50 Words or Less
The Titleist TS3 hybrid’s compact head shape produces a powerful ball flight plus provides some forgiveness.
Introduction
Once regarded as an iron replacement for less gifted golfers, hybrids are finding their way into the bags of better golfers – even PGA pros. In the Titleist family, the TS3 hybrid is intended for better players who prefer control over forgiveness. Having been impressed with the TS2 hybrid that I tested a couple months earlier [full review HERE], I was eager to see how the two clubs compared.
Looks
The TS2 and TS3 hybrids are easily distinguished from each other by their form. Whereas the TS2 (above left) has a symmetrical round shape, the TS3 is pear shaped and more compact. Devoid of any markings on the glossy black crown, the white paintfill on the dark face grooves pull your focus to the ball. The face itself is a moderate height and boxy with a flat sole – very iron looking.
Flip the club over and the sole displays a clean, modern edge. The silver X and textured black inlays provide visual interest. The TS3 badge is a pleasingly unassuming size as is the classic Titleist script on the toe. Looming large on the toe is the replaceable weight bar hole.
Sound & Feel
Much like the TS2, the TS3 hybrid face has a firm feel that makes most strikes feel solid. There was some feedback in my hands with the TS3, but in general there were just three points: pure, solid, and mishit. Medium volume and metallic, the pitch of the TS3 is distinctly higher than the TS2.
Performance
By creating a thinner and lighter face and crown than the TS3’s 818 predecessors, Titleist designers were able to reposition weight for a lower center of gravity to boost performance on the TS3 hybrid. Ball flight was a beautiful, penetrating trajectory that continued to climb to a high, deep apex that had balls seemingly dropping from the sky. Spin with the TS3 was slightly less than observed with the TS2.
Although I stated in the intro, “control over forgiveness,” the TS3 is far from a pro-only model. I found the TS3 very playable, with a modest amount of workability and forgiveness. I trust the Titleist literature that states the TS3 hybrid is designed for “stronger players who hit down on the ball” and can personally attest to great performance with a sweeping swing.
Seemingly obsessed with customized performance, Titleist offers five weight options, 16 lie and loft settings, and a myriad of shaft choices beyond the four stock offerings.
Conclusion
The two Titleist TS hybrids share a lot of DNA, but each retains its own distinctive personality. The TS3 hybrid has the look and performance attributes that are preferred by better players, yet has the forgiveness that most all players need. If you’re in the market for a hybrid, try them both and remember marketing highlights are generalities – see what works best for you.
Titleist TS3 Hybrid Price & Specs
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