716 AP2 to MB switch

Follow Thread

By Brjann B

  • 1 Like
  • 11 Replies
  1. Brjann B

    Brjann B
    kirkland, WA

    We are all somehow striving to better our golf game and with that in mind I know I'm didn't make the most logic decision switching from my 716 AP2 with DG AMT S300 to MB 716 with Project X 6.0. I thought I would share my journey here and hope it inspires or scares people away. I'm 44 with a 6 hcp and decent swing where I hit the ball solid more often than not. Driver and short game is what gets me into the 80s and 90s. Started playing mid 80's with Muirfield irons which took me down to single and then I went to the cally side with some X14, x22 and X-Forged before landing on the 716 AP2's when they came out. I play the odd round now and then with an old Ben Hogan blade set and just love it. I like the AP2's but with my steep swing the ground interaction just isn't giving me confidence, especially on tight lies or in rough. Solid clubs with good forgiveness but I did feel like I had to work a lot to shape my shots. If I have had another shaft in these I would perhaps have kept them - any club I test with the Project X shaft is pretty much right where I want them on Trackman. I've wanted to play blades for some time now as I have more time to practice.

    First impression after bunch of range and Trackman and 1 round with the MBs is that they are definitely less forgiving but for me that means that my misses just don't travel as far off line and I tend to just end up short instead of way off. Dispersion on my irons is better and feels like distance control will get better. 6-pw are a dream to hit and I think I smiled on every approach. The chip and run shots with the 9iron is money I haven't put a shaft in the 4 iron yet and will probably use my old AP2 for now as the 5i is pushing it for me to feel comfortable over the ball. I hit it really well though but need more rounds and time with it. I use Arccos 360 so will be able to provide some data on this thread when I have played lot more rounds.

    MBs are pure and will punish you but I have a good feeling that you don't have to be Adam Scott to play and enjoy them.

  2. Dale V

    Dale V
    Surprise AZ

    I get it Brjann. I just switched from AP1 to 718 T-MB. Of course, the T-MB is much more forgiving than the MB but the look and feel for me are worth the extra strokes i might lose on the miss-hits. I don't often play competitively, maybe the occasional scramble or bet with the buddies. I play for the occasional shot that turns out just like i envisioned it to be. I can't imagine what golf would be like if we all had identical equipment and every course was exactly the same.
  3. Edward K

    Edward K
    Wesley Chapel, FL

    Military
    Don't let the technical aspects of your swing/stats influence you. I'm a pretty good player, good iron game for 30 years, play with club fitters all the time. Just give me the right lie angle and length, there is little difference in the Titleist forged cubs. I played MB's for a 15 years, at a +3 +/- handicap, made the switch to AP2's, and I'd never go back. I LOVE the CB's, hit them a full club longer, straight up in the air. AP3's are GREAT, don't wanna hit a PW 150 yards. Find a head that fits your eye, and stick with it. I haven't seen new clubs lower anyone's handicap, EVER......Maybe for a minute, never lasts.....And remember, not all club fitters are created equal.
  4. Brjann B

    Brjann B
    kirkland, WA

    Great post Edward, "Find a club that fits your eye" is exactly what I did and as you say not looking for a club that lowers my hcp and content with perhaps having to club up once in while. Hit a few of the "hit long" irons and will perhaps put an AP3 4 or 3 iron in the bag as a driving iron but like you not interested in hitting my pw 150. I'm happy looking down on the MB and that will make golf more fun and I'm sure I will regret it once in a while but I know I will smile way more often.
  5. Nick D

    Nick D
    Long Beach

    Haven't had a chance to hit the 716mb but I do love the feel and looks of the 714s... I wanted a set last year so bad and my wife must have been somewhat listening. She bought me clubs, but the 716 AP2. They weren't exactly what I wanted having played AP2s before, but I will say, they are the best AP2 through the turf yet for me. I realize that is not the case for everyone, so if the MB is what gets it done for you, game them. Yeah, you may hit the occasional poor shot but those pured ones are the ones that remind you why you are playing them. I find I focus more when I take my 695mb out and those thin soles cut through beautifully. How long did you game the 716 AP2? Always takes me a few round to get the feel for new irons..

    In the end, you have to like what you're looking at, it does inspire confidence and you will hopefully have more fun like you said.
  6. Brjann B

    Brjann B
    kirkland, WA

    Nick D said:

    Haven't had a chance to hit the 716mb but I do love the feel and looks of the 714s... I wanted a set last year so bad and my wife must have been somewhat listening. She bought me clubs, but the 716 AP2. They weren't exactly what I wanted having played AP2s before, but I will say, they are the best AP2 through the turf yet for me. I realize that is not the case for everyone, so if the MB is what gets it done for you, game them. Yeah, you may hit the occasional poor shot but those pured ones are the ones that remind you why you are playing them. I find I focus more when I take my 695mb out and those thin soles cut through beautifully. How long did you game the 716 AP2? Always takes me a few round to get the feel for new irons..

    In the end, you have to like what you're looking at, it does inspire confidence and you will hopefully have more fun like you said.

    Nice from your wife! I played the AP2’s for about two years and are probably the best for my game. MB are what I want to play and want to look at down by the ball. I like how the MB’s perform and likely make me little extra focused.
  7. Nick D

    Nick D
    Long Beach

    Nick D

    Haven't had a chance to hit the 716mb but I do love the feel and looks of the 714s... I wanted a set last year so bad and my wife must have been somewhat listening. She bought me clubs, but the 716 AP2. They weren't exactly what I wanted having played AP2s before, but I will say, they are the best AP2 through the turf yet for me. I realize that is not the case for everyone, so if the MB is what gets it done for you, game them. Yeah, you may hit the occasional poor shot but those pured ones are the ones that remind you why you are playing them. I find I focus more when I take my 695mb out and those thin soles cut through beautifully. How long did you game the 716 AP2? Always takes me a few round to get the feel for new irons..

    In the end, you have to like what you're looking at, it does inspire confidence and you will hopefully have more fun like you said.

    Yeah, she's a keeper... LOL

    I will say, I hit the 718mb 6 iron tonight and I am hooked... I can see why anyone would want to game some blades, that feeling is addictive!! I agree with the extra focus as well... It's easy to lose out on the course but there is definitely another level of concentration going on. Hopefully they work out for you, I may be next!!!
  8. Brjann B

    Brjann B
    kirkland, WA

    Irons are so nice to hit. I’m playing wet courses in Pacific Northwest so greens are receptive. 9 holes today with 7 GIR and 9 pars, these are holes where i normally average 3-4 over.
    Mishits are closer to target line. Ok putting and I’m a couple under.
    Distance control and workability is just in another league with these clubs. MB’s are a few yards shorter than my AP 2’s so could end up dropping my 50 wedge and just use MB PW and 54&58 wedges, maybe add an AP3 3 iron and my AP2 4 iron. Distance checking later in warmer weather :-)
  9. Dino J

    Dino J
    Burnaby, BC

    Hi Brjann, I currently play AP2's as well and have been eyeing the MBs. They just are so pure and buttery soft when striking the ball.

    The only other comment that I would add is that I am a proponent of the idea that playing the MB's will make you a better ball striker. People tend to focus more when they are playing the MB's vs. a more forgiving club.

    You gain instant feedback knowing when a "mis-strike" occurs and you do get penalized somewhat for it ... but I believe that this is the impetus for a person to sharpen their focus so as to put a better swing/strike on the ball.

    I believe that the same goes for when a person uses the smaller headed drivers of yesteryear as well.

    Lastly, if you like the MBs and you are willing and committed to being the best that you can be with the clubs, then by all means "go for it" . After all, it is your game, your swing, and if it is a motivation and catalyst for you then I cannot see anything wrong with it.

    It is no different when it comes to cars ... you can buy the minivan for its practicality and flexibility but there also comes the time when you would like to own and drive the refined sports sedan. Best wishes for the Holidays Brjann and hope that you share your experiences with us when your new clubs arrive!
  10. Titleist U

    Titleist U

    I have the 716ap2 and 690mb. Between the two I like the better. I kept both and just purchased the 712mb, which I just played. Not bad and better shape the 690. But I like the looks and shape of 690 over 712mb. I prefer the finish more. Not a fan of satin. What do others think. Results are similar!
  11. Brjann B

    Brjann B
    kirkland, WA

    Update April 2018

    Still very happy with the switch. Sold my AP2s and put a shaft in the 4i after noticing that my MB 5i and AP2 4i only differed 5-6 yards.
    I am punished more on misshits with the MB’s but the feel and workability is outstanding. Biggest difference is how MB’s interact with grass and gives me confidence i will get to the ball even if there is some rough or hardpan.
    Have lost few yds on each club but that doesnt bother me.
  12. mj

    mj
    Coquitlam, BC

    thanks for posting....am making switch too MB also for same reason

Please login to post a comment.

Sign In

Haven't registered for Team Titleist yet?

Sign Up