Titleist AP2 714
We test 10 of the latest better player irons on the market and then award them with Gold, Silver and Bronze
Brand: Titleist
Player iron: AP2 714
RRP: £800
Loft: 30-degree Lie: 62.5-degree Length: 37.5”
Shaft: True Temper Dynamic Gold Grip: Tour Velvet
Summary: The AP2 714 is Titleist’s latest Tour-proven forgiving player iron. This is the third generation of AP2 forged irons and Titleist has made its best ever. Designed with the better golfers in mind, the AP2 forged irons has a multi material head construction that will give the golfer the ultimate feel and feedback that they would require from a golf club. The inclusion of the high density tungsten in the long to mid irons helps keep the head stable through the impact zone and makes sure that those off-centre strikes are a lot straighter.
Looks: While the new AP2s have a similar amount of offset as before, the offset appears much better hidden through a hosel blend that makes the space between the hosel and leading edge less apparent. Yet that’s not the only change, as some of the lofts have been strengthened too – commonplace in the iron market today. The AP2 6-iron through PW has been strengthened 1-degree, making the pitching wedge 46-degree. The finish of the AP2 just oozes class. The combo satin and mirror finish reduces glare but at the same time, doesn’t give up its bag appeal. AP2 714 is a modern, high performance iron, all in a progressive, Tour-proven chassis. 5 (out of 5)
Feel: One of the better feeling irons in this test, alongside the Callaway, Cobra, Mizuno and TaylorMade. Very stable face through impact ensured solid ball striking. Decent enough sound for feedback on off-centre hits and nice and soft at impact. 9 (out of 10)
Performance: Low CG on offer in the 6-iron provides a nice, mid-high ball flight (the shorter irons have a higher CG for a flatter, stronger ball flight to aid distance control). High density tungsten in this 6-iron helped with head stability through impact and consequently led to one of the best dispersion patterns in this test. You could throw a blanket over the shots around the 175-yard mark. 9 (out of 10)
Verdict: A club suited to anyone from pro up to around 14. Very consistent, very forgiving for a player iron and easy to work. Above-average distance, too. Looks great in the bag and will have playing partners in awe. As always with Titleist clubs, and clubs in general, make sure you get yourself custom fit to get the most out of your game. 23 (out of 25)
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Andy first joined the brand on a month's work experience back in April 2011, and he now assumes the Editor role. When Andy joined GolfMagic it was a small site with potential.
