Titleist T Series Irons - 2023 Forum Review

[GolfSpy_APH]

Testers Announced! Titleist T Series Irons

For full details check out this link -https://mygolfspy.com/news-opinion/titleist-t-series-irons/

This is the third generation of T-Series Irons from Titleist since they moved on from the AP lineup. This generation of T-Seriers introduces two “new” irons to the lineup in the T150 (replacement for the T100S) and the T350. 

Here is a breakdown highlight of the series.

Titleist T100 - The most played iron on the PGA Tour there wasn’t much to change from the previous version. However Titleist worked to improve the feel, create tighter dispersion and updated the variable bounce sole. 

Titleist T150 - One of the “new” models the T150 retains the looks and progression that the T100 made but with a slightly thicker topline and slightly wider sole to create a more forgiving package while retaining improved ball speeds by an updated Muscle Channel.

Titleist T200 - A non-clicky backplate! However in all seriousness the T200 for 2023 is where some big improvements were made. With some updates to the topline and finish the T200 retains the same size as the previous version with what will likely be a more appealing look. Titleist have moved the speed boosting Max Impact Core closer to the heel and face of the golf club to improve sound and forgiveness. 

Titleist T350 - The replacement for the T300, the T350 comes in a package that matches the rest of the T-Series much better. It is a larger, more forgiving iron than the T200 and for Titleist is their Ultimate Game Improvement Iron. 

However most all of you know all that and are eager to hear if you were selected for testing! 

Please welcome and congratulate our testers!

T100 - @bens197

T150 - @Ben Joest

T200 - @GregB135

T350 - @ole gray

**While Testers were selected for those as their main sets, Titleist is working with all of them to ensure they are fit properly. Meaning split sets are an option for each tester.**

[bens197]

Get to know me folks…Bens197

Me:

Hi guys, I am Steve.  My name here is a combination of my name as well as my helmet number at my firehouse.  I’m a 42 year old, married, father of one.  When I am not golfing, spending time with my family or my beloved 11.5 year old American Pit Bull, I am a Career Fire Lieutenant for a suburban Fire Department in Western, NY.  My background is heavy into EMS and I spent several years working as a Firefighter / Paramedic for a high volume FD in Southeast Florida.

Florida?  Oh ya, I also worked in golf down there for 3 years where I worked as an assistant golf professional.

My Golf Background:

I’ve been playing for 35 years and my passion is now nurtured by my daughters newly found love of the game.  She proudly cares for her US Kids Stand bag and 4 piece set while hitting her pink golf balls perched atop her pristinely kept, pink golf tees.

My best scoring days are behind me and those rounds in the rear view were driven by sets of Titleist irons.  In high school and college I played 962b irons…the David Duval specials.

When hired in Florida, I was able to join Titleist staff thanks to a great boss who rewarded my passion for fitting and selling clubs to our members.  The regional Acushnet Rep was so pleased with our sales volume that he wanted Titleist / Cobra to be a mainstay in our shop.  The 962b’s found the back shelf and were replaced by 670’s (along with some 200 series Vokeys, a 905T and a 904F)…they were incredible, I wish I still had them.

Despite a few less rounds per year, I still maintain a healthy 5.1 index that has a lot of room to drop.  My scores tend to drop around this time due to my daughter attending school and a schedule that is conducive to weekday golf.  My first round of this year was a 74 where I hit 14/18 greens so I still have tremendous faith in my iron game.

My Thoughts on This Test:

This test has always been the paragon of MGS testing.  Some may disagree but when that Titleist email drops, there is a buzz around the forum.  I love my current setup and if MyGolfSpy has taught me one thing, there is nothing wrong with the relentless pursuit of the perfect bag…there may even be a certain Mod who lives by that mantra…

One set of T100 irons for thousands of applicants is not something I take lightly.  There is a supreme responsibility to follow through with an honest and transparent test.  I purchased a GPOD mount for my phone to take in-round video and as my daughter begins school in a few weeks, my weekly schedule will offer a lot of time to hit balls, play round and also participate in the weekly match play event.

I chose the T100 because my iron game is still strong enough and capable to see the benefit from these irons.  When they arrive, I will go through the specs, thought process between mixed sets and how I ended up with the setup best for my game.  I expect the performance of these irons to match my Mizuno MP 223 irons and I eagerly await the comparison between two of the games best irons.

My expectations are high.  Every week my email account is updated with “#1 iron in play at X event.”  There is a reason that players put the T100 in play and I expect that they perform to a certain standard.  I’ve read a lot about turf interaction and that is catching some buzz.  When I hear that I think forgiveness.  I’ll offer my own take but won’t be limited to just my thoughts.  What I mean is, please don’t expect me to fawn over the shiny new toy and not offer a fair and transparent assessment.  I have some preconceived notions about Titleist irons and since I have not gamed a set since 2006, I am expecting significant generational changes.  It also means I expect to be challenged by you, to dig into how these would work for any of you who are following along.

Besides that, thanks for checking in and reading up.  I am pretty accessible so if you have specific questions, give me a shout.

Thanks!

Steve

 

[Ben Joest]

Introduction

Hello All,

Like the screen name suggests, my name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die…

Wait…That’s a different thread altogether…

Let’s try this again. Like the screen name suggests, my name is, in fact, Ben Joest. I am 44 years old and a happily married father of 3. My progeny: Emma is 10, going on moody teenager. Katie just turned 9 and is my golfing ride or die. Lastly, is our son Noah, he is 4 and if he had been the first, he would be the only. Just energy and enthusiasm for days, and frankly it is exhausting. SWMBO, has mostly come to grips with my addiction to the little white ball, and carries with her the belief that this vice of mine beats similar afflictions involving booze, broads, or bets. The kids are active in youth sports and keep us running most of the year, so finding the time to play can be challenging at times. The family has decided that, when one is given such a magnificent opportunity to test out the latest offering from a preeminent equipment company such as Titleist, certain concessions are made on Dad’s behalf, isn't that right family?

Go Team Joesty!

My history with Titleist can be traced back to the early 2000’s. My first club of theirs was a second hand 975J Driver that I picked up in 2003. I have been playing golf in one form or fashion since I was a kid, growing up in the late 80’s, but prior to 2003, my clubs were mostly hand-me-down sets I inherited from my Uncle Mike, whenever he decided he was ready for an upgrade. Mostly MacGregors and Wilsons, and nothing so memorable that I can recall exact models, all these years later.

That all changed in 2003. I started playing with a buddy from work, that gamed a Titleist 983K Driver and he hit it a mile. After one round, we were enjoying a frosty beverage and he asked a simple question, that looking back, completely changed my trajectory as a golfer. To that point, I was content to play whatever and hack it around the loop, occasionally collecting a par or a birdie, but mostly carding bogeys and doubles. He nonchalantly asked something to the effect of “Do you want to get better?”

This question is so beguiling, as it instantly removes the scales from one’s eyes and forces an unwitting soul to reconcile the state of their game. After a brief pause, I responded, “Yes. Yes, I do.” And down the rabbit hole and into the wonderous kingdom of golf equipment I went. Looking back, it didn’t take long for me to develop the full-blown addiction and cobble together a decent set of used clubs. I grabbed a set of Taylor Made Super Steel Burner irons 3-PW from a buddy’s sister, who was selling her ex-husband’s clubs dirt cheap. I found the 975J Driver and 983 3 & 5 Woods at 2nd Swing, when they still had brick & mortar stores in the Cincinnati area. I topped it all off with a rusted oil can scotty Cameron putter that I found at an estate sale for $25 and a Callaway 56° wedge that I paid less than that for, under the auspices that I should probably have a sand wedge now that I am a serious golfer. I still have most of these clubs, but 975 driver is lost to History.

Since that seed was planted 20+ years ago, I have had lots of other clubs, including a 905 driver I still have the head of, a 910D2 driver, and a set of 712 AP1 irons, that have come and gone. I recently added a set of T100s 4-PW to my stable, and they will be what I set my baseline numbers with for this test.

As some of you may know, I have developed into a muscle back blade enthusiast. See the Who Doesn’t Want to Play a Muscle Back Iron? Thread for more details but the TL; DR:

Is my game good enough to play muscle back blades?

Is my game consistent enough to play muscle back blades?

A little bit of background on the current state of my game. Throughout most of my adult life, my handicap hovered between 8-12. Which is a decent number and it meant that my scores lived in the 80’s, with an occasional low 80’s round and once I shot 78. As last season was ending, after some internal deliberations, I made a commitment to myself to improve. I purchased a net, a perfect practice putting mat, and at Christmas I received a Rapsodo MLM from my family. I spent the winter utilizing these tools to hone the rough edges of my game and joined a simulator league at the local practice facility. There is also a thread for the details of that. The additional hours spent have paid off, and I have worked my handicap down to a very respectable 4.3.

With that in mind, I signed up to test the T150 irons. I am fascinated by Titleist’s attention to the nuances of one’s game when they fit a golfer into a set of irons. I will be sharing the fitting details in a separate post. The goal in all of this is to determine, if a well fitted set of irons can help me improve on what, according to the shot scope data, is already a strength of my game.

My plan for testing these irons is, by design, going to be a bit free flowing as I don’t want to get trapped into a specific methodology and dismiss new ideas, so this is where this test becomes interactive with you, the constant reader. I will be putting calls out to the membership to glean what exactly folks want to see. However, without a loose outline, we are reduced to this:

So with that in mind:

·        Using the MLM, I will use the current irons to set baseline numbers for club speed, ball speed, carry distance, total distance, and apex.

·        Also, dispersion will be looked at from the perspective of the average carry and lateral dispersion. A comparison will be made to determine if the T series improves these numbers and maintains a good gapping between clubs, as these 2 items are a key selling point for getting fitted into these irons.

·        Multiple range sessions with the T series, to accumulate an average for each club for comparison to the current set.

·        A baseline regarding strokes gained numbers through Shot Scope data ( See graph above)

·        At least one round per week, along with observations and results

·        Upon completion of the testing rounds, a comparison of how the strokes gained metric has improved or worsened over the course of testing.

·        Irons only rounds. To this, there have been some preliminary discussions about challenging the other Irons testers from this season to a “friendly” irons only battle royale. Details to follow.

The current goal is shooting par or better this season, with breaking 70 clearly in my sights. Join me on this journey, as it is going to be a wild ride.

 

Here is the link to my fitting post:

Here is the link to my Unboxing/Initial Thoughts Post:

 

[GregB135]

First off, a TREMENDOUS Thank You to My Golf Spy and the test mod team for choosing me to test the 2023 T200 irons. As always I am honored by the selection, even more so this time knowing how the selection process works, and receiving some very nice compliments from the mod team as we got started.

As a previous tester, you'd think I would have this whole writing the intro bit down by now, but it seems like this is the input I struggle with the most. But, after finally overcoming some photo related technical difficulties, here we go.

I'm Greg. I'm a Tampa native (yes, people are actually born here). I graduated from UCF in 1992 and then spent 20 years as a KC-135 pilot in the Air Force. Married to my wife Pam (SWMBO, Wife 1.0) for almost 26 years now, with the kiddos mostly grown we are transitioning to empty nest status over the next few years.

My golf experience has been a long and interesting ride. A high school friend invited me to go play one idle summer afternoon. His dad let me borrow a set of clubs, and off we went. I think I shot an unofficial 120 but I hit that one shot - a blistering, medium high draw into the fairway with a persimmon driver - and I was hooked. I started piecing together a set of clubs, one at a time off the sale rack at Sports Authority, and after a little bit of practice, joined our HS team for my senior year. I played sporadically through college, but got into the game more after starting active duty in the Air Force. Over time, my handicap has been as low as 8-9, but currently I'm clinging stubbornly to a 13. I play mostly recreationally, but for the past few years I've been in a social/comptetive league in the summers.

Describing my game I am a decent ball striker too dependent on rhythm and tempo. When temp is good, I'm in the fairway and giving myself good looks at greens and I score in the low 80s. When temp gets off, my tee ball accuracy suffers and depending on how forgiving the course is, my scores go up into the 90-95+ range. I would call my short game good enough but not good, although I do tend to putt better than most of my B-flight competitors.

Why did I volunteer for this test? Because my 7-iron was thinking it might be time to consider new irons...

SWMBO is thinking it might be time to get rid of one of some of the  "old clubs"

 (there are actually more )

I've been comfortably in the 'Players Distance' category of irons for a while now. Left to right we have my current set of 1st gen Titleist T200s, the Ben Hogan PTx (sad to see that company dissolve... again), and Mizuno JPX 850 forged. All have provided a good combinations of feel, forgiveness, and workability that suits my game.

Titleist's claims for the 2023 T200 are, "Enhanced Feel", "Clean Confident Shape" (subjective), "Effortless Turf Interaction", and "Better Tungsten for Scoring" (whatever that means). Though it is also relatively subjective, I'll be able to test "Enhanced Feel" because these irons are going head to head against an earlier version of T200. "Clean Confident Shape", I dunno, I guess if I don't wind up hating the way they look when I set up to a shot, ... sure. "Effortless Turf Interaction" will emerge during play as I encounter various lies. "Better Tungsen for Scoring" will take some creativity but I've got some options.

I've got a couple of options to use for using simulator and Trackman to gather some side-by-side comparison data. I also plan on repeating an exercise I did during the Ping G210 test that I called the "Iron Man Challenge"

No, .. not that.. I played a round of golf from my normal tees using the full bag against only the test irons from the forward tees. I expect I'll do that more than once during this test period. As an aside, that's a great way to measure the status of your game and figure out where to focus your practice time (or at least the 20% of it that isn't short game) ((IYKYK))

The first step in the test is completing the fitting. I'm looking forward to that, because I get to use the same fitter who set me up with my current irons as well as a previous driver fitting. I'm excited to get started and really get into seeing how the slight differences in the club build can change performance.

 

Fitting 

Unboxing / Initial Impression

 

 

[ole gray]

Howdy folks a little introduction about your tester for the Titleist T350 Irons!

My non-forum name is Bill and I live close to Athens, Ga so obviously I’m a huge Dawg fan. I’m 72 years old so hopefully, my review will enlighten some of you seniors out there who are interested in the T350  irons. Not saying these irons are designated for seniors as they should fit a WIDE sample of the golfing community. Golf is a hard game and some of us need more help than those who were born with the golden spoon of golf talent.

I’ve been in golf forum communities since 2009 with THP (TheHackersParadise) first where I met many of my internet golfing buddies through outings. I left there to join MyGolfSpy on November 6, 2016, and I have been a contributing member since.  Love it here!

The picture below was taken prior to our Championship game last year.  

 

I have a great golfing partner  (my wife Kelly) who has a pretty stout game and she often whups my butt like a drum. We won a large couples tournament a few years back and the format was alternate shot which caused most of the couples to file for divorce shortly after their round. Jk 

 

 

I’m a Vietnam Vet (1970 - 71) and the picture below is my son at his basic training mid-cycle at Ft Benning, Ga. He was involved with the withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan. My Dad was a veteran of Pearl Harbor so we have three generations of war veterans in my family.

 

My two stepsons (Jason and Marc) are both excellent golfers as one plays to a scratch and the other at a 3 handicap. Here is a photo of them at Jason’s club where Kelly and I play with those two as often as possible.

 

I’ve been an golf equipment ho for several decades now and the good Lord knows I’ve been through more stuff than any one man should ever see. I’ve had several lessons through the years and played at a single-digit handicap a few centuries ago.   I’ve had several equipment fittings too and the last one with Titleist was the best one by far. More on that as our reviews pick up steam. Currently, I’m a 15 handicapper so the T350 irons should be right in my wheelhouse.

That’s enough yapping about my old arse and I’ll close with this. I can promise you all a 110% effort in bringing those interested in the T350 irons good solid information to help you know these irons better.  I’m a little bit different in the way I do my reviews so gird up your drawers and get ready for a wild ride! 

 

Check out my Titleist fitting here: 

 

[Golfspy_CG2]

I’m guessing many of you already know as much about me as you care to.   But for the newcomer, I’ll try not to bore you too much.

My name is Rob, the screen name is a shortened version of CarolinaGolfer2, which was my screen name before becoming a staff member.  

I live in the Baltimore/Annapolis/Washington DC area, kind of in the middle of all three. I live with my Fiancé Michelle we have been tighter for 28 years but don’t have any kids.

By default, I am a Washington football fan, still have a hard time calling them the Commanders, and Nationals and I’m a mild Capitals fan. But I spent many of my after college years in the Chapel Hill/Raleigh area, thus the screen name. The Maryland area is great for golf, we get to play 12 months of the year, even though we may run into a few of snow closings in January or February. 

 By day, I’m the Tournament Sales Director at a 36-hole course in Maryland.  I run over 150 outings a year and it keeps me very busy. But somehow, I have managed to play a fair amount of golf, and demo a few clubs here and there

My experience in the industry has allowed me to take some fantastic trips to most of the major OEM’s and attend the PGA Show just about every year (pre covid) and meet some incredibly smart and wonderful industry people. Pictured Below with an extra 60 pounds vs now, I'm with Josh Talge the Director of Marketing for Titleist and a huge fan of MGS

I found the site in a bit different way than others who found it searching reviews of clubs. in 2016, I came across a rather “spirited” twitter exchange between Adam and someone.  I found Adam’s points very strong but very well made and seemed to make sense to me. Prior to that I had only heard of MyGolfSpy as being a rogue site that specialized in putting out leaked or unauthorized photos of new equipment. Just goes to show, you certainly can’t believe everything you read on the internet, especially when it’s a competing website/forum.

So, I looked at the article in question, can’t recall what it was now, but it was typical MGS style, making you not take for granted what the industry has always said.  I noticed the forum tab and jumped over there. I found it to be very friendly, but also very lacking in participation. I mean I read pretty much 4 months’ worth of posts within the first couple hours, and a couple days in, I had read pretty much everything back for several years. You could go an entire day on the forum and see maybe 40 or 50 posts in the entire forum.  My how things have grown and changed.  Thanks to all the great members here!

I was lucky enough to be picked for a test after about two weeks of being a member, I was shocked. It was for the Precision Pro Golf Band. An early version of a GPS watch, although it was more of a Fit Bit style than watch. About 6 months later I was one of the original EVNROLL Testers along with  JLukes  @revkev and @fozcycle, which was a great experience, and really confirmed to me what a great community this was.  Below is a shot of two of my bags after the 2016 EVNROLL testing, yeah, It's not uncommon for me to have two different bags, these happened to have be two of my all time favorite setups

 

 

I first became a staff member in 2017, I believe and a year later became Co Director of the Forum with @STUDque  Last year, I stepped back from the role due to the workload at my day job and became more of a as needed on call Moderator.  I have stayed on to help with things like the Major Contests or any other special contests/projects.  I have organized the first two official MGS National Outings in 2022 in Maryland and this year in Pinehurst.  We grew from 12 in 2022 to 16 this year, I think.  I’m hoping for a bigger and better one in 2024.

I have said many times over and over, the members here are the best asset we have.  They require very little moderation and allow the staff time to focus on things they want to do to try and make it the best forum in the industry.  I have met many members and made several friends here, I travelled to Ohio to join s small group there for a round of golf and some incredible pizza!  I played with Foz in Florida, and went north of the border to play with Ball Coach Jeff along with Matt from TXG.  
 

And one of my more unforgettable rounds was with @ole gray and his wonderful wife Kelly Bo  while I was visiting the folks at Bridgestone a few years back  

I have had the T350 in play for about a month but wanted to contribute along with the testers in this thread.

 

I’ll post my fitting experience separately  

#LetsGo LetsGo

 

[GolfSpy_APH]

Could not be be more excited for this group! Such an awesome group members and fingers crossed we could even have some additional forum exposure!

Looking forward to your reviews, fittings and everything you experience with this testing opportunity!

Of course also big thank you to Titleist for providing this opp. 

[sirchunksalot]

Congratulations testers! Man, this is a phenomenal group and I believe you guys will hit it out of the park! I can't wait to see how the new Titleist T series work for y'all. 

[Josh Ross]

Huge congrats! Excited to follow along!

[Bogeyfree69]

Congratulations to the selected!  Looking forward to the results!

[tchat07]

Congrats testers!

[bens197]

Thank you Titleist and MGS! This was an incredible surprise to wake up to this AM.  
 

Time to get to work!

[Shapotomous]

Congrats to a great group of testers!!

[rkj427]

Congrats. to this great group of testers!

Well deserving forum members selected for this. 

Really looking forward to seeing their comments all during this test.

[ejgaudette]

Congrats everyone, great group here. Can't wait to see how the testing goes

[Woody83]

Congratulations to the testers selected.  Such an awesome opportunity for you guys.   Look forward to reading your reviews.

[Sherlock]

Congrats!! Looking forward to seeing the results

[Ben Joest]

Big thanks to MGS and Titleist for this incredible opportunity!

[CFreddie]

No pressure testers - this one will have a lot of eyeballs on it!!! Congrats!!!

[ParFore74x]

Congratulations testers!!!!