Difference between Original AP2 vs 714 AP2

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By Hatch

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  1. Hatch

    Hatch
    Alamogordo, NM

    I currently own the original AP2s from back in 08 I think. Obviously technology has taken a few leaps and bounds, but when it comes right down to it, is there that much of a difference in the different models through the years?

    I understand the business aspect and in no way am I dogging Titleist. I've played their equipment as a junior, through college, and now halfway through a military career. But I'm curious if Titleist designs with a certain goal in mind every 2 years. For instance, was it a goal to increase ball speed by 5%? Reduce short iron launch angles by a certain percentage? Or is it really just cosmetics and marketing in the end? I could see a huge difference in game improvement irons over a span of several years but I would think that the improvements would be harder to come by as you move down the list from AP1 to MB.

    Anyway, just curiosity really. I'd love to have a set of the new AP2s but unfortunately my funds are needed elsewhere. Maybe I'm just trying to put my mind at ease...lol.

  2. HawaiiMarine

    HawaiiMarine
    Lexington, VA

    The original ap2's overall look (in my opinion) seemed to be off kilter in a sense. The backside of the blade, with all the components, wells, cavities, etc weren't centered. It wasn't until the 712's and now the 714's that everything is completely centered. The 714's have moved away from the "black" cosmetic approach and are now totally "silver"---VERY sharp!

    As far as production on the golf course, and/or simply hitting the ball--the first release to the second, there was a gain of approximately 5% more forgivability.  From the initial AP2 release to now the 714's, there has been a gain of approximately 22% forgiveness attributed in the construction of the club/head. But as you well know, that is  arguable by skill set, and variances of the features, etc. what I mean is the weighting distribution which effects MOI, COG ... Ball flight, speed, spin, etc. 

    the great thing about Titleist, the technology gets better and better, and is proven simply by the fact that there is a solid 2 years of testing prior to a release--as opposed to other clubmakers who release a club when the wind shifts. but with these updates/upgrades in technology, Titleist doesn't bend to the competition when it comes to compromising their overall brand ... Meaning the look and style of Titleist products stay true to the classy/traditional look and appearance.  Make sense?  

    I hope this all helped out in answering your question?

  3. Jeff L

    Jeff L
    Menlo Park, CA

    I wonder the same thing.  I am currently a 2, so my swing is reasonably consistent.  Over the last few days I've been doing comparisons at the PGA Tour Superstore and looking at 6 irons from my 2008 AP2s built by the tour van vs. my original custom order 690 MB vs. the new 714 AP2.  DG X100 in tne AP2s and x100 Sensicore in the blades.  Both AP2s are clearly more consistent and forgiving than the blades (though the blades feel the best and fly just as far when flushed), but the clubhead speed (around 90-93), ball speed, spin rate and distance (180-184) on the 2008 and the 714s seem identical, if not more favorable to the originals.  My beef with the original AP2s has always been that they seemed to spin a little much and lose carry, but that doesn't show up on the trackman - a few shots on three different machines showed 190+ for each club and a nice, smooth action was 175-8 for each.  Am I missing something by not seeing how a ProV1x flies in the real world or is it just the case that any variability in performance comes down to the operator?  What are the cold, hard facts on the performance distances?  Do the interchangeable demo hosels and heads play like the real thing? 

    Thanks in advance.

  4. Hatch

    Hatch
    Alamogordo, NM

    des taggart said:

    Make sense?  

    I hope this all helped out in answering your question?

    Yeah, I guess the best thing to do would be to get both on a trackman and actually see if there's a noticeable difference for me.

    To be honest, I like the looks of the 712s the best, followed by the original. I'm not a huge fan of the 714 looks from the cavity but the playing position looks like a Titleist, which i like :)

  5. Don O

    Don O
    Madison, WI

    When money is an object, (the obverse of when money is no object), the wood metals should be rechecked if over 5 years, and irons and wedges without regard for wear, can hang out for 10.  The exception is if you have a life change that impacts you, such a physicial limitation, and you have stiff iron shafts that are stronger than your back.  If fit well then, new grips and lie checks every so often will keep your game functional.  If you need another 2-3 strokes per round to contend for a club championship, well, then....

    I still see plenty of Eye-2 irons on course and most can still whip me.  I'm sure I'd enjoy the 714s more than my 712s, but a grand buys a lot of lessons and likely improve my game more.

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