Titleist irons are so easy to write about. The Titleist AP1 irons were first introduced in 2013. They have been a favorite of Titleist loyalists ever since. This year, Titleist has introduced some changes to the AP1 in the way of their 716 AP1.
It’s all to do with the weighting, the design of the sole and the cavity back which work together to create what Titleist say is their longest and most forgiving iron.
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At first glance, you will notice that there is a significant change to the cavity back. The obvious effect of this is in the lowering of the CG (Center of Gravity). The support bar of the 714 AP1 is gone in favor of this undercut cavity.
Another change is unseen. The amount of tungsten used in the sole of the club. This weight is towards the toe and helps to reposition the CG to the most advantageous spot. This weight is only in the 3 – 7 irons.
Distance
The Titleist 716 AP1 irons have face that is free of the support bar of the 714 model. This increases ball speed and raises the launch angle which adds more distance. High-density tungsten drives the center of gravity low allowing stronger lofts to create even more speed and more distance.
Feel
This game improvement club also offers great feel for a club in its class. The thin face responds to miss hits with a somewhat dampening effect to make even mishits feel solid.
Forgiveness
The perimeter weighting benefits from the extra tungsten used in the club head to make off-center hits less punishing. This feature is common in game improvement clubs. What is not common is the degree of forgiveness in a club of this head size.
Looks
Titleist irons have always had a look that can best be described as “In your Face”, and the 716 AP1’s are no exception. Although it has a topline that is a bit more robust than any other Titleist iron for 2016, it still has the look that makes you want to make a good swing…out of respect for the club.
Custom Fitting Options
Titleist users tend to be dedicated golf enthusiasts who know the benefits of having your clubs custom fit. All of the basic fitting issues can and should be addressed by a club fitter. With the material being a cast steel, your lie angles can only be bent 2 degrees either upright or flat. Shaft and grip options can be done at the same time.
Specifications
3 4 5 6 7 8 9 PW W W2
Loft 19 22 25 28 31 35 39 43 47 52
Lie 60 61 62 62.5 63 63.5 64 64 64 64
Length 39 38.5 38 37.5 37 36.5 36 35.75 35.5 35.5
- RH/LH
- Cast steel club head
- Available 3 through SW
- Steel (XP 90 True Temper) Graphite (KuroKage TiNi 65)
- D1 swing weight
PROS
PLAYABILITY: An improvement on the 714; easy to get airborne, less dispersion and great from rough and bunkers.
ACCURACY/FORGIVENESS: Largest club face Titleist has to offer gives maximum forgiveness on miss hits. Hit it on the sweet spot and it will be fairways and greens all day long.
DISTANCE CONTROL: Added distance comes from: ramped up ball speed, higher launch angles, and a responsive club face.
LOOK: A streamlined, sportier head than past AP1s, with a thinner-looking sole and a well-concealed cavity back.
CONS
Wedges can be a bit blunt on partial shots — several testers would swap them out for something more refined; high-handicappers may need more help; muted feel at impact leaves a few testers lukewarm. Strengthened lofts have the PW at a whopping 43 degrees. This causes a problem when gapping the wedges. Pay attention to the lofts on whatever wedges you decide to play.
Is This Club for You?
The Titleist 716 AP1 is the farthest Titleist has ventured into the game improvement market. Let me tell you this…I think they have done a fine job. This iron definitely fits the bill as a game improvement club, but it sometimes plays like a progressive cavity forged club. It has decent feel, above average distance and unmatched forgiveness.
Although not for low handicap players, the AP1’s would suit most mid to high players.
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