Titleist 818 Hybrids

Titleist 818 Hybrids Review - Neil Tappin found out if the extra moveable weight would deliver improved performance in the new Titleist 818 Hybrids

For many years now there have been two hybrids to choose from within the Titleist range - a larger H1 model and a slimmer, more traditional-looking H2. In the latest iteration of these clubs, the Titleist 818 hybrids, the differences between them, in appearance at least, are far more clearly defined.

The H1 is similar in profile and appearance to the previous generation 816 version. It is a confidence-inspiring, powerful-looking club that for many amateur golfers will fit the bill nicely. The big change however, comes with the H2 version. It is smaller, more iron-like in its profile with a higher toe section. In fact, when looking at the face there is something of the old TaylorMade Rescue clubs about it.

The other important point to talk about here is the moveable SureFit CG weight that sits within the sole. We saw this for the first time in the Titleist 917 woods range and now it appears in the hybrid. It’s a truly innovative piece of technology that allows you to alter the centre of gravity and create a shape bias within the club. If you want a hybrid that you can set up to stop you from hitting a slice or a hook, this should definitely make it onto your test list.

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As the data here shows, the performance differences were to put it mildly, negligible. There was nothing to choose between the ball speed, launch angle and spin rates. The resulting carry of 220 yards is exactly what I would want from a 20˚ hybrid.

In many ways, this is the point of the new Titleist 818 hybrids. With launch monitor performance so similar, your choice needs to be based on how you swing the club and what you are looking for in a hybrid. For me, as someone who has tended to struggle with hybrids over the years it was a no-brainer. The slimmer H2 looked much better to my eye, framed the ball beautifully and the smaller head felt like it got through the turf (fairway and rough) better during my on-course testing. It may be that you require a hybrid to hit a lot of approach shots with from the fairway and the bigger H1 is more confidence-inspiring.

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Either way, both of these clubs have been designed to be used to attack greens. They aren’t all-out power machines but more designed to hit all important distance gaps at the top end of the bag. Of course, with so much loft adjustability on offer, a good fitting will be required to find your perfect match.

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