Ap2's with XP 95 regular shafts

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By bill b

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  1. bill b

    bill b
    richmond, VA

    So I have been playing the AP2's with XP 95 regular shafts. Bought them at the end of last year after being fitted with a local guy. I'm in my early 60's and the idea was to use lightweight steel with a high launch to compensate for my slower swing speed. The problem I'm having is serious ballooning with these irons. When I nail it, it's good but the slightest mis-hit causes a shot that balloons weak and to the right (I'm right handed). I know the common advise is to go back to the fitter and try again but I have to say I'm a little disenchanted with the whole club fitting "club". Even thought this guy is the best local fitter, and rated one of the best 100 in the country, my confidence level is low. So I'm wondering. Do I sell these clubs and start over with something new or try different to find a better club / shaft option ? Appreciate any thoughts or suggestions
  2. Dino J

    Dino J
    Burnaby, BC

    Hi Bill, so sorry to hear about your experience. In your fitting process, did you demo the graphite shaft option? I know that one of our local fitters here has shared with me that the toughest fitting is for the guys that are in transition with slowing swing speeds and being able to have a club that can get the ball up in the air. Is your local fitter a Certified Titleist Fitter? I only ask because I have tried fittings with both a Titleist certified fitter and a non Titleist fitter. Speaking from my own experience only, I have found that the Titleist certified fitters definitely know the product options (ie: shafts) and club characteristics much better than the non certified one. So, after much testing and demo's with various shaft options, I found a combination that I simply love and I too am no longer the fastest swing speed either! I suppose that you could wait a few months until November'ish and see what Titleist has on offer in a 716 line-up and then consider selling your existing clubs and upgrading.
  3. Keano26

    Keano26
    Port Jervis, NY

    Bill,

    I had the same exact problem. I bought the AP2 714 in 4-9 irons with the XP 95s. My previous AP1 712 set had TT Dynalite Gold XP shafts. I was seeing a loss of 15-20 yards per club. Insane distance loss. As you mentioned, the ball explodes off the face, but once it reaches its apex, it literally falls straight down. The combination of the lightweight shaft, extremely high ball flight with extremely high spin is going to kill your distance. I've since had my new AP2s reshafted with the Dynalite Gold XPs and I've gained back 10-15 yards on each club. The Dynalite Gold XP shafts are about 10 grams heavier than the XP 95, so I think that was a difference-maker. However, from what I've heard, the Dynalite Gold XP shafts are no longer available. I hope that's not true! This is my first forged iron set, and I am thinking the ball doesn't travel as far with forged clubs for some reason. If you have a Titleist fitter nearby, you ought to make a visit to them.

  4. JMT-064

    JMT-064
    Richmond, BC

    Hello Bill, I would suggest you keep the AP2's. I think they are a wonderful club head in and of itself. I would have a tendency to replace the shafts. My personal experience with iron shafts has always been with True Temper. Those are the shafts I like personally.

    Regarding this notion of going to a 'club fitter' in my mind is a bit of nonsense. I've noticed the only people pushing others 'to go get fitted' are people on this website. The only thing I like to have done, is a 'scuff test', followed by a trim of the golf shaft itself, to bring the club head square to the ball. That's all I ever do. This whole thing of 'ball spin' and 'shaft type' to reduce ball spin is about as sound advice as making sure your 'gluts are activated'. Less is more. Less complicated the better.

  5. eric l

    eric l
    roanoke, TX

    Military

    Sounds like growing pains. The new set could really pay off in the long run. Stick with em for a bit longer, try to control that mishit and if you don't fall in love after a while just start over. If anything it sounds like the fitting was super close.

  6. Chuck Z

    Chuck Z
    Mt Pleasant, SC

    Military

    I have AP2s with the XP95 stiff shafts and it took me a few months to adjust to them.  I was previously playing AP2s with a strong Project X  5.5 stiff shaft.  Took a lot of work on my part and a visit with my teaching pro.   Mine was an alignment issue.   The fitting was dead on for me.  I am almost 69, club head speed of 93 and my pro told me I just needed to hit the ball and watch my alignment.    I love my 714s.  

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