First look: Titleist 718 AP2 irons
We got our first look at the Titleist 718 AP2 irons at the 718 launch event at Archerfield Links.
This is Titleist’s most popular tour iron. In fact, it’s the most popular tour iron in the world used by the likes of Jordan Spieth, Jason Dufner, Bill Hass, Kevin Na and many more.
So what has been changed with the 718 model? Are we going to see loads of players making the switch?
Well we’ve already seen a number of tour players put the 718 models into play. Will club golfers follow suit?
Titleist 718 AP2 irons – First impressions
I think there will be a very smooth transition for anyone making the switch from 716 as there’s pretty much exactly finish and the same look at address.
We’ve arguably got a more stylish design which gives these clubs a bit more shelf appeal than their predecessors.
This is a forged, compact tour iron but Titleist say it was never originally intended as a tour iron at all.
“AP2 is the most popular tour iron globally because it combines the look and feel tour players demand with the precise distance control they need to consistently hit their target, shot after shot,” said head of marketing Josh Talge .
“For everyone else, it’s the tour iron within reach, because it is so forgiving.”
[skylab_video id=”126585″]718 AP2 YouTube[/skylab_video]
Titleist 718 AP2 irons – The technology
A thinner forged body and face insert constructed of high-strength spring steel increases launch and ball speed for more distance.
There’s lower and more centred CG in the long irons which helps improve performance on off-centre hits.
Forgiveness and stability are delivered through precise perimeter weighting with an average of 57.4 grams of high-density tungsten placed in the heel and toe of the long and mid irons.
Titleist 718 AP2 irons – NCG verdict
These clubs look sensational and there’s a fantastic sound and feel when you hit them out of the middle.
Unfortunately I don’t hit it out of the middle often enough so couldn’t make a case for using these instead of the AP1.
Even on the short irons I was noticing a drop in carry.
But for solid ball strikers, these irons are right up there because they do seem to have the right blend of forged feel, sleek looks but with enough technology to make them very forgiving for their size.
I’d be really surprised to see handicap golfers get fitted into the MB or CB as I can’t see the Trackman numbers with those being better than the AP2.
But I guess some players just want the feedback and workability that a blade offers and are happy to sacrifice that forgiveness.
Details
SRP: £150/£175 per club (steel/graphite)
Available irons: 3-P & 50˚
Specs:
Shafts: True Temper AMT Red, Black, White (steel)
Mitsubishi MRC Tensei Red (graphite)
On sale: September 29, 2017.
More information can be found on the Titleist website.
How do the Titleist 718 AP1 irons compare to the 716 AP1?
First look: Titleist 718 AP3 irons
Titleist 718 AP3 irons spotted during tour seeding
James Savage
Former equipment editor of NCG. Inconsistent ball-striker and tea-maker.
