I agree, I bought mine when I was a nine, now playing to about a 4.5.  I like to think it is the clubs.  I know without a doubt these are the best irons I have played and I have played a lot of them.  Matter of fact, I normally changed irons every year and a few years had a couple of sets because I didn't like the ones I got.  Needless to say, I haven't changed my irons since 2008 now.  Though, I have been looking at getting fitted this summer and upgrading to the new AP2's!!!!

IMHO, no. I'm a +1 now (15 years after starting like all golfers as a 35+).  I've played cavity's, blades, forged cavity's and now play the AP2's.  About 3 years into my playing I decided to be a purist and play blades from another manufacturer.  It was too much club for me initially and removed allot of fun because they gave me ZERO help on off-center strikes. Eventually I improved some but never enough to play them well. I switched to a combo mixed from the same manufactuer.  Little bit more forgiveness but the forged still forced you to be a better player.  I got down to a 4 w/ those.  

I wanted a new set of irons  and went to a Demo day.  I hit the 2010 AP2's and a set from another manufactuer.  SOLD.  The AP2's offered the cavity forgiveness w/ workability and feel.  I could tell by sound and impact how I hit it but not all the vibration on not so solid shots.  I can control the ball trajectory pretty well too.

I believe the main difference between the AP1's and AP2's are the length of the blade (AP1 is a little longer, bigger face) the groove type (AP1's are non-conforming square & AP2's are conforming grooves) so the AP1's might spin better out of the rough  if you have a high enough swing speed for it to matter.  Also the AP1's have a slightly wider sole than the AP2's so if you are a steep swinger they MAY help you w/ fat shots a little.

If you are a 9 handicap you probably make pretty solid contact.  If you get fit to ensure you get the right shaft for you I think the AP2's as a full set or combo won't hurt you at all, I think you might be surprised that you won't have a problem at all.

BP

Just wanted to quickly clear up a misperception - both the original and 710 AP1 irons (as well as the AP2, CB and MB irons) feature grooves that conform to the new regulations and are eligible for play in tournaments that invoke the new regulations as a condition of competition.  Be sure to contact Cathi or Nick with any questions.

Brice Waddell
Titleist Golf Clubs Marketing

To be honest, i play off an 18 hcp, and recently purchased some new irons. i decided to try the AP1 710s and the AP2 710, but found the AP2s much more comfortable. the AP1s are a great club, but i just found the head too chunky on them. my iron striking is fairly decent but other areas let me down. playing off 9 im sure you'll get on just fine with the AP2s.

Hey Boss!

to be completely honest with you, it is whatever makes you more comfortable standing over the golf ball. Some people are more comfortable with a little cavity back iron for their long irons to help with ball flight, others are ok with having the same set 3-PW.

Have confidence in whatever irons  you play and you will find success with them!

Hit em Long, Hit em straight!

N

Hi Aaron,

I play off of 1 and borrowed a set of AP2's last year from a friend. I have to say that they are a great set of irons and could see you playing either a combo set of even just straight AP2's. I would recommend that you talk to an experienced club fitter though and give some thought about how you hit the ball and what you want to do with your game. Do you need length or height or whatever you get the drift. This will help maximize the performance of your clubs and yourself. Good luck.

Jon