I was in a similar situation last year. Originally bought AP1's for the extra forgiveness. However, after a few range sessions I ended up returning them for AP2's. I felt the clubhead looked to large at address. The AP2's fit my eye much better and I have not noticed much of a difference in forgiveness.

I have the AP2's also. I couldn't play the AP1's for the same reason as Jay S. The top line and overall size was too big and not much of a difference in forgiveness. Yes, I got a little more distance with the AP1's but I would have had to learn my yardages all over again. I'd rather my distance gains be off my Driver and 3 Wood. My hybrids to irons to wedges are all distance gapped perfect with the setup I have.

For some added forgiveness in the clubs where you are more likely going to need it, consider a mixed set. That's what I did. I love the look, feel and workability of my AP2 716s, PW-6i, but in the longer irons, I use AP1 716s, all with the same shaft and specs. I was fitted this way. I love the look of a smaller blade, but, I am also a realist. Making center contact consistently on an 8 iron isn't as difficult as doing so with a 4 iron. So, go for the extra forgiveness on the irons you have more difficulty with. FYI, my index is at 8.3 right now. I started playing AP2-712 when I had an 11.5 index. I am over 60 now. Love my AP2s and wish I could hit an AP2 4i like I do my AP2 8i, but I can't, at least not consistently. (But, heck, that's what they make the 816H for!)

Totally agree....in the combination of longer irons mixed set.

Fitter = Good

TU

Played muscle backs and Blades as far as I can remember. I've played to a scratch or near scratch handicap for 20+ years. I got fit last year for a new set of sticks. I was able to hit them all equally well. However, I planned on getting a set of sticks knowing that this could be my last set I purchase. I am 65 and I still play well, current handicap at 3.0. I can still drive the ball long and I can hit a 5 iron 195 yards. I thought the AP1 were a better club as I get older and will continue to perform at a high level. I really believe that a lot of what I have read on TT about AP1s being for beginner golfers is a myth and is very misleading. I firmly believe that a most scratch golfers can take these clubs and play at a very high level with them. They can easily hit any shot they want to with these clubs, low, left to right, right to left, or any other shot in their bag. One advantage this club has more so that most clubs is that it performed better than all others from moderate to thick rough. So if you are 175 yds out from the pin in the rough good luck to you scratch golfer with your MBs with the green surrounded by water. This club for me also hits the ball more solidly and accurately than a hybrid did so I have put my 816 H1 to rest. So there I have finished my rant. I can only hope that I have raised some awareness that these clubs are a great club to consider purchasing even if you are at scratch or even hope to get there. These clubs do not play second fiddle to the AP2 and in fact may even perform better than the AP2. You are only limited by your imagination and your abilities using these clubs as not by the club themselves. They certainly are the most forgiven club in the Titleist lineup and they look awesome.

DV

Great rant. I totally agree. I play of 3.9 and I was using Slazenger seve blades,BUT NO MORE. I bought AP2 this year and MB blades and they didnt work. My fitter said you are to good a ball striker for AP1.
I went ahead and just bought a set and they are fantastic. 3rd time lucky.

Hi TUser! I would generally concur with everything that has been stated here ... just adding that if you are playing more, practicing more or just generally improving as a player, then I would suggest that you go with the AP2's ... they are a terrific club and what I love about my AP2's is the consistent distance control on them and that I can shape my shots pretty well with them.

But, if it is easier on your mind, then consider a mixed set of clubs as Doug E. suggested. Talk to your fitter about matching it up with the shafts, loft gaps, etc. Regardless, would like to hear what you decided to do!

Personally, I like the idea of getting better with practice and play to lower the HC, thus growing into the AP2 and out of the AP1. The ones are great, but I think the play here is with you HC already close to single digits that the 2 might be more appropriate. But it's all what looks better fella better to the eye, just hate to see ya go out of a pricey investment. GL

Listen to the Fitter....go AP2

5 yards on a trackman or launch is minimal, I would go with shot grouping and yardage consistancy from the fitting.

Did you hit shafts? I would consider the same with picking the shafts. Also if you need help or forgiveness in longer irons (3-5 irons) there are options.

I did so in my fitting. Cool Clubs Irvine, CA

*714 AP2 5-PW,GW Nippon Steel 950GH 95 gram in Reg.
*716 T-MB 4 Iron Mitsubishi Kuro Kage TiNI 85 gram in Stiff.
*SM5 56 M grind + SM5 60 K Grind Nippon Steel/Titleist T105 105gram in Stiff.