Titleist Introduces New 718 Irons

[RandallT]

Titleist Introduces New 718 Irons
New Models for Every Dedicated Golfer – Including All-New AP3 – Maximize Ball Speed and MOI for More Distance, More Often

FAIRHAVEN, Mass. (Aug. 24, 2017) – The new line of Titleist 718 irons – featuring the powerful distance and ultra-forgiveness of AP1, the tour-proven consistency of AP2, and the introduction of AP3, the longest, fastest Titleist players iron ever – provides dedicated golfers with the breakthrough technology and proven performance that have made Titleist the #1 iron on the PGA Tour since 2005. 

Available in golf shops worldwide beginning Sept. 29, Titleist’s 718 iron lineup offers six models – AP1, AP2, AP3, T-MB, CB and MB – precisely engineered to meet the performance requirements of players at every level of the game. 

“Golfers trust Titleist to design and manufacture the premier irons in the game and not make any sacrifices,” said Josh Talge, Vice President of Marketing, Titleist Golf Clubs. “Our R&D team is relentless when it comes to improving iron performance and engineering new technologies into head profiles that look, sound and feel great. The invention of AP3, which combines the distance and forgiveness of our best-selling, game-improvement AP1 iron with the look and feel of our tour-favorite AP2, is a significant advancement that will help a wide range of golfers, and further illustrates why more of the world’s best players have Titleist irons in their bags.” 

718 IRONS ON TOUR: Following their debut on the PGA Tour in late June, Titleist 718 irons are now being played by hundreds of players across the worldwide professional tours. Justin Thomas won the PGA Championship playing a new set of 718 MB irons, while Jordan Spieth used a 718 T-MB 3-iron to hit his now legendary recovery shot on Royal Birkdale’s 13th hole en route to winning the Open Championship. Jimmy Walker (AP3, MB), Bill Haas (AP3, AP2), Rafa Cabrera Bello (MB), Charley Hoffmann (AP2), Russell Henley (T-MB), Ian Poulter (AP2), Steve Stricker (CB),Byeong Hun An (AP3, AP2, MB), Webb Simpson (MB) and Jason Kokrak (AP3, CB, MB) have also put new 718 irons immediately in play. 

FREE TRIAL & FITTINGS: Beginning Sept. 1, golfers can experience the performance of Titleist 718 irons by attending a Titleist Fitting and Trial event (including Titleist Thursdays), being held at hundreds of locations nationwide. To find an event, or book a free 718 iron fitting with a Titleist Product Specialist, golfers can visit www.titleist.com/718. 

TITLEIST 718 ON YOUTUBE: 
"What it Takes":

 

 

 

AP3 Technology:

 

AP2 Technology:

 

T-MB Technology:

 

718 IRONS TECHNOLOGY AND PERFORMANCE 

“718 is about maximizing MOI and ball speed, while maintaining the proper launch, trajectory and shot-stopping control that players need to hit greens more consistently. Irons are scoring clubs. It’s about hitting your number and stopping the ball close to the pin. Even with distance-focused irons like 718 AP1 and AP3, which are just as long or even longer than the competition, the ultimate goal was playable and repeatable distance. When it comes to hitting a good iron shot, distance without control is meaningless.” – Marni Ines, Director, Titleist R&D Irons Development 

718 AP1 IRONS: New 718 AP1 irons are built for maximum distance and maximum forgiveness. Longer and more forgiving than the prior generation, 718 AP1 irons combine classic Titleist look and feel with the game’s most advanced game improvement technology to produce an iron that is easy to hit, get in the air and stop on the green quickly. “Titleist has an iron for every dedicated golfer, and that starts with 718 AP1,” Talge said. “There’s no better option in the game improvement iron category.” 

• New progressive construction from hollow-body long irons to undercut cavity mid and short irons provides the best combination of distance and trajectory for each individually-designed iron. 

• Thin, fast, unsupported face inserts generate explosive ball speed for more distance. Hollow-body long irons, inspired by R&D’s development of the Titleist Concept C16 iron models, maximize carry distance on longer shots into the green. 

• High-density tungsten weighting produces a lower CG for higher launch with shot-stopping control. The high-MOI design – with an average of 58.5 grams of tungsten per head, placed low and in the toe of the long and mid irons – produces higher ball speeds across the face for more consistent distance on off-center hits. 

• Premium game improvement profile delivers the look, sound and feel that players expect from a Titleist iron. Improved leading edge pre-wear creates more efficient turf interaction for more consistent contact. 

• Available irons: 4-P, 48º, 53º 

718 AP3 IRONS: The all-new 718 AP3 is the player’s distance iron. An innovative hollow-blade design with high-speed face technology, AP3 merges everything R&D has learned from creating and advancing AP1 and AP2 irons to produce the longest, fastest Titleist player’s iron ever. “AP3 truly represents the best of both worlds,” Talge said. “We’re giving you the distance and forgiveness of a game improvement iron packed into the look and feel of a player’s iron.” 

AP3 was also inspired by the development of Titleist Concept C16 irons, which taught R&D how to engineer breakthrough distance and forgiveness into a player preferred, smaller footprint. 

• Hollow-blade construction combined with a thin, unsupported L-Face insert launches long and high with shot-stopping spin – even on longer shots. 

• High-MOI design – with an average of 84.9 grams of tungsten per head, placed low and in the toe of the long and mid irons – produces higher ball speeds across the face, providing the off-center distance performance of a game improvement iron. 

• New, preferred player’s shape appeals to golfers needing distance and forgiveness while maintaining control and solid feel. 

• Available irons: 3-P, 48º 

718 AP2 IRONS: New 718 AP2 continues to raise the bar, improving upon the technology and performance that have made AP2 the gold standard of modern tour irons. The co-forged, cavity back design provides ultimate playability with consistent distance and forgiveness, packaged in a tour-validated profile that delivers pure forged feel. “AP2 is the most popular tour iron globally because it combines the look and feel tour players demand with the precise distance control they need to consistently hit their target, shot after shot,” Talge said. “For everyone else, it’s the tour iron within reach, because it is so forgiving.” 

• A thinner forged body and face insert constructed of high-strength spring steel increases launch and ball speed for more distance. An improved CG progression, with a lower and more centered CG in the long irons, improves speed performance on off-center hits for precise distance control on every swing. 

• Forgiveness and stability are delivered through precise perimeter weighting and a unique co-forged construction pioneered by Titleist R&D, with an average of 57.4 grams of high-density tungsten placed in the heel and toe of the long and mid irons. New high-density tungsten caps co-forged into the perimeter further increase MOI for maximum forgiveness at the AP2’s constant, tour-preferred blade length. 

• Tour-preferred profile offers proven look, sound and pure forged feel with a refined leading edge for more efficient turf interaction and consistent contact. 

• Available irons: 3-P, 50º 

718 T-MB IRONS: The ultimate utility iron, 718 T-MB has grown into a full set of uniquely designed irons that deliver effortless distance at every loft in a technical, muscle-back shape.Initially developed as a high launching, player’s long iron, the hollow-body, multi-material design of T-MB produces a powerful combination of high launch and forgiveness with a playable trajectory. “T-MB is an absolute workhorse that launches high and just keeps going,” Talge said. “Players can’t believe the performance they get out a club that from address looks like a classic muscle back.” 

• Advanced hollow-back construction with thin, unsupported L-Face insert allows the face to flex more at impact, increasing launch and speed for more distance. 

• The most high-density tungsten in the Titleist 718 lineup – with an average of 93.9 grams precisely placed in the heel and toe – optimizes launch and spin to produce higher shots that go far and land soft. 

• High-MOI design increases off-center ball speed for forgiveness while delivering stability and tour-validated feel. Improved leading edge pre-wear creates more efficient turf interaction for more consistent contact. 

• Available irons: 2-P, 50º 

718 CB IRONS: New 718 CB irons continue Titleist’s legacy of delivering tour-proven performance in a sleek, cavity back profile, delivering precision shot control with added forgiveness through the game’s most high-tech blade construction. 

• Classic but modern cavity back packed with high-density tungsten – an average of 74.8 grams precisely placed in the heel and toe in the long and mid irons – creates higher ball speeds across the face for more consistent distance on off-center hits. New tungsten caps co-forged into the perimeter further increase MOI for maximum forgiveness without the loss of workability or shot control at the CB’s constant, tour-preferred blade length. 

• Optimized CG heights, low with a slight progression up through the set, deliver precise, tour-proven trajectory, while increasing the sweet spot for solid feel. 

• Available irons: 2-P 

718 MB IRONS: A classic muscle back designed for today’s game, new 718 MB is the modern choice for those players desiring maximum shot control with a traditional forged look and feel. 

• Advanced muscle-back design delivers tour-proven flight with maximum shot and trajectory control. Strategically designed CG locations deliver superior shotmaking and responsive feedback. 

• High muscle-back weighting, optimally positioned behind the sweet spot, provides pure, forged feel on every shot. Each MB iron is forged from a single billet of carbon steel for the purist look, sound and feel. 

• Available irons: 3-P 

PREMIUM STOCK SHAFTS: 718’s high-performance stock shaft matrix includes all-new premium aftermarket options, including three new True Temper AMT shafts with tour-proven ascending mass technology. The new AMT Red(AP1), AMT Black (AP3) and AMT Tour White (AP2) models provide lighter long iron shafts for increased launch and speed and heavier short iron shafts for control in specific weight ranges matched to the target players for AP1, AP3 and AP2. “We were the first to use an Ascending Mass Technology shaft with 716 AP2 and our robot testing, player testing and tour feedback has been outstanding,” Talge said. The new Mitsubishi Tensei Pro Red AMC (Ascending Mass Concept) graphite shaft with ascending mass technology is also available as a stock option for AP1. 

True Temper Project X PXi (T-MB), Project X LZ(CB) and Project X (MB) round out 718’s premium stock options. In addition, Titleist offers an industry-leading number of custom shaft choices, many at no upcharge. 

718 IRONS SPECIFICATIONS: Click here (.pdf). 

718 IRONS AVAILABILITY: New Titleist 718 irons will be available in golf shops worldwide beginning Sept. 29, with fittings beginning Sept. 1. 

Titleist 718 AP1: 
Steel: MAP $125 per club ($999/set of 8) | MSRP $140 per club 
Graphite: MAP $140 per club ($1,199/set of 8) | MSRP $165 per club. 

Titleist 718 AP2, AP3, CB, MB: 
Steel: MAP $162.50 per club ($1,299/set of 8) | MSRP $185 per club 
Graphite: MAP $187.50 per club ($1,499/set of 8) | MSRP $210 per club. 

Titleist 718 T-MB: 
Steel: MAP $249 per club ($1,999/set of 8) | MSRP $280 per club 
Graphite: MAP $275 per club ($2,199/set of 8) | MSRP $305 per club. 

CONTACT: Eric Soderstrom, Manager of Communications (eric_soderstrom@acushnetgolf.com; 508-264-0798) 

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[RussUK]

Me Like!!!

However.........being Titleist i'd probably have to re-mortgage the house to get a full set

Plus, still have a set pf 695mb's in the loft that i cant hit for toffee.

[David in FL]

I think they actually weakened the lofts on the AP 2's.  I guess to fit the AP 3's in there?

[DeadMan]

Oh man, those look sexy. Especially with the AP3s. I've been sort mulling over a new iron set for a while now... HMMM...

[scotth]

They are pretty sweet looking.....  Figure for me and where I live that by the time I could test a set of lefty clubs they will be onto the next newest set. :)

[saevel25]

I like the look of those irons versus the previous iterations.

[Groucho Valentine]

Hmm, i might look at those AP3 for my 4,5,6. I use 714 AP1's for my 4 & 5 but have wanting to make a change. 

[Midpack]

Nice looking clubs across a broad range. I'm wondering where the T-MB will sit in terms of forgiveness. The TM P790 is another I wonder about - "hollow blades?"

[GolfLug]

Is it just me or the black insert in the AP3s have a hint of Callaway Apexs?

[dbuck]

4 hours ago, David in FL said:

I think they actually weakened the lofts on the AP 2's.  I guess to fit the AP 3's in there?

I don't think they did.

Best I can tell, the AP2 lofts are unchanged, the AP1s have strengthened by 1 degree except the PW, and the AP3s have the lofts of the 716 AP1s.

Bit of a dilemma for me as I was considering trading for a set of 716 AP1s if retailers put them on discount at the 718 release.

Edited August 24, 2017 by dbuck

[jamo]

Mmmmm I really like the CBs and MBs. 

[RandallT]

Pics of 718 MB:

 

Pics of 718 CB:

Pics of 718 T-MB:

 

Pics of 718 AP3:

 

[RandallT]

Pics of 718 AP2:

Pics of 718 AP1:

[billchao]

IMO these are the best looking sets Titleist has released in a while.

[jsgolfer]

If I replace my 714's these will be the clubs.

Edited August 24, 2017 by jsgolfer

[allenc]

Looking pretty nice.  Unfortunately, unlike the new Taylormades from the other thread against which the compete, the AP3s don't seem to be filled with any foam, goop, or soup.  These days I'm thinking you need some foam to be competitive.

[RFKFREAK]

God I love the look of the AP2's.

Considering I rarely practice and play it probably would be dumb to buy them in hopes that instead of scoring in the mid 90's to mid 100's I'll be able to score in the low 90's to the low 100's. 

Someone of my ability should probably get the AP1's but I really don't think I need a club that gives me more length.  Either way, if I drop the money on these it's gotta be better than my 10+ year old box set. 

[billchao]

4 hours ago, RFKFREAK said:

Either way, if I drop the money on these it's gotta be better than my 10+ year old box set.

I thought you were going to buy AP1s last year?

You can probably get a pretty good price for 714s now that the 718s are coming.