Are the Titleist 714AP2's one of the best players irons ever?

[braincramp52]

I bought a set of the AP2's last year on a whim .They seem to do everything really well. Great feel, consistent yardages, and good forgiveness. At 69 years old my common sense tells me I should go to something like the T300's but I'm having a hard time pulling the trigger. For me to hesitate buying irons is odd all in itself but every time I've tried going to something more forgiving I always gravitate back to a forged CB. The AP2's are not distance irons in any way shape or form but when I get to 100 yards and in my short game is pretty damn good. Am I crazy ( that's already been determined) for chasing distance with my irons when I already own a set of irons that pretty much have it all ?

Edited December 1, 2021 by braincramp52

[lefthack]

I seem to be a minority on WRX in that I'm ok with my meager distance because I can play to it. I hit my 7 iron 140 carry. I can hit it 155 if I try, but it will likely be off line. When I get my Takomos I will have to play a club down from my blades, but it should be fun.

 

For me the key is knowing how far each iron goes. If someone is hitting a 6 iron at 180 yards and I'm hitting my 4, it only matters who is closer to the pin. Often it's me.

 

As long as I can hit the green from here, I am not that concerned with what club. 

Edited December 1, 2021 by lefthack

[braincramp52]

I WISH my 34* 7 iron carried 140.😅

Edited December 1, 2021 by braincramp52

[Sabre3]

I just sold my 714 AP2's after many seasons. Loved them but wanted to try something new. They were still in great condition so, like a good used car, I wanted to sell at its peak-ish value before it plummets to worthless. I just got in Gen3 P, PXG's for (hopefully) a little more forgiveness and some more distance. If I don't like them then I will dump them and end up in the T100S I am sure. But we will see. 

[lefthack]

7 minutes ago, braincramp52 said:

I WISH my 34* 7 iron carried 140.😅

 

I guess I'm used to seeing folks on here posting 170 yard carries. 🤣

 

My standard driver swing speed is about 100 and I carry my driver about 230 if it's straight. Far from bombs, but if it's in the fairway, I'm still in it.

 

If you like the irons you are playing, I say rock what you got. Or as my friends would say, "dance with the girl you brought". But I'm going on my 5th set of irons this year, so you know I'm a ho. 

[gallas2]

I've always found them a bit "dull".  Great iron....lovely when you button them but so are so many others.    I guess they are "one" of the best but I'd choose a few others first.  Srixon z745 come to mind....callaway x-forged '13.....Miura 501.......

[AP76]

I skipped on the 714's. Liked the 712's so much I held onto them then upgraded to the 716's which for some reason I didn't really get on with?

[kevster1]

For me absolutely!  Long time AP2 player from the original, tried all versions since including T series and nothing compared forgiveness wise although 718's were close but not enough to kick the 714's out of the bag. Are there longer irons, of course, but staying with traditional lofts they just work.  I know a lot of pros were reluctant to give them up as well...just good solid irons.

 

With the above being said, the one iron that I've found that is comparable (so far, for me) is the newer versions of the T100 and T100S, in which I've ordered set of T100S with little lighter shafts due to now being eligible for the Champions tour...ha!  So may be finally parting with my 714's with KBS tour for the T100S with Modus 105...

[ac6]

If you can still hit the center of the clubface consistently, you like the ball flight, and your distances are consistent, I don't see any reason to switch to a game improvement iron

[braincramp52]

7 hours ago, ac6 said:

If you can still hit the center of the clubface consistently, you like the ball flight, and your distances are consistent, I don't see any reason to switch to a game improvement iron

 I'm very consistent with my distances. They're all short.🤣

[PDWALKER]

I think they AP2 irons were a great line and will always be awesome. I would have to say the new T100's are even better though! they are the best feeling iron in my opinion that Titleist has ever brought out. 

[Rockytop1985]

My 714 AP2's are still in the bag, but very close to pulling the trigger on a T100/T200 combo set. Everything I'm reading on here makes me think it will be a worthwhile switch.

[jholz]

Seems like the 714s were the version that stayed in Tour Players' bags the longest - if that's any indication of anything. 

 

Anytime I see more than two or three staffers sticking with a particular model/year of iron, I suspect there is something special there. 

 

And that's not to say that the rest of the AP2 line wasn't great - they were. But the 714 stands as the best iteration of the line IMHO. 

[Pepperturbo]

On 12/1/2021 at 6:11 AM, lefthack said:

I seem to be a minority on WRX in that I'm ok with my meager distance because I can play to it. I hit my 7 iron 140 carry. I can hit it 155 if I try, but it will likely be off line. When I get my Takomos I will have to play a club down from my blades, but it should be fun.

 

For me the key is knowing how far each iron goes. If someone is hitting a 6 iron at 180 yards and I'm hitting my 4, it only matters who is closer to the pin. Often it's me.

 

As long as I can hit the green from here, I am not that concerned with what club. 

You're not alone.  There are more of us than known, and I agree with the bold comment.  My 620s have more traditional lofts, so distances are not like what those chasing yards play.  Besides, all it means is their 6i at 180 is really a different club.  

 

My 7i is 145+ carry.  On days when my joints are juiced, I can hit it further, like you.  But, LOL the older I get, the less I can find juice.  Yet I can still post scores that those hitting 6i - 180, wish for... LOL

 

I never played 714Ap2's... so can't say best.  The best to me are what I play, 620's, before 716CBs, before that original Callaway X-forged, then Titleist 670MBs and way earlier MacGregor custom MBs, that takes me back to 2k.

Edited December 2, 2021 by Pepperturbo

[GLF4EVR]

Another post to let you know you are not alone.  Been playing the 735cm's 3/PW for the last 4-5 seasons.  I am currently 63 and my 7 iron can be 170, but it is a rarity to use it for that length.  Usually use it for a 160 shot & lay off the swing just slightly (taught the clockface system).  Take that distance with a grain of salt....my elevation is 3,448 feet.  I could care less what someone else is hitting their specific club a specific distance.  The number you put on the card is the only thing that matters.

 

I toy with the idea off & on of looking for a set of 714/716 AP1 or AP2 clubs now & then.  That thinking usually creeps in right about this time of the year.  MIght be able to get one more round in this weekend before winter finally takes hold.  Distance is highly over-rated, accuracy is king.

[lefthack]

10 minutes ago, Pepperturbo said:

You're not alone.  There are more of us than known, and I agree with the bold comment.  My 620s have more traditional lofts, so distances are not like what those chasing yards play.  Besides, all it means is their 6i at 180 is really a different club.  

 

My 7i is 145+ carry.  On days when my joints are juiced, I can hit it further, like you.  But, LOL the older I get, the less I can find juice.  Yet I can still post scores that those hitting 6i - 180, wish for... LOL

 

I never played 714Ap2's... so can't say best.  The best to me are what I play, 620's, before 716CBs, before that original Callaway X-forged, then Titleist 670MBs and way earlier MacGregor custom MBs, that takes me back to 2k.

 

The 620 MB is very high on my list as it is exactly what I look for in a club head. I'm interested to see how these "players distance" iron play as I've only played a hand full of irons so far. 

 

Ben Hogan had stock yardages that were what he considered an 80% swing. That's about where I'm at, 75-80% is my "stock" swing. I'm never trying to kill it and when I do, hilarity ensues. 🤣

[Pepperturbo]

2 minutes ago, lefthack said:

 

The 620 MB is very high on my list as it is exactly what I look for in a club head. I'm interested to see how these "players distance" iron play as I've only played a hand full of irons so far. 

 

Ben Hogan had stock yardages that were what he considered an 80% swing. That's about where I'm at, 75-80% is my "stock" swing. I'm never trying to kill it and when I do, hilarity ensues. 🤣

Even at my age, I can't convince myself to go to strong lofted player irons.  It's hard to overcome what I am used to.  But, I have those moments when Titleist T100-s cause a twinkle in my eye.  Maybe I'll have to give into impulse and buy a set to see the what's what?

[lefthack]

Just now, Pepperturbo said:

Even at my age, I can't convince myself to go to strong lofted player irons.  It's hard to overcome what I am used to.  But, I have those moments when Titleist T100-s cause a twinkle in my eye.  Maybe I'll have to give into impulse and buy a set to see the what's what?

 

The Takomo heads were $300 and I had the shafts and grips, so it was an easy "why not?" They look good and they are a small shop making lefties, almost have to at that point.

[Pepperturbo]

11 minutes ago, lefthack said:

 

The Takomo heads were $300 and I had the shafts and grips, so it was an easy "why not?" They look good and they are a small shop making lefties, almost have to at that point.

Yep, go for it.  Nice price.  They are strong... 

 

I am a diehard taper tip, been that way since my golf beginning.  No rhyme nor reason, just is...

[MM321-W]

I definitely love mine. I was lucky to find a mint set with new MCC grips in the spring for a great price

 

I had the first iteration of T100 previously and I actually prefer the 714 AP2s

[Kmagnuss]

718 AP2's in my bag now after trying 5 sets of irons this past year.  They're the best (for me) that I've ever tried... and I've tried a lot.

[lefthack]

2 hours ago, Pepperturbo said:

Yep, go for it.  Nice price.  They are strong... 

 

I am a diehard taper tip, been that way since my golf beginning.  No rhyme nor reason, just is...

Yeah, I got a 48* Haywood to use as a gap wedge. I'm basically a club down, so it should be interesting. Guessing I will miss long a few times.  🤣

[Jjones519a]

honestly had a set with PXI 6.0 ... The best irons I've ever had

 

[Tree Levino]

They are basically game improvement forgiveness with a true spin model. That particular version is one of the best of the bunch. Extremely forgiving, easy to work the ball with (admittedly I had trouble keeping them low), and pretty soft/solid. The new T100 line is much slimmer. I have a set of T100S bent weak and they are MB in size from 8-PW and the long irons are still very slim. The 714 look very big in comparison and I can see why the new models aren’t as appealing to many AP2 players. In fact I really think they made a mistake with the line. The new t100 line should have been something entirely different and AP2 should’ve remained. The new t200 is more what the 714 was. But I digress. 
 

Distance isn’t everything. Those clubs bent a degree or two strong would be equal to almost any players distance irons. Ive played around with the t100s at stock lofts and I usually carry my 6i around 200~. I actually don’t mind playing the lofts a bit stronger but do prefer a bit more spin on the ball as long is dead on every hole at my home course and we have extremely firm greens. 

[braincramp52]

45 minutes ago, TigerInTheWoods said:

They are basically game improvement forgiveness with a true spin model. That particular version is one of the best of the bunch. Extremely forgiving, easy to work the ball with (admittedly I had trouble keeping them low), and pretty soft/solid. The new T100 line is much slimmer. I have a set of T100S bent weak and they are MB in size from 8-PW and the long irons are still very slim. The 714 look very big in comparison and I can see why the new models aren’t as appealing to many AP2 players. In fact I really think they made a mistake with the line. The new t100 line should have been something entirely different and AP2 should’ve remained. The new t200 is more what the 714 was. But I digress. 
 

Distance isn’t everything. Those clubs bent a degree or two strong would be equal to almost any players distance irons. Ive played around with the t100s at stock lofts and I usually carry my 6i around 200~. I actually don’t mind playing the lofts a bit stronger but do prefer a bit more spin on the ball as long is dead on every hole at my home course and we have extremely firm greens. 

You've made some great points. I guess I'm trying to convince myself to play the same irons 2 years in a row.🤣🤣

[Tree Levino]

1 hour ago, braincramp52 said:

You've made some great points. I guess I'm trying to convince myself to play the same irons 2 years in a row.🤣🤣

Aren’t we all

[Nixhex524]

I'm in the minority here... 714 were my least favorite.  They are the best looking, but I just couldn't play them... sure it's me, but every time I put the 710 in my hands I could play them.  Had success with the 716 as well.  Moral is, if you hit them well, and think they are GOAT status, DO NOT change!  LOL

[braincramp52]

After analyzing my game this year I've decided to just have my 714's bent 2 degrees strong and fix the middle of my bag. I think I'll add a 7 wood and maybe even a 9 wood.  

[Tiptx1122]

Maybe but the honors will go to the Srixon ZX7's after this year as they are the real deal just like the ZX5's are

[braincramp52]

26 minutes ago, Tiptx1122 said:

Maybe but the honors will go to the Srixon ZX7's after this year as they are the real deal just like the ZX5's are

I bought the ZX5's last spring but sold them after a few rounds. They were'nt for me.