Loft is an angle, not a distance promise
Loft describes the angle of the clubface relative to vertical when the club is measured in its specified position. In a specification table it is a static number. The loft presented at impact can be different because of how you deliver the club.
Within the same model, the shorter irons normally have progressively more loft. That helps organize the set, but it does not turn each degree into a fixed number of yards. Swing speed, strike, shaft, head design and delivery all contribute to the shot.
Compare the specification, then compare the club
A 7-iron from one set need not have the same loft as a 7-iron from another. In our initial records, the 2017 TaylorMade M2 has a 28.5° 7-iron. The Titleist AP2 (712) has a 35° 7-iron. Both are called a 7-iron, but the factory angles differ by 6.5°.
That difference is useful context when reading a distance comparison. It is not enough to decide which club flies higher, carries farther for you or fits your swing. It also does not mean that matching lofts across two models makes them interchangeable.
When comparing sets, write down:
- The exact model family and generation, rather than just the brand.
- The loft of the clubs you actually use, including the pitching wedge.
- The published length and any known build differences.
- Your measured carry distances under comparable conditions, if you have them.
Stronger and weaker lofts
“Stronger” means less loft; “weaker” means more loft. A change from 35° to 33° is 2° stronger. These terms describe the angle, not the quality of the club or the skill of the golfer.
Generations can share some lofts and differ elsewhere. The 2016 and 2017 M2 records both list a 28.5° 7-iron, but their sand and lob wedge lofts differ. Looking at one club cannot establish that the whole specification table is the same.
Pay attention at the wedge end
The pitching wedge is part of the iron set's design. Do not assume it has a universal loft. In the records above, the M2 pitching wedge is 43.5°, while the AP2 (712) pitching wedge is 47°.
If you replace an iron set but keep your other wedges, check this boundary. The angle gap between the set's pitching wedge and the next wedge may change. Test actual carry gaps before deciding that a particular loft combination is right for you.
Check an older set before relying on the chart
Published specifications describe the original build. A previous owner may have ordered custom lofts or had the heads bent later. If the history is unknown and the numbers matter to a decision, have the actual clubs measured by a qualified fitter or repair shop.
Sources and next steps
The worked examples use the manufacturer sources linked on our M2 (2017), M2 (2016) and AP2 (712) records. See Titleist's specification reference for examples of loft, lie and length recorded separately. Sources checked September 27, 2026.
Continue with lie angle or the used iron checklist.