While the Titleist TSi2 prioritizes forgiveness and distance, featuring a deeper face and larger sweet spot, the TSi3, on the other hand, offers more adjustability and workability with a slightly smaller head and a SureFit CG track. It all comes down to your skill level, swing characteristics, and desired shot-shaping capabilities to decide which to use.
Since the release of the 975s two decades ago, I’ve not been excited about Titleist drivers. The brand is not famous for being a driver’s company. When golfers hear ‘Titleist,’ they think of irons, Vokey wedges, and Scotty Cameron putters.
However, the releases of the TSi2 and TSi3 have gotten my attention. The hype about the contradictions of these two drivers (and the respective value offered) was convincing enough, so I decided to purchase both drivers, test them, and compare them head-to-head on various relevant levels.
In this article, I’ll walk you through how the TSi2 and TSi3 stand apart in design and construction, performance, adjustability, forgiveness, feedback, delivery, price, and overall value. These should help you decide if you’re torn between these two drivers.
Titleist TSi2
$549
- The TSi2 offers a higher launch
- Offers more forgiveness
- With the ATI 425 face material you get more ball speed
Titleist TSi3
$549
- The SureFit CG track system gives more adjustability
- The best option for low handicappers and faster-swinging golfers
- Offers increased ball speed thanks to the ATI 425 face material.
TSi2 or TSi3: My First Impression
From a distance, the appearance of TSi2 and TSi3 is identical. My initial thoughts were a fair judgment and leaned towards categorizing them as having equal value with SIM and Maverick.
However, I’ve owned the TS2 for a long time, and during research on these recent versions, I discovered that the TSi series gives a little more ball speed. With this in mind, I already thought they would be as forgiving as the old series.
I tested these two drivers in a simulator this past weekend. Both felt pretty good with several shaft options, but it was hard to ignore some critical differences, which I will discuss in length in the rest of this article.
Design and Construction
According to Titleist, the TSi drivers are generally expected to deliver incredible distance, and that is the big selling point of this lineup, especially considering that they all use aerospace titanium (made in Pittsburgh in a single foundry to retain the American-made narrative) and this would be the first time such materials are used in a driver of its kind.
The TSi series also moves faster through the air, which hints at faster club head speeds and ball speeds. Both drivers, the TSi2 and TS2, also feature multi-dimensional stability.
Now, the brand markets the TSi2 to golfers who need extra distance and forgiveness and the TSi3 to players who create more consistent contact and want more control over their ball flight.
This explains why the TSi3 featured a perimeter weighting system, allowing you to adjust ball movement right and left.
TSi2 | TSi3 | |
Head Size | 460cc | 460cc |
Loft options | 8°, 9°, 10°, 11° | 8°, 9°, 10°, 11° |
Launch | High | Mid |
Handicap Range | 3–15 | 0–10 |
Spin | Low | Low |
CG Adjustability | No | Yes |
Lie Angle | 58.5° | 58.5° |
Length (Men, Women) | 45.5″, 44.5″ | 45.5″, 44.5″ |
Distance | Long | Very long |
Forgiveness | Very High | High |
Price | $549 | $549 |
Performance Characteristics
The TSi2 driver offers forgiveness and distance, featuring a high moment of inertia (MOI) and a low center of gravity (CG). According to Titleist, the TSi2’s MOI is 12% higher than its predecessor, the TS2, resulting in increased stability and forgiveness on off-center hits. The TSi2 has a moderate spin rate and a slightly higher launch angle.
On the other hand, the TSi3 driver prioritizes precision and workability. It features a lower MOI, allowing for excellent shot-shaping control. The CG can be adjusted through the SureFit CG track, enabling customization of shot shape and launch conditions. The TSi3 has a lower spin rate and a slightly lower launch angle than the TSi2.
Adjustability and Customization
One of the most notable differences between these drivers is the weighting and adjustability options.
With the TSi2, you get an adjustable weight system to move a 9-gram weight to three positions within the club head. I like the square face angle at the address. It hints at a neutral ball flight. The driver also comes with a Golf Pride Tour Velvet 360 grip.
With the TSi3, you could move the clubhead’s weight into five spots on the back, but not entirely throughout the clubhead’s back. According to Titleist, the extension of this weighting system, as seen in the Callaway Epic Flash, can influence the center of gravity and change your hitting zone.
Imagine putting the weight on the toe or heel; you kick open or shut.
So with the TSi3, Titleist adjusted a much smaller track (the SurFit CG track system), offering you the five spots but still behind the club head. This allows you to influence the driver slightly on its rotation without taking away the forgiveness.
Also Read: Ts2 vs Tsi2 Drivers.
User Experience and Feedback
I tested the TSi2 and TSi3 using several different shaft options. The TSI2 gave a slightly higher launch, while the TSTSI3 offered more adjustability.
My first setup for this testing was the TSi3 with HZRDUS, the shafts for my Callaway Epic driver, and 10 degrees. After a few shots, I achieved 224 carries and 264 total. On another show, I gained 220 yards and rolled out to 250.
Also, I did not quite enjoy the sound of the TSi3 compared to how it was hyped, especially by the brand. But that should be the least of the issues. But the distance lived up to expectations.
Analyzing the results, I noticed that the TSi3, on average, has a 92 mph swing speed, and I was 0.2 degrees off. His side speed was 108 left, and the backspin was 240, which is a relatively high spin for the TSi3.
For the TSI2 range, my swing speed was generally a little faster (94.1), and I was leaving at 136 mph, but it didn’t result in much yardage. I only achieved a total yardage of 213 over 208.
So from my testing, there wasn’t any massive difference in performance or feel, except for the launch and speeds.
Price and Value
One strange thing about these two drivers is that they cost the same price. The TSi2 and TSi3 sell for $549 on the official Titleist website. But you can get better deals from retail platforms, many of which are often pre-owned.
If you look at other manufacturers, they drive premium prices into options with more customization. But I suppose the features of a bit more forgiveness in ball flight will attract people to spend the same amount of money for less flexibility.
Pros And Cons
Titleist TSi2 Driver | |
PROS | CONS |
offers a higher launch | Less adjustability compared to TSi3. |
Offers more forgiveness | |
It’s a versatile driver that is suitable for different golfers and their playing levels. | |
You get more ball speed thanks to the ATI 425 face material. | |
Titleist TSi3 Driver | |
PROS | CONS |
The SureFit CG track system gives more adjustability. | Not as forgiving as the TSi2. |
The best option for low handicappers and faster-swinging golfers | Not suitable for higher handicappers. |
You get more ball speed thanks to the ATI 425 face material. |
Wrapping up
Justin Thomas hit with one of the most popular Titleist TSi drivers on the market. If you watch more PGA Tour events, you’ll likely see more pro golfers use drivers from the TSi lineup. What does this mean? The TSi2 and TSi3 have no strange names in the golf game. You may never go wrong, no matter the choice you make.
However, these two drivers truly differ in their launch capabilities. If you’re an average golfer, the TSi2 has more to offer you because it produces a higher launch than the TSi3, so getting your ball in the air consistently and carrying it further will be easier.
I strongly recommend the TSi2 driver if you’re a slow-swinging golfer who struggles to achieve generally sufficient clubhead and ball speed or any significant carry. On the other hand, the TSi3 is your best shot if you’re a fast-swinging golfer looking for moderate ball flight. TSi3, in short, favors lower handicappers more.
What are your thoughts? Let me know in the comments.
FAQs
Is TSi2 more forgiving than TSi3?
The TSi2 driver is considered to be more forgiving than the TSi3. The TSi2 features a deeper CG (center of gravity) location, promoting a higher launch and excellent stability on off-center hits.
The TSi3, on the other hand, has a more compact profile and a slightly forward CG, which provides excellent workability but may be less forgiving on mishits. But it can vary depending on your personal swing characteristics.
Can a mid-handicapper use the TSi3?
Yes, a mid-handicapper can use the TSi3 driver. Its adjustable features allow you to optimize the club for your swing and maximize your performance on the course.
Should I get the TSi2 or 3?
When deciding between the Titleist TSi2 and TSi3, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and your specific playing style. The TSi2 is known for its forgiveness and high launch, making it the best option for maximum distance and accuracy. On the other hand, the TSi3 offers more adjustability and workability, catering to players who prefer shot shaping and customization.
What is the difference between TSi1, TSi2, and TSi3?
TSi1, TSi2, and TSi3 are all products under the Titleist TSi driver model lineup. However, the unique selling point of the TSi1 is its lightweight and slightly draw-based profile, while the TSi2 is for players whose priority is forgiveness. Conversely, the TSi3 driver will best suit players looking for playability and shotmaking.
But you will get more design freedom for extra off-center-hit stability in the TSi2 due to the lighter and faster-flexing alloy (ATI 425), while the TSi3 offers movable weight in the more pear-shaped