Titleist extending accommodations to players at all levels

AP stands for advance performance, and both AP sets have multimaterial heads comprising steel bodies with tungsten nickel alloy weighting, an aluminum cavity plate and elastomer cushion. The head of the AP1 set is cast and uses stainless steel while the AP2 set is forged and features mild carbon steel.

Both sets have dual cavityback design, optimal center of gravity location in the face and dual hosel lengths. Shorter hosels in the long irons help place weight low for enhanced launch.

The AP1 irons have notably stronger lofts, two degrees stronger than AP2 models. For example, the pitching wedge in the AP1 set has a very strong loft of 45 degrees to 47 degrees for AP2. The idea with the stronger lofts is to enhance distance in combination with higher launch angles.

Amateur testers praised the AP1 and AP2 models as "good looking," "easy to swing and hit," and "very solid." Better players praised the clubs for their "workability."

The AP1 irons are available in Nos. 3-PW, plus a 50-degree gap wedge. Suggested retail price is $100 per club with steel shafts, $125 with graphite.

The AP2 irons are available in Nos. 3-PW, plus a 51-degree gap wedge. Suggested retail price is $142 per club with steel shaft, $167 with graphite.

ZB, ZM iron

Skilled players in our test groups provided "very satisfactory" reviews for Titleist's forged blades. Several reviewers called the ZB models "outstanding." One tester commented: "They provide a higher launch with more distance, which is really good for precise approach shots."

Both models have heads forged with carbon steel for enhanced feel and control. The profiles are traditional and blade like. The ZB iron has a slightly more progressive offset and a progressive blade length through the set. The ZB sole also is slightly wider but still would be considered narrow in comparison to game improvement clubs.

The ZB irons are available in Nos. 2-PW; the ZM irons in 3-PW.

Standard offering with either set is True Temper's Dynamic Gold steel shaft, but graphite is available. Suggested retail price for either model is $125 per club with steel shaft, $150 with graphite.

DT Carry and Roll balls

Titleist DT Carry ball

Titleist's DT franchise first launched in 1974 as a wound, Surlyn-covered ball. Over the years, the ball has undergone upgrades and reformulations. Today's Carry and Roll models, just launched in February, both have soft Surlyn covers, but the cores -- which are sized differently -- are solid construction from polybutadiene rubber.

In engineering the new DT balls, "a common thread throughout the research was that average and recreational golfers wanted the products to speak to their needs, with distance optimization serving as the most apparent, while still providing exceptional feel," said Titleist VP George Sine.

The DT Carry model has the larger core and a dimple pattern geared for a higher ball flight and enhanced carry. The DT Roll model has a slightly smaller core and dimple configuration geared for a lower ball flight and increased roll.

There's an AIM sidestamp, which stands for alignment integrated marking, on both balls to help provide a consistent focal point.

Suggested retail price for either of the new DT models is $28 per dozen.

Pitch Shot: Running now through June 30, as a promotion tied to Mother's Day and Father's Day, Titleist is waiving personalization charges for its Pro V1, Pro V1x, NXT Tour, NXT Extreme, DT Carry and DT Roll balls. Minimum order is a dozen balls and up to three lines of block text may be personalized in black, blue, red or green ink colors. Orders need to be placed at authorized Titleist golf ball retailers or shops.

Click Here for new Titleist iron and ball specs