Talking to amateur golfers about how their games
have changed, we hear many of them say
“I’m as long or longer than I used to
be.” But if you drill down you’ll realize
that many of them are referring to their driver
distance, which is the part of the game that has been
most dramatically “lifted” by
technology. In short, a good ball striker can afford to
swing a modern driver slower than they used to 10
years ago, not
even considering the “old days” of
wooden clubs. Heck, many guys and gals over 50 hit it
farther than they did growing up!
But what about iron play? If you're looking for
more distance, it might be time to put those blades in
the closet and think about trying some new
technology. Because they've come a long way baby.
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What lies
beneath this gorgeous design
is what separates
the AP1 716
from its predecessor
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Titleist’s AP1 716 is the longest, most
forgiving iron the company has ever produced. And
like it's sister product, the "better
player's" forged cavity back called the AP2, the
AP1 appeals to a wide variety of players, as it evolves
with each new model.
What we like most about the AP1
716s is that the technical enhancements are
implemented without sacrificing the good looks and
superb feel that all Titleist irons are known for.
Without getting too technical, let’s take a look
at some of the latest features:
LOW CG AND HIGH MOI, A NICE
COMBINATION
Titleist engineers used 50% more high-density
Tungsten when designing the AP1 716 than in the 714
model that preceded it. That allowed them to create
club with an even lower CG for higher launch. So they
could use less loft throughout the set, especially on
the PW, which clocks
in at just 43 degrees. On the range, we got plenty of
loft from the wedge, but if the extra distance means
the need to look at adding a wedge, the AP1 offers a
W (47) and W2 (52) to make your gapping easy. As
always, it's highly recommended that you get fitted
and with so many expert Titleist club fitters, that
should be a breeze. Locate one here.
DEEP UNDERCUT 360 DEGREE CAVITY
AND THIN, FAST FACE
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360 Undercut
Cavity - Side View |
The best way to describe this is to show a picture
– see the graphic on the right or check out the video
above. On the previous model
the face was supported with a horizontal bar, notice
that on the 716 that is removed and the undercut
cavity is deeper. You’ll likely feel the difference
immediately as we did during our testing session; the
face is thinner and faster and the ball seems to stay
on the face longer before rocketing off.
And as nice as a fast face is, there is much more
to the story, because a “hot” iron in
itself doesn’t solve the problem of forgiveness
and accuracy.
That's where the "extreme use of Tungsten" has
comes into play. Putting more weight low
and on the perimeter of the AP1 means that when you
catch it a little low on the face, or off the heel or toe,
you're not going to see as much of a loss of distance.
It might mean the difference between clearing the
sand trap or water hazard, and that's not a bad thing.
OTHER FEATURES
If you look at the cross-cut photo above, you'll
get a feel for the pre-worn sole. This has become an
important part of Titleist's iron designs in general, and
in the AP1 even more crucial due to the longer blade.
You don't want your blade getting "stuck"
-- especially the heel or toe -- because of the effect
on ball flight.
SHAFT OPTIONS
STEEL:
True Temper XP 90
5 grams lighter than the model that shipped with the
previous version of the AP1; provides additional
clubhead speed while maintaining the control of a
steel shaft.
GRAPHITE:
Mitsubishi Kuro Kage
TiNi 65
A unique graphite option that is constructed with a
Titanium nickel wire that provides additional feel and
response.
The Titleist AP1 716 irons are available with steel
($112.50 per club, or $899 for a set of 8) or graphite
($137.50 per club or $1,099 for set of 8) shaft options.
For more information or to find a retailer, visit www.titleist.com