Real or Fake Titleist AP1 716

[ijcortes]

About two years ago I purchased a set of used AP1 716 irons (5-PW) that have KBS Tour V 110 shafts. This is a secondary set that I bought to have available in my vacation home and I use them sparingly.

 

This past week I was at the range with them and noticed the ferrule coming apart on the 8 iron when I noticed that the ferrules seemed a bit shorter than on my vokey wedges. I then noticed the 6 iron DOES NOT have the serial number. The 5 iron wierdly has the markings of a sticker that was removed that might have provided reference to any legitimacy of these clubs. I am concerned they are fake. Other than this everything seems normal and they feel good at impact.

 

I read that in other countries they don't use serial numbers or that demo clubs might not have them applied. I can no longer access the purchase data in detail on ebay so i cannot verify anything from the post.

 

Please see pictures of 8 iron, 6 iron and 5 iron and let me know what you think as Titleist has been slow to reply

 

[GoIrish17]

Two years ago...

[ijcortes]

> @GoIrish17 said:

> Two years ago...

Better late than never. I just want to know what i have on my hands. Knowledgable feedback would be greatly appreciated

 

[Yanki01]

I think they're fine. very well used but fine. the fakes are usually the AP2 models. the only thing that is a tad off is the badge but not enough to make them counterfeit. do you have a better photo of the "TUNGSTEN" etching? that's another aspect of the fakes which is always off on this model.

 

for reference - here's a fake thread on the 716 AP2. https://forums.golfwrx.com/discussion/comment/17651782#Comment_17651782

 


 

 

[ijcortes]

> @Yanki01 said:

> I think they're fine. very well used but fine. the fakes are usually the AP2 models. the only thing that is a tad off is the badge but not enough to make them counterfeit. do you have a better photo of the "TUNGSTEN" etching? that's another aspect of the fakes which is always off on this model.

>

> for reference - here's a fake thread on the 716 AP2. https://forums.golfwrx.com/discussion/comment/17651782#Comment_17651782

>

> 

>

>

 

Here is a picture of the “tungsten” on the 7 iron. Let me know what you think

 

[Yanki01]

you're good.

 

 

[ijcortes]

> @Yanki01 said:

> you're good.

>

>

>

 

So the titleist rep finally got back to me and told me what i already knew and made me question the clubs in the first place: custom sets have serial number on every club and stocks on the 6 iron. He would not comment directly on the issue of my specific clubs. I’m frustrated and thinking maybe i should switch these...

[brew4eagle]

They're 100% real

[ijcortes]

> @brew4eagle said:

> They're 100% real

Hoping you are right! But what reasons would there be for the lack of a serial number?? To put it another way if i wanted to trade these in i would assume a reputable and responsible golf shop who would be an authorized titleist dealer would be apprehensive to accepting them, no?

 

[Yanki01]

maybe they were a demo set before? unsure on the true reason of no serial number but they're still authentic.

[brew4eagle]

I ordered custom 716 AP1 and the serial # was not on all irons, just the 6 iron. Also, I have SM6 wedges and if I recall correctly the Vokey ferrules were longer than the AP1s (I no longer have the AP1s to compare now). However, even if different ferrules it could have been a DIY reshaft to the KBS shafts. Regardless, from your pics your AP1s are real. To better assure yourself, does the black part of the "Titleist" badge have little ribbed lines that match up with the little ribbed lines on the "AP1" badge (can't see that level of detail in your pics)?

[thevaporz]

Authentic AP1 heads with aftermarket shafts.

[eleven bravo]

Looks real

[wfrogge1]

> @ijcortes said:

> > @brew4eagle said:

> > They're 100% real

> Hoping you are right! But what reasons would there be for the lack of a serial number?? To put it another way if i wanted to trade these in i would assume a reputable and responsible golf shop who would be an authorized titleist dealer would be apprehensive to accepting them, no?

>

No shop that I have ever traded with cared that much to look for serial numbers. They just jot down your information and if found to be counterfeit at some later point they will come after you.