What a journey Titleist has been on the past six years. It was that long ago when the company sat down and decided to take a very introspective look in the mirror when it came to metalwoods. Turns out, it was one of the best things they ever could have done. You see, it was at that time when Titleist was making good drivers in their 900-series. They were often applauded for their playability, but there was something missing. Speed.
So, the “Titleist Speed Project” was established, and the company set out to create a product that could stand toe to toe with any other in the marketplace not just in playability, but also sheer speed and power. First came TS which was a notable jump from the 900-series, but it was the TSi which kicked the door down for the company. The TSi has been the #1 driver on Tour, something many other companies have practically sold their soul to achieve.
Where do you go from there though? According to Titleist, you re-invent and refine.
Titleist TSR Drivers
When Titleist brought their ATI 425 Aerospace Titanium face to the table with TSi, they did something many companies had convinced themselves wasn’t possible anymore by creating a lineup of all titanium drivers that could compete with anything out there in every performance measurable. With that in mind, it should be no surprise that Titleist is once again out to prove to the industry that composites are cool, but Titanium isn’t at all out of style.
The TSR drivers represent refinement for the company. For two iterations they have pulled out all the stops to create a framework which put them as a must try driver company. With that achieved, the move now isn’t to just regurgitate it, but to refine and fine tune it.
A major part of the TSR design is the increased attention to aerodynamics on all three heads. These refinements visually go from very subdued in the TSR3 and TSR4, to much more notable in the TSR2 which showcases a much more traditional and flowing shape than the TSi2. Additionally, the goal was to remove as much drag as possible, and this was achieved with each head having a new “boat tail” shape.
Massive focus was also put on the face of each TSR driver. Now, don’t worry, the aerospace titanium which many fell in love with on the TSi’s is still present and accounted for, but that doesn’t mean there couldn’t be improvements, particularly in the variable thickness to improve speed production and retention. Two different VFT designs are in play with TSR, “Multi-Plateau VFT” with the TSR2 and TSR4, and “Speed Ring VFT” in the TSR3.
The Multi-Plateau design in the TSR2 and TSR4 is built inward individual layer by layer to regulate the face to create an almost constant CT over the entire surface making for more retention and forgiveness on off-center strikes. With the TSR3, Speed Ring VFT is all about centering the maximum COR/CT relationship right into the sweet spot giving those who find the middle of the face maximized speed potential.
While the above signifies the hot-button design features in the TSR lineup, each club is also worth diving into individually for a more clarified picture.
Titleist TSR2 Driver
The TSR2 is a 460cc design which is the most forgiving of the three TSR options. This is the driver which offers speed and stability above all else to ensure performance across the face with the previously discussed “Multi-Plateau VFT” being a major part. Interestingly, the CG in the TSR2 is lower and forward than the TS2 and TSi2, according to Titleist this is all about ball speed and launch/spin condition optimization.
Rounding out the high launch, low spin design is a “reimagined” look. Basically, it looks like the TSR2 went on a diet and came back with a look that even the pickiest players will now get along with. A better shaping in the rear getting rid of the quasi-angular look of the TSi2 as well as a refined toe shape make for a driver that looks like a classic Titleist head. Not to mention, gone is the out of place silver finish on the sole, now the TSR2 blends seamlessly to its siblings.
Length: 45.5”
Loft Options: 8.0 in RH and 9.0, 10.0, 11.0 in RH/LH
Titleist TSR3 Driver
Another 460cc clubhead, the TSR3 builds on what was the most popular clubhead in the TSi driver release. The goal was to keep the player’s profile but fine tune it by understanding that type of golfer is one that tends to live in the center of the clubface. That is where the aforementioned “Speed Ring VFT” comes in to maximize the CT/COR relationship in the sweet spot. Speaking of that sweet spot, it is now even more tunable with a reimagined CG Track System which is more efficient at dialing things in for the player than the previous version.
Visually, the TSR3 will look extremely familiar to those who spent time with the TSi3. This was intentional as there was no need to overhaul what was already massively successful. Instead, there were subtle tweaks to improve the aerodynamics to make the mid-high launch and low spin design stand out even more. In fact, based on the early Tour adoption rate, this is once again going to be a big hitter for Titleist.
Length: 45.5”
Loft Options: 8.0, 9.0, 10.0 in RH/LH (10.0 is custom in LH), and 11.0 in RH (custom)
Titleist TSR4 Driver
Finally, the TSR4. What we have here is, contrary to early rumors, once again a 430cc driver design that visually is one of the most classic looks we have seen. Make no mistake, this is a low-spin and mid-low launching clubhead aimed at the better player and those who struggle to keep spin below 3,000 RPM’s.
Where the TSi4 was a very demanding low and forward CG driver, the TSR4 will undoubtedly keep some of that demand, but Titleist has done much work to increase the playability. First, the application of the new “Multi-Plateau VFT” face also used in the TSR2 seeks to add notable consistency in speed and distance which the TSi4 did not have away from center. Second, the TSR4 features a two-weight system with the option to place a heavy weight in a forward port, or a rearward one which Titleist states turns the club into a TSR3.5 of sorts.
Length: 45.5”
Loft Options: 9.0 in RH/LH, 8.0 and 10.0 in RH
The Details
The new TSR drivers will hit stores on 9/23/2022 and feature a breadth of no-upcharge and custom shaft options. As standard, the lineup will offer Project X’s HZRDUS Red CB and HZRDUS Black 4G, as well as the Mitsubishi Chemical Tensei AV Blue with Xlink and Tensei 1K Black. More than that, for a $200.00 upcharge the Graphite Design Tour AD UB, Tour AD IZ, and Tour AD DI will also be available. Yes, there is a full catalog of other full upcharge shafts, but the Graphite Design “Premium” level option is quite cool to see. The TSR drivers will be priced at $599 for the standard options, and $799 for premium.
What do you think of what Titleist is bringing to the table this year with the TSR drivers? Do you plan on seeking them out to try? Jump in and let us know all your thoughts in the comments below or directly on the THP Community!
Thanks for all the details on the release @Jman ! ? what they’re doing with these.
I kind of fell in love the second pictures got out because I didn’t think they could make a better looking line than the TSi. They did though. They just happen to have made a whole bunch of improvements along with that too. Overachievers. lol
I could play the 2, 3, or 4, but am partial to the 3. The 2 is so crazy good, but I really loved my TSi3, and from hitting the r3, there’s a couple distinct advantages over my current driver with it for me. Little different weight placement and shape and it has consistently launched a little easier for me over my gamer. There’s some forgiveness in that on course.
Speeds have been real good! Was fresh and frisky one session and broke my speed PB with the TSr2, and then with the 3 a couple times more. Love the sound and the stability. The 4 sounds really cool, but a bit different. Smaller, 11g up, it’s a little old school metal bat to my ears compared to the others.
The one thing that I need a little more time on is the low strike with the r3. It’s not my typical miss, so it’s not common, but a couple of the times I’ve ventured down there I’ve been a little unimpressed. They have the new speed ring faces that are supposed to be more consistent, but I’ve had a couple ‘huh’s low. Not spinning up necessarily, but have seen a decent speed dip. Seems to be backed up on course, but it’s still small samples. Makes sense with the new face though now. I think I might have misheard that originally. Still getting a feel for it. The higher face on the other hand, seems fairly solid. I loved that about my i3, and it seems decent on the r3. There’s good launch and the spin doesn’t drop all the way off the planet. It’s been really playable. Bomby even.
Best numbers for me have been with my Ventus Black overall, but the new Hzrdus black is what I was swinging when I was punching all those personal best speeds. I’ve been tinkering the last couple with the Tensei 1k Black though. I’m putting it up against the Ventus today at the range.
Love the new sounds even more than the last version. Took some vids on the course with the 3 on a quick round, so maybe you can hear the sound of it. And there were some GREAT shots for a fast round with a bit of a different setup. Able to work the flights and shapes, had a few in the 350 range, lots of well controlled 320s. Real good.
Haven’t decided on my exact setup yet. There’s time, and there’s a lot of good to choose from. Heads should be out near everyone now,
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GO HIT THEM!!!
Side note: I freaking love the design aesthetic Titleist has gone with. It’s clean and classy and doesn’t show it’s age. Very European auto styling. It really stands out in a product market that often leans loud and tacky.
Neat video – it does sound great! I hate the looks that narrow hole you showed btw ?
I was hoping the sounds would come through. It gets comment early and often. It’s so uniquely good to them.
Haha That’s what makes it such a fun course with a new driver though. Have to shape and place it on just about every hole. Let’s you see where you’re actually at with something so fast. If it’s a bad match it’s glaring.
Yea I get that! Do you think you’ll stick with one setup for awhile once you get the shaft choice figured out?
This is exactly the ASMR I’ve been not so patiently waiting for. ?
Nothing like it. I’ve got to go hit these asap.
Yeah, I tend to. I work the decision process hard and then usually stick with it for a couple hundred rounds. Excited to do a direct shaft comparison outdoors later today.
Look at that guy just crushing drives effortlessly down the fairway.
Was comparing the old 4 to the new. Besides being more playable, it looks a ton better to me. Way more refined.
I don’t know that it gets much better than this though..
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Appreciate you taking the time to read!
should i expect this kind of experience?
It really does make it like a TSR3.5.
At my fitting they discussed how many of their Titleist Staff were ending up in the 4 and it was wild. But when I hit it, I saw why. Misses are playable, they don’t knuckle out of the sky for me.
Ended up averaging 13.4 launch and 2300 rpm with “significant misses” still staying at 3k or just below.
The 2 may not be the sexiest of the trio, but, I don’t want to give up its uncanny ability to find the fairway.
With the release of the TSi woods and the latest T series irons the Titleist offerings are as good as anything on the market. You should definitely consider them.
That was a major reasoning for moving the CG as they did.
Thanks to my awesomely cool Titleist fitter Sean, I was fit at Whitford CC in Exton, PA to the TSR2 10*, with (I THINK) the Tensei AV Raw Blue 55 stiff flex, set I believe to B1 (stated loft, open 0.5*). I’ll caveat this that I didn’t get an email with full specs, and I was a little afraid to take a picture of stuff being pre release, so I might be a little off on this. I’ll correct if necessary once I receive the driver.
Sean realized pretty quickly after watching me hit my current driver (9* head) that while I had a potential for some real bombs, the spin and launch we too low to be consistent (I was averaging under 2K spin and like 8-9* launch). So the goal was to bring this up a bit while keeping the distance potential. TSR4 was always going to be right out. We did hit the TSR3 a few times, but it was clear that was too low a spin profile also, so we settled on the head pretty quickly. We hit the Tensei Blue, Tour AD DI 60S and UZ 60S, but the speed was just there on the Tensei and I seemed to get a little more consistent launch and felt more confident in the flex profile, so my dispersion was better also.
With the TSR2/AV Blue/B1 combo, we were able to get launch in the 10-11* range with low to mid 2000’s spin numbers, and increased ball speed from 157-158 in my current driver to 160-161 with the TSR2. Max swing speed stayed pretty consistently in the 106-107 range with both clubs. That ball speed and launch/spin increase translated to a jump from current driver averaging about 240-250 carry rolling to 270-280, increasing to about 260-270 carry rolling to 280-290. The increase in total distance wasn’t as much as the carry increase, but my distance should now be much less dependent on conditions and I should be seeing big increases in softer conditions.
Really excited to see how this combo works out attacking Ballyhack in a week and a half!
Man great write up on your thoughts and great video hearing some sound. I need to hit these.
I knew it!
Awesome writeup @Jman! The TSR 3 seems very interesting being a mid launch option. Does it have similar forgiveness for TSR 2?
Really need to get in and give these a try. Based on aesthetics, I think the TSr4 would be what I would gravitate to. Front/back weights are awesome and I really like a compact look. Not sure if I would go with 9* or maybe go with a 10*. Really depends on what the spin looks like. I see the 1K Black 65TX is available fo’ free too. But, I want to at least give it a try vs the new HZRDUS. I think I prefer the Tensei feel over the HZRDUS. But…new stuff and all that. Should probably at least get in and go through the paces.
Now, the question is, do I just go do it now. Right as my season is about to end? Lol. On one hand, it would be nice to get in there when my swing is in somewhat decent shape. But, some serious golfers elbow going on right now. Then, what if I buy it. Can I mentally stop myself from falling for the next wave of releases in the new year?
BTW, great write up man. I always enjoy your thoughts on clubs.
You’re gonna fall in love with the 4
Stop teasing me!
I can say that I went into my fitting knowing that I would be fit into a certain model and I surely ended up in a different one.
I think we are clear to talk about our fittings now, is that correct @JB ?
It’s playable. I worked out the WHOLE face. Haha
Will be messing around with the weights in my TSr4 8° head as well as the adapter settings when I get some range time. Tinkered a little bit yesterday before my round but didn’t switch the weights. Still have the heavy up front.
Unfortunately everything will just be a visual, but hopefully can get some bay time somewhere to see numbers.
Will post up some thoughts at a later time.
The shape change was a must imo. It now looks like a Titleist driver
definitely needed. I liked the shape of 917d2, but haven’t really been on the "2" shape bandwagon since.
That’s always tough. There’s benefit to doing it while your in-season grooving, but you might be delivering a bit different with a sore elbow compared to spring after some rest. Or you might be doing it very differently in the spring just because you’re not in mid season form. It’s hard to know. And yeah, you never know quite what’s coming in the spring. Makes the big commit on the fall release a bit of a nail biter. And there is definitely one coming in next year that might interest you. Lol
The 4’s not crazy low or anything from my experience. I hit an 8* one day and I could do it with a bit of a ball position shift. And it does sound cool. A bit solid. It’s fun. And I love front/back adjustments too, because they can dial things without having to change loft.
Man the shafts are interesting. I know I’ve changed a bit, but the Hzrdus seems less stout every version to me. More feel. Little looser. Feels a little different than the first smoke. I still always hit them pretty well, and was pounding it, but they were more left and I feel like I’d want a TX and then some in it. The 1k black you definitely need to try. I don’t play a lie of Tensei so it’s a little different for me. They all are really. Bouncing between my Ventus, the Hzrdus, and the 1k blacks there’s quite a range of feels.
I think you should try it, just so you at least have a reference if you decide to wait until spring to make any moves.
We aim to please!
Going into the Titleist Experience fitting, I was fairly certain that TSR2 would be the driver of choice for me: sure enough, the Trackman numbers didn’t lie! My fitter had me hit several drives with my current driver (Stealth Plus), and the first thing he noticed was that my spin numbers were low…very low. Basically ball dropping out of midair low. lol He put the TSR2 in my hands, and away we went! The first shaft I tried was around 50g, and he saw right away that I just don’t swing well with a lighter shaft. Not only did we switch to a heavier shaft, the fitter increased the head weight by 4g: lo and behold, that made a huge difference. One other change he made was reducing the shaft length by 1/2 inch – the next few drives were nothing but pure joy!! Overall, spin increased by approx. 500 RPM, carry distance +21 yds, overall distance +18 yds!! I wish I could have received a print-out of the specific Trackman numbers for everyone to see…I’ll remember that for next time.
Next up was the fairway wood fitting. Although I currently use a Ping G425 5 wood, the fitter wanted me to try a TSR2 3 wood: that didn’t work out too well. We then went to a TSR2 5 wood, and…BOOM!! Felt good, launched good, and distance exceeded my G425. The fitter switched shafts on me, reducing the length by 1/2 inch, which basically turned my club into a 7 wood: dispersion for the next few shots was no more than five yards! Mission accomplished!
My new clubs: TSR2 driver (11*) w/Tensei AV Xlink Blue 65 TSR (regular), 1/2" short
TSR2 fairway wood (18*) w/Tensei AV Series Blue 55 (regular), 1/2" short