How does the Titleist TS1 driver perform?
Titleist TS1 driver review: First Impressions
This driver is the newest addition to Titleist’s Speed Project range where the focus has been ball speed and distance gains. The TS1 is an interesting move from Titleist as it is designed for moderate swing speeds players. This means it has a completely different target audience to the clubs they usually design with tour players in mind.
Titleist now have four drivers in the TS range and are aiming to have a driver to suit everyone’s game. The new Titleist TS1 has the same size head as the TS2 and 3 at 460cc. But is slightly larger than the 430cc head offered in the TS4.
It is a complete contrast from the recently released Titleist TS4. The TS4 is designed to produce high ball speed whilst having ultra-low spin. In contrast the new TS1 is designed to increase launch angle and add spin to allow players with slower ball speeds to achieve maximum carry distances.
Titleist TS1 driver review: The Technology
The TS1 offers the same technology found throughout the Titleist TS family but in an incredibly light 275-gram design. The weight of TS1 has been reduced to help players maximise launch angle and distance at moderate swing speeds.
The 275-gram design is an incredible 45 grams lighter than the TS2 model. The eight-gram lighter head weight is designed to help players generate faster clubhead speeds, while 20 grams has been saved by replacing the standard grip with an extremely light 32-gram Golf Pride Tour Velvet 360 Lite grip.
The Titleist Speed Project family is designed to provide maximum ball speed. The key design area that helped them achieve this is an ultra-thin titanium crown that allows 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 variable face thickness also increases ball speed and forgiveness.
A new streamlined shape enhances the aerodynamics and reduces drag by up to 20%. The optimised weight redistribution has resulted in the lowest centre of gravity ever in a Titleist driver for higher launch and lower spin.
TS1’s deep CG location generates higher launch and optimal spin needed by moderate speed players to carry the ball further. The design still maximises ball speed on off-centre strikes due to high MOI properties.
Titleist say the MOI (resistance to twisting on impact) is up to 12% higher than 917. This creates a powerful combination of speed and stability even on off centre strikes.
Titleist’s patented SureFit Hosel offers 16 different loft and lie settings for maximum levels of adjustability. This provides additional ball flight optimisation during the fitting process.
That’s enough about the technology – how did this perform for our scratch handicap equipment guru? Find out on the next page…
Hannah Holden
Hannah Holden is the Equipment and Instruction Editor here at National Club Golfer. If you’re looking to improve your game, by changing your golf swing or upgrading your golf equipment she’ll have the answers.
As well as writing lots of features and reviews you can find her on our YouTube channel giving you insights on the latest rules, clubs and tips to improve your golf game.
Hannah is a member at Alwoodley golf club. You will either find her here or driving up and down the country playing in a variety of elite amateur events.
