The Titleist 718 AP2 Golf Irons are a favorite among professional and amateur golfers alike. Known for their classic look, exceptional feel, and advanced technology, these irons are designed to deliver top-notch performance on the course. In this comprehensive review, we will delve into various aspects of the Titleist 718 AP2 Golf Irons, including their looks, sound and feel, technology, performance, and more. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned player, this review will help you understand why these irons are highly regarded in the golfing community.
Looks
The Titleist 718 AP2 Golf Irons boast a timeless and elegant design. The sleek, compact head features a brushed chrome finish that not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also reduces glare under bright sunlight. The topline is thin, providing a classic look that better players appreciate, while the moderate offset and slightly wider sole offer a balance of playability and forgiveness.
At address, the irons exude confidence with their clean and precise lines. The minimalistic cavity back design includes subtle branding and a small medallion, which adds to the overall sophisticated look. The 718 AP2 irons seamlessly blend traditional styling with modern touches, making them visually appealing to golfers of all skill levels.
Sound & Feel
One of the standout features of the Titleist 718 AP2 Golf Irons is their exceptional sound and feel. These irons are forged from high-quality 1025 carbon steel, which provides a soft and buttery feel at impact. The feedback is crisp and responsive, allowing players to instantly gauge the quality of their strike.
The sound produced by the 718 AP2 irons is a satisfying “click,” indicative of a well-struck shot. This auditory feedback, combined with the soft feel, enhances the overall experience and instills confidence in the golfer. The multi-material construction, including tungsten weighting, contributes to the solid and stable feel, especially on off-center hits.
Technology
Titleist has incorporated several advanced technologies into the 718 AP2 Golf Irons to optimize performance. These include:
- Tungsten Weighting: The strategic placement of high-density tungsten in the heel and toe of the clubhead lowers the center of gravity (CG) and increases the moment of inertia (MOI). This results in improved stability, forgiveness, and a higher launch angle, making it easier to achieve consistent distances and trajectories.
- Tour-Preferred Sole: The tour-preferred sole design features a pre-worn leading edge and trailing edge relief. This design reduces turf interaction, allowing for cleaner strikes and improved playability from various lies. The sole geometry is crafted to enhance versatility and shot-making capabilities.
- Co-Forging Process: The co-forging process integrates the tungsten into the clubhead during manufacturing, ensuring a precise and consistent placement. This process enhances the overall structural integrity and performance of the irons.
- Progressive CG: The progressive center of gravity throughout the set optimizes the performance of each iron. Lower CG in the long irons promotes a higher launch, while higher CG in the short irons provides better control and precision.
Performance
When it comes to performance, the Titleist 718 AP2 Golf Irons excel in several key areas:
Distance
These irons are designed to deliver consistent and impressive distances. The combination of tungsten weighting and a high-strength forged construction ensures optimal energy transfer and ball speed. Players can expect reliable yardages across the entire set, with the long irons providing added distance and the short irons offering precise control.
Forgiveness
Despite their players’ iron profile, the 718 AP2 irons offer a surprising level of forgiveness. The perimeter weighting and tungsten inserts help stabilize the clubhead on off-center hits, minimizing distance loss and maintaining accuracy. This forgiveness is particularly beneficial for mid to low handicap golfers seeking a blend of workability and playability.
Workability
The compact head shape and thin topline allow skilled golfers to shape shots and control trajectories with ease. The irons respond well to various shot types, whether it’s a high fade, low draw, or anything in between. The feedback provided by the forged construction enables players to make precise adjustments to their swing and shot execution.
On The Course
On the course, the Titleist 718 AP2 Golf Irons truly shine. They perform exceptionally well in various conditions, from tight fairways to challenging rough. The tour-preferred sole design ensures smooth turf interaction, allowing for clean strikes and consistent contact.
The irons’ versatility is a significant advantage, making them suitable for a wide range of shots. Whether you need to hit a low punch shot under the wind or a high, soft landing approach, the 718 AP2 irons deliver the desired results. The confidence-inspiring look and feel translate into better performance, enabling golfers to play their best.
Specifications
Club | Loft | Lie | Length | Offset | Swing Weight |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
3 | 21° | 61° | 39″ | 3.5mm | D2 |
4 | 24° | 61.5° | 38.5″ | 3.3mm | D2 |
5 | 27° | 62° | 38″ | 3.0mm | D2 |
6 | 30° | 62.5° | 37.5″ | 2.7mm | D2 |
7 | 34° | 63° | 37″ | 2.5mm | D2 |
8 | 38° | 63.5° | 36.5″ | 2.3mm | D2 |
9 | 42° | 64° | 36″ | 2.0mm | D2 |
PW | 46° | 64° | 35.75″ | 1.8mm | D2 |
GW | 50° | 64° | 35.5″ | 1.6mm | D2 |
Pros
- Exceptional feel and feedback: The forged construction and high-quality materials provide a soft, responsive feel.
- Consistent performance: Reliable distances and trajectories across the entire set.
- Forgiveness: Tungsten weighting and perimeter weighting enhance forgiveness on off-center hits.
- Versatility: Suitable for a wide range of shots and playing conditions.
- Classic aesthetics: Timeless design with a sleek, compact head.
Cons
- Not ideal for beginners: The players’ iron profile and workability may be challenging for high-handicap golfers.
- Premium price: The advanced technology and high-quality construction come at a higher cost.
FAQs
Who Are Titleist 718 AP2 Golf Irons For?
The Titleist 718 AP2 Golf Irons are primarily designed for mid to low handicap golfers who seek a balance of performance, feel, and workability. These irons are well-suited for players who can consistently strike the ball and want to shape shots and control trajectories with precision. While they offer some forgiveness, beginners and high-handicap golfers may find them less forgiving and more challenging to play.
Are Titleist 718 AP2 Golf Irons Good for High Handicappers?
The Titleist 718 AP2 Golf Irons are not specifically designed for high handicappers. Their players’ iron profile, compact head, and workability features cater more to skilled golfers. High handicappers might struggle with the reduced forgiveness and the need for precise ball striking. For high handicappers, the Titleist AP1 or other game improvement irons would be more suitable options.
How Far Do Titleist 718 AP2 Golf Irons Go?
The distance achieved with Titleist 718 AP2 Golf Irons varies depending on factors such as swing speed, ball striking ability, and course conditions. On average, players can expect the following yardages:
- 3-iron: 200-220 yards
- 4-iron: 190-210 yards
- 5-iron: 180-200 yards
- 6-iron: 170-190 yards
- 7-iron: 160-180 yards
- 8-iron: 150-170 yards
- 9-iron: 140-160 yards
- PW: 130-150 yards
These distances are approximate and can vary from player to player.
What are the differences between Titleist 718 AP1, AP2, and AP3 irons?
Feature | Titleist 718 AP1 | Titleist 718 AP2 | Titleist 718 AP3 |
---|---|---|---|
Target Audience | High handicappers, beginners | Mid to low handicappers | Mid to low handicappers |
Forgiveness | Maximum forgiveness, larger head, wider sole | Moderate forgiveness, compact head | Good forgiveness, mid-sized head |
Playability | Easy to hit, high launch | Balanced playability and control | Better feel and workability |
Design | Larger head, more perimeter weighting | Compact head, tour-preferred sole | Combination of AP1 and AP2 features |
Technology | High-density tungsten for stability, larger sole for forgiveness | Tungsten weighting for improved CG and MOI, tour-preferred sole | Tungsten weighting, forged construction for feel and control |
Feel | Less responsive, softer feel | Soft and responsive, good feedback | Soft feel with better feedback than AP1 |
Workability | Less workability, more forgiving | Excellent workability, versatile | Good workability, more than AP1 but less than AP2 |
Distance | Maximum distance, higher launch | Consistent distance with control | Balanced distance, similar to AP2 with more forgiveness |
Appearance | Larger, more offset head | Sleek, traditional look | Sleek, slightly larger than AP2 |
How Much Do Titleist 718 AP2 Golf Irons Cost?
The Titleist 718 AP2 Golf Irons are premium clubs, and their price reflects the advanced technology and high-quality construction. The cost can vary based on factors such as the number of clubs in the set, customization options, and retailer. On average, a set of Titleist 718 AP2 Golf Irons typically ranges from $1,200 to $1,400 for an 8-piece set (3-PW). Custom fittings, shaft upgrades, and additional customization can increase the price.
Conclusion
The Titleist 718 AP2 Golf Irons are a remarkable choice for mid to low handicap golfers who value performance, feel, and precision. Their classic look, combined with advanced technology such as tungsten weighting and a tour-preferred sole design, ensures a high level of playability and versatility on the course. While these irons may be more challenging for beginners and high handicappers, their forgiveness and consistent performance make them a solid option for more experienced players. The 718 AP2 irons excel in delivering consistent distances, exceptional feel, and precise control, making them a favorite among skilled golfers. Their sleek design and advanced features not only enhance performance but also provide a timeless aesthetic that appeals to many players. Whether you are looking to improve your game or simply enjoy a premium set of irons, the Titleist 718 AP2 Golf Irons offer a compelling combination of style and substance.