Transforming Speed: Titleist TS2 and TS3 Driver Preview

The new Titleist TS2 and TS3 drivers are the result of Titleist's two-year mission to design greater speed into every detail of driver technology.  TS stands for Titleist Speed (although I've seen some call it Tour Speed), and you've already seen them in play on the PGA Tour.  I can tell you however, that TS could and "should" just as easily stand for "transforming speed," because these new drivers are going to blaze a trail with both better players and slower swing speed amateurs alike. 

 

The TS drivers and fairway woods won't be available to buy until later this month, but I went to a local demo day earlier this week and was absolutely blown away by the results.  I gained more carry and total yards with both TS models than a current driver I play from another OEM, and the improvements were supersonic compared to an older Titleist driver I still take out every once in awhile. 

It's been some time since I played a Titleist driver throughout an entire season.  Not because they haven't made some good ones - it's just I found other drivers from other companies I liked more.  But Titleist is coming back to my bag in 2019.  I can tell you right now that the TS drivers are an answer for every skill level of golfer.  I'm not saying go out and buy one right now.  But I am saying if you get a chance to hit one, you're probably going to want to bring hit home. 

 

I hope to go through a more thorough TS fitting so I can spend even more time with different shafts dialing in the right combinations, but it's already clear to me these drivers are chock full of real technology.  This isn't a company trying to steal your money with promises of newer is better.  This is Titleist making what I believe are their best drivers and fairway woods ever.  The TS drivers are going to be one of the best performing and top selling drivers of 2019.  Seriously, mark it down right now - I'm saying it first. 

The TS2 and TS3 drivers are engineered to delivery faster ball speeds with higher launch, lower spin, and increased MOI.  What that all means is more distance and game-changing forgiveness.  Here's a look at the four key innovations that go into the "Titleist Speed Chassis" and make it all possible. 

 

Ultra-Thin Titanium Crown 

The new cast titanium crown is 20 percent thinner than 917 drivers and the thinnest in the game, allowing weight to be shifted lower and deeper. 

Thinner, Faster Face 

The TS face is the fastest face Titleist has ever designed and so thin the score lines have to be lasered on rather than etched into the face like prior generations.  A refined Radial VFT (variable face thickness) reduces weight up to six grams, delivering faster ball speeds and increased forgiveness. 

New Streamlined Shape

An enhanced aerodynamic shaping reduces drag, which allows golfers to swing faster and increase club head speed for more distance. 

Optimized Weight Distribution 

A refined crown and variable face thicknesses create the lowest CG ever in a Titleist driver for higher launch and lower spin.  The resulting MOI is up to 12-percent higher than the 917 models, creating a powerful combination of speed and stability.

The TS design process basically deconstructs the driver, and then builds it back up piece by piece, to be longer, faster, and better in every possible way.  Here's a look at the key differences between the TS2 and TS3 models. 

TS2 DRIVERS = STRAIGHT SPEED (D2 replacement) 

 

Explosive distance across the face with maximum forgiveness

Adjustable Swingweight

Fixed CG Location

High Launch, Low Spin

Modern Shape, 460cc 

Available in 8.5*, 9.5*, 10.5*, and 11.5* lofts 

TS3 DRIVERS = SPECIALIZED SPEED (D3 replacement) 

 

Speed-tuned distance and dynamic forgiveness

Adjustable Swingweight & SureFit CG

Mid Launch, Low Spin 

Traditional Shape, 460cc 

Available in 8.5*, 9.5*, and 10.5* lofts 

Both models feature Titleist’s patented SureFit hosel with 16 independent loft and lie settings to create a more consistent and optimized ball flight through precision fitting. 

Shaft Options 

The TS drivers stock shaft lineup features four new aftermarket models from the game's top shaft manufacturers: the KURO KAGE Black Dual Core 50 (high launch/moderate spin), the TENSEI AV Series Blue 55 (mid launch and spin), the HZRDUS Smoke Black 60 (low/mid launch and spin), and the Even Flow T1100 White 65 (low launch and spin).  Moderate swing speed players will benefit from Mitsubishi’s new Straight Flight Weighting (SFW) technology, which promotes straight flight in lightweight driver shaft options: KURO KAGE Black Dual Core 50 and TENSEI AV Series Blue 55.  In addition, Titleist offers an industry-leading number of custom shaft choices. 

Instant Tour Use 

Since the debut of TS drivers at the U.S. Open, more than 100 players around the world have switched to new TS2 and TS3 models, including Justin Thomas (TS3 9.5*), Adam Scott (TS3 10.5*), Bill Haas (TS2 9.5*), Jimmy Walker (TS3 8.5*), Brian Harman (TS2 9.5*), Cameron Smith (TS2 9.5*), Rafa Cabrera Bello (TS3 9.5*), Webb Simpson (TS3 10.5*), Byeong-Hun An (TS3 9.5*), Charley Hoffman (TS3 9.5*), Peter Uihlein (TS3 9.5*) and Ian Poulter (TS3 9.5*). 

 

 

The TS drivers will be available worldwide beginning September 28th at a price of $499.  To find a Titleist event or book a free TS metals fitting with a Titleist Product Specialist, check out www.titleist.com and www.titleist.com/fitting/appointments. You can also follow Titleist on twitter @Titleist and on Instagram @titleist for their latest equipment and golf ball news.  As always if you have any questions, shoot me an email or send me a DM on twitter or Instagram.