Titleist aims at 'improver'
New range of irons to suit all abilities
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Titleist long acknowledged as the brand for the skilled golfer, plans to re-enter the realms of the 'aspiring or player' with a new range of cast AP1 (above left) and forged AP2 (above centre) irons in March for the improver golfer.
The company, with its UK base at St Ives in Cambridgeshire will, however, continue to deliver quality forged clubs 'for the better player' with its new ZB (above right) and ZM series of irons.
Though again not exhibiting at the PGA Merchandise trade show in Orlando, Titleist held internal sales and marketing conferences and made their presence felt by releasing details of the new clubs to coincide with the high activity in the industry this week.
Their AP1 and Forged AP2 irons are a new high tech
move for Titleist, known for their traditional blades in the hands of low-handicap amateurs and pros.
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Sources tell us that the speed of the ball off the clubface is a key factor in the new range with a combination of material in the AP1 clubs helping increase this for the mid-handicapper looking for more distance from their irons. Lofts on the AP1, we're told, will be two-degrees per club stronger than the AP2 - from the 20 degrees of the 3-iron to the 45 Deg of the pitching wedge.
While the ZB and ZM irons retain that sophisticated muscleback appearance, the backs of the AP irons will have a tungsten nickel alloy to improve launch conditions and even for a wider range of swing speeds that don't necessarily match the 145-165 mph of the low handicapper to pro.
Titleist claims the new AP family will continue to deliver the feel, forgiveness and playability of its traditional forged blades.
With its 'improved' Z muscleback, Titleist says that it has moved some weight from heel to toe and created a more central centre of gravity for a solid feel and more consistent ball speed, launch and spin, compared to the 695.CB and 695.MB irons.
ZB Irons are a blended set of cavity back long irons (2-4), partial cavity mid-irons (5-7) blending eventually to muscle-backed short irons (8-PW) for shot control. The ZMs are a muscle-back forged iron with a compact size head with constant blade length.
The AP1 irons are available as a 7-club set (4-PW) with a suggested retail price of £525. The AP2 irons are as available as an 8-club set (3-PW) at £775. The ZM and ZB forged irons are available as a 7-club set (4-PW) costing around £750.
