Joe,

If you have been playing blades then I would go with the AP2's.  They are cleaner looking and have a thinner top line than the AP1's which is what your used to looking at.  Also you will be able to control the trajectory much more with the AP2's.  Going from blades to AP1's is a bit  of a jump.   I believe AP2's would be a good choice based on what your looking for and being you've been used to playing blades. The best thing to do is go demo some at a range to see if you like them before buying.  Best of Luck! 

first off whats your handicap ??  if its more than 10  i suggest AP1s   ...second dont worry about saving, do what i did when i got mine  I went and got fitted then bought ONE club every  3weeks til i got the set that way the wife will never know .hahahaha     P.S. she just asked me if i wanted new irons for valentines day, i told her thats ok i'll play the ones i have but you can buy me a the new TITLEIST 3wood she said great!!!!!!!        MADGOLFER

If you play blades now and you hit them reasonably well, there is no way you should get the AP1's.  This summer I switched from the other blades to the 710 AP2's and I couldn't be happier.  When I was fitted, I hit the MB,CB, and AP2, and although I liked both the MB and the CB very much, I absolutely fell in love with the AP2's.  They are in my opinion, the best irons in golf evidenced by them yet again receiving a gold medal in the 2011 Golf Digest Hot List.  I suggest getting fitted, (preferably by an advanced Titleist fitter,) trying out different head/shaft combination's, and figuring out which one you like the best.

I am switching to AP2's for the workability on shots over the AP1's.  Pretty much personal preference and how much you want to spend.  Good luck

Get the AP2s. I played with 695 MB blades before and was looking for more forgiveness. I now have the AP2s and absolutely love them. Get fitted so you can find the right shaft.

Hey Joe

I would suggest that while you're saving, you use the time constructivley by trying both APs as often as possible. You don't want to rush the decision.  I like blades (695MBs),.because that's what I grew up on.  Investigate all options and the process will be beneficial.  Nothing like saying to the Titleist fitter, "These are the ones..fit me".

Deno

I saved up last year and finally decided on ap1's. I did not get to test them out on an actual golf course, but since i have never had any lessons and still working out the kinks, the ap1's were more forgiving in the simulators. I am glad i got them. I feel that even though they arent exactly a blade, they feel like it. I hit my buddies mizz blade irons and did not like them as much. Maybe its just because I am partial to titleist equipment, not sure. I enjoyed my handicap going down to a 10 from 16 since upgrading my irons from a cheap box set to the ap1's. Whatever choice you go with will still be a good choice, just what is better for you is what you have to find out.

I played another brand for the last 15 years...switched to the AP1's last year simply because I wanted and needed more forgiveness but wanted a club that still gave me feedback.  They do indeed...I honestly still hit as many greens as I did before and don't mind giving up some "accuracy and feel" for a bit higher ball flight and oh by the way, the forgiveness of the AP1's is welcomed when I'm not striking it so well. 

I did have to get over the blade length as it's longer than the AP2's or my old trusty MP32's and MP57's.

I play to a 8hcp  - 7 iron is 160yrds...(if that helps).

Look at some of the Tour players. Long time blade users switched to the AP2's because they're very similar to blades, but, at the same time, more forgiving. I've played with the new, and old, AP2's, and they're amazing!

If you're taking the time to save up for a new set of Titleist irons, you should take the time to look in to getting properly fitted by an authorized Titleist rep. They'll definitely be able to tell you EXACTLY which irons would work best for you.

Good luck with everything.

madgolfer- that is a great story.  I may do that the next time I get some irons...buy 1 every 3 weeks.  The wife will never know.

Also, for anyone looking for new clubs - David is right.  I would recommend getting fit for any club in your bag.