Our Titleist TS2 vs. Srixon Z785 driver test took place on the course at Moor Allerton in Leeds.
We had previously gathered some data using a SkyTrak launch monitor at Leeds Golf Centre.
Titleist TS2 vs. Srixon Z785 driver test: The methodology
These are two of the newest drivers on the market, launching at the back end of the 2018 season.
I was very impressed with them both when I reviewed them individually a few weeks ago.
But what are the similarities and what are the differences?
Is there much of a difference to how the drivers look in the address position? What technologies to they share?
We wanted to hit a range of shots on the launch monitor with both and then take them out on to the course to see how they performed in real life.
I was custom-fitted for the TS2 whereas the Z785 is in a spec which I had requested on the basis of what I thought would work best for me.
Titleist TS2 vs. Srixon Z785 driver test: The technology
In the address position, the TS2 clearly has a lot more weight dragged towards the back of the clubhead.
This fills me with plenty of confidence.
The Z785 has a slightly more rounded and compact shape.
My first impression when looking at both is that the TS2 may work better for those who need maximum forgiveness.
However, Srixon say they have used a carbon crown which has resulted in significant weight savings allowing more mass to be added to the perimeter for forgiveness.
And there’s a new titanium face which they say is stronger, lighter and faster.
Titleist have used an ultra-thin titanium crown which has allowed weight to be repositioned for ideal launch.
There’s a lighter and more flexible face which is so thin the score lines have to be lasered rather than etched on.
A new streamlined shape enhances the aerodynamics and reduces drag by up to 20 per cent. And the optimised weight redistribution has resulted in the lowest centre of gravity ever in a Titleist driver for higher launch and lower spin.
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Both drivers have adjustability in the hosel.
That’s the lowdown on the two drivers – but which performed better? Find out the results and our verdict on the next page…
Titleist TS2 vs. Srixon Z785 driver test: The results
When looking at the launch monitor numbers there isn’t a huge amount of difference between the good shots.
The average ball speed was a bit better with the TS2 because the performance on off-centre hits seems to be very good.
But I wouldn’t like to say that my best shot with the TS2 is better than my best shot with the Z785.
When I was out on the course, I had similar findings.
A really solid shot out the middle with both was bombing down the middle of the fairway and finishing in a very similar spot.
Again, I’d say my misses with the TS2 were a little bit better.
One thing I did find with the Z785 was the ball flight was a bit higher at times. I really feel like the Hzrdus Smoke shaft in the TS2 is controlling my height and spin well.
The Srixon Z785 had a similar but slightly higher-spinning shaft in the Hzrdus Red.
But the Z785 is a lower spinning head than the TS2 so there’s a chance that the Smoke shaft in the Srixon might not spin enough.
This is why you always need to get fitted for a driver to get the best possible results.
The combination of the Z785 head and the Hzrdus Red shaft could be the right one for me but I can’t say for sure without trying other options.
Titleist TS2 vs. Srixon Z785 driver test: NCG verdict
There are pros and cons to both drivers so hopefully you will find this test useful if they you are wondering which to go for.
The Titleist TS2 offers maximum forgiveness and distance and has a really pleasing sound off the face.
But the look wont be to everyone’s taste. Some may feel the look is a bit too bulky or cumbersome or don’t feel like they can shape the ball with it.
Anyone who feels this way will probably prefer the TS3.
Or the Srixon Z785 which has more of a ‘players’ look at address. It also has the carbon crown which adds a bit of style and a premium feel.
There’s a loud, quite high pitched sound off the face on the Z785 which some people may find too loud.
I like it because it sounds like you’ve absolutely smashed it, and that’s what you want your playing partners to think, right?
In conclusion, you may lean towards the TS2 if you strike it all over the face like I do.
If you find the middle more often and want something that looks a bit sleeker then the Z785 will be right up your street.
It’s worth pointing out the Z785 is quite a bit cheaper than the TS2 so that may come into your thinking as well.
Titleist TS2 details
Lofts: 8.5°, 9.5°, 10.5°, 11.5° (TS2 only)
Shafts: Kuro Kage Black Dual Core 50 (High launch and moderate spin)
Tensei AV Series Blue 55 (Mid launch and spin)
Hzrdus Smoke Black 60 (Low/mid launch and spin)
Even Flow T1100 White 65 (Low launch and spin)
SRP: £449
More information can be found on the Titleist website.
Srixon Z785 details
Lofts: 9.5˚, 10.5˚
Stock shaft: Project X Hzrdus Red
SRP: £349
More information can be found on the Srixon website.
Driver test: Titleist TS2 vs. Ping G400 Max vs. TaylorMade M4
Review: Titleist TS2 and TS3 drivers
Review: Srixon Z785 driver
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