Equipment
GolfWRX.com First Looks at 2008 Titleist AP Irons!
GolfWRX.com recently had the opportunity to take a look at the upcoming 2008 lineup of Titlieist Advanced Performance irons, the AP1, AP2, ZB, and ZM. It was a rare peek into the technology, design, and fitting factors which are driving the next generation of Titleist irons.
The 2008 crop of irons were designed and built around the concept of pure feel. The typical Titleist player loves the look of a “Player’s Iron” but at the end of the day all that matters is performance and being in the Winner’s Circle. The AP1 is a multi-material, dual cavity cast iron versus the AP2 which is a multi-material, dual cavity “contemporary” forged iron. The AP1/AP2 is aimed at those players who are currently playing 775 and 755 irons who are looking for a better shot control, forgiveness, and that typical Titleist feel. These irons will be well positioned against competitors like the Callaway X-20s, TM R7, Mizuno MX-25, and
The AP1 is an attempt to focus on the 5-15 handicap of aspiring golfer who seek better feel and shot control for their game. Feel is the driving factor 2008 lineup and that is achieved with multi-material construction. The AP1 body is made by casting 431 stainless steel while the AP2 is forged from 1020 mild carbon steel. Both have sole plates that are compromised of tungsten nickel to achieve extreme perimeter weighting. Within each head is also an elastomer cushion. All these components work in conjunction to deliver that muted click feel traditional players love. The AP1 has a semi-under slung hosel which aides in bounce and forgiveness. The AP2 has a traditional blade-like hosel junction which allows for a relieved trailing edge for shotmaking.
The AP 1 will be strong loft and play off of a PW of 45*. The AP2 will be set at Tour lofts with a PW of 47*. Irons are slated for availability in March of 2008 and will have the typical Titleist custom options available. Project X 5.5 will be standard on the AP2 and Dynamic Gold HL for the AP1. No 2 iron specs were seen at this point but will be available for leftys. These irons should start showing up in stores in early spring of 2008. Pricing has not been officially announced yet.
Iron No. |
3 | 4 | 5 |
6
|
7
|
8 |
9
|
PW
|
GW
|
LOFT( ° )
|
20
|
23
|
26
|
29
|
33
|
37
|
41
|
45
|
50
|
LIE ( ° )
|
60
|
61
|
62
|
62.5
|
63
|
63.5
|
64
|
64
|
64
|
BOUNCE ( ° )
|
1 | 1 |
2
|
2 |
3
|
4
|
5
|
6
|
7
|
Offset |
.0245"
|
0.220"
|
0.195"
|
0.170"
|
0.145"
|
0.125"
|
0.110"
|
0.105"
|
0.100"
|
Iron No. |
3
|
4 |
5
|
6
|
7
|
8
|
9
|
PW
|
GW
|
LOFT( ° )
|
21
|
24
|
27
|
31
|
35
|
39
|
43
|
47
|
51
|
LIE ( ° )
|
60
|
61
|
62
|
62.5
|
63
|
63.5
|
64
|
64
|
64
|
BOUNCE ( ° )
|
0
|
2 | 3 |
4
|
4.5
|
5
|
6
|
7
|
8
|
Offset | 0.160 |
0.145"
|
0.130"
|
0.120"
|
0.110"
|
0.100"
|
0.090"
|
0.085"
|
0.080"
|
I didn’t get much time to hit the AP1 and AP2 in depth but, from the few shots that I did take, they did deliver on the feel promise. For those who are used to thin top lines, the transition to a thicker top line may very well be worth it because of the performance benefit involved. The sole versatility is also quite evident and those who like to shape their shots will not be disappointed. Titleist has had very good feedback from all its Tour Staff and believes that most of them will move to the AP2 irons by next season. These should definitely be on every one’s list to try out who’s looking for a player’s cavity back for the 2008 season.
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Whats in the Bag
Lucas Herbert WITB 2024 (May)
- Lucas Herbert what’s in the bag accurate as of the PGA Championship. More photos from the event here.
Driver: TaylorMade Qi10 LS (10.5 degrees @9)
Shaft: Project X HZRDUS Smoke Green 70 6.5 TX
3-wood: TaylorMade Qi10 Tour (13.5 degrees @12.75)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Diamana DF 80 TX
5-wood: TaylorMade Qi10 Tour (18 degrees @17.25)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Tensei CK Pro White 90 TX
Hybrid: Taylor Qi10 Tour (19.5 degrees @20.25 degrees)
Shaft: Fujikura Pro Tour Spec 115 X
Irons: TaylorMade P770 UDI (4), TaylorMade P7TW (6-9)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100
Wedges: TaylorMade MG4 (48-09SB, 50-09SB, 56-12TW, 60)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100
Putter: Scotty Cameron GoLo DB5
See the rest of Lucas Herbert’s WITB in the forums.
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Whats in the Bag
Joaquin Niemann WITB 2024 (May)
- Joaquin Niemann what’s in the bag accurate as of the PGA Championship. More photos from the event here.
Driver: Ping G430 LST (10.5 degrees)
Shaft: Graphite Design Tour AD DI 6 X
3-wood: Ping G430 Max (15 degrees)
Shaft: Graphite Design Tour AD DI 8 X
7-wood: Ping G425 Max (20.5 degrees)
Shaft: Graphite Design Tour AD DI 8 X
Hybrid: Ping G430 (26 degrees)
Shaft: Graphite Design Tour AD DI Hybrid
Irons: Ping Blueprint S (5-PW)
Shafts: Project X 6.5
Wedges: Ping Glide s159 (52-12S, 56-12S, 60-10S)
Shafts: Project X 6.5
Putter: Ping PLD Anser Prototype
Grip: SuperStroke PP60
Grips: Golf Pride Tour Velvet
Ball: Titleist Pro V1x
More photos of Joaquin Niemann’s WITB in the GolfWRX forums.
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Equipment
Three Swing Challenge: Testing the Mizuno ST-Max 230 driver
GolfWRX’s resident Club Junkie, Brian Knudson, puts the Mizuno ST-Max 230 driver to the test in our new Three Swing Challenge.
Why three swings?
Many years ago, the legendary Barney Adams, founder of Adams Golf, told us this:
“My formula as a fitter was three shots only. I discounted No. 1 just because it was the first one, counted 100 percent of No. 2, and discounted No. 3, because the player was starting to adjust.”
This is in line with our experience, and we believe golfers can make a meaningful judgment about a club in just a few swings.
Let us know what you want to see in the challenge next!
Read more about the Mizuno ST-Max 230 driver here.
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