In 2015 Titleist switched the timescale for their hybrid launches to coincide with their iron launches instead of their woods. This was because hybrids are really a gapping club and with more players embracing them, it makes sense to have hybrids fitted for you at the same time as your irons.
However, just to confuse things, Titleist has dropped the three digit numbers from the name that they introduced with the 816 H and have gone to the same TS2 and TS3 names they use with their woods.
Bonus points if you remember that TS stands for the Titleist Speed Project, so these gapping clubs are embracing the speed branding of the fairways and drivers.
The Distance element is just one of the ‘3Ds’ Titleist are claiming for these hybrids, with the other two being Dispersion and Descent. So, these are distance branded clubs…but, not really…well, maybe.
The TS hybrids come with the same selection of shafts as the TS drivers and fairways. This is just a nice touch, as it doesn’t always follow that you end up with the same brand of shaft in all your woods when you go to a fitting.
Both models come with the usual SureFit Tour adjustable hosel that varies the loft in 1° increments, rather than the 0.75° on the other TS woods.
This is one of the best systems on the market, as you can change loft and lie independently of each other and the additional 0.5° variability across the full range should give you a bigger benefit.
That’s most of the similarities covered, so let’s review the differences between the two models.
Titleist TS2 Hybrid Review
The Titleist TS2 Hybrid replaces the 818 H1, so is the larger headed version of the two new models.
Like before, the TS2 has a more rounded and deeper shape than the 818 H1 and starts to look more like a mini wood.
It does however have quite a balanced look at address and it is good to see Titleist going back to the darker black finish with their hybrids.
The TS2 also loses the SureFit CG weight cylinder in favour of a single sole weight positioned just behind the face to lower the CG, but not draw it back too much.
There is still an Active Recoil Channel in there to maximise ball speed, but it is now hidden from view.
This is a good thing as the channel always felt like it was catching the turf through impact.
The TS2 therefore has the first flush sole since the Titleist 913H and I think it is a much better club for that.
I still like the look of the TS2 hybrid at address. Even if it is borderline wood style, at least it looks balanced and not too toe heavy.
Taking the TS2 on GC2 against the 818 H1, you can see how the deeper head was increasing the launch by about 1°.
However, with around the same level of spin, this was creating a 3° steeper landing angle.
Therefore the takeaway from this is that the TS2 is going to give you the same distance performance with a bit more control, as it should stop quicker if you are hitting it into the green.
You might be able to put a few of the TS2 hybrids in the bag, as they come in a choice of five different of lofts from 19° to 27°. Combined with the SureFit Tour hosel there should be a loft in there for everyone.
Titleist TS3 Hybrid Review
No prizes for guessing that the TS3 hybrid replaces the 818 H2 and the premise is the same.
This is the more compact head for the better player who has a mid to high swing speed.
Again we have the darker looks at address, but also a bigger ‘offset’ at the hosel. Titleist says that this makes it look and play more like a long iron so that better players can hit down on it more.
That may be true, but I don’t think it helps the visuals much, as at the end of the day it is a hybrid and you can’t pretend it’s an iron.
Again the head is a little bit deeper that the 818 H2 and the ARC is covered up, so all good there.
The SureFit CG weight cylinder is retained in the toe and now uses the adjustable version that first appeared on the TS driver and fairways.
Rather than have two versions, this has a magnetic cap that you can switch from one end to the other to create an unbalanced version of the weight to enhance a fade or a draw, depending on which end you put in first.
I can see this being in the fade setting for a lot of better players who want that anti-left hybrid and, combined with de-lofting the adjustable hosel, they should get their wish.
Against the 818 H2 on GC2, the TS3 was a touch quicker with a bit less spin for me, so I gained a couple of extra yards.
I probably preferred it to the 818 H3 as the deeper head was a little more forgiving and, despite the offset face, looked a little better too with a more hybrid style.
Titleist TS2 TS3 Hybrid Verdict
When it comes to adjustable hybrids, then the SureFit Tour hosel and SureFit CG weight mean that the Titleist TS hybrids provide the most comprehensive offering in the market.
This means that you should be able to fine tune each one to get the right distance gaps in your bag and the right flight for the length of shots you are hitting with them.
Throw in the Titleist U.510 Utility iron and you can spend a couple of hours in the Titleist fitting bay figuring out the right clubs to hit from around 200 yards.
So the choice is good, but you have to pay for these options as the TS Hybrids are not cheap.
However, they are an improvement on the 818 H and not just because they have gone back to black. The concealed ARC channel gives a cleaner look and better turf interaction through impact, which has been missing since the 913 H and I think that this is the big plus for the TS hybrids.
The TS3 has a role for better players, especially if they like hitting down on them, and the sound was just as good, so it’s good to see this option.
Without prejudicing your fitting session, the TS2 is probably going to be the model for most players and the lower lofts will appeal to better players for their simplicity, neutral look and shot shape.