You have probably seen the launch of Taylormade’s new M1 Driver, now Titleist have followed suit releasing images and ‘tech talk’ for their new iron and Hybrid line. The Titleist 716 iron & 816 hybrid ranges are set to be their most advanced line of clubs yet, integrating High Density Tungsten weighting to lower the Centre of Gravity (CG) and increase the forgiveness (MOI).

New for this year is the release of the 816 H1 & H2 hybrids alongside the irons. Titleist has made it their quest to match the properties of the 816 H line to perfectly fit in as a replacement to the longer irons. Interestingly, the AP1 is going to be sold as 5-PW as standard to reinforce this.

716 Iron AP1

The new Titleist 716 AP1 has been dubbed as the longest and most forgiving iron they have produced.

Ever. The extreme 360 undercut cavity brings rise to a large, thin and unsupported face area. This results in more flexing of the face at impact, increasing speed and launch. Speed and Launch are both key for extra distance. From taking away excess weight from the back of the face, Titleist has been able to distribute this excess weight in the form of tungsten to the periphery of the club for added Stability. The High Density Tungsten placed low and in the toe of the longer irons lowers the CG, again increasing launch and increasing the MOI. This industry leading amount of tungsten maximises heel and toe stability whilst keeping the blade length the same.

An inside view of the 360 degree undercut in the new 716 AP1 (above) with the thin face highlighted (below)

Tungsten weighting in the toe of the mid-long irons increases MOI for added forgiveness and distance on off centre hits.

Marni Ines, from the Titleist Irons Development Team says “There are a lot of companies that chase distance mainly by strengthening lofts and lengthening shafts, but we think that we are doing it the right way, with superior technology.” This is music to any club golfer’s ears, as this is what we all pay for. Technology in our clubs. Rather than just a strong lofted club with what essentially is a driver shaft in it. Well played Titleist!

716 Iron AP2

Titleist has revealed that the new AP2 is Titleist’s most advanced players iron. Made even better. The use of High Density Tungsten in the new 716 iron range is key to the overall playability of the club. In the AP2 this lowers the CG so it is perfectly aligned with the sweet spot to deliver unparalleled speed and distance in a players iron. Titleist has perfected their new Advanced Co-Forging Process for solid feel and increased MOI. In this year’s model, MOI is the buzzword, as the high density tungsten is placed on the periphery of the club, thus creating a more stable clubface through impact. An average of 56.2g of tungsten is used in the new longer irons. This is a 25% increase from the 714 model, and just adds to the stability of the club.

High Density Tungsten (above) integrated by Titleist's new Co-Forging Process (below) creates more forgiveness on off-centre hits, whilst still keeping the blade compact.

Low CG right on the sweet spot creates more speed and launch for added distance.

Titleist have also made it their mission to keep the tour preferred blade length that has been so widely received by Tour Pro’s and club golfers alike. Here is a note from Jordan Spieth on his assessment of the new AP2’s “The first time I looked down at the new AP2’s they looked even cleaner. I thought they looked almost like a blade. As an amateur, you can now get the look of a tour blade while still having the consistency and forgiveness of a forged cavity. For a true golf lover that can’t be beaten – and I’m really looking forward to getting dialled into my new set after the Presidents Cup.” If it’s good enough for Jordan Spieth... It’s good enough for me!

716 Iron CB & MB

Titleist has taken inspiration from the 680 line (circa 2003) for the styling of the new 716 CB & MB. Using advanced CAD design and their new Co-Forging Process, they have been able to take advice from the best players in the world to create their new line of players Irons.

The Titleist 716 CB uses the technology from the new 716 AP1 & AP2 line by integrating High Density Tungsten low and in the toe of the mid-longer irons. This lowers the CG and aligns it perfectly with the sweet spot. This creates higher speed through the face on off centre hits and the placing of the tungsten plugs increases the MOI. The increase in MOI by 12% puts the forgiveness of the irons in the realm of the 714 AP2, alongside the slight progression of CG placement throughout the set, makes the 716 CB one of the most forgiving blades ever produced.

Tungsten weighting in the toe of the mid-long irons make these CB irons one of the most forgiving players irons ever made.

Progressive CG location throughout the set creates tour proven launch and control.

The 718 MB is a throwback to the design of the 680MB design of early 2003. Using classic lines and a thinner top line delivers tour proven flight with maximum shot and trajectory control. A High Muscle Back design places the CG right at the point of impact, creating a pure forged feel on every single shot.

However for me the best part about this blade is its looks. So here are some pictures to get your juices flowing.

The new Titleist 716 irons line is online at Golfsupport.com and available to pre-order from October 5th!