I hit three 8 irons at the range... AP1 with R300, AP2 with Project X 5.5 and Apex Plus with #4. The one that actually got the best distance was the AP2 (140); the AP1 was 135 and the Apex Plus was 130. The Apex Plus is a bit better at picking the ball off a tight lie but you sacrifice. The benefit of AP2 is your ball striking improves since it has a smaller head than the AP1.

Mixed iron sets are good idea. For instance, AP1 on the 5 and 6 irons, AP2 on 7 and 8 and CB on the 9 and PW. It's personal preference. I've mixed AP2 and Apex Plus (6 and 7 irons on AP2, 8 and 9 for Apex Plus; best shaft for me is Project X 5.5). When my dad passed away, I ended up with a full set of Apex Plus (2-L).

For me, player irons are better, considering some of the golf courses I play have fairways with tight lies.

I did not think I was a "game improvement iron" guy.

THE AP3 IS A GAME IMPROVEMENT IRON!

You need to love your clubs, so really, it's what you want more.

Do you want forgiveness and distance, or is your ego and the love of your clubs more important? If you like more players clubs, maybe you just need to spend more time making them work and hitting the sweet spot. If you do, they may be just as good for you, but there is always a trade off. You need to love your equipment (imho)

You went to a fitter, you got fitted you have seen the benefits of the AP1's. I was fitted for AP1's on regular shafts not that was a culture shock for sure but I trusted the fitting. And I am glad I did handicap has dropped dramatically, accuracy improved as well as distance I had lost. No Brainer looking back but at the time I was a little unsure.

I have been fitted by a Titleist rep for new irons three times now in 6 years, and after each fitting walked away a bit surprised at what the results were. After the first fitting, I returned for another fitting 3 months later because I wasn't sure of the advice. After the recent 3rd fitting I ordered my second set of AP1 irons based on the fitters advice. One thing I noticed at all the fittings is that when I am standing above the ball, I can't see what the brand or model of club is. When you walk up to the green with just a putter in your hand, those AP1's are gonna look pretty good in your bag.

I went with a set of ap3s a couple of months back I wanted something forgiving but still the players look .The ap3s ticked all the boxes for me and my miss hits are no where near as bad love mine .

Thank you all for your comments , they were all very helpful. I ended up buying the AP1's 48 through TS2 hybrid, TS2 driver and TS2 3 wood. I could not be happier , wow what a difference from my 12 yr old Hogan Apex plus. My game has improved greatly. Thanks again for helping me sort my concerns and putting my ego aside.

When I purchased my AP1s I didn't know they were "game improvement irons". I had switched from tour model forged blades (circa early 90s) because the lofts were too weak. I loved my blades. I could work the trajectory and flight paths. When I heard the AP1s were for game improvement, I was somewhat insulted. Ego! By upgrading to the AP1s I am now hitting more greens and I have more confidence now in taking those long approach shots. However, I experienced roughly the same distances (210 yards) with my 4 and 5 irons. I was perplexed. That six inches between the ears does cause problems. You see, I had forgotten that each club is roughly 1/2 inch longer or shorter than the next. I now stand 1/2 inch farther away with my 4 iron and my average distance jumped to 225. It's simple. I was missing that dime-sized sweet spot! I can still work the ball and now that I remembered to stand 1/2 inch farther away for each increase in length (48-4i) I'm extremely happy with my AP1s.

I am a 12 hdcp and play the AP3s and they are wonderful. You may want to consider the variable of workability. I still like to try a fade or draw when necessary.