Titleist 718 AP2 and AP3 Irons: Shot at the 2017 Quicken Loans National

[texasdave]

We had a Titleist Staff fitting day yesterday at my club for the new 718 irons and 818 hybrids. The entire line-up is tremendous. I've been a long time AP2 user and will switch to the AP3 in the 718. If you didn't know the difference, most players would think the AP3 is the AP2 if you just handed it to them in the playing position. I liked the AP2 just fine, has more of a CB look to it with a square high toe and seemingly less offset/heel bias/ setup BUT when the AP3 looks great and gives me 4 mph more ball speed with better launch conditions its a no brainer for me.

 

The new True Temper AMT series shafts are stock too... AMT White (same as old DG AMT), AMT Black (mid weight/launch/spin), and AMT Red (lightweight, higher launch/spin). I'm sticking with the new AMT White X100, same as I play. Graphite stock option is the Tensei Pro Red iron shaft.

 

The 818 hybrid is AWESOME. Both the H1 and H2 have a much redesigned look, with the H1 having a smaller profile that I think is more manageable over the 816, and the H2 having a much more pronounced "peanut" looking head with the thinner heal and thicker toe. Both models have the recoil channel filled in like the new 917 woods. The new Atmos, Evenflow and Tensei Pro shafts are stock in the new 818 although I'm unsure if all "models" are available in each type.

 

For someone talking about choosing between the AP3 and the Ping i200.... I almost guarantee the AP3 will outperform most clubs on the market

 

Could you compare the AP3 to the Mizuno 900 forged?

[SAM_PGA]

 

 

this is excellent news and what I've been waiting to hear. i play the ping ie1 and never really liked them.

 

any news on pricing of the ap3?

The AP3 will be the same price as the AP2. Although it isn't forged like the AP2, the 3 is a MAJOR multi-material design that incorporates trickle down tech from the C16. MAP is around $162 per club with steel shaft.

[SAM_PGA]

What else can you tell us about the AP3 v.s. the AP2? Is the AP3 noticeably bigger than the 718 AP2? What about size comparison v.s. the 716 AP2?

 

 

Could you compare the AP3 to the Mizuno 900 forged?

 

The AP3 has a slightly longer blade profile and in the long irons noticeable more offset BUT like I mentioned the finish and profile are extremely similar, just a slightly larger more forgiving and FASTER head!!! The 718 AP2 head size is the same as the 716 but IMO the new 718 AP2 looks closer to the CB, square sharp toe and the appearance that the face is even more towards the heal like the MB and CB.

 

I ordered mine 1º weak since the lofts are much stronger which will also take out a small amount of offset too.

 

I can't compare to Mizuno, haven't hit or seen a Mizzy in 10 years... no rep representation in East Tennessee in my shop for 10+ years. The AP3 is not forged, cast multi-material with trickle down tech from the C16. Its REALLY GOOD!!!

[ace036]

What else can you tell us about the AP3 v.s. the AP2? Is the AP3 noticeably bigger than the 718 AP2? What about size comparison v.s. the 716 AP2?

Could you compare the AP3 to the Mizuno 900 forged?

 

The AP3 has a slightly longer blade profile and in the long irons noticeable more offset BUT like I mentioned the finish and profile are extremely similar, just a slightly larger more forgiving and FASTER head!!! The 718 AP2 head size is the same as the 716 but IMO the new 718 AP2 looks closer to the CB, square sharp toe and the appearance that the face is even more towards the heal like the MB and CB.

 

I ordered mine 1º weak since the lofts are much stronger which will also take out a small amount of offset too.

 

I can't compare to Mizuno, haven't hit or seen a Mizzy in 10 years... no rep representation in East Tennessee in my shop for 10+ years. The AP3 is not forged, cast multi-material with trickle down tech from the C16. Its REALLY GOOD!!!

 

 

How strong are the AP3 lofts? I really wish we could see the specs on these...

[Pomps]

We had a Titleist Staff fitting day yesterday at my club for the new 718 irons and 818 hybrids. The entire line-up is tremendous. I've been a long time AP2 user and will switch to the AP3 in the 718. If you didn't know the difference, most players would think the AP3 is the AP2 if you just handed it to them in the playing position. I liked the AP2 just fine, has more of a CB look to it with a square high toe and seemingly less offset/heel bias/ setup BUT when the AP3 looks great and gives me 4 mph more ball speed with better launch conditions its a no brainer for me.

 

The new True Temper AMT series shafts are stock too... AMT White (same as old DG AMT), AMT Black (mid weight/launch/spin), and AMT Red (lightweight, higher launch/spin). I'm sticking with the new AMT White X100, same as I play. Graphite stock option is the Tensei Pro Red iron shaft.

 

The 818 hybrid is AWESOME. Both the H1 and H2 have a much redesigned look, with the H1 having a smaller profile that I think is more manageable over the 816, and the H2 having a much more pronounced "peanut" looking head with the thinner heal and thicker toe. Both models have the recoil channel filled in like the new 917 woods. The new Atmos, Evenflow and Tensei Pro shafts are stock in the new 818 although I'm unsure if all "models" are available in each type.

 

For someone talking about choosing between the AP3 and the Ping i200.... I almost guarantee the AP3 will outperform most clubs on the market

 

These AP2s keep sounding better and better.

[derBremser]

@sampga1976

could you give us some information about AP3 Spin rates and carry distance compared to the AP2?

[br61]

What else can you tell us about the AP3 v.s. the AP2? Is the AP3 noticeably bigger than the 718 AP2? What about size comparison v.s. the 716 AP2?

Could you compare the AP3 to the Mizuno 900 forged?

 

The AP3 has a slightly longer blade profile and in the long irons noticeable more offset BUT like I mentioned the finish and profile are extremely similar, just a slightly larger more forgiving and FASTER head!!! The 718 AP2 head size is the same as the 716 but IMO the new 718 AP2 looks closer to the CB, square sharp toe and the appearance that the face is even more towards the heal like the MB and CB.

 

I ordered mine 1º weak since the lofts are much stronger which will also take out a small amount of offset too.

 

I can't compare to Mizuno, haven't hit or seen a Mizzy in 10 years... no rep representation in East Tennessee in my shop for 10+ years. The AP3 is not forged, cast multi-material with trickle down tech from the C16. Its REALLY GOOD!!!

My club pro went to one in Springfield, MO yesterday. He filled me in and was impressed with AP3 irons and 818 hybrids. He's a long time AP2 user and will stick to the new 718 AP2.

 

He did mention about the price increases of AP2 and Titleist clubs.

[GC70]

I'm so pumped to hit the AP3's!

[SAM_PGA]

@sampga1976

could you give us some information about AP3 Spin rates and carry distance compared to the AP2?

 

It's going to be player dependent but I personally hit my AP2 7i around 170-175. Launch at 17-18° and spin 7500+. The 718 AP3 launched the same and spun at 7K, not to mention ball speed was +4 mph.

[derBremser]

@sampga1976

could you give us some information about AP3 Spin rates and carry distance compared to the AP2?

 

It's going to be player dependent but I personally hit my AP2 7i around 170-175. Launch at 17-18° and spin 7500+. The 718 AP3 launched the same and spun at 7K, not to mention ball speed was +4 mph.

@sampga1976, thanks for the information. My interest was, if the AP3 is a distance iron with less spin, but your answer sound´s perfect. I think you get a few yards more carry distance through the +4 mph ball speed?

[SAM_PGA]

What else can you tell us about the AP3 v.s. the AP2? Is the AP3 noticeably bigger than the 718 AP2? What about size comparison v.s. the 716 AP2?

Could you compare the AP3 to the Mizuno 900 forged?

 

The AP3 has a slightly longer blade profile and in the long irons noticeable more offset BUT like I mentioned the finish and profile are extremely similar, just a slightly larger more forgiving and FASTER head!!! The 718 AP2 head size is the same as the 716 but IMO the new 718 AP2 looks closer to the CB, square sharp toe and the appearance that the face is even more towards the heal like the MB and CB.

 

I ordered mine 1º weak since the lofts are much stronger which will also take out a small amount of offset too.

 

I can't compare to Mizuno, haven't hit or seen a Mizzy in 10 years... no rep representation in East Tennessee in my shop for 10+ years. The AP3 is not forged, cast multi-material with trickle down tech from the C16. Its REALLY GOOD!!!

 

 

How strong are the AP3 lofts? I really wish we could see the specs on these...

[PostandGhost]

What else can you tell us about the AP3 v.s. the AP2? Is the AP3 noticeably bigger than the 718 AP2? What about size comparison v.s. the 716 AP2?

Could you compare the AP3 to the Mizuno 900 forged?

 

The AP3 has a slightly longer blade profile and in the long irons noticeable more offset BUT like I mentioned the finish and profile are extremely similar, just a slightly larger more forgiving and FASTER head!!! The 718 AP2 head size is the same as the 716 but IMO the new 718 AP2 looks closer to the CB, square sharp toe and the appearance that the face is even more towards the heal like the MB and CB.

 

I ordered mine 1º weak since the lofts are much stronger which will also take out a small amount of offset too.

 

I can't compare to Mizuno, haven't hit or seen a Mizzy in 10 years... no rep representation in East Tennessee in my shop for 10+ years. The AP3 is not forged, cast multi-material with trickle down tech from the C16. Its REALLY GOOD!!!

 

Did you get to hit the AP3 on a launch monitor? When I hit them a few weeks ago I was outside and didn't get to see any numbers. I felt like they didn't have a whole lot of spin. That's my only concern with the AP3s. I want to do some more testing with them before I order them. Might try to hit them again next week.

 

EDIT: Sorry, just saw your previous post about spin numbers. Thanks!

[Landy]

What else can you tell us about the AP3 v.s. the AP2? Is the AP3 noticeably bigger than the 718 AP2? What about size comparison v.s. the 716 AP2?

Could you compare the AP3 to the Mizuno 900 forged?

 

The AP3 has a slightly longer blade profile and in the long irons noticeable more offset BUT like I mentioned the finish and profile are extremely similar, just a slightly larger more forgiving and FASTER head!!! The 718 AP2 head size is the same as the 716 but IMO the new 718 AP2 looks closer to the CB, square sharp toe and the appearance that the face is even more towards the heal like the MB and CB.

 

I ordered mine 1º weak since the lofts are much stronger which will also take out a small amount of offset too.

 

I can't compare to Mizuno, haven't hit or seen a Mizzy in 10 years... no rep representation in East Tennessee in my shop for 10+ years. The AP3 is not forged, cast multi-material with trickle down tech from the C16. Its REALLY GOOD!!!

 

 

How strong are the AP3 lofts? I really wish we could see the specs on these...

Thank you!

[dave_3]

they are strong lofts on the ap3. i would need to change my wedge set up. a 43 degree pw is 3 degrees stronger than my current pw

[RobS14526]

Hmmm, I'm really interested in the AP3. I could play 54/60 or 52/58 behind that "gap" wedge. Maybe bend the 3i weak or 4i strong. I certainly wouldn't need both.

[SAM_PGA]

Ordered mine 1° week since spin was already lower than the AP2... had some spin to give back. Looking forward to the new sticks.

[ace036]

Thank you for the specs, but damn... why'd they have to go and jack up the AP3 lofts like that? Now bending them to the AP2 lofts may mess with the bounce angle too much. Jeez Titleist :no2:

 

The Ping i200's are looking like a much better option for me now.

[RobS14526]

Thank you for the specs, but damn... why'd they have to go and jack up the AP3 lofts like that? Now bending them to the AP2 lofts may mess with the bounce angle too much. Jeez Titleist :no2:

I hear you. I'm looking at it as a 48* wedge which I've known forever. The rest is just length and lie.

[SAM_PGA]

Thank you for the specs, but damn... why'd they have to go and jack up the AP3 lofts like that? Now bending them to the AP2 lofts may mess with the bounce angle too much. Jeez Titleist :no2:

I hear you. I'm looking at it as a 48* wedge which I've known forever. The rest is just length and lie.

I hit the AP3 5i just as far and more consistent than my AP2 4i, tested on TrackMan4. I'm not worried about gapping because I may end up not using the AP3 4i!!! The AP3 9i goes as far as my 8i, etc...

[Kylekoz17]

Thanks for posting the lofts sampga! Ap3 is a full club stronger than ap2 which makes the 4mph ballspeed increase make sense. Now to decide between upgrading from 714 to 718 ap2 or trying jpx forged or maybe the mp18 line. Really hoping titleist didn't increase prices yet again as mentioned because that would make my decision easier

[CCTxGolf]

Thanks for posting the lofts sampga! Ap3 is a full club stronger than ap2 which makes the 4mph ballspeed increase make sense. Now to decide between upgrading from 714 to 718 ap2 or trying jpx forged or maybe the mp18 line. Really hoping titleist didn't increase prices yet again as mentioned because that would make my decision easier

 

I'm on the same exact boat. MP 18 looking good. Also may revisit the srixon 765. The 714's are starting to show their age but they sure were good to me.

[GolfinDawg]

I'm ready for these to come out. Enough already.

[derBremser]

@sampga1976 thank´s for the spec´s! We in Germany have to wait until End of September to test the new line. I have a fitting appointment on 22 of September and i am looking forward to it!

[ace036]

Sam, what were your thoughts and feedback on the 718 T-MB's? Any real difference between those and the current T-MB offering?

[GC70]

@sam, thanks for all the great info on the 718's!

 

What color Atmos is the stock offering in the new hybrids?

[Llortamaisey]

@sam, thanks for all the great info on the 718's!

 

What color Atmos is the stock offering in the new hybrids?

 

They have a blue and white color atmos with the hybrid that's pretty slick.

[GC70]

@sam, thanks for all the great info on the 718's!

 

What color Atmos is the stock offering in the new hybrids?

 

They have a blue and white color atmos with the hybrid that's pretty slick.

 

I'm so pumped for the hybrids and Ap3's!

[stuart.f.cohen]

Thanks for posting the specs, by any chance to have the offset numbers for the AP3?

[Pomps]

What else can you tell us about the AP3 v.s. the AP2? Is the AP3 noticeably bigger than the 718 AP2? What about size comparison v.s. the 716 AP2?

Could you compare the AP3 to the Mizuno 900 forged?

 

The AP3 has a slightly longer blade profile and in the long irons noticeable more offset BUT like I mentioned the finish and profile are extremely similar, just a slightly larger more forgiving and FASTER head!!! The 718 AP2 head size is the same as the 716 but IMO the new 718 AP2 looks closer to the CB, square sharp toe and the appearance that the face is even more towards the heal like the MB and CB.

 

I ordered mine 1º weak since the lofts are much stronger which will also take out a small amount of offset too.

 

I can't compare to Mizuno, haven't hit or seen a Mizzy in 10 years... no rep representation in East Tennessee in my shop for 10+ years. The AP3 is not forged, cast multi-material with trickle down tech from the C16. Its REALLY GOOD!!!

 

 

How strong are the AP3 lofts? I really wish we could see the specs on these...

 

Any offset numbers? Thanks for posting!

[stuart.f.cohen]

Wow, I didn't expect the AP3 would be the same specs as the 716 AP1 and the 718 AP1s will be one degree stronger lofts. Combo set may be in my future