Expert Review: Titleist TS2 & TS3 Hybrids

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The main function of hybrids is to replace unforgiving long irons with an easier to hit club. These are not clubs designed to max out distance, rather they are engineered to launch the ball off the deck and attack greens from longer distances.

After the success of the TS2 and TS3 drivers, Titleist has expanded the TS line to include their new hybrids. While the hybrids will continue to release in the same year as Titleist’s irons, they are branded as part of the Titleist Speed Project family.

Replacing a very successful 818 H1 and H2 is no easy task, the 818 has been a favorite of many amateurs and professionals alike. The two head options, along with the 16-way SureFit Hosel, gave most players a head shape they liked that produced their preferred shot shape.

Transitioning into the new TS2 and TS3 hybrids, they will follow the same conventions as the rest of the TS line. The TS2 will be more about forgiveness and speed, while the TS3 will be about speed and shot shaping.

These long-iron replacements have been streamlined and designed to fit right alongside the rest of the TS Family. The styling and features and even the headcovers mirror the TS drivers and fairways.


TS2 Hybrid

Titleist TS2 Hybrid Spotlight
The TS2 hybrid features a forgiving footprint designed to maximize output from a sweeping swing. The streamlined shape has a larger, confidence inspiring footprint and an interchangeable flat sole weight that can adjust the overall swingweight.

TS3 Hybrid

Titleist TS3 Hybrid Spotlight
The TS3 hybrid is a more versatile iron replacement designed for stronger players looking to maintain both distance and playability. The compact head shape will appeal to better players and this quick-launching hybrid is designed for players who hit down on the ball.


Testing

For my testing, I went to our local friends at Pro Golf Discount in Bellevue, Washington to obtain some data using their GC Quad launch monitor.

I tested both the TS2 and TS3 hybrids and decided to take a couple swings with the 818 H1 and H2 hybrids, too. It turned out to be a valuable decision because the data comparison between the TS and 818 hybrids proved significant.

Setup

Preserving as much consistency as possible, I used 19° heads with Project X HZRDUS Black Smoke 6.0 shaft, with all heads configured to the stock A1 setting on the SureFit Hosel.

After getting loose with some warmup swings, I jumped into my testing with the TS3. I liked the look of the head at address, the iron-like shape to the face and more compact overall size suited my eye a little more than the TS2.

Results

With all the hybrids, I tended to pull the ball left of center in the standard SureFit setting. However, with the TS3 and TS2 I was able to hit a cut fairly easily, which is good news for players who tend to pull hybrids like me.

Looking down at the TS2 I felt supreme confidence, the larger footprint seemed impossible to miss. I spent a good chunk of time hitting shots off the toe and heel and the forgiveness was solid. There was some distance loss compared to flush shots, but not as much as the distance disparity of the 818 hybrids.

Conclusions

Immediately, the first thing that jumped out to me was the sound. Both TS hybrids produce a full, flush, metalwood sound that mirrors the experience hitting the TS fairway woods. This was further reinforced when I switched over to the 818 hybrids. In comparison, the 818 has a much more muted sound and feel at impact.

Digesting the data after my testing revealed that I averaged between 145-150 mph ball speed with all 4 hybrids, but the biggest difference between the 818 and TS hybrids was spin rate. The TS hybrids produced between 500-800 RPM more than their 818 hybrid counterparts.

The result of the increased spin rate is a greater ability to stop the ball quicker. Since these are iron replacements they will be used to hit into greens, so the added spin will be beneficial. You won’t necessarily see any huge distance gain over the 818, but I don’t think you’ll mind when your ball is stopping on the green from 220 yards instead of rolling through to the back fringe.

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Keith Schneider

Web Content Manager at GolfDiscount.com
Keith SchneiderAge: 34 Handicap: 4.9 Introduction to golf: Age 14 Playing years: 20 Rounds per year: 75+ Hole in Ones: 1WITB Driver: Titleist TS2 10.5° Project X HZRDUS Smoke 65 6.5 3 Wood: Cobra King F9 Fairway Wood 3-Wood Project X HZRDUS Smoke 75 6.5 2-Iron: Mizuno MP-18 MMC Fli-Hi KBS Tour C Taper Lite Stiff 1° weak 1.5° upright Irons: Mizuno MP-68 (4-PW) +1/2" Dynamic Gold X100 2° upright Wedge: Titleist Vokey SM7 51° 8° bounce Dynamic Gold S400 F Grind Wedge: Titleist Vokey SM7 Wedge Works 55° 14° bounce Dynamic Gold S400 F Grind Wedge: Titleist Vokey SM7 Wedge Works 60° 6° bounce Dynamic Gold S400 K Grind Putter: Scotty Cameron Studio Style Newport 2 35" Balls: Titleist ProV1x, TaylorMade Tour Preferred X or Callaway Chrome Soft X
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