IMO, if you are a 12 handicap and most of your problem is with putting, I wouldn't worry about losing a little bit of forgiveness, since I would assume you are already pretty consistent with your ballstriking. I am a mid-single digit index, over 60 years old and play both AP2s and AP3s in a combo set. The AP3s are definitely much more forgiving than the AP2s. However, before the AP3s were released, I played an AP1-716 5+4 iron, alongside my AP2 PW-6iron, just for that added forgiveness in the longer irons. When the AP3s came out I switched over to them for my 6, 5 and 4 iron, simply because they were so much more appealing to my eye. They are very similar looking at address to my AP2s, of which I love the size profile and feel. And frankly, I have not noticed ANY loss of forgiveness going from the AP1s to the AP3s. In fact, I would say I hit the AP3s better and further than the AP1s. (I admit, the AP1s didn't really fit my eye, so maybe that is the reason. Who knows.)

I switched from AP1's to T-MBs and found I strike the ball much better/more consistent with the smaller club head. I think a good portion of that is simply from confidence at address. I'd go hit all Titleist iron models at a fitting and find what works best for you and gives you the most confidence!

Thank y’all for your input and taking the time to respond to me. Ball striking isn’t really an issue for me and I’m starting to feel that I want a smaller head than the AP1’s that I have now. I’m starting to feel not as comfortable at address for some weird reason. I don’t know what started it but I feel as if I’m swinging a shovel. I do love my ap1’ But they are old and getting worn out. I guess Im just going to find a place to try some out. Have y’all ever been to a club champion or golf tec? I love Titleist and I don’t want any other brand so I’m worried that if I go to one of these places they will try to get me to swing other brands. Any thoughts on that? Once again thank y’all for your time!

Josh, If you can't find a Titleist Thursday near you in North Texas, maybe look for a Titleist Demo Day at one of the golf courses near by. They should have the same sets available for trial. Like Christopher, I went into my Titleist Thursday thinking i would be in the AP1 or AP3 only to get into the T-MB full set. Might not be right for you and a pricey alternative to the others but works for me. Not trying to steer you towards the T-MB or any specific club, just validating the importance of the fitting process.

Go in wanting to try them clubs and they should be fine with that at the end of the day it's your money your choice.

I have the ap1's but you sound better than me going off handicap so it might be a good shout trying them ap3's.

Happy hunting.

The AP3's seem to be the best to me .I have played almost everything Titleist makes in irons. It might be a different look from AP'1s but you will get used to it. Play well with your choice.

The AP3's seem to be the best to me .I have played almost everything Titleist makes in irons. It might be a different look from AP'1s but you will get used to it. Play well with your choice.

Thanks again to all who have responded and I will look to find a demo day and try all of these clubs out. Y’all are the best!

Hey,
I play Titleist AP1 and I would not change. I am maybe not as good ballstriker as you are, but OK. My contribution here is that recently I tested cally Apex 6iron on course, and I had no trouble hitting it well. cally Apex is similar or competitor to AP3. If you like the size of AP3 and do not want the "shovel", I am sure you can hit AP3 no problem. My friend is a 10HCP and loves cally, so I recommended him Rogue Pro, which again is similar to AP3 and he loves it. With your level of play, AP1 or AP3 is up to preference, you will be able to game both. Make sure you have correct shaft in it.