50 Words or Less
Lightweight and designed for golfers with moderate swing speeds, the Titleist TS1 driver delivers solid performance. Forgiving and consistent, good results seem effortless.
Introduction
To better fit the full spectrum of golfers, Titleist recently released the TS1 and TS4 drivers to complement the highly successful TS2 and TS3 drivers. Where the TS4 moved the focus to very accomplished players (see review HERE), the TS1 is designed for golfers with moderate swing speeds. And if you aren’t familiar with Titleist’s nomenclature, TS stands for Titleist Speed – the pursuit of speed from every aspect of the driver.
Looks
Titleist did a wonderful job maintaining brand identity across the four models of the TS driver family. Like its siblings, the TS1 has a gloss black crown with a simple triangle for aligning the sweet spot. Although a head’s length is the more common descriptor, to me, the TS1’s head has serious depth front to back.
The family features continue on the sole with silver wings and the simple TS and red highlighted 1. The round weight port seems an odd departure from the triangular shape used on the other models, yet blends in nicely while denoting the deep CG. The TS1 has pleasing face symmetry, and I’m a big fan of the classic Titleist script on the toe.
Sound & Feel
The TS1 driver produces a pleasant, medium volume, metallic ‘thwack’ that’s consistent across the face. I had to really catch one towards the heel or out on the toe for the sound to become muffled.
Similarly, it took a true mishit to feel feedback in my hands. Does that mean the club lacks feel? Maybe, but it seems more of a testament to the TS1’s stable, high MOI design and completely aligned with the target market – swings below 85 mph.
Performance
Reduced weight was the quest to give the TS1 driver speed. The TS1 driver was designed from head to grip to be ultra-lightweight and comes in 45 grams lighter than the stock TS2. With the light, aerodynamic head and lightweight shaft, swinging the TS1 driver felt effortless. Reasonable contact sent the ball on a beautiful high trajectory. My typical shot shape is straight or a little draw, so the slight draw bias of the TS1 design had my dispersion trending more left than desired. With a simple swing adjustment I was hitting my longest drives straight down the middle or just right of center. For more ball flight optimization, the TS1 comes with Titleist’s SureFit Hosel, featuring 16 loft and lie settings.
Reviewing my Trackman data collected at Club Champion, I was amazed at the consistency of the TS1 driver. The solid feel of the strikes was validated by strong performance numbers. My spin numbers also reflected the clubs stated mid-spin design. It’s a pleasant experience sitting down to write up a review and finding that the marketing details match up with actual results.
Conclusion
As someone with a moderate swing speed, I found the Titleist TS1 driver very satisfying to hit. The balance of the club throughout the swing made for a comfortable encounter right from the first ball I hit. The clean look and satisfying sound of the TS1 driver were appealing to my eyes and ears. With the TS1 driver joining the Titleist Speed family, golfers across the swing spectrum can play a driver designed for their specific needs.
Titleist TS1 Driver Price & Specs
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Re: the two stock shafts,,,does the Fujikura Speeder deliver a lower ball flight than the Mitsui Fubuki. My swing speed is below 80.
Have demoed a couple of drivers this season, seem to prefer the Ping G400/410 with R-flex shaft; but am still undecided.
You’ll need to demo the TS1 with both shafts to find your answer Jake. Both shafts fall into the high launch, high spin category generically speaking. Let us know what driver and shaft you decide on.
– Meeks
I’ve been playing the TS1 for about a month and can only describe it as “miraculous!” It’s nearly impossible to slice if you initiate a smooth takeaway followed by an in-tempo, easy-ish swing. No tension in the shoulders here! The club delivers straight, better than average distance with a satisfying “thwack “ off the tee and a very very solid hand-feel. I played the TS2 previously for about three months prior to demo-ing the TS1 and that was it! Traded it in immediately. The club does EXACTLY what’s its claims to. How’s that for a pheasant change!
What are your swing parameters and age? I’m 54 losing distance but hit tons of fairways
I’d love to test the TS1!
What is the longest lightweight driver that you have tested. My swing speed is 80 mph.
Thank You
Buzz,
Everyone will have a different longest driver based on their swing’s need for launch and spin. The best thing to do is work with a qualified fitter to find your best driver.
Best,
Matt
Matt is correct Buzz. With that said, if you are focused on lightweight, here’s two drivers that stood out for me in 2019 – XXIO Prime and W/S D7.
– Meeks
I was fit for the Titleist TS1 with the Mitsubishi Fubuki MV45 shaft last year right after it came out. I’m 67, with a swing speed is about 85 mph and a slightly descending swing path at impact. My normal ball flight is a slight fade. I was using a Callaway Rogue that I was NOT fit for and was hitting low pulls with poor distance. The TS1 was a revelation. Distance and ball height are superb. During the fitting the fitter had me try many brands: Callaway, Cobra, Ping, XXIO, Titleist. The TS1 was clearly the best for me. If your swing speed is going down as you age, spend the money, get fitted and make sure the TS1 is in the stack of clubs to be tested.
How many shafts are offered on this driver?
Stock offerings are listed in the Price & Specs chart at the bottom of the review Dennis.
– Meeks
Do they have a fairway wood for slow swing speeds. Titleist
Titleist offers the TS2 and TS3 in fairway woods. With several stock shaft choices and a catalog full of other options, I’m certain a fitter can find the right shaft/club combination for your swing.
– Meeks
Robert
What loft were you fitted into?
Thanks
I am in total agreement with Robert Johnson’s comments. I’m 63 with an 80 mph swing speed. My stock drive is a mid-low draw with lots of roll. I lent my nephew my G400 Max which I will only see when he and I play together. I got a used Mavrick standard, regular Even Flow Riptide shaft until I got fitted for a new driver in the spring. I hit the Mavrik shorter, and we’re still playing here in New England, so I had to make a change NOW. I couldn’t get more than 1100 rpm’s/190 yds from Mavrik. I know enough to know that was 1/2 the rpm’s I needed. With the help, patience and tolerance from the guys at GW, Hartford, CT, several dozen clubs and shafts, and several thousand range balls, the TS1 was the clear winner. Gained 1200 rpm’s, just a couple swing mph, but got 23 yards more carry and 20 yards distance. Notably longer than my G400 also. Process was a blast, thanks guys. GET FITTED or teach yourself how to. Well worth it.
I’ve played the TSI 1 driver and Fairway woods but need something just a little more forgiving. My club does not have any demos for the TS1’s. I’m stuck.
I’ve been using my TS1 now for about 12 months and absolutely love it. Total confidence when I step up onto the tee, the only other driver I have ever owned which I felt this comfortable with was a Ping G10 some 10 years ago. I stupidly sold that and replaced it with a G15 but it wasn’t the same.
I’m a 66 year old 13 handicapped player and am still putting it out there a decent way with this driver. Okay not as far as I was 20 years ago, but far enough to keep up and surpass all of my old buddies.
Highly recommended Driver for somebody struggling with distance…
Got fitted for the TS2 with a Tensei Blue AV Regular flex shaft…hit it for about 6 months with no issues, read about the TS1 being a little more lightweight, so kept the shaft and switched the Head to a TS1. Best Driver I’ve ever hit!!! I rarely miss a fairway and hit it about 240-250 at 61 years of age. The guys in my regular Saturday foursome have nicknamed me BMW….The Ultimate Driving Machine!!!!