Titleist is by far the better choice, but just to let you know I switched from taylormade r7's to AP2's and later found out that my r7's were a club strong, so I lost a bit of distance. It doesn't bother me at all though. As my swing keeps getting better I have regained that distance. This may not be true on all taylormade clubs also. TITLEIST ALL THE WAY!!

I agree will all the posts above.  Take note about losing a little distance.  Your not really losing any distance a lot of the "game improvement" clubs by Taylormade, Callaway, and even Adams have the clubs lofted stronger to where your 8 irons really is your 7 anyway since there is no "standard".  It makes people feel better about their game but forget about that and just grab the club that you need.  I love my AP2's even though they are a club shorter than RAZR X Irons.

Actually was in the golf shop yesterday and was inquiring about the same thing.  I'm friends with the owner and he said in all honesty, between the R9 and the AP2s, the Titleists win hands down.  More solid, workable club.  I know that when I swing them, they feel like a million bucks.  Hopefully I can afford a set to replace my old 755s.

Well its a common and good ?. The answer is simple the title line of iron are forged clubs. Which simply means they can be adjusted to fit your game. ie lie angle, loft angle. The tmade r9 irons are cast and will most likely break or revert back to original place if bent. About the metal wood hybrids, they are both good heads just remember that the shaft is the engine of the club. If you get fit for them they will perform well for you. Which head looks better to you eye?, go with that one. 

My friend has r9 tp irons and I have ap2 irons. I cant talk for r9 irons but the r9 tp irons and the ap2's are very similar. I prefer my ap2's because I think they have better feel and I prefer the look. Performance pretty similar little higher launch from r9 tp's, ap2's get through the turf a little better. Hope this helps!