Titleist TS Metals Review

Finally Titleist Speed (TS) is here. The two year/24 months/730 days/17,520 hours or 1,051,200min wait is now over.  Since the release of 917 models club fitters, retailers, and customers alike were figuratively screaming at Titleist R&D to make the clubs faster to compete distance wise with the rest of the biggest names in golf (you know who they are).  Traditionally Titleist is known for its classic shape, sweet sound, consistent feel, and terrific accuracy. One great attribute seemed to be missing for this juggernaut of golf; DISTANCE! I will be discussing in this article why we believe Titleist has solved its distance dilemma with the help of technological advancements and the quantitative testing conducted.

TS Drivers:

The NEW Titleist TS Drivers are available in the TS2 and TS3 models instead if the recent theme of D2 and D3. TS2 has 460cc head with a modern shape, low and deep center of gravity creating a nice high launch angle and low spin characteristics. TS3 also a 460cc (as opposed to its predecessors 915D3 and 917D3 at 440cc) and has a more traditional shape creating a mid-launch, and very low spin. Some constants from prior generations are the SureFit hosel (16 points of loft/lie adjustability), and SureFit CG weights in TS3 continued from 917(allowing the ability to change shot shape), and SureFit flat weights in TS2 from 915(Keeping the center of gravity very deep and low for heightened MOI . There are few changes Titleist has made to achieve more speed in their new lineup.  The chassis (Club head) is comprised of a four piece design with a light weight crown, a more elongated body (even more so in the TS2 over TS3), an encompassing housing for the new face insert, and the NEW ultra-light variable face thickness insert.

Advancements:

• New Ultra-thin Titanium crown that 20% thinner than the 917 family. This allows for a deeper Center of Gravity and a higher MOI (Moment of Inertia) for more forgiveness and stability.
• New streamlined head design helps increase club head speed by reducing drag which can help increase ball speed
• The variable face thickness insert is 6g lighter than its predecessor allowing for faster ball speeds by getting as close to the CT (Characteristic Time or time spent on face) and COR (Coefficient of Restitution or rebound/trampoline effect) Limits as possible. The face is so thin Titleist must laser the scoring lines on the face rather than etching them in.
• Optimized weight distribution for the lowest and deepest CG ever for Titleist, creating their most stable and forgiving drivers ever.

Data samples were collected in our Cluboratory during our Titleist Staff fittings and these are the results received:

Based on the data gathered we van definitely see the change in ball speed of 4.66 mph.  This is a significant change from previous years and now will compete with any of the major manufactures. The reasoning behind this change is increased club speed due to better aerodynamics and the lighter weight VFT Face insert. (As discussed Creates higher MOI and COR)

The Titleist TS2 is available in 8.5*, 9.5*, 10.5*, and 11.5*(RH/LH), and the TS3 is available in 8.5*, 9.5*, and 10.5*(RH/LH).

Fairway Metals:

The NEW Titleist TS fairway metals are available in two models TS2 and TS3 instead if the recent theme of F2 and F3. TS2 and TS3 both have 175cc head which allows for a higher MOI slightly more forgiveness in both models.  TS2 will have a fixed SureFit flat weight in the rear of the head for higher launch and better stability.  The TS3 will have the SureFit Cg tube for flight adjustment left and right for more workability, mid-launch and low spin. The NEW head will also use the 3^rd generation of ARC (active recoil channel) for better speed and lower spin of the bottom of the face (where golfers tend to hit fairways metals when ball is on the ground).

Advancements: 

• New Ultra-thin Titanium crown that 27% thinner than the 917 family. This allows for a deeper Center of Gravity and a higher MOI (Moment of Inertia) for more forgiveness, stability, and easier to launch.
• Like the driver the variable face thickness insert and thinner crown allow for heightened MOI of about 11%
• The new and improved ARC 3.0 (Active Recoil Channel) extends taller into the head producing greater face flexibility and faster ball speeds, especially lower of the face.
• Optimized weight distribution for the lowest and deepest CG ever for Titleist, creating their most stable and forgiving fairways ever.

A Data Sample from my current 917F3 fairway was compared to the new TS2 and TS3 and here are the results:

Based on the data gathered we can determine that 917 fairway still has ability to compete with all the other major manufactures and against its little brother TS.  Now what we can also see is that the TS line is a little bit faster due to the lighter weight face and great transfer of energy from the taller ARC 3.0. All this means is that Titleist found way to make a great fairway metal even better

The NEW TS2 is available in loft options (RH/LH) 13.5*, 15*, 16.5*, 18*, 21*(RH Only) and TS3 is available in lofts options 13.5*,15*, 16.5*, 18* (13.5* & 18* RH Only)

There is a new advancement in shaft technology that Titleist is offering in their lighter weight options (50g & 55g) called SFW (Straight flight Weighting) designed to reduce fade flight. The Stock offerings are as follows:

KUROKAGE BLACK DUAL CORE 50/55g fwy

The ultra lightweight KuroKage Black Dual Core offers high launch with moderate spin. Incorporates the new Straight Flight Weighting (SFW)

TENSEI AV SERIES BLUE 55/65 fwy

The lightweight TENSEI AV Series Blue offers mid launch and spin.  Incorporates the new Straight Flight Weighting (SFW)

HZRDUS SMOKE BLACK 60/70fwy

The new HZRDUS lead model offers low to mid launch and spin, with a higher balance point for better swing weight on longer shafts. 80g option is available as custom with no upcharge.

EVEN FLOW T1100 WHITE 65/75 fwy

The newest Even Flow model offers low launch and spin.  Provides super strong T1100 fiber for stiff tip and bend. 85g option available as custom with no upcharge.
*MORE SHAFTS AND WEIGHTS AVAILABLE TROUGH CUSTOM ORDERING*

With the results from testing and our staff fittings we can conclude that Titleist has done what the golf community has been longing for joining the speed era of golf while not compromising the integrity of the brand.  Now any golfer from the Titleist loyalist, the golf traditionalist, the modern distance enthusiast, or even the novice can enjoy the advancements in technology, gain some distance, and have as much fun as possible. Thank you Titleist, we solute you on a great product and we can’t wait to see what the upcoming season brings.  GET FIT, HAVE FUN, AND LOVE THE CLUBS YOU’RE IN!