Iron technology - AP2s "better" than DCIs?

[OldMate]

Having not paid much attention to golf equipment for the last decade (other than the obvious i.e. driver improvements) I know little about the progress that has been made with irons.

Do people think that, all other things being equal, if I upgraded my circa 1997 DCIs to a set of AP2s that I would see a material distance (primarily in distance)? Apologies for a lazy question - I have only hit a couple of shots with AP2s on course in a casual round and was intrigued enough by them but could not tell from 2 shots whether there was any difference to what I would have done with my DCIs. I realise I would need to invest time on a range to see for myself (haven't got the time for the next few weeks without sacrificing actual playing/practising time which I don't like to compromise on), but I am interested to know whether people believe that an equivalent current model iron performs materially better and goes further than the technology from 15 years ago.

Bearing in mind that only 2 years ago I was still happily using my 1994 Big Bertha driver and bridgestone whopper 3 wood, until I finally got sick of the clear disadvantage I had against players with modern woods.

From my limited research I consider that the AP2 is probably current version of the former DCI range.

Essentially, if I will more likely than not hit AP2s (or whatever else - R11s etc) 10 yards further than DCIs then I will get in the market.

Cheers

 

[RGDave]

DCI 1997 vs AP2s? A bit of an improvement, but there were lots of DCI models.

DCI vs AP1s? HUGE difference.

I couldn't comment on the lofts and playability (for distance) but I'd expect you to be up yardage wise easy.

 

[OldMate]

Thanks Dave. I hadn't considered AP1s as I understand them to be less workable/more focussed on forgiveness. Also now thinking I should have a hit with CB712s - similar fundamentals to DCIs

 

[Scottjd1]

Best thing will be to try a few heads/shaft combinations, ideally with a trackman.

 

[Shiny]

I think the main reason there are distance differrences is the clubs today are generally a bit stronger lofted, so what was a 4 iron in days gone by is now called a 5 iron.

I think the biggest changes in technology for irons is extra forgivness.

 

[HawkeyeMS]

Thanks Dave. I hadn't considered AP1s as I understand them to be less workable/more focussed on forgiveness. Also now thinking I should have a hit with CB712s - similar fundamentals to DCIs

When I had my fitting I didn't hit the CBs as the fitter said I wouldn't get much benefit over the AP2s. I would love to have been good enough for the MBs as the are a great looking club but I do love my AP2s. Really can't answer you question about the difference but if you do change you won't find much better than AP2s

 

[Foxholer]

Titleist don't frig lofts as much as certain other OEMs.

The 1997 DCIs were off a 48* PW 40* 8i, 28* 5i
The AP2s are 47* 39* 8i and 27* 5i

What you would probably find is greater forgiveness and perhaps a slightly different flight (whether that's preferred is up to you). 15 years is just about retirement age for shafts - they corrode from the inside.

I know a number of low handicappers/Pros who love the AP2s, but if you are 'sentimental' about the DCIs....

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I'd have thought shaft technology will have changed and there will be more forgiveness. Of course the only way to tell for certain is to go out and hit some

 

[USER1999]

I would not expect miracles with a change.

That said, your dci are probably a bit tired by now.

 

[jammydodger]

I've just gone back to a set of dci's from my mp57's. There is certainly a huge difference in feel from the face. The dci's are obviously harder and dont give the same feedback. Not so forgiving for off centre strikes and dont look any where near as comforting at address. Distance wise they seem similar from properly hit shots.

 

[OldMate]

Thanks everyone, lots of useful information. It will be very hard letting the DCIs go if I go for new irons (will probably hang onto them as a backup plan anyway). Will definitely be investing a bit of time sampling a few sets before jumping in