714 AP1 to 716 CB....Too Rash?

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By Mr. McKee

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  • 9 Replies
  1. Mr. McKee

    Mr. McKee
    Logan, UT

    Hey Team!

    I'm a brand new Team Titleist member here and this is my first post.  If this subject has been discussed already, then I apologize for flooding the Team Titleist reservoir.  This past season was fantastic for me.  I was really able to focus on my weaknesses and improve them dramatically.  Since April 2015 I have seen my handicap drop from 24.4 to now 12.8.  In the past month my total scores hover around 80-83.  I have been using the 714 AP1s and I like them and strike them very well.  However, seeing the few reviews online of the new 716 CBs makes me wonder how gameable they are for me.  I am wanting something much slimmer than the AP1, and the 716 CBs look like a dream.  Although most people will tell me to move the 716 AP2, I must say I do not care for the way the 716 AP2 looks at all.  And for me, looks matter.  I'm a vain man.  I've heard that the 716 CBs are as forgiving as the 714 AP2.  Am I ready for a semi-bladed iron? I'm turing to you guys to provide me with the necessary information on why the 716 CB would be a great move or why it wouldn't be.  It's between the 716 AP1 and 716 CB so any help/advice would really be appreciated.  Thank you guys so much and I look forward to your responses! Play well!

  2. Don O

    Don O
    Madison, WI

    Vanity & appearance are important. So is ball striking. Going to CBs will work either because you are wearing a spot in the center of your irons the size of a dime or you will work to be more consistent to justify your vanity. Living where I can't play 5 months of the year and struggling to get more than 25 rounds in a year I don't play enough to commit my swing to a less forgiving iron.
  3. Mr. McKee

    Mr. McKee
    Logan, UT

    Very wise words! I really appreciate your feedback! I need to be honest with myself and say I don't quite have that strike mark down to dime size just yet.  With winter around the corner here in Utah, I will start to be limited to how much I can get to the range and play until about March.  Some great advice! Thanks Don! 

  4. Dino J

    Dino J
    Burnaby, BC

    Hi Jumbie,

    Welcome to Team Titleist! Congratulations on your accomplishment -- golf can be a very rewarding and exhilarating sport, while at other times, humbling and a test of character!

    Regarding your question, I don't know your age, ability to practice and play (ie: frequency, weather/climate considerations, etc.), but you have shown some great improvement in year one. To achieve something like that demonstrates commitment, perseverance, dedication and some athleticism.

    If you are serious about wanting to upgrade to the 716 CB clubs, then I would strongly encourage you to go to your nearest Titleist fitter, plunk down the cash (if necessary), and try the 716 CBs with different shaft options so that you can get some experience with the clubs. All the better if they have a Trackman available as well to provide you with some relevant data.

    If you are satisfied with the performance at that point, and can assess the state of your game and feel that you will put in the time to make your new clubs your "best friend", then by all means I would "pull the trigger" and go for it. I have seen some online reviews of the 716 CB's and the feedback on them has been fantastic. Most of the reviews that I have seen have made comments (paraphrasing) that the CB's were very forgiving (similar to the AP2's) and even seem to have a bit more ball speed and distance compared to the AP2's.

    I currently play 714 AP2's and love my clubs. I think they are the best clubs that I have ever owned and played (and I have been playing for much of the past 35 years now!). But, I must confess that the new 716 CB's are a very attractive and tempting option!

    Regardless, go try them out with a fitter and see what your experience yields.. Either way, you should garner a better understanding of the clubs that can suit your game. Also, keep us posted -- I would love to see how you progress through your experience! -- D.
  5. Mr. McKee

    Mr. McKee
    Logan, UT

    Wow that's some great advice! And for the record, I live in northern Utah and I'm 28.  It took me going to the range 2-3 times a week, a few lessons with the Head Pro at Logan River Golf Course, lots of YouTube videos and playing twice a week to get my handicap down.  It was work, and it continues to be serious work haha.  When I shoot a round in the 70s I feel so confident I could go pick up some MBs immediately...while other rounds in the high 80s or even low 90s makes me turn around with my tail between my legs looking for some Cleveland 588 Altitudes haha. It has tested every part of my physically and mentally. 

    I'll be sure to keep you guys posted! Obviously with winter around the corner I won't be able to get out as much...but any chance I get I'll be practicing and playing! I'll let you know what I end up getting.  Apparently the T-MBs have been suggested to me as well.  Thanks again!

  6. Otis T

    Otis T
    Houston, TX

    If the CB fits your eye; then anything else is going to fall short no matter how well or how bad you hit those irons. I would suggest finding a club fitter and tell them what you are trying to accomplish and they should point you in the right direction. I just switched from 3 series of AP2 and now going to AP1....clubs are easier to swing and not as bulky as last years version.

  7. Mr. McKee

    Mr. McKee
    Logan, UT

    That's what I've heard! Its hard to tell just by photos and YouTube videos the actual size in comparison to the 714 series.  Thanks so much for your input, I really do appreciate it! The trick is finding out where that nearest fitter is! 

  8. Matt B

    Matt B
    Columbus, OH

    If you really like the way they look and have the time to practice your game you would probably grow into them. I would hang onto your 714 AP1 for a little while as a back-up set until you are fully comfortable with them. According to Titleist the 716cb are as playable as the 714 AP2 with cleaner lines.
  9. Cath D.

    Cath D.
    Carlsbad, CA

    That's a dramatic drop in 6 months - congratulations on all your hard work!  Not to throw a wrench into your selection process, but, another option you may want to try is the T-MB's.  They look like a blade, are the size of an AP2 and hit it high with distance and forgiveness.  Our Tech Reps, Fitting Vans, Regional fitters have the T-MB fitting heads and our Advanced fitters will be receiving them within the next month :)

  10. Mr. McKee

    Mr. McKee
    Logan, UT

    Thank you for your kind words! I have absolutely had my eye on the T-MB as well.  Such a beautiful looking club! One reason I haven't seriously considered them at this point is because I've just been so confused as to what kind of golfer they are catered towards.  By watching the very few reviews currently out there they all seem to say the same thing: long and forgiving.  However, no one seems to say they are long and forgiving compared to....? Does that make sense?  Titleist's video of the T-MB shows players like Adam Scott and Jordan Spieth hitting them.  That's a little intimidating haha. I'd love to hit these for myself.  I live in Logan, UT and I'm not sure if there is a designated Titleist Fitter around here.  cally and png seem to run the gammit around here it seems like.  Also, I know that the T-MBs are very expensive clubs.  If I fell in love with these clubs, I'd love to purchase a whole set but not 2-PW.  Will MOTO even make a 4-PW or 5-PW set?  That would be another determining factor.  Thanks again for your "wrench" and I anxiously await these clubs to arrive anywhere so I can strike them!

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