After not playing golf for about 12 years, I’m really shocked by the difference in clubs...in a good way. I’ve always hated the look of game improvement clubs, especially the amount of offset; it messes up my aim. Now, so many of these clubs look fantastic at address and they have a lot of help built in. I had a hard time choosing between three sets: the AP1, Srixon Z565 and the Mizuno Hot Metal. I went for the AP1’s because the whole package, shaft, long iron performance and the look all worked for me. The best part was having so many excellent choices. If I’m honest, any of these clubs would work well for me. Mark’s reviews are at the top of the class; he’s very fussy about the details and that’s exactly what you want. Thanks Mark.
Senior golfer here; watched all the reviews, then went to hit them. The 718s are very good irons, distance is up there with the others but imo where these clubs separate, is in feel and accuracy; dispersion on these is quite good. They stop on the greens, no problem. The top line and sole are not as thick as the others; have not had any problems hitting them at all. When I was younger, I played the blades, Wilson Staff, Mizuno,s and they were fine clubs. Now that I’m older and don’t have
The high swing speed anymore, These fit the bill. I believe that these can be played by a low hdcp golfer with no problem. I now have them in my bag. Do enjoy your reviews...
One other point worth mentioning is that Some of the guy's I play with regularly who are off a 20+hcap who used to use 1 club more than me on Par 3's. Who have gone down the stronger lofted path. After they have got used to the clubs, they still end up using 1 club more. Only the guy's I know who are low hcap's are getting the extra distance out of them consistently. I found the same when testing the Apex CF16 against the Apex Pro's.
Philip Price always rocked SGI irons I remember he won the 2003 European open with Callaway big bertha irons. I know this because I had the same clubs and was shocked to see a tour player playing the same shovels as a hacker like me 😀
I am a 16 handicap. Just bought a used set of Mizuno MP5. I am done with the chunky game-improvement irons. They make no difference to scores, they only feel a little more muted on bad shots. And when hitting from the rough, having a clubhead as large as a shovel has always made them feel hard to get the ball out. To me, the MP5's feel better on good shots, they dont mask the feel of bad shots as much as chunky clubheads, and I dont notice any decrease in performance on bad shots (compared to a bad shot with a chunky iron). The tiny clubheads give me alot of confidence that I can get a ball out of the rough without having to chop a square foot of grass. I dont think I will shoot any better scores with the MP5s, however one thing that seems better to me is distance control. Compared to the Apex CF 16s, I am getting more consistent carry distances. My guess is that is due to the lower lofted, lower spinning Apex irons, which can become really low spinning if you get any grass between the club and the ball. On my launch monitor, the spin numbers between Apex and MP5 are minimal, but on the course it seems that I am getting more consistent carry numbers with the MP5. They look better, feel great, and in the handful of rounds I have played with them (along with many rounds on the simulator), I see no change in scores compared to my old irons. I have gone to a 19 and 23 hybrid, and the MP5's for 5-PW.
Mark, the loft has changed by one degree or so on each of the 718s irons, can you explain why and how this would affect my game....I am using the 2016 AP1s right now and really used my game over the past two years. What can I expect if I go with the new AP1s? thanks
I'm late to this party😎 went for a ftting today at the National.Fitting Centre Scotland - firstly what tip to Graeme, an excellent fitter who explained every aspect of the fitting and refinement process to me. I'm an 8 handicapper - on a good day. I have limited practice time and similar i have an occasional lesson due to other commitments. Anyway, I need the speed off the face of the ap 1 - but not the loft. Solution? Fitted into AP1's 2 degrees loft weaker. Now I have more consistent speed off the face and carry distance due to launch improving massively from my Mizunos (which I was also fitted for from the cart). So in short, don't any away from these as 'power clubs' ' or 'stopping power'. My greatly increased peak height has resulted in better ball.speed leading to better height leading to greater carry leading to greater descent angle so more stopping power. In short - get fitted by a fitter who understands how each aspect can trigger other positives and not just someone who fits shafts to.swing speeds .anyone can do that. Highly recommended clubs to try👍
Thank you Mark! I like watching these club rewiews 👍 So from 200 yards it wont stop, beacause it is low spinning club. Well, what kind off club is spinning and stopping from 200 yard 🤔 Anyway that was great 7 iron shot 👍👍
I prefer the look of the AP3 but I played with clubs this size for years. Nice review and another example of why the old distinction between SIG, GI and better player irons is blurred. If Philip Price can play AP1 in long irons then I could play AP2 in short irons
Not a criticism just of this review but all reviews which go on about lower spinning GI irons. They all fail to mention that while they spin less, they go further than players irons, ergo, we will be hitting less club in, so if I was hitting 6 iron into a green previously, I can now hit a 7 iron (shorter club, easier to hit and about the same spin that the 6 iron would have had). Plus, if your playing in the UK it rains all the time, greens are generally receptive, more than making up for "low spin". Just saying 😉
Karl Douglas the "7 iron" is most likely spinning lower than another 7 iron due to less loft, maybe the same loft as a comparable 6 iron, through the laws of D plane it is therefore not necessarily easier to hit as the spin loft generated on comparable swings will be the same for the game improving 7 iron as the bladed 6 iron on swings where the face and path aren't exactly matched. The only difference is that in someone's head it's easier to hit because it says 7 on it which is indeed an incredibly powerful factor plus the shaft may be slightly shorter and so strike may be easier for some players along with the extra launch. Your point about wet greens is indeed valid, all about carry distance in wet old Ireland also 😓
+Karl Douglas you are 100% wrong about hitting less in being easier in this case. Loft always wins not what is written on the bottom. D plane only cares about loft👍👍 The lower spin is dangerous when you play in spin reducing lies. Wet rough and fairways.
Tough call, I currently play G400’s, I thoroughly tested the ap1’s about 3 weeks ago...here’s what I gathered from them: The titleist had a much harder feel to them, dispersion was incredible, much better than my pings but distance was lost. One problem that I’ve had with the pings is with the short irons i.e PW and UW...on one hand, I have no problem with 140 yd par 3’s as I just bring out my PW and crush it down the fairway but when I’m slightly off the green I have to bring out my 56 degree Cleveland because the pings are just TOO long. So with that being said, I saw that with my testing of the ap1’s, they have a much better short game to the Irons as well as overall accuracy but distance, ease of hitting and feel has to go to the pings, they are both great irons and you can’t go wrong with either of them, imo... I would have to give it to the ap1’s for accuracy, don’t get me wrong I love crushing my Pings but as an overall iron I think titleist takes the trophy this year.
Mark, I’ve been watching your reviews for some considerable time. I value your opinion, but please can you answer to questions or comments a little more? Nothing worse than feeling ignored or that your question doesn’t warrant a reply. If you don’t want to compare the AP1 with the JPX 900 then just reply with something, anything. You have the knowledge. Ignore the mugs who swear and make idiotic comments.
You get lots of comments as you’re reviews are among the best on the tube. At least you don’t ‘hit a 7 iron 210 yards’ and claim ‘that’s not bad for me’ 😂😂 . Let’s get stuck in..... 👍
With the AP1's Titleist are making it glaringly obvious that the numbers on the bottom are meaningless. The set comprises of 4 - PW(43*) and then 2 other Wedges W(48*) & W2(53*). So it's still a 9 iron set, But Where is the actual game improvement? If a golfer using a 7 iron in these can't stop them on the green then they have to change their game to dropping short and running them up. So to strike a ball with the intention of hitting a running shot is a different type of strike, you keep it lower and try to keep the spin off it. You could say it's the opposite shot to putting a nice crisp strike on the ball maximizing flight, height and spin. So is that actually game improvement?
"If a golfer using a 7 iron in these can't stop them on the green " Well if they use a forged blade instead they'll probably be hitting a 5 iron or 6 iron instead of that 7 iron and that will have less chance of being on the green than the 7 iron regardless of spin. In one popular online review the reviewer literally hit the AP1 7i 18 yards further than is MP5 7i blade and it came down steeper so the lower spin had little negative effect. Its meaningless to compare the spin of a 7i blade to a 7i GI iron unless they fly the same distance.
Knocking it out the park with your production and editing quality at the moment Mark. Well done 👏👏👏
After not playing golf for about 12 years, I’m really shocked by the difference in clubs...in a good way. I’ve always hated the look of game improvement clubs, especially the amount of offset; it messes up my aim. Now, so many of these clubs look fantastic at address and they have a lot of help built in. I had a hard time choosing between three sets: the AP1, Srixon Z565 and the Mizuno Hot Metal. I went for the AP1’s because the whole package, shaft, long iron performance and the look all worked for me. The best part was having so many excellent choices.
If I’m honest, any of these clubs would work well for me.
Mark’s reviews are at the top of the class; he’s very fussy about the details and that’s exactly what you want.
Thanks Mark.
Senior golfer here; watched all the reviews, then went to hit them. The 718s are very good irons, distance is up there with the others but imo where these clubs separate, is in feel and accuracy; dispersion on these is quite good. They stop on the greens, no problem. The top line and sole are not as thick as the others; have not had any problems hitting them at all. When I was younger, I played the blades, Wilson Staff, Mizuno,s and they were fine clubs. Now that I’m older and don’t have
The high swing speed anymore, These fit the bill. I believe that these can be played by a low hdcp golfer with no problem. I now have them in my bag. Do enjoy your reviews...
One other point worth mentioning is that Some of the guy's I play with regularly who are off a 20+hcap who used to use 1 club more than me on Par 3's. Who have gone down the stronger lofted path. After they have got used to the clubs, they still end up using 1 club more. Only the guy's I know who are low hcap's are getting the extra distance out of them consistently. I found the same when testing the Apex CF16 against the Apex Pro's.
loving those drone shots
Still one of the best on course reviews
Philip Price always rocked SGI irons I remember he won the 2003 European open with Callaway big bertha irons. I know this because I had the same clubs and was shocked to see a tour player playing the same shovels as a hacker like me 😀
APs...built to be combo'd. AP1 long irons, through AP2 or 3 to taste. Combo to suit skills and comfort
Low spinning? Check the zipped back spin wedge from the drone cam. Nice fizzz
I am a 16 handicap. Just bought a used set of Mizuno MP5. I am done with the chunky game-improvement irons. They make no difference to scores, they only feel a little more muted on bad shots. And when hitting from the rough, having a clubhead as large as a shovel has always made them feel hard to get the ball out.
To me, the MP5's feel better on good shots, they dont mask the feel of bad shots as much as chunky clubheads, and I dont notice any decrease in performance on bad shots (compared to a bad shot with a chunky iron). The tiny clubheads give me alot of confidence that I can get a ball out of the rough without having to chop a square foot of grass.
I dont think I will shoot any better scores with the MP5s, however one thing that seems better to me is distance control. Compared to the Apex CF 16s, I am getting more consistent carry distances. My guess is that is due to the lower lofted, lower spinning Apex irons, which can become really low spinning if you get any grass between the club and the ball. On my launch monitor, the spin numbers between Apex and MP5 are minimal, but on the course it seems that I am getting more consistent carry numbers with the MP5.
They look better, feel great, and in the handful of rounds I have played with them (along with many rounds on the simulator), I see no change in scores compared to my old irons.
I have gone to a 19 and 23 hybrid, and the MP5's for 5-PW.
trust me, you need the extra help buddy
Brilliant clubs! Titleist always wins! PS: Good work Mark! Loving it
great video again, just play whatever you want and makes the game more fun for you.
Mark, the loft has changed by one degree or so on each of the 718s irons, can you explain why and how this would affect my game....I am using the 2016 AP1s right now and really used my game over the past two years. What can I expect if I go with the new AP1s? thanks
My friend is a scratch golfer and he uses ping g irons. And his irons are probably the best part of his game currently
Fantastic video my man!
I'm late to this party😎 went for a ftting today at the National.Fitting Centre Scotland - firstly what tip to Graeme, an excellent fitter who explained every aspect of the fitting and refinement process to me. I'm an 8 handicapper - on a good day. I have limited practice time and similar i have an occasional lesson due to other commitments. Anyway, I need the speed off the face of the ap 1 - but not the loft. Solution? Fitted into AP1's 2 degrees loft weaker. Now I have more consistent speed off the face and carry distance due to launch improving massively from my Mizunos (which I was also fitted for from the cart). So in short, don't any away from these as 'power clubs' ' or 'stopping power'. My greatly increased peak height has resulted in better ball.speed leading to better height leading to greater carry leading to greater descent angle so more stopping power. In short - get fitted by a fitter who understands how each aspect can trigger other positives and not just someone who fits shafts to.swing speeds .anyone can do that. Highly recommended clubs to try👍
Great review Mark! I love the look of these.
Hi Mark. Can you compare the AP1s with the Hot Metals???
I am a new golfer. These irons look great. Would you recommend the Titleist AP1 for a new player? Or else which set of irons?
great review Mark. Superb camera work on course. But, what happened to your voice at the end there? ;)
Thank you Mark! I like watching these club rewiews 👍 So from 200 yards it wont stop, beacause it is low spinning club. Well, what kind off club is spinning and stopping from 200 yard 🤔 Anyway that was great 7 iron shot 👍👍
I got fitted and purchased this set of irons
Thank you
Enjoy your reviews
I prefer the look of the AP3 but I played with clubs this size for years. Nice review and another example of why the old distinction between SIG, GI and better player irons is blurred. If Philip Price can play AP1 in long irons then I could play AP2 in short irons
Getting good with the drone Mark, good stuff
I bought a used set, i love them. But my pitching wedge is a 9, my 9 is an 8 etc..
😭
I have the jpx ez forged the orange ones ....kinda want to upgrade to these is it worth it?
Even before watching I'm guessing they go just as well/far as every other iron on the market. (Bar Callaway XR)
Nice sunday bag Mark, what brand/model is it?
I miss the lower key look of the 712 ap1 with decent lofts and looks that from 10 feet away could be confused with ap2
They’re cast but do they have a forged feel?
That Under Armour glove is ridiculously comfy
Giant shadow looks cool
Not a criticism just of this review but all reviews which go on about lower spinning GI irons. They all fail to mention that while they spin less, they go further than players irons, ergo, we will be hitting less club in, so if I was hitting 6 iron into a green previously, I can now hit a 7 iron (shorter club, easier to hit and about the same spin that the 6 iron would have had). Plus, if your playing in the UK it rains all the time, greens are generally receptive, more than making up for "low spin". Just saying 😉
Karl Douglas the "7 iron" is most likely spinning lower than another 7 iron due to less loft, maybe the same loft as a comparable 6 iron, through the laws of D plane it is therefore not necessarily easier to hit as the spin loft generated on comparable swings will be the same for the game improving 7 iron as the bladed 6 iron on swings where the face and path aren't exactly matched. The only difference is that in someone's head it's easier to hit because it says 7 on it which is indeed an incredibly powerful factor plus the shaft may be slightly shorter and so strike may be easier for some players along with the extra launch. Your point about wet greens is indeed valid, all about carry distance in wet old Ireland also 😓
+Karl Douglas you are 100% wrong about hitting less in being easier in this case. Loft always wins not what is written on the bottom. D plane only cares about loft👍👍
The lower spin is dangerous when you play in spin reducing lies. Wet rough and fairways.
Ok, I get the point about the loft and D plane, however, does the point that we will be hitting one club less in than previous, not hold true?
New golfer sir can do. Which is which
G400 vs 718 AP1 which do you think is better?
Tough call, I currently play G400’s, I thoroughly tested the ap1’s about 3 weeks ago...here’s what I gathered from them:
The titleist had a much harder feel to them, dispersion was incredible, much better than my pings but distance was lost. One problem that I’ve had with the pings is with the short irons i.e PW and UW...on one hand, I have no problem with 140 yd par 3’s as I just bring out my PW and crush it down the fairway but when I’m slightly off the green I have to bring out my 56 degree Cleveland because the pings are just TOO long. So with that being said, I saw that with my testing of the ap1’s, they have a much better short game to the Irons as well as overall accuracy but distance, ease of hitting and feel has to go to the pings, they are both great irons and you can’t go wrong with either of them, imo... I would have to give it to the ap1’s for accuracy, don’t get me wrong I love crushing my Pings but as an overall iron I think titleist takes the trophy this year.
Awesome clubs!🙌🏻💯💯❤️
Where on earth is that. Playing off dirt? Municipal course in S. California?
Mark, I’ve been watching your reviews for some considerable time. I value your opinion, but please can you answer to questions or comments a little more? Nothing worse than feeling ignored or that your question doesn’t warrant a reply. If you don’t want to compare the AP1 with the JPX 900 then just reply with something, anything. You have the knowledge. Ignore the mugs who swear and make idiotic comments.
Sorry bruh I have lots of comments. 900jpx AP1 compare coming. If not by me I will get Dan to do a AskDan on it. 👍👍
You get lots of comments as you’re reviews are among the best on the tube. At least you don’t ‘hit a 7 iron 210 yards’ and claim ‘that’s not bad for me’ 😂😂 . Let’s get stuck in..... 👍
australian courses look dystopian
With the AP1's Titleist are making it glaringly obvious that the numbers on the bottom are meaningless. The set comprises of 4 - PW(43*) and then 2 other Wedges W(48*) & W2(53*). So it's still a 9 iron set, But Where is the actual game improvement? If a golfer using a 7 iron in these can't stop them on the green then they have to change their game to dropping short and running them up. So to strike a ball with the intention of hitting a running shot is a different type of strike, you keep it lower and try to keep the spin off it. You could say it's the opposite shot to putting a nice crisp strike on the ball maximizing flight, height and spin. So is that actually game improvement?
"If a golfer using a 7 iron in these can't stop them on the green " Well if they use a forged blade instead they'll probably be hitting a 5 iron or 6 iron instead of that 7 iron and that will have less chance of being on the green than the 7 iron regardless of spin. In one popular online review the reviewer literally hit the AP1 7i 18 yards further than is MP5 7i blade and it came down steeper so the lower spin had little negative effect. Its meaningless to compare the spin of a 7i blade to a 7i GI iron unless they fly the same distance.
What the fuck are you babbling about, its hard to discern an actual point in that rambling
That's a bare fairway