Titleist Launches Powerful and Accurate 818 Hybrids

Titleist has launched its new 818 Hybrids, which have been enhanced with the brand's tour-verified driver technology to produce their most accurate and longest hybrid yet. This release is set to thrill golfers who are seeking precise fitting and improved shot making with the long game.

Available in golf shops worldwide beginning Sept. 29, the new 818H1 and 818H2 models utilise proprietary Active Recoil Channel 2.0, SureFit CG Weights and SureFit Hosel technology to deliver longer distance with a more playable trajectory and the most precise shotshape customisation available.

“We define hybrids as scoring clubs, not rescue clubs,” said Josh Talge, Vice President of Marketing at Titleist. “That’s how our R&D group has been designing these clubs for years, and it’s the reason Titleist has become the clear #1 hybrid on the PGA Tour. The amount of technology we’ve engineered into 818 is unprecedented for the hybrid category, and will give golfers at every level the confidence to take dead aim from distances they never have before.”

Since their debut on the PGA Tour in mid July, 818 hybrids are now being played across the worldwide professional tours. At the PGA Championship, Jordan Spieth added a new 818H2 to his bag, seeking a long game option that would produce a higher trajectory for holding firmer greens and maintain performance from the rough. Russell Henley, Bernd Wiesberger and Andrew Johnston are among the players that have also put new 818 hybrids immediately in play.

FREE FITTINGS: From the middle of September golfers can experience the performance of Titleist 818 hybrids by attending a Titleist Fitting Event (including Titleist Thursdays), being held at hundreds of locations across the UK & Ireland. To find an event, golfers can visit: www.Titleist.co.uk/818.

PERFORMANCE & TECHNOLOGY

“When building scoring clubs like 818H1 and 818H2, you have to think about distance in terms of playable distance,” explained Stephanie Luttrell, director of Titleist R&D Metalwoods Development. “Playable distance is easy distance that launches high and lands soft. Improving that performance requires faster ball speeds, higher launch and a higher peak height of shot, which we achieved through our redesigned Active Recoil Channel 2.0 and improved MOI properties. Playable distance is also consistent distance that you can control. Having seen just how powerful the combination of SureFit CG Weights and SureFit Hosel was for players being fit into our 917 drivers and fairways, we knew that technology would be especially meaningful in shot making clubs like 818 hybrids, allowing players to optimise their ball flight and produce more consistent shot patterns. We’ve also made 818 hybrids even more forgiving, which is crucial to maintaining that playability on off-centre shots.”

KEY FEATURES

ACTIVE RECOIL CHANNEL™ 2.0

• Generates faster ball speeds across the face through its improved channel design and flexing polymer insert, producing a significant advantage in distance.

NEW SUREFIT CG TECHNOLOGY

• In combination with Titleist’s industry-leading adjustable SureFit Hosel, provides the ultimate in precision fitting and maximum shot-shape customisation for every player. The proprietary 16-setting SureFit Hosel allows golfers to set loft and lie independently to optimise ball flight and turf interaction for consistent centre-face contact, maximum distance, and improved shot control. SureFit CG provides precise customisation through a highly efficient interchangeable weight system, optimising spin for a more consistent trajectory and tighter shot dispersion.

A HIGH MOI DESIGN

• With a 10 percent higher MOI than the prior generation – increases speed across the face for more forgiveness on off-centre hits, while the optimally positioned, deep centre of gravity increases launch and trajectory for more shot-stopping control.

TWO MODELS PROVIDE DISTINCT PERFORMANCE

• Choices for greater fitting flexibility and precise flight and shot shape optimisation. 818H1 has a confidence-inspiring pear profile (larger than 818H2, but sleeker than 816H1) with a slight face progression for golfers that need enhanced launch and prefer a fairway metal look. 818H2 has a smaller profile, redesigned with a squarer toe, delivering launch and trajectory control with a slight offset for more aggressive players that engage the turf.

Titleist 818 hybrids offers two distinct profile choices with performance benefits relative to a player’s swing and head-style preference:

818H1

• Is designed for golfers who have a sweeping delivery to the ball and prefer the look of a fairway wood. The larger profile provides high launch, effortless distance and tremendous forgiveness. Available in 19º, 21º, 23º, 25º and 27º lofts.

818H2

• Is designed for golfers who have a steeper delivery to the ball and prefer the look of an iron. The compact, square-toed profile delivers penetrating launch with precise distance and iron-like control. Available in 17º, 19º, 21º and 23 lofts.

PREMIUM STOCK SHAFTS

818’s high-performance stock shaft matrix features premium aftermarket options from the Mitsubishi, Aldila and Project X shaft brands that fit a wide range of players and swing speeds. Titleist will be the first manufacturer to offer each of these tour-proven hybrid shaft models:

• Mitsubishi Tensei Pro Red 50hh HY (high launch; L flex)
• Mitsubishi Tensei Pro Red 60HY (high launch; A, R, S)
• Mitsubishi Tensei Pro Blue 70HY (mid launch; R, S)
• Mitsubishi Tensei Pro White 90HY (low/mid launch; S, X)
• Aldila Rogue M*AX 85H (low/mid launch; R, S)
• Project X Even Flow Blue 85HYB (mid/high launch; S)

Titleist also offers an industry-leading number of custom shaft choices, many at no upcharge.

818 HYBRID AVAILABILITY

• Fittings for new Titleist 818 hybrids begin mid-Sept.
• Available in golf shops worldwide beginning Sept. 29.
• MSRP £255