AP1 vs AP2 8 irons - explain this oddity

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By Lou G

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  1. Lou G

    Lou G
    San Diego, CA

    For some time I have had an AP1 8 iron with R300 Dynamic gold and standard length. Normal distance is about 140.

    Yesterday I picked an AP2 8 iron with Project X 6.0 and 1/2" longer with the intent of possibly reshafting.

    From what I read, 6.0 is the equivalent of S400 DG.

    I went to the range with the AP2, AP1 and an Apex Plus (with a #4 shaft, which is stiff). I was getting 150 yards total with 140 carry on the AP2. The AP1 was 140 total and 135 carry. The Apex was 135 total and 130 carry.

    Understand the shaft length being 1/2" longer could account for more distance but what I find odd is getting better distance with what amounts to a stiff plus shaft vs regular. Doing the math, there should be about 2 points difference in swingweight net (3 points for the shaft and subtract 1 point for the Project X shaft vs DG).

    The funny thing is the Project X did not feel stiff at all.

    Could somebody possibly soft stepped the Project X?

  2. Dale V

    Dale V
    Surprise AZ

    Great example of why you need to be fit using a launch monitor. Max distance is speed and angle. For the kick point to work properly the flex must match your speed. Regular flex isn't always longer than stiff if the speed has already kicked the head out too far. Shaft weight is also a factor. Head mass also a factor. If you hit the AP2 dead center every time, the AP1 might improve off center shots but would not necessarily get you more on pure center hits. I'm no expert but i have discovered not to get hung up in the old belief that the softer the shaft, the further the hit.
  3. Lou G

    Lou G
    San Diego, CA

    The update is everything is dead straight on the launch monitor. I changed the 8 iron to Project X 5.5 and distance is between 140-145. The AP2s are spaced 31-36. Doing pretty well on approach shots and par 3s with both.
  4. Edward K

    Edward K
    Wesley Chapel, FL

    Military
    Welcome to the novelty of club fitting. You're going to see significant differences between a forged and cast head, as well as shaft flex and length. Throw in a different manufacturer, it changes altogether. Ultimately, the way ANY shaft is cut/tipped may affect the flex. Just because it says R300 doesn't mean it's a true R300. Same with the Project X shaft, or any other club, for that matter. Find a Titleist fitter, and get what you NEED based on your performance.
  5. Lou G

    Lou G
    San Diego, CA

    I know that forged irons are more rewarding on a sweet spot hit. My 8 iron and 42* are forged. I think the 64 is forged.

    I get 145-150 out of the AP2 8 iron (it is set at 36* and +1/2"). I've had it only a month and a half and it is a great club. I've had the RM21 42* for over a year now and it outdoes any 9 iron.

    The 42* (a Fourteen RM21) is 130. I get 110 out of my 50-08 (bent to 49). The 42* has been in my bag for a year now (first ever shot on the golf course was a 129 yard par 3 and I stuck it 3 feet from the pin for the bird; same round I saved par after an atrocious tee shot on a short par 3) and it outdoes any 9 iron I've ever had and, if I get lazy, I'll pitch from 90 yards.
  6. Lou G

    Lou G
    San Diego, CA

    Correction on the time I obtained the 8 iron. Well..... Feb 6 is 3 weeks.
  7. Lou G

    Lou G
    San Diego, CA

    I actually played with a set of do-it-yourself irons between 2008-2011. I constructed a 38H, 8-SW Quick Strike Q3 and another Snake Eyes wedge. I learned quite a bit about club fitting, use of launch monitors, etc.

  8. Ben A

    Ben A
    Los Gatos, CA

    You are likely getting much less spin on the stiff shaft and that is causing it to fly further and roll, along with that 1/2" longer shaft for a bit more swing speed.
  9. Lou G

    Lou G
    San Diego, CA

    The AP2 gets a reasonably high ball flight. Consistently about 145-150.

    My bag is actually "progressive flex". My driver has Bassara A flex (shortened to 44" with a 12g weight). The 915H has a Diamana 60 x5ct Lite. The 7/23 is a Matrox 60 R flex. The 27H is Bassara R (38.5" A2 with 9g head weight). The 32H is TFC 129 R. The AP2 8 iron is more like a weak loft 7 iron. Everything from the 42* down to the 64 is DG Wedgflex.

    I also have a Quick Strike 5 31* hybrid with Bassara x5ct 55g lite (but tipped as a 7 iron) and it is a backup and I can hit it about 160 yards. This would be considered "hard stepped" so it feels like R flex.

    I have a rather odd golf bag but it works for me.

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  10. Lou G

    Lou G
    San Diego, CA

    Since my last post, I have played Torrey Pines South (not unhappy with 95 considering things like the greens). I changed the shaft on the 8 iron to Project X Rifle 5.5 (I get about 140 or so) and the feel is much better than the 6.0. I get 155 out of the 6 iron.
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