Take the worry about pulling the trigger for the new AP2s out of the equation by going through a fitting. Getting fit is the best way to find the correct head/shaft combo for your swing. Look for a Titleist Thursday event in your area or find a qualified Titleist fitter, you won't regret it.

I liked my 714ap2 but not with KBS shaft. Too light! If you get the right shaft you will be pleased with the look and feel, in my opinion.

Tim,

I believe the technology of the new AP2's is significant enough to justify forgoing the 714's. Either go to a local Titleist PGA pro or attend a Titleist fitting event near you. Go to www.titleist.com/.../golf-club-fitting You never know, there might be another model more suited to your game.

Hope to help you some through sharing my experience. Similar to your current situation, I found a mint condition set(4-AW) of the 714 AP2s for a price that I couldn’t pass up. I traded my newer Taylor Made Rocketballz clubs in on the deal. Even though I played well with the TMs, I have always thought of Titleist clubs, and the brand, as being elite. I am in the range of your handicap and absolutely love the clubs. The clubs are forgiving, with the biggest difference in my experience being the lower ball trajectory. I am gaming mine until the next AP series comes out, at which point I plan to go all in on the process and make a purchase; however, the 714s will be stored in my parent’s garage in Myrtle as my vacation set. I say if the price is right, you can’t go wrong...and it gives you time to save up for the next APs to come out.

(I know this doesn’t really answer your question, but thought it may help)

You'll find differences between 718 and 714...especially coming from your current jurassic set! I would not just try the sticks as you have, I would get fit from a certified Titleist fitter. That way you can maximize your set for yourself! The proper shaft, head and grip combination along with length and lie will provide you with the total confidence needed to play.

Pull the trigger man! 10 years in golf club years is pretty old, you will absolutely love having those when you play!

As Darron and many more after me will attest....you need to get fit from a certified Titltiest Fitter. Take your old clubs with you and they will do a comparison. Even if you found a nice set of 714 AP2s they may have the wrong shaft or the wrong lie. It's like buying a suit. If you see a great looking suit, you definitely want to buy the correct size.

Best of luck in your journey!

Thanks for the words guys... I am excited to put something newer into play.

I've ordered a used set of 714 AP1. The AP2 lofts were so different than my current set I would have had to add at least another club to fill in a new gap in the bag.

Where I live there is only 1 Titleist approved fitting center and it is a private club with no public events scheduled yet for the year.

If I can find a way in there, I will go and get properly fitted for what's best for me in the newest 718 line up. After that, will just be convincing my wife ;)

Good luck with the clubs you have chosen. As others have said get fitted. I’m lucky enough to live close the the UK National Fitting Centre. I went expecting to be fitted into AP3s so was surprised when the fitter was adamant that my swing was better suited to AP2s. I was finally fitted to a split set which has T-MB 4 & 5 irons.

I’m so pleased with the clubs and I find them so easy to hit. I was chatting to one of the pros at my club who was fitted at png the week before. He said he finds his new clubs so easy to hit it feels like he must be cheating - I completely agree with him - but in Titleist of course!

Got to get fit, there are differences between model years for sure, not always noticeable though depending on your sensitivity. I thought the 714 were nice, and I didnt like the 716 as much... the 718 are awesome. Right shaft is key, with irons as much or more than other clubs... I went with a very different profile shaft than my 716's but have seen great results.

As above it’s the best thing you can do.

Been awhile guys but just wanted to post an update. I love my 714 AP1 irons. So much so I went and got fitted for and have found used 917D2 driver, 917F2 3 wood and an 816H1 hybrid.

The bag is full of Titleist clubs and I have never felt as confident standing over a ball on the tee or fairway.

I have hit more fairways with my driver than I can ever remember. I was using a 2016 TM M1. I liked the driver a lot, but love hitting from the fairway more.

I think the confidence has helped my scores drop as much as anything. Instead of hoping where my ball goes, I know where it is likely going to end up. There are still some misses, but now they are fewer and not as far offline.