annoying.

For the record I am not at the level of shaping the ball my focus is generally on a consistent straight flight.

Advice & opinions welcome?

[Hatchman]

Good description, I like the fittings also.  You have some good things going on based on your fitting with both sets and your described ball flight consistency.   Once they see a swing, ball flight, etc, and match the shaft then it's easier for them to make a recommendation into a 1 or a 2 set, combo, or MB, as you hit a few.  Not knowing your big miss and that you aren't yet able to shape many shots,   with a goal to continue to improve perhaps the gaped 1's might best fit.  I've hit them, I like them, but I don't play them.  Many fine golfers here may best answer building a set, best for you, since you like both.

[boogielicious]

4 hours ago, ajb316 said:

I went to a Titleist fitting centre yesterday to get fitted for some new irons with the view of either getting the AP1's or AP2's.

I am a 10 handicap, decent ball striker, 7 iron 165-170 yards.

I went in with the view of maximum forgiveness (AP1's) but after hitting both clubs my numbers were virtually the same (except AP1's went little further due to lofts).

My fitter was leaning towards recommending the AP2's as he didn't feel with my swing speed I would get anymore forgiveness out of the AP1's. However I still feel I would be giving up some forgiveness.

I preferred the looks, sound off the face and flight of the AP2's, butmy current mindset is still whatever makes this game easier to score low!

I want to get down to 8 this year and keep progressing lower so I guess my question is which would you go for out of the 2 sets?

Ideally I'd combo the set but the lofts don't allow it which is annoying.

For the record I am not at the level of shaping the ball my focus is generally on a consistent straight flight.

Advice & opinions welcome?

The AP1 have lower loft because they launch higher. Don't be confused by that. The loft is just a number. The more important number is launch angle My review for the site is below.

That being said, I would go with the AP2 at your handicap and most likely age. I am older and opted to play the AP1 last year vs. my 714 AP2 because I was losing distance. 

https://thesandtrap.com/b/clubs/titleist_716_ap1_review

[arturo28mx]

My personal experience. Yes you will get more distance from AP1 but you will also get more dispersion from AP1. The AP2are a little shorter but more consistent (I own both sets)

I recommend AP2 but make sure you choose the right shaft. I'm 60 years old and use XP 95 Regular with my AP2. Works for me.

[lewburg]

I bought the 716 AP2s and sold them the same week.  My driver swing speed is 105 mph max.  I not only couldn't hit the irons consistently, but lost distance.  My body was aching too.  My set had stiff shafts.  Regular shafts may have helped.  I ended up going back to my TM R7s and am happy.

Edited January 17, 2017 by lewburg

[Divotmaker77]

I am very similar to the OP.  10 HC good but not great ball striker.  I play with Mizuno MP-54's.  When my swing is on I love these clubs but when I am off they offer minimal forgiveness and I lose distance.  I have looked into Titleist AP-1's as well, but have not gone through a proper fitting yet.  My course greens are very firm so I would like to launch the ball higher to get the ball to stay on the greens easier.   Lower trajectory shots are very hard to keep on the greens unless you hit really great shots. 

I am sort of stuck on what I really want.  Forgiveness and a little more length or feel and workability.  Something to consider is mixing your set with both.  AP2 7-P and AP1 4-6.  Believe Spieth and other pros are now mixing their bags as well which allows them more forgiving clubs with the lower lofted clubs.

Not in the market to buy right now but its something I really need to think about and find the right club fitter when ready.

[bm85]

I vote for the AP2's. I'm pretty interested in buying a set myself.

[nickel_aTm]

It's all about the preferred trade off, as I've played both. AP1 will be slightly more forgiving and consistent. With the AP2 you lose a little bit of consistency and distance but get that great feel of forged equipment, ability to work the balll more, etc.

i don't try to work the ball a ton and don't hit it very far, so AP1 was my choice .... Until I got fitted for Callaway XR irons a while back -- which I hit better than both AP models for whatever reason. 

[p1n9183]

Changed my old ping ISI for brand new titleist 716 ap1. Distance control now is my strength. Low side spin is a bonus for better accuracy, don´t used to curve the ball so i think they where the rigth for me. Also love their looks.

[SavvySwede]

On 1/15/2017 at 4:17 AM, ajb316 said:

I went to a Titleist fitting centre yesterday to get fitted for some new irons with the view of either getting the AP1's or AP2's.

I am a 10 handicap, decent ball striker, 7 iron 165-170 yards.

I went in with the view of maximum forgiveness (AP1's) but after hitting both clubs my numbers were virtually the same (except AP1's went little further due to lofts).

My fitter was leaning towards recommending the AP2's as he didn't feel with my swing speed I would get anymore forgiveness out of the AP1's. However I still feel I would be giving up some forgiveness.

I preferred the looks, sound off the face and flight of the AP2's, butmy current mindset is still whatever makes this game easier to score low!

I want to get down to 8 this year and keep progressing lower so I guess my question is which would you go for out of the 2 sets?

Ideally I'd combo the set but the lofts don't allow it which is annoying.

For the record I am not at the level of shaping the ball my focus is generally on a consistent straight flight.

Advice & opinions welcome?

Go with the clubs you liked. If you get the AP1s you'll probably end up buying a new set next year because you spent the season wondering, what if?

[colin007]

The AP2s are dead effing sexy....

[allenc]

8 hours ago, SavvySwede said:

Go with the clubs you liked. If you get the AP1s you'll probably end up buying a new set next year because you spent the season wondering, what if?

Absolutely agree.  Everything that happened in reality point to the AP2s.  I.e. You liked them better, the numbers were the same, the fitter was leaning that way.  The only thing pointing to the AP1s is in your head:  maybe they will be more forgiving... but you haven't experienced that.