Jeff,

The new 712 AP2 will be 7% more forgiving then the 710 model.  They will be just as forgiving as the original (2008) AP1 model.  If you feel the new AP1 still may be the iron that helps with your arthritis, then you may be happy to know they have an improved appearance.  They will be a progressive blade length, more forgiving, and offer a slimmer looking top-line at address. 

Cameron

1-888-TITLEIST 

Sorry Jeff, I was just trying to say that the new 712 AP2 are much more forgiving then the 710, but you will still feel your miss hits, just not as much.  You won't feel them as much, because with more forgiveness it allows your miss hits to feel as if they were struck solidly.  The AP1 sound like the iron for you.  The comparison I was trying to give you on the AP1 was that it will have more of the look you are looking for out of a cast club, but with maximum forgiveness to ease the vibrations felt off miss hits.  It sounds like the AP1 would be a more suitable iron for your arthritis, but I would certainly recommend trying them out.

Cameron

1-888-TITLEIST 

Jeff,  I would agree with Cameron.  I am a 2.9 handicap and have been playing the 710 AP2's for the past 2 years for similar reasons that you are contemplating a change from  to Titleist.  I still have my MP's and hit them on occasion to remind me why I made the switch.  I chose the AP2's because I was use to very little offset and i like the traditional lines of a forged blade.  The AP2 gives me the look, feel and performance of a forged blade with much more forgiveness for the "mis-hits". The biggest thing that i noticed on the new 712 AP2's was that Titleist improved the dampening which in effect reduced the vibration on those off-center shots.  It's actually hard to feel an off-center shot with these clubs unless you really miss the ball out on the toe or on the hozel.  My personal opinion is that you would be making the right decision moving to the Titleist 712 series to help with your arthritis.  I think the the AP1 was a little more forgiving than the AP2 but ultimately it will be the look that you are after that sells you on the model.  For me, the AP2 is just what i was looking for so i will be trading in my 710 AP2's for the new and improved 712 AP2's.

Steve

Managing Partner

Grand Strand Golf Tour

Hi Jeff,

  There is actually NOT a Titleist fitting Center here in Myrtle Beach.  I actually went to Pinehurst to get fitted for my clubs. I don't know where your hometown is located but there are (5) Regional Fitting Centers located as follows: Jim McLean Golf Center (Fort Worth, Texas); The Glen Club (Glenview, Ill.); Miles of Golf (Ypsilanti, Mich.); Sea Island Learning Center (St. Simons Island, Ga.) and Sleepy Hollow Country Club (Scarborough, N.Y.)..

You can also go to an  Advanced Fitting Center (what I did)  that may be closer to you.  You can locate one of these centers by following this URL: http://www.fittingworks.com/FindaFitter.aspx?tab=2

Hope this helps.

Steve Clark

Jeff,

  I don't know if you got my last response regarding Fitting Centers but another option if you want to get fitted in Myrtle Beach would be to schedule your visit around a "Fitting Day" at one of the PGA Superstores located here in Myrtle Beach.  This is when a trained "Titlest Rep" will be conducting fittings at a local "Partners" center.  The PGA Superstors are equipped with launch monitors to give instant feedback and the Titleist Rep should be able to give you the fitting data that you need to make an informed purchase for your custom club order from Titleist.

Go to one of the demo days that they have at Barefoot or if your near charleston they seem to have more fittings there in that area.  I would say the shaft and grip combo might help the vibration be dampened more.  Best thing is to see someone from Titleist, not the PGA SUperstore here in MB.  I would see if they can hook you up with Bill Forbes from Titleist, or go to Brad Redding at Grande Dunes, who is a Titleist Staffer and top 100 instructor.  PGA Superstore isn't the place to go in my book..unless they have them fixed, their launch monitors arent close to correct

for me i am a 2 handicap and playing 20 year old hogan apex with 5 shaft. i need a change.  would the ap1 712 be the wrong clubm  or do i need the ap2 712

If you like the traditional lines of a blade, the AP2 is the right choice between the two.  You will not believe the feel and the forgiveness of this club........No disappointments here!