Allan,
It's always difficult to recommend shafts since we all swing differently. I had my 718 fitting back in Sept and was fitted with the TT AMT Red and it really performs well for me. Best suggestion though is to set-up a fitting session, or see if there is a Titleist Thursday event in your area, and go through the fitting process. It's the best way to find the right shaft for you.

Might I suggest that you see a qualified Titleist fitter. They will be able to get you into the best club and shaft combination. the hour that you spend with the fitter will be well worth it.

Both the stock steel and stock graphite are good starting points, probably go to a regular flex. Best way to judge would be to have a fitting done. Lookup the Titleist Thursday nearest you. They will be able to let you hit multiple shafts and flexes until the best results are achieved.

Virtually impossible to answer - if for no other reason your current shaft is not included. Do note that Titleist has a crazy number of iron shafts to pick from because 2, 3, or 5 shaft options will not fit all golfers. At an 18 handicap and 170 yards for a 5 iron, consider working with a professional to evaluate if the archer, the club, or the shaft is the best solution to improve your game.

Yes go to a fitter I being older than you was thinking I knew what shaft I should get in my ap1s 218s but to my surprise I was way wrong titleist fitting day fixed that also different bag make up than I also was thinking save yourself from wrong flex shaft type and $$$.

Titleist Thursday is your best bet. They will put you into the right shafts.

Just went from the AP1 714 to the AP1 718. Went to the Titleist Thursday fitting ( they are free) and tried multiple shafts till we got our # s right. Can’t image trying to get fit without a fitter at this point.

Hi Allen-
I turn 50 next week and an recovering from a broken ankle.
I play the 714's and they still preform great for me.
Currently in rehab for the foot and gaining strength every day...I'm not too far off from my previous form and gaining on my pre-injury strength daily. As we get older fitness has become a regular part of my golf training...I always try to change up my routine when i get a little dip in on course power. Try a few more push-ups and planks before ditching those 714's.

Cheers,
Dr. K

Am 71 here and that is what I get out of my five iron also, with my XP 105 stiff shafts, BUT believe me I went the a Titleist Thursday and Titleist Product Specialist Billy F made sure I got the right fit with my 716 AP1s. My buddy I play with hits the 716 AP2s with Project X 6.0 stiff and he is 61 and hits a six iron that distance, again he went to the Titleist fitter. Testimonials for seeing a Titleist fitter, that is the answer. We all have different swings and different needs. Good luck.

Of course a fitting will help you make an educated decision. In addition, if you compare the five irons 714 vs 718, you should see a distinct difference in the sole, hosel and cavity. The 718 should have a wider sole, shorter hosel and deeper cavity. Plus, the degrees of loft will be stronger in the 718. All this should allow you to hit the 718 farther and have more forgiveness.