First, you are making the right move by getting fitted. A fitting at Oceanside is a great experience,  but one that comes with a price.  I would say that any handicap golfer would benefit from it.  If you don't mind spending the money,  go for it.  If you would like to save a few dollars,  get fit by a local fitter.  I would stay Au from the big box stores and find a local PGA professional to fit you.  The local pro will be purposely trained to fit you proudly and most do not charge you if you order the clubs from them. 

Oceanside is definitely the Cadillac of fittings.  At a 16, if you were to commit more time and lessons to your game, a trip there will be a big help.  There are regional centers, and advanced fitters between Titlest cart/bagfitters and Oceanside.  The box stores are inclined to sell inventory on hand,  You'll get your best fit with more shaft/head options and get a chance to actually see the ball flight outside.  Fittings do cost as you have a professional spending a good amount of time with you.  The AFC and Pro Shops may discount the fitting if you order your fitting from them.

The box stores will have a free fitting for new clubs, but it will be indoors, the Titleist fitter may not be on duty, and of all the balls in the bay, I've found it hard to find a pair of the same type/model. 

This past fall I also was looking to be fitted for irons.  I live in Massachusetts, where Titleist is located, so I had the good fortune of being fitted by Team Titleist.  The results were quite an eye opener for me.  And, like yourself, my only question is do I buy the AP-1 or AP-2 (leaning towards the AP-1).  The good thing is that since I won't be playing golf for a while (the snow and ice thing!) I DO have time to make a decision!  I would strongly suggest being fitted by either Team Titleist themselves or a fitting center in your area that Team Titleist recommends.  Handicap doesn't matter!  Fitting will always help no matter what.

Thanks for the input.  Unfortunately I live in Las Vegas and the closest advanced fitting center according to the website is in the L.A. area.  So I suppose if I am going to go out there anyway, I might as well bone out for the experience right?  Otherwise I guess I am stuck going through a local pro shop here.

Go to an Advanced Fitter and make sure it's outdoors where you can see ball flight. It's worth the trouble, believe me. I went to a great one in Rockledge, FL. He spent almost 2 hours with me and included launch monitor and video. I ordered a set of AP1's, A Driver and 2 fairway woods. Not only did he not charge me for the fitting, he gave me a dozen Pro V-1's as a thank you, when I picked up the clubs. He is an hour from my home, but I don't care. whenever I need clubs, this is where I will be going.

                                                                                                                                         Frank P

Mike,

It's worth it. If you're considering spending $800-$1100 for clubs, a proper fitting will ensure the right equipment for you. Even though I've only played a couple of rounds with my new Titleists, and haven't played much in the past year, the confidence I have in my equipment is unbelievable. If I go out and hit bad shots, I know what the problem is-me. The equipment is no longer a variable(excuse). That makes a huge difference.

Just looking at what is available from the Fitting Network, there are 6 carts in LV.  3 have outdoor fittings with launch monitors.  Getting fit by the same guys that fits the pros is universally reported as the ultimate experience.  In trying to improve, there is likely some things a professional instructor can help you with, as well.  Equipment can only do so much.  Developing a working relationship in your home town for clubs and swing assistance may do more than the getting your very best club fitting.

If there is something a good fitter in your home town thinks may help you that (s)he doesn't have in the cart, they can work with their Titleist rep to bring one in.  Interview the guys with the outdoor fittings and see if they feel comfortable for you.  This will be someone that can look at your scores with you and looking at your results on the green and approaching the green can get you and your clubs to be the best setup for you.  Anyone can help you carry clubs out to your car from inside the store.