by Kevin Caron, Club Fitter
Every two years the golf community awaits the release of Titleist’s new irons. The revamped T-Series irons focus on forgiveness through the use of multi-material designs allowing for better results on off-center strikes. Each model features a new and more dense “D18” form of tungsten weighting, which allows for more precise placement of weight throughout each model. Lets dive into the specific features of the four new head designs.
T-100
Design: Given the T100’s compact and sleek design, Titleist had to develop alternative methods to improve the overall forgiveness and feel. Using the denser D18 tungsten, they were able to place more weight in the heel and toe. While the previous tungsten weight had been welded to the head, Titleist has now utilized a new brazing process to minimize weight in certain spots throughout the head. This allows for a more precise CG placement creating a modern player’s iron with a higher MOI.
Sole: In an effort to improve the club’s feel in regards to turf interaction, Titleist partnered up with the Vokey design wedge department. After receiving feedback from some of the best players in the world, Titleist reshaped the sole with variable bounce offerings to allow for more consistent transition through the turf. The new club heads now maintain a faster speed through the strike.
Optics: Using feedback from tour players who game the T-100, Titleist refined the overall look of the head with a thinner topline, minimal offset, and a shorter distance from heel to toe for a compact blade length. A newer brushed chrome finish also gives off less glare in an effort to give every player more confidence over each shot.
T-100s
Design: To the untrained eye, the T-100s looks like an exact replica of the T-100. Subtle differences in the heads overall configuration are what make this the faster option when comparing the two models. The loft specs of the T-100s are designed two degrees stronger for extra distance compared to the standard T-100. With the integration of an innovative ‘Muscle Channel’, Titleist was able to reposition head weight for a lower CG. This repositioned CG combined with the stronger loft produces a high launch with low spin resulting in extra yardage. This is an amazing option for the golfer who prefers the feel, look, and workability of the standard T-100 but may be looking to gain a few extra yards with each club.
T-200
Design: The T-200 is by far the most updated model in the T-Series lineup when compared to its predecessor. Titleist created a smaller version of the previous model to give it a sleeker look that still packs a surprising punch. The T-200 features the denser D18 tungsten that Titleist utilizes to more precisely place the CG in each iron head, allowing for a higher launch in the long irons and more accuracy in the scoring clubs.
Features: Much of the power that comes from this hollow body design generates from Titleist’s updated Max Impact technology. Internally there is an enhanced polymer core designed to increase ball speed and MOI on those slightly off-center shots. Also, with use of the thinner and forged SUP-10 L-Face insert Titleist was able to increase ball speed even more. These new features coupled with the D18 tungsten create a unique feeling distance iron with the sound and feel of a player’s iron but the performance and forgiveness of a game improvement iron.
T-300
Design: Being Titleist’s “Game Improvement” iron, the idea behind the overall construction of the head, as always, is focused on forgiveness. This distance iron is packed with great features that ultimately result in a high launching, forgiving, and long iron option for those players seeking more consistency and yardage.
Face, Core, & Tungsten: With a major focus going toward faster ball speeds, Titleist introduced variable face thickness designed thinner toward the heel in the long and mid irons. This thinner wall increases ball speed for those strikes near the heel resulting in more distance on those off-center shots. Same as the T-200, this model incorporated Titleist’s upgraded Max Impact technology along with the new polymer core to help give more efficient results and a better feel on all shots. One last feature of the T-300 that you will find in all other models within the T-Series is the use of D18 tungsten. The head utilizes 40% more tungsten compared to the 2019 T-300 in unison with a new 2000°F brazing process that helps reduce excess weight from welding.
Testing
Now lets take a look at how all of these new models stack up against one another. For testing purposes, I kept all variables the same outside of the change in head model. I was utilizing a Project X shaft, 6.0 flex (stiff), standard length, standard lie, and Chrome Soft golf balls.
Below is a table showing averages on my best 5 of 10 shots for ball speed, club head speed, launch angle, spin rate, and carry yardage:
Club | Ball Speed (MPH) | Club Head Speed (MPH) | Launch Angle (Degrees) | Spin Rate (RPM) | Carry (Yards) |
T-100 | 114.1 | 85.1 | 18.4 | 6426 | 161.7 |
T-100s | 116.7 | 85.5 | 17.8 | 6174 | 166.7 |
T-200 | 117.2 | 85.6 | 18.2 | 5922 | 169.1 |
T-300 | 119.4 | 85.4 | 18.4 | 5528 | 173.9 |
Takeaways
From my own personal testing, conversations with fellow club fitters, and observations in my fittings with customers, it is safe to say that the revamped T-Series performs exactly as Titleist designed them. The T-100 is the perfect iron for the player who wants the feel and performance of a blade but needs more forgiveness for those off-center shots. The T-100s is an awesome option for the player who wants all the features previously mentioned for the T-100, but are looking to get a little more yardage. T-200 fits right into the ‘Players Distance’ category with its sleeker and more compact design than its predecessor. This iron launches high while keeping spin relatively low for added distance without sacrificing feel. The T-300 does exactly what it is designed to do while offering a slightly slimmer and more compact look when compared to other irons in the game-improvement category. It is a high launching, low spinning, and soft feeling iron with a moderate amount of offset to give the golfer confidence when standing over each and every shot. As always, all of these clubs can be tested and custom fit in The Cluboratory at Miles of Golf.