Titleist's new TS 2 & TS 3 driver - shot @ 2018 US Open

[bd59]

OK, so I was invited to Titleist's National Fitting Centre yesterday, where I was able to try out the new drivers.

 

I warmed up for about 20-30 mins, got a quick marketing rundown, then was able to hit the clubs. One thing I'll start with is that I respected how self-aware the people at Titleist were about their product. they knew that there were rumblings that their long clubs were spinny and slower than the competition. While they maintained that their stuff could compete with anyone while properly fit, they acknowledged that they had some work to do to get back in line with their competitors in terms of perception. There was a lot of talk about re-building from the ground up, weight savings and new abilities to relocate CG - I caught the jist of everything, but I was just excited to hit some clubs, so you'd be best off waiting for the official rundown from Titleist when the embargo lifts, which is September 6.

 

I first got some baseline numbers with my driver - my 910D2, HZRDUS 75 6.0 yellow, 45", D4.5 SW. Here were the numbers:

 

 

 

First-off, I apologize for not having any more full spec pics like this - there was some rain, which led to a bit of a delay. The Titleist guys were terrific about taking care of us, but I ended up having to duck out pretty quickly for an appointment. I know I'm going to get some specs from Titleist in the coming days, and I'll update when I do. Anyway, I'll give you an idea of things based on memory - the numbers are a accurate, but I won't have as many numbers as above.

 

Anyway, I had an opportunity to hit a few shafts, but I was really only interested in the Even Flow White ("EFW") and the HZRDUS Smoke ("HS"). I thought the HS was nice, but like the black, I had some difficulty turning it over and was losing everything right. The EFW was a beauty - felt like my yellow, but probably a little smoother but also tighter at the same time - really not sure how to describe it other than that. Not boardy, but not loose either. I also found it much easier to turn over and keep straight. One thing I thought was interesting is that they said they don't think they will be offering the HC versions of the HS or the EFW. Not the end of the world I guess, but I found it surprising.

 

I hit 4-5 shots with the TS2 and TS3 each with my shaft, with the EFW and with the HS.

 

I was more interested in hitting and enjoying myself than of taking pics - sorry this isn't a little more pic heavy - I guess I let the team down! The TS2 is a little bigger looking all around - face is nice and deep, has a Rogue-esque shape (the face, not the head), and has a 915D2 shape at address. The TS3 is very classic looking at address, and the face is still nice and deep. It is 460CC, but it's just a beautiful club to look down at.

 

In terms of sound, both sounded terrific. One think that has kept me with my 910 for so long was the sound and feel. I would ay these were both like a slightly higher-pitched 910 sound. I was really on board with it!

 

Here's where things got interesting for me. I have been following these clubs closely since the info was first released, and I was absolutely positive I'd walk out loving the TS2. I think the shape just really got in my head. It's "modern", but something about it just made me have real difficulty hitting it straight. When I did put it out there, I was getting decent results (+3mph ball speed, -200 rpm), but I just couldn't trust to hit it straight.

 

Then I moved onto the TS3 - I was initially intimidated by the shape a bit, but it does look a touch friendlier than the D3s of eras past. However, that concern immediately disappeared once I started hitting - just straight bullets. I had a couple I lost off the toe, and they definitely would have stayed in play. When it was all said and done, after 4-5 shots I was looking at:

 

- 154.9 Ball speed (+3.8mph)

- 13.0 Launch (+0.1)

- 2350 spin (-740 RPM)

 

At the end of it all, I had a gain of 20.5 yards. I get that this won't be the case for everyone, and I 100% realize my initial spin numbers weren't ideal. However, I was definitely really impressed with what I experienced. I get my specs this week and I'll definitely be putting an order in ASAP.

 

One last ting I'll mention - I really like what they did with the TS3 weights. Instead of having 2 weights (draw and neutral), there's one weight with a moveable magnet on it. So basically if you have the magnet on one side, it balances with the fixed weight and makes it neutral, then if you switch the magnet to the other side, it doubles the weight on one end, and you get the draw-fade. Means two things - you won't be searching for your other weight if you want to fine-tune and I think it means the weight kits will cost less (though I'm not 100% sure on the second point).

 

Anyway, all-in-all, walked away incredibly impressed with what I saw, and I have no doubt that these drivers will be able to go toe to toe against anything Cally, TM or Ping puts out next year.

 

Feel free to ask any questions you may have!

 

So what was your final setup that produced those results?

[BDoubleG]

 

I've reread the 2nd to last paragraph twice, and I'm just not picturing it... So its different then the 917 weights? You just don't flip the draw/fade weight or just use a neutral weight? But instead its a magnet?

 

 

 

Does this make sense at all? My drawing is terrible.

 

The little nubs on the end are supposed to be magnets.

[BDoubleG]

 

So what was your final setup that produced those results?

 

Final setup was TS3 9.5 A1 45" (.5" less than standard, which is now 45.5") Even Flow White 65 6.0. I might run to my local fitter to double check whether I want to go 65g or 75g - the fitter said with the T1100, it would be stable enough for the 65g, but I have always preferred a heavier shaft.

[rymail00]

I've reread the 2nd to last paragraph twice, and I'm just not picturing it... So its different then the 917 weights? You just don't flip the draw/fade weight or just use a neutral weight? But instead its a magnet?

 

 

 

Does this make sense at all? My drawing is terrible.

 

The little nubs on the end are supposed to be magnets.

 

 

OHHHHH.....ok, yes that makes total sense now. I wonder if the magnets are weighted or the center piece is what they'll change out for swing weight purposes. Like if stock Surefit CG weight is 10G, but needs to be at 16G if the center tube is what changes (I'm guessing that would change)?

 

Either way a cool new design feature for Surefit CG

[BDoubleG]

 

OHHHHH.....ok, yes that makes total sense now. I wonder if the magnets are weighted or the center piece is what they'll change out for swing weight purposes. Like if stock Surefit CG weight is 10G, but needs to be at 16G if the center tube is what changes (I'm guessing that would change)?

 

Either way a cool new design feature for Surefit CG

 

Center piece will be replaced - I saw the kit. It basically looks like the 917 kit, but just one of each weight instead of 2.

[Scooter321]

When are we expecting the release date to be for drivers and fairways? Any idea when demos will be in golf shops?

[jlebeane13]

When are we expecting the release date to be for drivers and fairways? Any idea when demos will be in golf shops?

In my area 9/6 is the start date for fittings. That being the first titleist Thursday. Ship date/received date being towards the late to end of Sept. On pre orders. Depending on where you are located it may or may not vary.

I dont know that anyone has a solid date yet as to when they will be hanging in retail. Lot of speculation on dates being thrown out on the thread.

[BDoubleG]

When are we expecting the release date to be for drivers and fairways? Any idea when demos will be in golf shops?

 

September 6 embargo lifted, demos hitting shops shortly thereafter, custom orders shipping by September 21 (in Canada at least), stock in shops by the end of September.

[jlebeane13]

When are we expecting the release date to be for drivers and fairways? Any idea when demos will be in golf shops?

 

September 6 embargo lifted, demos hitting shops shortly thereafter, custom orders shipping by September 21 (in Canada at least), stock in shops by the end of September.

Also my experience with titleist (which is just the last 3 years) once pre orders start the earlier you order the more like you are to receive your equipment before the retail shops.

[cane700]

For those that have tried the TS3, how does it compare to the 915D3. I'm interested in ball flight, forgiveness and feel.

[BDoubleG]

When are we expecting the release date to be for drivers and fairways? Any idea when demos will be in golf shops?

 

September 6 embargo lifted, demos hitting shops shortly thereafter, custom orders shipping by September 21 (in Canada at least), stock in shops by the end of September.

Also my experience with titleist (which is just the last 3 years) once pre orders start the earlier you order the more like you are to receive your equipment before the retail shops.

 

That's exactly what Titleist told me this weekend.

[rymail00]

When are we expecting the release date to be for drivers and fairways? Any idea when demos will be in golf shops?

 

September 6 embargo lifted, demos hitting shops shortly thereafter, custom orders shipping by September 21 (in Canada at least), stock in shops by the end of September.

Also my experience with titleist (which is just the last 3 years) once pre orders start the earlier you order the more like you are to receive your equipment before the retail shops.

 

That's exactly what Titleist told me this weekend.

 

Yeah I preordered maybe 2-4 weeks early when the 917D was released (at least I believe it was that early) and received it either a day early or on the release date and that was after it was sent to Victory Custom Golf to verify everything was right before sending it on to me.

[johnnypro]

So.....do we now know FOR SURE what the stock shaft offerings will be?

[BDoubleG]

So.....do we now know FOR SURE what the stock shaft offerings will be?

 

Yes.

[lspky_muskie]

Just got invited to a demo day next Thursday night that will have the TS2 and 3 driver and woods.

[tigerfan23]

So.....do we now know FOR SURE what the stock shaft offerings will be?

 

Yes.

 

what are they

[jlebeane13]

So.....do we now know FOR SURE what the stock shaft offerings will be?

 

Yes.

 

what are they

Go back about 5 pages and start browsing, you will see it multiple times.

Even the last three pages they are mentioned

[kftgolfer]

So.....do we now know FOR SURE what the stock shaft offerings will be?

 

Yes.

 

what are they

 

 

Kuro Kage Black Dual Core 50/55

Tensei AV Blue 55/65

HZRDUS Black Smoke 60/70 (80g available as custom no upcharge)

Even Flow T1100 White 65/75 (85g available as custom no upcharge)

 

These are in order from highest launch/spin to lowest.

[MattyO1984]

Looking at the shaft offerings, I am a little behind when it comes to shafts.

 

I currently have a Diamana D+ in my 917D2. It is actually the D+ that I got in my 913 that I just can't see past. I did have a Fujikura Pro TS 74 in the 917 when I first got it but switched it over as I felt it was going too high.

 

Of the upcoming offerings what would be the best to try?

[bwill56]

Looking at the shaft offerings, I am a little behind when it comes to shafts.

 

I currently have a Diamana D+ in my 917D2. It is actually the D+ that I got in my 913 that I just can't see past. I did have a Fujikura Pro TS 74 in the 917 when I first got it but switched it over as I felt it was going too high.

 

Of the upcoming offerings what would be the best to try?

 

EvenFlow White T1100

Or Hzrdous Smoke

[swizbeatz]

My pro picked up 22 yards during his fitting compared to 917. He said mostly from ball speed, I’m trying to get you guys numbers.

[bwill56]

OHHHHH.....ok, yes that makes total sense now. I wonder if the magnets are weighted or the center piece is what they'll change out for swing weight purposes. Like if stock Surefit CG weight is 10G, but needs to be at 16G if the center tube is what changes (I'm guessing that would change)?

 

Either way a cool new design feature for Surefit CG

 

Center piece will be replaced - I saw the kit. It basically looks like the 917 kit, but just one of each weight instead of 2.

 

And they go in increments of +/-2 etc both TS3 and TS2

[jmkenn0]

So, not to completely troll this, but has anyone actually went from an Epic or M3 to a TS3, at least for comparison's sake? Not sure if this new driver is great, Titleist drivers have just sucked the past few years, or some combination of the two?

[swizbeatz]

So, not to completely troll this, but has anyone actually went from an Epic or M3 to a TS3, at least for comparison's sake? Not sure if this new driver is great, Titleist drivers have just sucked the past few years, or some combination of the two?

 

I believe most people testing right now are on some sort of staff or player deal so not likely. I was told I could test starting the 1st.

[ryanmac89]

I need this in my lifeeeeeeeeee

[Jagpilotohio]

OHHHHH.....ok, yes that makes total sense now. I wonder if the magnets are weighted or the center piece is what they'll change out for swing weight purposes. Like if stock Surefit CG weight is 10G, but needs to be at 16G if the center tube is what changes (I'm guessing that would change)?

 

Either way a cool new design feature for Surefit CG

 

Center piece will be replaced - I saw the kit. It basically looks like the 917 kit, but just one of each weight instead of 2.

 

And they go in increments of +/-2 etc both TS3 and TS2

The TS2 uses a completely different weight than the 3. Google a picture of the two clubs.

 

No one has really talked about the 2’s weight or its options.

[dlwoods00]

OHHHHH.....ok, yes that makes total sense now. I wonder if the magnets are weighted or the center piece is what they'll change out for swing weight purposes. Like if stock Surefit CG weight is 10G, but needs to be at 16G if the center tube is what changes (I'm guessing that would change)?

 

Either way a cool new design feature for Surefit CG

 

Center piece will be replaced - I saw the kit. It basically looks like the 917 kit, but just one of each weight instead of 2.

 

And they go in increments of +/-2 etc both TS3 and TS2

The TS2 uses a completely different weight than the 3. Google a picture of the two clubs.

 

No one has really talked about the 2’s weight or its options.

 

I feel like he was just giving some general of the two weight systems. Since he's seen the weight system and drivers its pretty clear they use different weights.

[rymail00]

OHHHHH.....ok, yes that makes total sense now. I wonder if the magnets are weighted or the center piece is what they'll change out for swing weight purposes. Like if stock Surefit CG weight is 10G, but needs to be at 16G if the center tube is what changes (I'm guessing that would change)?

 

Either way a cool new design feature for Surefit CG

 

Center piece will be replaced - I saw the kit. It basically looks like the 917 kit, but just one of each weight instead of 2.

 

And they go in increments of +/-2 etc both TS3 and TS2

The TS2 uses a completely different weight than the 3. Google a picture of the two clubs.

 

No one has really talked about the 2’s weight or its options.

 

I feel like he was just giving some general of the two weight systems. Since he's seen the weight system and drivers its pretty clear they use different weights.

 

Yes I referring to the TS3 weight only.

[nbigg]

These pictures on Instagram #tsproject are just insane. 10mph gain in ball speed and 20+ yards are just absurd to me. Most of these are golf professionals so you’d think their old clubs were pretty optimal to begin with. Either they are proving that old titleist drivers were way behind others or that another brand of driver they were was completely wrong for them.

 

Don’t get me wrong, I’m already pre-ordering a TS3 but all I’m expecting is for it to keep up with all the other big dogs and match the rest of my bag. Lol If I gain a few yards then that’s a complete bonus. If I gain 20 then I will literally eat my old driver.

[Jagpilotohio]

OHHHHH.....ok, yes that makes total sense now. I wonder if the magnets are weighted or the center piece is what they'll change out for swing weight purposes. Like if stock Surefit CG weight is 10G, but needs to be at 16G if the center tube is what changes (I'm guessing that would change)?

 

Either way a cool new design feature for Surefit CG

 

Center piece will be replaced - I saw the kit. It basically looks like the 917 kit, but just one of each weight instead of 2.

 

And they go in increments of +/-2 etc both TS3 and TS2

The TS2 uses a completely different weight than the 3. Google a picture of the two clubs.

 

No one has really talked about the 2’s weight or its options.

 

I feel like he was just giving some general of the two weight systems. Since he's seen the weight system and drivers its pretty clear they use different weights.

 

It wasnt clear to me that he’s seen the drivers from his 2 posts. I read his post as a question, not a statement. Perhaps I misunderstood.

 

I try to never assume anything on these pages. It wouldn’t surprise me a bit that someone would be posting on a club and never have seen it.