Due to all your great reviews Mark , I went and got fit for the Titleist 716 AP2's today , MAN are they a SWEET club !! Fit with the KBS C- Taper , Stiff 112g shafts , +1/2 inch , 2deg. flat , never missed center on the face sticker !! Also got fit for the H2 hybrids in 21, 23 , 25 with the Blue Diamana 70g shaft , I gained a full club from my old Adams V3 hybrids !!!! Keep up the GREAT WORK Mark as many of us DO take your reviews to heart , Thank YOU for all your time doing these reviews !!! #GolfGuRuMyReviews
Putting hybrids in my bag has made a huge difference. I got a 4 and a 3. The 3 is a Callaway XR and I can find the middle very easily and get up to 200m (220y), yet feel I can go for long par 4 with this club - I don't spray it like a fairway W. Had a great golf moment with it last weekend was 200m on a last hole from a fairway that was massively elevated, down to a small green with a lake in front. Put the 3h over the top of the stick in one putt range. One of those golf shots you remember for a very long time. Can't pull that off all the time, but hybrids give me the confidence to try.
Hye Mark, writing from France. I work my golf (and my english) by looking at your reviews and drills. Great job. just got my 5-PW ap2 716 / KBS Tour 90 S. Not too hard to play. Need a regular/repetitive swing. Tested the MP-H5 and MP-25 (ex MX25 player, loving Mizuno) the feel is great but needs more power/speed for the same result. and for me more power and speed means miss hits at this level.
bit lat in the day... have just bought a set,5-W all i can say is WOW 17 handicap hoping to get to single figures.... these are stunning..... highly recommend
I recently got these new AP2 irons and they feel awesome. I went with KBS tour S shafts and love the workability of this iron; I can draw or fade on command with these. I've played Pings for 30 years, but chose these over the new Ping I because they both feel good, but I didn't like the look of the new Ping. Nice review, Mark!
Titleist 716 AP2 Tungsten is one of the best irons I have tried. Which I now also own. Compared what you get with f.ex Callaway, you get much better Irons for a better price. 716 AP2 Tungsten cost in Norway £814, (P-5 irons) while Callaway wanted £1300 for the same range of irons.
Good advise about using hybrids Mark. Long irons are so much harder to hit, especially as the lofts on most sets sets now mean the 4 iron you think you are hitting is more like a 3 iron from a set as little as 10 years ago.
These irons are simply great, and Im usually a Mizuno guy. Fact is, I was on a Par 3 and hit a bad, fat shot, but the AP2 forgiveness came in and the ball went to the front fringe of the green !. My pro tells me its the way the weight is distributed in the irons that make them so forgiving, and they feel great too. I now see why so many use these including Open champ Speith. Great Job on these Titleist.
Combo sets are the way to go! In 2015 I've added (3) Adams hybrids to the bag (3h,4h,5h) to the Taylormade 2h that's been in the bag for a decade, trading in or out a hybrid/wedge to stay at 14 depending on the course. Also AP1-6i, AP2-7i-PW. Although AP2's aren't the longest out there, between 7i-PW I'd rather have confidence looking down at address, and accuracy. IDEA: I'd like to see a combo-set in-depth video about any adjustments amateurs might need to make when building a set (loft adjustments in hybrids/irons) to make the set fit as best as possible minimizing gaps between clubs. Thoughts Mark?
Decisions decisions.. Mizuno mp5's for looks and summer nights playing a lot or ap2's for overall playability... Mark, what's your view on the "blades will force you to become a better golfer " ? Or should we go for the most forgiving iron we are happy to play ? Also how much less forgiving were the 5's to the ap2's Thanks
I just hit the AP2 yesterday against the MP5 and was carrying it 6 to 8 yards further. Been looking to replace my MP60s which I have gamed for 10 years now.
When trying for my new irons, I hit AP2-714 and they were great. I do not see from the review that there is significant difference between 714 and 716 versions. My choice ended up coming down to looks and the preference for a slightly heavier club over all. Still if someone gave me the AP2, I would not knock it back.
I just bought these clubs today got fitted at American golf they are beautiful and on the machine 7 iron was topping out at 177 and the mishots were 164 I'm not sure how accurate them machines are because I usually take the 7 iron from 150 on the course.
Mark, I currently have the titleist mb 690. is there a lot of difference between the mb 716 or should I entertain the ap2 irons. don't get to play as much as I used to. keep up the great work.
Have you tested the TMB's? If so, how would you compare the AP2's to those clubs? Which one do you prefer? I have heard mixed reviews about the 716 AP2's.
Though they trying o align hybrid and iron there seems to be major differences in distance between 4i and hybrid. Is this because a 23 hybrid will go a lot further than a similar iron and they should have allowed for this too in their 'mix'
I've always been a big fan of AP2s. Mark, I'd love to see you compare 716 to previous year models-- has there been any improvement year over year in distance/dispersion ?
+Mark Crossfield Agree but 12 yards is a lot I'd say there is a lot of people out there who were waiting for the 716 thinking they'd be an improvement on 714. so we aren't comparing different different days data can you do 714 vs 716 same day same spec club soon please just so we get an idea. of course it's best to get fitted to get the best numbers but would be good to see thanks
+goodshoes07 I would say yes. Typically most golfers get a 3 and 4 hybrid to replace a 3 and 4 iron respectively since a 3 and 4 iron in any set are quite hard to hit. Hybrids are much easier to hit, offer a bit more distance since they are shaped more like a fairway wood and help a bit more in the rough since they glide through easier. Hope this helped
Nice looking irons still have to be hitting them a wee bit more consistently than me I think but I could definitely have a swing of them - mark could u add into ur reviews whether or not clubs come left handed or not? who knows maybe u will start shaming a few manufacturers into making more lefty clubs!
Mark, just a quick question if you don't mind. Do you have an inside track on whether Ping are gonna release an i series tour iron or an improved i55 iron perhaps called s54 for 2016?
Im on the fence about if I should buy the ap1 or ap2. I play r11s now and I love them but It is time for an upgrade. Clubs are starting to deteriorate on me. Help please!
Hi mark, why the big disparity between the 714 and 716 in terms of distance? you were only carrying the 716 168 whilst in your previous video with 714 you were 178?! was this HC2 error or wrong club etc?
would you say the increased moi created by the tungsten weights decreases the ability for shotmaking and workability for skilled players that you would normally get in older ap2s? if so, would you recommend switching to cb's if I want to update to 716s.. I currently play older models of the ap2s
Mark, is getting a set of irons that requires you to hit it a little more consistently to perform well good for overall performance? I currently game the Callaway XR (loads of forgiveness), but would play a set of irons like the AP2 force me to become a better golfer?
Can you comment on the fact that AP2 4 iron had your lowest average length compared to CB and MB? I noted 185 on MB, 184 CB and 180 on AP2. Just bad hits with AP2 even though you sounded happy with it?
Hey Mark, I'm a 6.2 handicap player using Ap2 714 irons. Is it worth the upgrade or just wait for the next iterations? Also, I converted to the 913 Hybrids last year. I play a 4(24)&5(27) with diamana blue+ 70 shafts. So the real question is should I tinker with this set. I've been shooting in the low 70's all week and I can feel a below par round on the horizon. Soo here's the real question: New clubs and faith, new clubs and 3-5 lessons, old clubs and 3-5 lessons? Thanks in advance. Mattz
+Mark Crossfield I tend to miss left from too strong of a draw bordering on a hook, 70% GIR over the past 20 rounds, with 20% hitting left of the green. I don't need distance, 181 carry for my 6... Etc so good gaps. Will the tungsten really straighten me out or is this just marketing and I need less wrists in my swing?
Hi Mark, according to the numbers you had shown for both AP1 & AP2, why would you choose AP2, since data of AP1 looks better in distance?? Both H1 & H2 shown same distance, which would you be choosing?
I tried these today but found I lost a lot of distance with the hybrids as apposed to the irons. I hit a 5 iron 200 yards but maxed on a 3 hybrid was 190... why would this be I struck it well but would loose too much distance on the course removing those irons from the set.... what are you thoughts
Spieth tried the new AP2 716 irons when they first came out. Missed the next two cuts. Played his 714 AP2 irons at the Australian Open this past weekend. Nun said. Titleist has gone down the wrong path again with these 716 irons. I'm not sure who there for, but it is not for the general public golfer.
To each their own I guess, because I love them. They didn't go the wrong route, just maybe not your route. And Jordan's poor play was not the fault of the irons. He even said that. He is just more comfortable with the 714's. And who can blame him, he won two majors last year.
So the 6i goes 166. Lets be generous and give you 178 with the 5i. 4h is 198..... looks like those hybrids might need a little more work if they're going to blend in correctly at the top end. fwiw, I also find 'equivalent' hybrids at least a club longer. I think the manufacturers just can't stop themselves trying to sell distance at the expense of utility, even Titleist.
+pendo dave Gaps in lofts are only important when you can hit the ball consistently well. Otherwise, our own crap playing will create our own gaps between many clubs.
Mark Crossfield my off-centers tend to be on the toe and i hardly lose any distance. if i miss directionally... doesn't matter if it's hybrid, iron, or Thor's hammer, a bad swing is a bad swing.
Mark Crossfield i get your point though that i could still use it as a replacement for my long iron. however, it's a bloody hook machine... and that fitting process is such a pain, I'd rather just learn to hit and play the damn iron, save the money.
Funny you got shorter distance numbers. Few of my buddies and myself went to test them out and averaged 5-10 yds shorter than 714's. All mid to low handicappers. Wasn't impressed.
Due to all your great reviews Mark , I went and got fit for the Titleist 716 AP2's today , MAN are they a SWEET club !!
Fit with the KBS C- Taper , Stiff 112g shafts , +1/2 inch , 2deg. flat , never missed center on the face sticker !! Also got fit for the H2 hybrids in 21, 23 , 25 with the Blue Diamana 70g shaft , I gained a full club from my old Adams V3 hybrids !!!!
Keep up the GREAT WORK Mark as many of us DO take your reviews to heart , Thank YOU for all your time doing these reviews !!! #GolfGuRuMyReviews
Fun to go back to this one after seeing this years iron reviews :)
Putting hybrids in my bag has made a huge difference. I got a 4 and a 3. The 3 is a Callaway XR and I can find the middle very easily and get up to 200m (220y), yet feel I can go for long par 4 with this club - I don't spray it like a fairway W. Had a great golf moment with it last weekend was 200m on a last hole from a fairway that was massively elevated, down to a small green with a lake in front. Put the 3h over the top of the stick in one putt range. One of those golf shots you remember for a very long time. Can't pull that off all the time, but hybrids give me the confidence to try.
Hye Mark, writing from France. I work my golf (and my english) by looking at your reviews and drills. Great job.
just got my 5-PW ap2 716 / KBS Tour 90 S. Not too hard to play. Need a regular/repetitive swing. Tested the MP-H5 and MP-25 (ex MX25 player, loving Mizuno) the feel is great but needs more power/speed for the same result. and for me more power and speed means miss hits at this level.
bit lat in the day... have just bought a set,5-W all i can say is WOW 17 handicap hoping to get to single figures.... these are stunning..... highly recommend
I recently got these new AP2 irons and they feel awesome. I went with KBS tour S shafts and love the workability of this iron; I can draw or fade on command with these. I've played Pings for 30 years, but chose these over the new Ping I because they both feel good, but I didn't like the look of the new Ping. Nice review, Mark!
Going in my bag this year for sure !! Been 14 year since my last new irons
Treat yourself
+Mark Crossfield Brought three new Titleist wedges two weeks ago and absolutely love them !!
Titleist 716 AP2 Tungsten is one of the best irons I have tried. Which I now also own. Compared what you get with f.ex Callaway, you get much better Irons for a better price. 716 AP2 Tungsten cost in Norway £814, (P-5 irons) while Callaway wanted £1300 for the same range of irons.
Good advise about using hybrids Mark. Long irons are so much harder to hit, especially as the lofts on most sets sets now mean the 4 iron you think you are hitting is more like a 3 iron from a set as little as 10 years ago.
These irons are simply great, and Im usually a Mizuno guy. Fact is, I was on a Par 3 and hit a bad, fat shot, but the AP2 forgiveness came in and the ball went to the front fringe of the green !. My pro tells me its the way the weight is distributed in the irons that make them so forgiving, and they feel great too. I now see why so many use these including Open champ Speith. Great Job on these Titleist.
You always have the best commentary.
Combo sets are the way to go! In 2015 I've added (3) Adams hybrids to the bag (3h,4h,5h) to the Taylormade 2h that's been in the bag for a decade, trading in or out a hybrid/wedge to stay at 14 depending on the course. Also AP1-6i, AP2-7i-PW. Although AP2's aren't the longest out there, between 7i-PW I'd rather have confidence looking down at address, and accuracy. IDEA: I'd like to see a combo-set in-depth video about any adjustments amateurs might need to make when building a set (loft adjustments in hybrids/irons) to make the set fit as best as possible minimizing gaps between clubs. Thoughts Mark?
Decisions decisions.. Mizuno mp5's for looks and summer nights playing a lot or ap2's for overall playability... Mark, what's your view on the "blades will force you to become a better golfer " ? Or should we go for the most forgiving iron we are happy to play ? Also how much less forgiving were the 5's to the ap2's
Thanks
I just hit the AP2 yesterday against the MP5 and was carrying it 6 to 8 yards further. Been looking to replace my MP60s which I have gamed for 10 years now.
When trying for my new irons, I hit AP2-714 and they were great. I do not see from the review that there is significant difference between 714 and 716 versions. My choice ended up coming down to looks and the preference for a slightly heavier club over all. Still if someone gave me the AP2, I would not knock it back.
Mark great video as usual! Can you compare the 716 AP2 to the 714 AP2?
I want to see reviews vs past clubs. Like Mizuno Mp64 with same lofts. Let's really get stuck in!!
I just bought these clubs today got fitted at American golf they are beautiful and on the machine 7 iron was topping out at 177 and the mishots were 164 I'm not sure how accurate them machines are because I usually take the 7 iron from 150 on the course.
Titleist 716AP2 Vs Mizuno MP-25 Please!!!!
Mark- Could you not get your hands on the 716 T-MB? Would love to see you review those. They look great...
Mark, I currently have the titleist mb 690. is there a lot of difference between the mb 716 or should I entertain the ap2 irons. don't get to play as much as I used to. keep up the great work.
Have you tested the TMB's? If so, how would you compare the AP2's to those clubs? Which one do you prefer? I have heard mixed reviews about the 716 AP2's.
I used the lines like I do on my putter to keep the ball straight. (visual aid)
AP2, AP1 and H1 combo set could be a very attractive option?
Though they trying o align hybrid and iron there seems to be major differences in distance between 4i and hybrid. Is this because a 23 hybrid will go a lot further than a similar iron and they should have allowed for this too in their 'mix'
I've always been a big fan of AP2s. Mark, I'd love to see you compare 716 to previous year models-- has there been any improvement year over year in distance/dispersion ?
Dispersion is me and distance no
+Mark Crossfield thank god for that as I've only had my 714's 6 months!! Would the same be said for 916 hybrid against 915 for your game Mark?
+Mark Crossfield
Mark
in your review of 714 ap2 you were averaging 178. have you really lost 12 yards between models?
Tim Greeves Tim please don't compare data over different days. It means nothing apart from I am feeling different. It's a common common mistake.
+Mark Crossfield
Agree but 12 yards is a lot
I'd say there is a lot of people out there who were waiting for the 716 thinking they'd be an improvement on 714.
so we aren't comparing different different days data can you do 714 vs 716 same day same spec club soon please just so we get an idea.
of course it's best to get fitted to get the best numbers but would be good to see
thanks
The thing I want to know though is should you buy hybrids in conjunction with your irons?
+goodshoes07 I would say yes. Typically most golfers get a 3 and 4 hybrid to replace a 3 and 4 iron respectively since a 3 and 4 iron in any set are quite hard to hit. Hybrids are much easier to hit, offer a bit more distance since they are shaped more like a fairway wood and help a bit more in the rough since they glide through easier.
Hope this helped
Compare this with mizuno mp25
Will do
chemari 1235 I
@Mark Crossfiled AP2's looking good, are they going to be releasing a 716 'iron' hybrid iteration, along with the launch of the H1 & H2?
Nice looking irons still have to be hitting them a wee bit more consistently than me I think but I could definitely have a swing of them - mark could u add into ur reviews whether or not clubs come left handed or not? who knows maybe u will start shaming a few manufacturers into making more lefty clubs!
Can you compare the AP2's to the 850 forged?
Mark, just a quick question if you don't mind. Do you have an inside track on whether Ping are gonna release an i series tour iron or an improved i55 iron perhaps called s54 for 2016?
Im on the fence about if I should buy the ap1 or ap2. I play r11s now and I love them but It is time for an upgrade. Clubs are starting to deteriorate on me. Help please!
Hi mark,
why the big disparity between the 714 and 716 in terms of distance? you were only carrying the 716 168 whilst in your previous video with 714 you were 178?! was this HC2 error or wrong club etc?
would you say the increased moi created by the tungsten weights decreases the ability for shotmaking and workability for skilled players that you would normally get in older ap2s? if so, would you recommend switching to cb's if I want to update to 716s.. I currently play older models of the ap2s
redsharpiemarker it's all in what you feel. I don't really think it hurts directional control
what Club would be good to choose for distance
Mark, is getting a set of irons that requires you to hit it a little more consistently to perform well good for overall performance? I currently game the Callaway XR (loads of forgiveness), but would play a set of irons like the AP2 force me to become a better golfer?
I don't think it would no.
That is cool it has helped you James.
Can you comment on the fact that AP2 4 iron had your lowest average length compared to CB and MB? I noted 185 on MB, 184 CB and 180 on AP2. Just bad hits with AP2 even though you sounded happy with it?
They are called slightly heel strikes :)
Hi Mark. Any chance of reviewing the Wilson fg tour v4s? Thanks Malcolm
Hey Mark, I'm a 6.2 handicap player using Ap2 714 irons. Is it worth the upgrade or just wait for the next iterations? Also, I converted to the 913 Hybrids last year. I play a 4(24)&5(27) with diamana blue+ 70 shafts. So the real question is should I tinker with this set. I've been shooting in the low 70's all week and I can feel a below par round on the horizon. Soo here's the real question: New clubs and faith, new clubs and 3-5 lessons, old clubs and 3-5 lessons? Thanks in advance. Mattz
For you to go and try. What gains are you looking for would be the question.
+Mark Crossfield I tend to miss left from too strong of a draw bordering on a hook, 70% GIR over the past 20 rounds, with 20% hitting left of the green. I don't need distance, 181 carry for my 6... Etc so good gaps. Will the tungsten really straighten me out or is this just marketing and I need less wrists in my swing?
It won't stop your shape no.
Hi Mark, according to the numbers you had shown for both AP1 & AP2, why would you choose AP2, since data of AP1 looks better in distance?? Both H1 & H2 shown same distance, which would you be choosing?
I like H1 looks more for me
+Mark Crossfield And what about the APx's?
Mark, would you consider using KBS or Project X shafts for AP2's? Thx!
Mark, is it against the rules of golf to paint the bottom two groves on your irons? I couldn't find anything in the rules book?
I think it's OK but issues if it comes off I think
Good reviews all4!!
Thanks
What is the machine you used here for the numbers mark?
Chris Oh GC2
I tried these today but found I lost a lot of distance with the hybrids as apposed to the irons. I hit a 5 iron 200 yards but maxed on a 3 hybrid was 190... why would this be I struck it well but would loose too much distance on the course removing those irons from the set.... what are you thoughts
Longer hitters usually like you usually dislike hybrids because they produce too much spin, maybe thats why your shots went less when you hybrids
Are these comparable to mp15 or mp25
thanks bro.
Hard to tell from the video but is the shape/look at address significantly different than the 714?
A little
could you compare m with the RSI 2 serie
Spieth tried the new AP2 716 irons when they first came out. Missed the next two cuts. Played his 714 AP2 irons at the Australian Open this past weekend. Nun said. Titleist has gone down the wrong path again with these 716 irons. I'm not sure who there for, but it is not for the general public golfer.
To each their own I guess, because I love them. They didn't go the wrong route, just maybe not your route. And Jordan's poor play was not the fault of the irons. He even said that. He is just more comfortable with the 714's. And who can blame him, he won two majors last year.
im still using a 4 iron simply because i don't know how to shop for the proper hybrid
Get a good fitting
What are the dots on the club
Noah Forsyth it's how he gets all his data. there not part of the club.
So the 6i goes 166. Lets be generous and give you 178 with the 5i. 4h is 198..... looks like those hybrids might need a little more work if they're going to blend in correctly at the top end. fwiw, I also find 'equivalent' hybrids at least a club longer. I think the manufacturers just can't stop themselves trying to sell distance at the expense of utility, even Titleist.
My 23 hybrid is a 185 to 209 distance depending on how I play it?
It's a fair cop, but i'm guessing most of us (mid cap choppers) don't have that facility...
+pendo dave Gaps in lofts are only important when you can hit the ball consistently well. Otherwise, our own crap playing will create our own gaps between many clubs.
Love the look of these and the cb's. Do u think I could blend the cb's from wedge to 6 iron then 5&4 iron in the ap1's. would I notice gaping issues??
I could not as they would look quite different
using this irons
only just bloody bought a new hybrid!!
Mark, how do these compare to the Mizuno MP-25s?
don't get why more players are not using hybrids... because some of us hit 180-200 with our 7 iron.
+Jon B how does that stop you playing with a club that helps off centre hits?
Mark Crossfield my off-centers tend to be on the toe and i hardly lose any distance. if i miss directionally... doesn't matter if it's hybrid, iron, or Thor's hammer, a bad swing is a bad swing.
Mark Crossfield i get your point though that i could still use it as a replacement for my long iron. however, it's a bloody hook machine... and that fitting process is such a pain, I'd rather just learn to hit and play the damn iron, save the money.
Funny you got shorter distance numbers. Few of my buddies and myself went to test them out and averaged 5-10 yds shorter than 714's. All mid to low handicappers. Wasn't impressed.
It's not permanent just temporary until I memorize how to hit my irons straight.
I reach 200 yard yard greens with my 4 iron all day. If I tried with a similar lofted hybrid, I'd be apologizing to the group at the next tee box...
ap2's**
de-lish