The golf industry is continuously evolving, and manufacturers constantly strive to create products that help golfers improve their game. One of the most essential clubs in a golfer’s bag is the fairway wood driver. Two of the most popular fairway wood drivers on the market today are the Titleist TSI2 and TSI3. In this article, we will compare the features, performance, and suitability of these drivers to help you decide which one might be the best fit for your game.
Design and Technology
TSI2 Fairway Wood Driver:
- The TSI2 is designed for maximum forgiveness and high launch. It features an Active Recoil Channel (ARC) which helps to reduce spin and increase ball speed.
- The TSI2 has an ultra-thin crown, which lowers the center of gravity (CG) for improved launch conditions and increased stability.
- The SureFit hosel system allows for easy adjustability, enabling golfers to fine-tune loft and lie angle settings to optimize their trajectory.
TSI3 Fairway Wood Driver:
- The TSI3 is designed for more skilled golfers who desire adjustability and workability in their fairway wood.
- The TSI3 features a more compact head shape and a deeper face, which promotes a more penetrating ball flight.
- The TSI3’s SureFit CG Track Technology allows golfers to adjust the club’s CG to influence ball flight and shot shape, providing a higher level of customization.
Performance
TSI2 Fairway Wood Driver:
- The TSI2 is known for its high launch, increased forgiveness, and straighter shots. Its design is more suited to golfers who struggle with consistency and need help getting the ball airborne.
- The larger sweet spot on the TSI2’s clubface provides more room for error, which is beneficial for golfers with a higher handicap.
TSI3 Fairway Wood Driver:
- The TSI3 offers better workability and control for skilled golfers, enabling them to shape shots more easily.
- The TSI3 provides a more penetrating ball flight, which is advantageous in windy conditions or when trying to hit low, controlled shots.
- Golfers with faster swing speeds may find that the TSI3 provides better distance due to its lower spin rate and more optimized trajectory.
Who Should Choose Each Model?
TSI2 Fairway Wood Driver:
- The TSI2 is an excellent choice for golfers with a higher handicap, slower swing speeds, or those who need more forgiveness and assistance in getting the ball airborne.
- Golfers who struggle with consistency and accuracy may find that the TSI2’s larger sweet spot and high launch can help improve their overall game.
TSI3 Fairway Wood Driver:
- The TSI3 is best suited for low-to-mid handicap golfers who have a faster swing speed and desire more control and shot-shaping capabilities.
- Golfers who prioritize workability, adjustability, and a penetrating ball flight should consider the TSI3.
Loft Options
| Model | Loft Options | Loft Range (degrees) | Lie Angle (degrees) | Face Angle (degrees) |
|---|
| TSI2 | 13.5, 15, 16.5, 18, 21 | 13.5-21 | 56.5-59.5 | Square |
| TSI3 | 13.5, 15, 16.5, 18 | 13.5-18 | 56.5-59.5 | Square, 1° Open |
Clubhead Size
| Model | Clubhead Size (cc) | Clubhead Material | Clubhead Shape | Weight (g) |
|---|
| TSI2 | 175 | Titanium | Traditional | 214 |
| TSI3 | 175 | Titanium | Compact | 213 |
Adjustability
| Model | Hosel Adjustability | CG Adjustability |
|---|
| TSI2 | SureFit Hosel | SureFit CG Weight |
| TSI3 | SureFit Hosel | SureFit CG Track |
Sound and Feel
| Model | Sound and Feel | Feedback |
|---|
| TSI2 | Solid and muted | Minimal feedback |
| TSI3 | Crisp and responsive | More feedback |
Performance
| Model | Launch | Spin | Forgiveness | Workability |
|---|
| TSI2 | High | Low | More forgiving | Less workable |
| TSI3 | Mid-High | Mid-Low | More workable | Less forgiving |
Shaft Options
| Model | Shaft Options | Flexes | Weight (g) | Torque |
|---|
| TSI2 | Mitsubishi Diamana S+ Limited 70, Mitsubishi Tensei AV Raw Blue 75, Mitsubishi Tensei CK Blue 65 | Regular, Stiff, X-Stiff | 66-77 | 3.5-4.5 |
| TSI3 | Mitsubishi Diamana S+ Limited 60, Mitsubishi Tensei AV Raw Blue 65, Mitsubishi Tensei CK Blue 55, Mitsubishi Tensei CK Blue 65, Mitsubishi Tensei CK Blue 75 | Regular, Stiff, X-Stiff | 53-77 | 3.4-4.4 |
Face Material and Technology
| Model | Face Material | Face Technology |
|---|
| TSI2 | Carpenter 455 Forged Titanium | Variable thickness face |
| TSI3 | Carpenter 455 Forged Titanium | Radial VFT (Variable Face Thickness) |
Price
| Model | Price (USD) |
|---|
| TSI2 | $299 |
| TSI3 | $399 |
Head Design and Technology
| Model | Head Design | Head Technology |
|---|
| TSI2 | Traditional pear-shaped profile | Active Recoil Channel 4.0 |
| TSI3 | Compact pear-shaped profile | SureFit CG Track technology |
Availability
| Model | Availability | Release Date |
|---|
| TSI2 | Standard | October 2020 |
| TSI3 | Custom-only | January 2021 |
Conclusion
The Titleist TSI2 and TSI3 fairway wood drivers cater to different types of golfers. The TSI2 is designed for forgiveness and high launch, making it ideal for higher handicap players or those with slower swing speeds. On the other hand, the TSI3 offers workability, control, and a more penetrating ball flight, making it a better choice for low-to-mid handicap golfers with faster swing speeds. Understanding your skill level and preferences is crucial in selecting the right fairway wood driver to elevate your game.
