In the category of clubs meant for mid to low handicap players, the PING i200 and Titleist AP2 716 offer many similarities. There are also some differences that could mean a lot to the better player. This comparison of the PING i200 vs Titleist AP2716 highlights some of those differences. Our hope is to help guide you towards making the right decision between the two clubs.

PING i200 vs Titleist AP2 716: The Differences

Looks

Titleist irons have always had a classic look, especially when it comes to their mid and low handicap offerings. While big and flashy has been the trend with many manufacturers, Titleist has stuck to their roots. The AP2 716 is no exception. Compared to the PING i200, the AP2 716 features a very compact, simple look. Thin top lines at address, a look preferred by better players, inspires workability.  Don’t be fooled, though. The AP2 716 still packs plenty of forgiveness.

The PING i200 is a bit larger profile and topline than the AP2 716. The i200 has a simple look at address, similar to the AP2 716. However, even some better players get intimidated by the butter knife appearance of the Titleist. The slightly i200 provides that extra bit of confidence for golfers worried about hitting the center of the club every single time.

Feel

The PING i200 is a cast iron. It provides a good solid feel at impact, whether shots hit the center or off center. This feel creates confidence, but the lack of feedback on misses can be frustrating. Many players depend on feel to evaluate their game and the shot hit. If the upside of more forgiveness outweighs the feedback you receive, the i200 is your club.

The AP2 716 is a forged iron, providing an extremely soft feel on flushed shots. Combined with this great feel on well-struck shots is instant feedback when a shot is struck poorly. While still more forgiving than a blade, the AP2 716 isn’t far off when it comes to performance and feel while still maintaining forgiveness.

Performance

There are some small performance differences comparing the PING i200 vs Titleist AP2 716. The cast construction of the i200 allows the ball to spend less time on the clubface at impact, resulting in less spin. This reduced spin leads the ball to carry slightly further and fly slightly straighter. If you are looking for a few extra yards, the PING i200 is the way to go.

The Titleist AP2 716’s softer feel allows the ball to stay on the face a bit longer, providing more spin. The extra spin makes stopping the ball easier and makes it easier to shape shots. Lower handicap player looking to be extra precise with approach shots thrive on the ability to shape shots.

PING i200 vs Titleist AP2 716: Summary

Both of these irons offer the performance and forgiveness desired by mid to low handicap players. Although, each iron leans in a slightly different direction regarding its main strengths. Weighing the subtle variations in look, feel and performance give you the knowledge to choose which club is right for you.

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• M Battle: 2016 TaylorMade M2 vs. 2017 TaylorMade M2

• Shape It or Bomb It: TaylorMade 2017 Drivers – M1 vs M2

Rudi Fann

Rudi Fann has been a Class “A” member of the PGA of America since 2008. He began his career in 1998 as the Assistant Golf Professional at Wake Forest Golf Club in Wake Forest, NC. In 2002, Rudi accepted a similar position at Rio Mar Country Club in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico. He spent a year there before moving to Nipomo, CA where he worked at Blacklake Golf Resort. Over the next 10 years, he worked his way from Assistant Golf Professional to Head Golf Professional and finally Director of Golf Operations. In his time at Blacklake, Rudi devoted much of his time to running tournaments and other activities in order to create a social atmosphere at the club. After Blacklake, Rudi spent one year as Head Golf Professional at Paso Robles Golf Club before deciding to return home to North Carolina. Since returning to North Carolina, Rudi has worked with the First Tee of the Triangle helping to instill life skills and core values through the game of golf to local youth.

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