The release of the new T-Series from Titleist is always a fun time, however the simultaneous introduction of the brand’s new utility irons to accompany them as quickly become one equally as exciting. What some still don’t realize is Titleist continues to be the most played utility iron on Tour, by a large margin. So, the announcement of new U505 and T200 utilities sees the company not only seeking to maintain that but gain even more ground.
Besides the emphasis on creating forgiving, easy launching, and fast utility irons, the way Titleist again is presenting two options in this segment certainly looks to prime them for more success. With an added focus this year on sound/feel as we noted in the T-Series iron release of the T200 and T350, the U505 and T200 are looking to offer everything a utility iron user could ever ask for.
2023 Titleist U505 Utility Irons
First and foremost, the big brother of the utility iron duo for Titleist is the U505. Although, it seems to be becoming a bit more svelte as the years go by. The shorter height and wider sole remains on the U505, but this time it is a bit more massaged, particularly with a more compact heel to toe blade length than previous U’s have been.
The name of the game, however, is still all about launch and forgiveness in place of the traditional set long irons for golfers who need that but aren’t wanting to go to a hybrid or higher lofted fairway. As such, the U505 will be offered in an iron replacement 3 and 4, and flat out bomber 1 and 2 versions as well.
Internally, the U505 has a stronger chassis build akin to the T200 and T350 irons which means more speed can be generated while also gaining more spin retention too. Also, taking from the T-Series irons, the U505 is using a new Max Impact Technology design internally that sits snugly to the face for more dampening and a much more solid sound/feel at impact.
The CG here is lower than Titleist has gone before to help with that easy launch in order to maximize the ability to use the U505’s from the tee and into greens. Another part of the equation is that like the T-Series irons, it also uses the new variable bounce sole which was created in conjunction with Vokey to improve the turf interaction. By softening the trail edge of the sole, the larger sole width should now work faster through the turf, giving the U505 new potential as a scoring iron in the right hands.
As for the featured shaft option, Titleist is going with the Project X HZRDUS Black 4G in 80 or 90 gram options. Premium options will be the Graphite Design AD-DI in 85g and AD-IZ at 95g.
2023 Titleist T200 Utility Irons
Then, for the golfer who wants more launch and speed in the long irons but isn’t willing to totally forgo a compact size and profile, there is of course the new T200 Utility. Titleist is calling this one “The Tour’s Distance Iron” and that is because the previous version is the most played utility on Tour.
The story here is the same as that of the T200 irons since these are the same design built out in utility lofted options of 2, 3, or 4 irons which come in at 17, 20, and 23 degrees respectively. Ultimately, there is an internal upgrade in play here through a stronger chassis to create more energy efficiency and better feel/sound when combined with the improved Max Impact Technology that is now tighter to the face. These aspects mean a better use and application of polymer that is more efficient than ever in creating the solid/dense strike sound that has been the only thing that eluded the previous T200.
Shaping for the T200 Utility remains the same hyper popular look we saw previously, but with the new variable bounce sole design used throughout the T-Series to improve the in and out turf interaction. Another major reason for its adoption on Tour besides the speed and power is that the T200 Utility is the exact same blade length as the T100 and T150 irons and it keeps the same offset as well, making for a seamless transition.
Like the U505, the featured shaft option from Titleist is the Project X HZRDUS Black 4G in 80 or 90 gram options while the Graphite Design AD-DI in 85g and AD-IZ at 95g are the standard premium upgrade choices.
The Details
Both the new U505 and T200 utility irons will be available for fitting 8/3/23 and hit retail come 8/25/23. Titleist is using their new proprietary Universal 360 Grip as the standard option and the U505 is priced at $269 with the featured shaft option, and $399 for premium.
Based on the info here at release, it certainly looks like Titleist is poised to keep the crown as the leader in play for utility irons on Tour, do you think that could translate to you and other amateurs as well? Jump into the conversation and let us know just what you think!
