The New and Old Titleist TSi Drivers (Full Comparison!)
The TSi2 & TSi3 are the next-gen models of TS2 / TS3!
Up until the release of Titleist’s two new models, TSi2 and TSi3, TS2 and TS3’s were our prized clubs! I kept a close eye on these before they were released and I am ecstatic that I get to try these out early!
The TSi2 is “easy-to-use” and targeted at "athletic" golfers
Compared to its previous model, the TSi2 has a slightly bigger head. As for the TSi3, the head has a smaller size, ideal for a more proactive and athletic golfer. If you look closely, you can see the design has changed compared to other Titles models. Does it look sleeker?
Titleist clubs are known to have a pear-shaped head. With the shape of TSi2’s head and its deeper center of balance, it increases the moment of inertia and the central angle.
The driver is more for an athletic purpose than casual. Out of all TS series models, the TSi2 is the most “easy-to-use” model for athletes.
The TSi3 comes with an adjustable setting
The head of the TSi3 model is not as pear-shaped as most Titleist models and has a shorter depth and sleek shape. I was pleasantly surprised to see that the TSi3 comes with interchangeable weights. By shifting the weight, you can change the center of gravity, which allows for a change in distance. Although many brands have adjustable weights, the Titleist TSi2 does not.
The 4 i’s of TSi
The model name is TSi. The “i” stands for:
- Innovation
- Inertia
- Integration
- Impact
The materials used in the creation of the clubs evolve with each model. This time around, Titleist adopted a new material for its face instead of the previous Ti-6AI-4V. The material is a titanium also known as, ATI425, a space grade material. It has a positive impact on CT value (Characteristic Time).
Titleist / Original Shaft
Model TSi3 has Titleist’s original shaft, but after a quick glance, I can see there is no logo to be seen. This seems to be one of the original models and not a commercial product. Reason being, that the lettering on the shaft is very small and it only says “TSP 110 50 Flex-S”.
The two clubs I am going to try out today are the TSi2 with 9 degrees S-shaft and the TSi3 with 10 degrees Tour-S.
By just waggling each of them, I feel the difference. I’ll try them out now!
★ [The New Model] TSi2 9.0° TSP 110 (S) ★
It keeps the conventional shape of Titleist models. It is nicely polished and the design is simplified. I am going to hit it once, my very first shot of the day.
Pretty good results.
- Head speed was 40m/s
- Spin rate was 2680
- Smash factor was 1.48
- Nearly straight
- Driving distance was 234.8 yard.
The shot looked good. It had straightness and I didn’t feel the ball cutting to the left or right. I just hit as usual. It is very well balanced. I will increase the head speed a bit (41.85m/s).
Wow! Initial velocity (62.3m/s) was pretty good. This club is great. I will increase the head speed just a little bit more.
It feels good (head speed was 42.3m/s and went 249.7 yards). Initial velocity (62.6m/s) was also good.
The head speed of 42 - 43m/s is just right for the shaft, TSP110 (s)!
I was surprised about the shaft. The shaft is cheaper in price compared to the ones made from shaft makers in general, and it is made to fit the head. The stiffness and flexibility is just right for amatuer golfers with head speed of around 42-43m/s. I will hit again.
With a head speed of 42.4m/s, I got 254.6 yards according to my TrackMan. Wow, hats off to Titleist!
I have experience hitting with different shaft makers, and am currently using ALTA J CB on the PING410 . Of course, there are some positives in aftermarket shafts. If I ever had a contract with Titleist and were to use TSi2, I’d use the TSP110 without hesitation. It’s suitable for people with head speeds of 42-43m/s. For people with 45m/s, it might not be enough. I don’t think the vibrational frequency is that high. All things considered, there were no bad shots within the four that I shot. Incredible!
During testing, my timing is usually off for my first few shots. Without even warming up, my timing was right and was so satisfied with the results, I took a screenshot of my scores! Feels like a piece of cake, even at 60 years old!
★[New Model] TSi3 10.0° TSP 322 (Tour - S) ★
Let’s move onto model TSi3 which has the adjustment setting. For people who prefer to use adjustable settings, it’s definitely a looker. For myself, the shaft seems very stiff and I prefer something with a head speed of around 42-43m/s.
TSi3 has a profound impact and lower spin rate
The sound was significantly different, you would believe me if I said these clubs had two different development teams! The TSi3 has a much louder impact and although both TSi3 and TSi2 use the same face material, the TSi3 gripped the ball very well, resembling the sensation of a Muscle Back. I assume most golfers gravitate towards an adjustable setting, but the basic design is what catches my interest. With the TSi3, faster head speed will result in better drive distance and personally, I feel as if it has less spin rate. I will try to apply more power but will not over swing; I want to know where the ball would go with a bit more power.
The head speed was 42.3m/s, which is not bad. And just like the previous, I had a nice straight shot. It is difficult to get a head speed of 43m/s on the Trackman, but let’s give it a shot!
The TSP 322 (Tour-S) is quite sturdy
The TSP 322 Tour-S is quite sturdy. The TSi3 Tour-S is for golfers who are unsatisfied with regular shafts or prefer the S in aftermarket. I tried my best and hit with a head speed of 43m/s, but there needs to be more head speed for this shaft. If you want to use this shaft, you need to have 44m/s or more. To me, this shaft is ideal for people with a head speed of 44-48m/s.
I think the TSi2 TSP 110S shafts are more for amateur or average golfers. The one I tried out after, which was the TSi3 TSP 322 Tour-S shaft, was 1 to 1.5 flex stiffer. TSP 110 is a S, but I thought it felt similar to a SR. TSP 322 Tour-S was harder than the S, which felt close to a SX.
TSi3 is for athletes. You need to put more power in your swing for this one. A casual swing will not work. Since I am over 60 years old, it was a bit difficult for me. In summation, this is for professionals or people who have a faster head speed. But the ball will fly if the head speed is right. Even if the ball hits a part of the face where the color is different, you will not have dramatic loss in drive distance.
Clear differences exist between TSi2 and TSi3
The TSi2 has a higher moment of inertia, and you can hit a straight-line trajectory. The TSi3 has an adjustable setting, and the ball flies with a lower spin rate. The TSi2 and TSi3 are completely different and you won’t find it difficult which to choose from. TSi2 is lightweight (301 grams) while model TSi3 is heavier (315 grams). These weights are based on their specific target users. Titleist is generally for those who are athletic and the TSi2 feels like it is designed for amateurs. On the other hand, the TSi3 comes with an adjustable setting, and has a wrapping feel, like the Muscle Back. In addition, for the flight direction and spin rate, this driver is ideal for people who have a head speed of over 43m/s, or even 50m/s. The TSi2 and TSi3 have clear differences, and much more apparent than any recent Titleist models.
★[Old model] TS2 9.5° Titleist Speeder 519 EVOLUTION (S) ★
The previous model, TS2 has “Speeder” in big letters. Hard to tell if this model is a Titleist or a Speeder. The Titleist logo is very small. The logo size is 1/10 of the “Speeder” logo from the previous model. The head has depth and the shaft is lightweight. Let’s try this out.
The drive distance is very different. Also, the spin rate is very high (3170). Oh, I think the face was a little open so I will try again.
With a head speed of 40.5m/s, the ball went 234.7 yards. You can see the drive distance is clearly different.
TS2 or TSi2? Definitely recommend the newer model
I don’t always say that the newer model is superior, but for this one time, I would recommend the newer, TSi2 model. This does not take away the fact that the TS2 is reasonably priced, has larger moment of inertia, easy-to-use, and easy to lift your shots.
If you are looking to use a Titleist for the first time and not a complex model, and your head speed is around 42-43m/s, it’s reasonable to get the TS2. The TS2 is great for the price for Titleist beginners. On the other hand, if you have a preference, and would like a better performance, don’t hesitate to go with the TSi2. I’m leaning towards the TSi2 to be honest.
★[Old Model’ TS3 9.5° Titleist Tour AD 60 (S)★
Moving onto the TS3. I really like the idea of being able to adjust the weight to either the toe or the heel. However, the sole sticks out, which is unusual for a Titleist model. To me, it is an irrelevant feature when you are in your stance, but I guess some golfers prefer to have it. The shaft is nothing special, but the “Tour AD” logo is significantly big. The shape of the head is pear-shaped, unlike the TS2, but I do like the face of TS3. The drive distance is quite different. With a head speed of 42.4m/s, it went 241.4 yards.
The next-gen of the previous models! If you can’t decide, go with the new TSi3
I usually say when you can’t make a decision, get both. But if you are considering the TS3 or the TSi3, please get the newer model, TSi3. Golf manufacturers change models every two years in general, but I am very surprised to see significant changes like this in just a few years.
The sole of the TS3 sticks out where the TSi3 has a sleek, smartly designed sole with an adjustable setting that you cannot really see with just a glance. I am not saying it is better only because of it’s sleekness. You can definitely feel the lower spin rate, and how the ball carries with the face of the TSi3. Although the older model TS3 has a solid shaft, if you are someone with an average head speed of 43-44m/s and would like a sturdy driver, OR would like to use a Titleist, OR would like a stiff club, I think this one is worth the price. For people who would like a greater distance with the new low spin technology along with a straight-line ball trajectory, I recommend the TSi3. It is uncommon to add S on Tour (TSP 322 55 Tour-S), but it is true to its name. Since it is the newest model, the price is a bit higher, but it is less expensive than attaching an aftermarket shaft. I recommend this model to younger people, maybe college students who play for their school, or someone athletic with power and high head speed. I have been testing out many clubs in this program, and I feel like the TSi2 and TSi3 really evolved from their previous models. I recommend you use these clubs to experience the superioirty of Titleist clubs.