First impressions
This is a wonderful looking iron and it is no surprise that this is Titleist’s most successful tour-used iron.
On first look the 716 AP2 isn’t too far away from the look of the 714 AP2. Anyone familiar with the previous iteration won’t have any problem getting used to the new version.
For more reviews of the 716 irons launch CLICK HERE
The tech
A multi-material dual cavity construction forged from 1025 Carbon steel.
There’s Tungsten weighing in the heel and toe (3-7 iron). There’s an average of 25 percent more Tungsten in 716 AP2 compared to 714 with much of it concentrated low and around the perimeter to drive the centre of gravity down.
Titleist say there are faster ball speeds on centre and off centre hits with high MOI right across the face. This should help with consistency.
There’s no significant difference in launch or spin characteristics compared to the 714 AP2s.
For more reviews of the 716 irons launch CLICK HERE
Robot testing showed that the big improvement is carry distance on off-centre hits.
The stock shaft is the new Dynamic Gold AMT which is exclusive to Titleist for six months after the launch.
The performance/ NCG verdict
At the Titleist 716 irons launch in St Andrews I was unsure whether I would be fitted into the AP1s or AP2s. I had previously used the 714 AP1s but switched to a sleeker iron as my handicap came down.
For more reviews of the 716 irons launch CLICK HERE
So as a 17-handicapper I was probably somewhere in between but probably leaning more towards AP1.
When hitting the AP2s, I found the performance to be superb. The feel when hitting it right out of the middle was as good as any iron I have ever hit.
