Martin Hopley
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The Titleist 716 AP2 irons feature a very different look to the previous 714 AP2 because the bar that sat across the back has been moved down diagonally to create a larger pocket cavity in the back that is enclosed unlike the AP1 716.

Titleist 716 AP2 Irons

The bigger change is one you can't see. The previous AP2 irons had tungsten weights in the heel and toe to increase the stability of the irons and in the AP2 they are still there, but now there is more of the heavy stuff.

Titleist 716 AP2 Irons

In fact the 716 AP2 irons have 56 grams of high density tungsten in the heads of the 3 to 7 irons that is co-forged into place. In this process the head is forged and then the tungsten weights are added onto the frame of the head and then forged into place, so no screws or glue are used.

Titleist 716 AP2 Irons

Aside from that the 716 heads are the same shape and size as the 714, with a medium width top line, a touch of offset and a mid-sized profile.

Titleist 716 AP2 Irons

What the new head style and the extra tungsten does is to lower the Centre of Gravity (CG) so that it is closer to the impact point of the ball on the face.

Titleist 716 AP2 Irons

On Trackman this shows up as a slight increase in the ball speed because you are getting more centre strikes. It also helps the accuracy thanks to the higher MOI from the heavier tungsten weights in the heel and toe.

For me when Trackman measured the 714 and 716 AP2 6-irons in the same shaft, the carry distance was pretty much the same. The 716 AP2 irons don't feel any heavier to swing, but you can feel the benefit of the weight being lower down as they do feel a little more solid than the 714.

If you are between the 716 AP2 and AP1 then the big difference is the feel from the forged faces of the AP2, which give a lot more feedback and sound better too.

This continues through the set even though the 8 to PW do not have any tungsten in the heads. I am sure if they had not stamped 'Tungsten' on the 7 iron upwards it would be very hard to tell anything was different.

Titleist 716 AP2 Irons

In the shorter irons the mass is greater lower down for the head size and the extra loft means it is better to have the sweet spot higher so that is their reason for leaving it out.

The AP2 lofts are the same as before, but as the AP1 716 lofts are cranked up to cope with the faster faces, there is 2° to 3° difference between each club so blending the two sets is pretty much out. It is also one of the reasons I would stick with AP2 if you already play them, as the AP1 wedge is 43° and leaves a very awkward gap to the 50° wedge that you have to fill, compared to more consistent gap from the 46° AP2 wedge.

Titleist 716 AP1 AP2 Iron Lofts

However the only exception to this would be at the other end where, like Zach Johnson, you could swap the AP2 4-iron for an AP1 version, which is not only more forgiving, but the feel is pretty similar even if the sound isn't. It's a set up I have been testing for this review and the extra yardage from the AP1 4-iron helps the gap to my hybrid, but looking at the larger offset takes a bit of getting used to.

The soles of the 716 AP2 still have the pre-worn look and the trailing edge as a little camber on it to help it go easily through the turf and it is hard to spot much difference here from the 714.

Titleist 716 AP2 Irons

Overall I think the 716 AP2 is a step forward from 714 and the lower CG point and extra stability is noticeable without compromising on the sound and feel. As a forgiving better players forged iron, the 716 AP2 is one of the models to beat in the market.

Golfalot Rating: 5 stars
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Titleist 716 AP2 Irons - Product Details

UK Launch23 October 2015
UK Launch RRP£819
USA Launch23 October 2015
Handicap Range
Low
High
GolferMens
Hand AvailabilityLeft, Right
ManufactureForged
MaterialSteel
Shaft NameDynamic Gold AMT
Shaft TypesSteel
Shaft FlexRegular, Stiff, X Stiff
Shaft Weight112-130g
DesignCavity Back
Set Makeup4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, PW
Additional Clubs3, GW, SW
Manufacturer's WebsiteTitleist Website

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User Reviews

Dan
September 2018

Just got a set, and when you hit them it's like butter. Love them.

Todd Pfeiffer
August 2017

Coming off the Callaway irons I was initially disappointed that I lost 1 full clubs distance throughout the set. I checked the specs and noticed the Callaways are 2-3 degrees stronger so I now understand the difference. It took some getting used to but I love the AP2s now and the high ball flight.

Ss
May 2017

Got my AP2 irons recently after upgrading from Callaway X series irons. The look of them is amazing and they feel amazing to swing. I hit 4 iron toPW great. Found I hit a club less compared to Callaway but get a bit more height now and playing much better shots. Striking them well and they make a really satisfying sound on connection. Brilliant set of irons and I am hitting them really well consistently. I am a 18 handicap but don't think I will be at that for long using these. My ball striking is good just my short game and putting lets me down.

February 2017

I play off 11 and already had a set of 714 AP2. After purchasing the 716 AP2's. I am delighted with their performance. The club is a delight to look at and the performance is awesome. The feel is excellent and the sound of a good hit is recognised by all. I strongly recommend these clubs if you are looking to replace existing AP2's or just using a top top club.

September 2016

Bought them a few weeks ago. Good feeling, good feedback. Took me about 2 weeks to get used to them, but I love them now.

May 2016

Received my new 716 AP2's with Aerotech Steelfiber i80 stiff shaft stepped once. Having hit 200 balls on the range with Flight scope every iron felt awesome with great numbers, very forgiving and feel is very soft. Already taken my MP-15's out of the bag as I know these are the ones for me. Simply the best irons i have hit for a very long time.

April 2016

I absolutely love my new AP2 irons. I thought I would be a bit worried about the head size being much smaller than my previous TaylorMade's, however, the fact that they are smaller only makes me concentrate that much more on hitting the ball as opposed to looking where the ball is before I've hit it, if you know what I mean. I absolutely love the look of them too - if an iron could be posh then that's what they are. What I love about them the most is the sound & feel when you strike the ball. They are simply well worth the money I paid for them.

April 2016

I got the new AP2 irons a month ago with the KBS Tour S and today was my 3rd round with them. I absolutely love the feel of these! Hitting them just as far as my Ping I-5 irons, but the workability seems much better. I even love the look of these, even though many seem to love the 714's so much more.

January 2016

Awesome

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