Nothing gets the buzz going like shiny new blades.  Titleist really wowed the golfing world with the new 710 MB, CB, and AP2s at the Buick Open tourney at the end of July.  The new 710 MB is a muscle back, true blade design. 

Some have commented that this offering is an attempt to make a more user-friendly design that has slightly higher ball flight and a more forgiving sweet spot.  The 710 CB irons are forged and have a thin sole with a minimal offset.  The 710 AP2 is the most forgiving of the forged cavity back design and will be available to the masses closer to 2010.  This club has a wider sole and longer heel to toe length than previous AP2 models.  In addition, the medallion is one piece instead of the former generation’s two piece design.  A new 2-way adhesive material is used and it is said to add to the “right feel” that a player looks for.  The AP2 is considered the most forgiving of the Titleist cavity back designs.  At the Buick, Tour players commented several times about how great they thought that the Titleist irons felt and many made them immediate additions to their bags. 

The naming convention is as follows: 710 is a series designator, with the 700 for irons, the 10 for 2010.  These will be available sometime toward the end of the year.  Stock shafts have not yet been announced and there is not a retail price listed yet.

As always, Golf WRX forums have plenty to say about the look of each new club:

“Blades are uber sexy! Hopefully, they’re available in lefties too.”

“Lovvve the look of the MB and CB. I like how they have gone back to a classic look and away from the Z on the back.  First look of the new AP2 looks great, but not so hot on the new rubber insert sticking out. But….true test is on the course!”

“Gosh, those blades are so chromed out they look like some 22s on some baller’s Tahoe.
Those things look tight, and I’m nearly sure I’m gonna be bagging those AP2s to replace my R7s.”

“Superb pictures! All three sets look awesome, in particular the 710 CBs which look out of this world. They remind me a bit of the old 690CB, a club I have always loved even if I’ve never been good enough to play them.  In terms of looks at least Titleist are on the money with these clubs. They’ve kept them clean, simply and classy looking at a time when so many other OEM’s are coming out with increasingly garish and tacky looking graphics.”

“Now that is how a blade should look – beautiful. As mentioned before, the MB and CB certainly look similar to the older 690 series, which I’m a big fan of.  Hopefully the specs for these clubs will also reflect their traditional appearance, with lofts to suit and no daft 45* PWs coupled with the DG shaft as stock option. A matching 2-iron would be the icing on the cake. Do I want a set? You bet.”

“Dear Nike, Please look at pics and take note. You blew it with the VR line. You too had the chance to go back to the classic line approach – especially with the split backs (see 710 CB) – but you couldn’t resist the gimmicky Vr logos, redlines, and waffle designs. I hope you learn your lesson when these clubs fly off the shelves for next season.”