712 AP2 versus 712 MB - advice needed......

jgpl · August 19, 2013

I recently bought a new set of 712 AP2's with KBS tour stiff and cannot get the hang of them - I am hacking them everywhere like a 36 handicapper!!!

I started golf with my fathers old Wilson Staff blades and have always played blades/MB's

I am not a scratch player of low handicapper (8.2) and probably should not play blades, but I do sweep/pick the ball and generally hit them well, even the long irons.

I am generally a good iron player, but don't keep it in play often enough off the tee

The only reason I changed is I was playing 710MB's with x-100's for the past 3 years (and loved them), but the x-100 shafts are getting too stiff for me, plus a new job means I travel a lot and don't get to play as much

Is it that the AP2's don't suit a sweeper?
Do I need to change my set-up?
Do I need to just stick with it?

I really want to change them quickly for a set of 712 MB's with S300 shafts

The 712 AP2's have lots of tour wins and thousands play them, so I have no right to gripe, but they do look chunky to me and I just feel cold toward them

Am I mad or stupid, or both?

lowdraw16 · August 19, 2013

Post this again in the equipment forum, you'll get alot more responses

Froth · August 19, 2013

[quote name='jgpl' timestamp='1376947597' post='7707608']
I am not a scratch player of low handicapper (8.2) and probably should not play blades
[/quote]
You can play blades just fine. It's got [i]nothing[/i] to do with handicap. Comfort has much more to do with it. If you hit them well, hit them. Period

[quote name='jgpl' timestamp='1376947597' post='7707608']
Am I mad or stupid, or both?
[/quote]
Should I answer that honestly?

You sound uncomfortable even looking down at the 712's, that doesn't inspire confidence. No amount of tour wins for some professional can give YOU confidence over the club if you just don't like it, even something as simple as the looks.

Be comfortable, go against the grain, do what YOU want. Golf is about choices, you're the one that gets to make them.

displayname · August 19, 2013

It's probably the shaft more then the head. The feel of KBS vs X-100's is a pretty big change. Maybe try some S-300 or 300 soft step if needed. Might feel more familiar and let you really appreciate the forgiveness.

WanLefty · August 21, 2013

Tend to agree with the above regarding shafts - you have apples and oranges...

I would maybe look at trying some different shafts to see what agrees with you.

If you've played blades in the past - you can play them now. They aren't anything special and seem to attract a special stigma as being impossible to hit - they aren't.

You could also look at the Titleist CB's as an in between.

Judge440 · August 21, 2013

I bet it's the KBS.

Matty T · August 21, 2013

[quote name='TheBigSmooth' timestamp='1377132433' post='7722446']
I bet it's the KBS.
[/quote]

That is my initial thought

creecool · August 22, 2013

[quote name='displayname' timestamp='1376953182' post='7708198']
It's probably the shaft more then the head. The feel of KBS vs X-100's is a pretty big change. Maybe try some S-300 or 300 soft step if needed. Might feel more familiar and let you really appreciate the forgiveness.
[/quote]

creecool · August 22, 2013

Kbs is a totally different profile than DG as stated before. Kbs is stiff butt softer tip, DG is altogeher opposite, soft butt tip stiff. Take some time to adjust to the shafts, or if that doesn't work go back to the DG.

kylebray · August 22, 2013

i have 2 sets with x100 in them and had a set with kbs tour stiff in them, only picked up the set with the tour stiff because the price was right. i had no joy the the kbs at all. hated them. if I was you, go find a fitter or someone with a AP2 that has S300 in them. stock shaft so plenty should be around and have a hit with them.

GMR2iron · August 22, 2013

Not the head; it's the shaft. If you want the AP2's, swap shafts. If you're more comfortable with blades, get the MB's with the CORRECT shaft.

smitty · August 23, 2013

I've played blades ever since I started playing. It is what I'm comfortable with, finally upgraded my irons after 10 years. Got the 712 mb with S300, I have to say they are the easiest blades I've ever hit. Only thing I didn't like about the AP2's was the occasionally ball that went 20 yards further than normal. With the MB's, every ball is extremely consistent in distance and flight.