Testing the Titleist 917 D3 Driver against the 915 D3 Driver

Titleist have just launched their latest driver, the 917. There are two models the D2 and the D3. Like every new driver the claim is that it's better, longer and straighter then the previous one. So, last week, to put these claims to the test we compared a 917D3 against a 915D3

 

According to Titleist the driver's benefits are;

• Faster ball speeds - Off-center provide more distance, more often, delivering superior forgiveness.

• Adjustability - Through industry leading SureFit® CG and SureFit® Hosel provide the best possible fit for every golfer of any skill level.

• Sound and acoustic - Frequencies have been Tour validated to inspire confidence and enhance feel.

• Trajectory and shot shape - Customization provide golfers a more consistent and repeatable shot from the tee.

Technology

• SureFit® CG - Allows the CG to be moved from a back, heel position to a forward, toe position through interchangeable weights, optimizing spin and launch conditions for every player.

• Active Recoil Channel™ 2.0 - Refined thickness through the channel reduces spin and increases speed.

• Radial Speed Face 2.0 - Enhanced with a thinner perimeter face width to promote a greater off-center ball speed for more overall distance across the face.

• SureFit® Hosel - 16 independent loft and lie settings, create a more consistent and optimized ball flight through precision fitting.

The Test

 

 

We had two players testing. While hitting, both players switched heads from 917 D3 9.5 degrees to 915 D3 9.5 degrees but used the same shaft. Player A used a Project X Handcrafted 6.0 and Player B used an Aldila Rogue Silver 60 S flex. Player A and Player B both used the Titleist Pro V1 golf ball. It was a beautiful day for testing with temperatures around 15 degrees C and little wind.

 

Both players hit 30 drives, 15 with each head, in the order of 5 with 915, 5 with 917, 5 with 915, 5 with 917, 5 with 915 and 5 with 917. Results were recorded on a Trackman launch monitor.

 

Initial Observations 

 

The 917 has a different look to the 915 almost going back to a similar look to the classic 975D driver. Also noticeable is the different sound from the 917 to the 915.

 

Results 

 

Player A 

Driver	Carry (yards)	Total	Dispersion (ft)	Club Speed	Ball Speed	Launch Angle	Spin	Height (ft)
915	243.5	267.1	34.22	101.0	150.8	12.3	2783	91.3
917	241.6	267.0	43.07	102.2	151.3	12.5	2560	86.5

 

Player B

Driver	Carry (yards)	Total	Dispersion (ft)	Club Speed	Ball Speed	Launch Angle	Spin	Height (ft)
915	215.5	235.6	53.78	93.3	139.2	14.0	3361	87.6
917	212.8	233.5	52.8	93.6	138.4	14.5	3400	86.2

 

Analysis

 

There really isn't a whole lot of difference between the two drivers. Player A got better dispersion with the 915, nearly 9 feet closer to the target and slightly more carry, 1.9 yards. Overall distance was the same. With the 917, there was a hint of more club head speed, 1.2 mph ball speed 0.5 mph and also less spin, 223 rpms less.

For player B, the 915 had a little more carry, 2.7 yards and more overall distance, 2.1 yards, everything else was similar.

 

What could help player B is changing the Sure Fit CG. The player was striking the ball towards the heel of the club, leading to higher spin and shots to the right, note the dispersion was 52-53 feet from target. Switching the weight more towards the heel and altering the centre of gravity as a result would lead to straighter and longer shots for this player. But as we were doing just a direct comparison of heads and keeping the parameters the same we didn't do this and left it for later testing.

 

 

Conclusion  

 

Should you run out and get a new Titleist 917? If you have a 915 and are getting good results and it's optimised for your swing, the answer is no. If you are in the market for a new driver the answer is yes, this is a driver you should look at. 

It performs well, is classical looking and sounds good. The Sure Fit CG is a good addition allowing for more customisation. Potentially giving players longer and straighter drives with an altered centre of gravity.

 

Ultimately, a player needs to test a driver before heading out to buy. The 917 is no different. Test everything and trust nothing is a good mantra when it comes to golf equipment.

Comments and questions are appreciated.