I've saw several "mid-handicappers" say that they play the AP2's. I've been trying out both lately and am actually leaning the other way. I'm a 6 handicap and as of now kind of like the AP1 better. The only thing that keeps me from buying them right now is an ego thing. I have played forged clubs in the past and kind of feel weird going to a game improvement club. I should also say that I went into my testing wanting to like the AP2 better. What I would really like is a split set, but thinking down the road if you ever took them back to trade in the split set wouldn't be worth near as much as a full set of either.

Hello Tim;  We all have a bit of an ego, just some more than others, and that's understandable, but lets face it, your ego is only costing you strokes, and your playing partners are probably glad you have it. Not putting you down because we all have it, but at least you'll admit it, and that's better than most. My brother and I are seniors and he has a very big ego. When we play, he insists on playing from the white (regular) tee's because his ego just won't let him play from the yellow (senior) tee's, then he's always complaining that I always bet him. I finally convinced him that (depending on the hole) he is giving me anywhere from 10yd. - 50 yd. advantage by playing so far behind me. He finally dumped his ego, and started playing from the senior tee's and he doing much better. Just a little true story that you could think about, as an example of how ego can hurt you. As far as playing a split set, a lot of players are doing that, so find a good fitter, and if he/she fits you for a split set, then go for it. You need to be playing the clubs that are best for your game. Also, I wouldn't worry about trade in value of the set you buy. That will be far down the road, and your golf game, and better scores are now. Even though you're buying Titleist, the best clubs on the market, if you play them for 2-3 years they won't be worth enough that a mixed set will matter. Truth is, used golf equipment just won't hold it's value vey well no matter what brand they are, although, Titleist will hold their value better than any other brand.

Good luck with you endeavors and enjoy the process of you club fitting. 

I have a similar handicap as you.  I was fitted for the AP1 714 before the 2014 season.  I had played the AP2 710 and 712 before that.  I played the AP1 for a few months before switching back to the AP2 714.  Best irons I have ever played.  Glad I changed.  To me the AP1 is a great club but having come from playing the AP2 for a few years I just couldn't get used to the larger heads.  Forged feel also had something to do with it.  

I wouldn't worry about handicap as much as how far from the center your misses are.  If you are a decent ball striker then ap2 shouldn't be a problem.  If you struggle with Mia hits go ap1

I think the AP2's would work well for you. When I first got mine I was about a 11 handicap...they were forgiving enough for me, but also allowed me to try and start working the ball...made practicing more fun and then ultimately helped me lower my handicap.

A couple people have talked about a combo sets...awesome idea! I'm looking at doing the same thing. AP2's and CB's.

I've gotten so spoiled with the distance on the AP1s.  I also can do certain things with them, such as hit long bunker shots with the 8-PW.  I hit them very straight

I like the feel of forged irons.... played X31s for ages.   I haven't had a chance to try AP2s but did try 735CM and 755 irons (bent the lofts as close as possible to match the AP1s - had the 9 iron at 43 and the PW at 47; the AP1  9 iron was stock and the PW was 46).  I gave up 5 yards on the PW and 10 yards on the 9 iron but they were chalk-line straight.  I did pretty well around the greens with the forged 9 and PW.

Old school cast clubs don't quite have the feel of the AP1s.  I give up about 15 yards on DCI Black, understanding the lofts are good for a 7 yard loss. I lose about 5 yards between the DCI 7 iron and the AP1 8 iron.

I should add that when I play the second shot to the green from 7-pw iron with ap2, the trajectory of the ball is high and right and when it falls on the green, it stops and sometimes it backspin a little. The ap1 tend to continue to roll on the green. Perhaps because of the higher lofts on ap2 and shaft.