“We define hybrids as scoring clubs, not rescue clubs.” – Josh Talge, VP of Marketing, Titleist Golf Clubs

Titleist 818 hybrids follow golf’s trend of looking for more distance, ball speed, and forgiveness. The difference, though, is the emphasis Titleist puts on playability, playable distance, and control of these hybrids. The company wants to keep you in “attack mode” with the 818 hybrids, regardless of where you hit from. Our review looks at the features and how they work to help you take dead aim from anywhere.

Titleist 818 Hybrids

Models

There are 2 models of Titleist 818 hybrids, H1 and H2. The H1 is designed for players with a sweeping approach to the ball. Players that attack the ball with a descending blow will gravitate to the H2. Comparing the look of each model, the H1 looks like a metal wood while the H2 has a compact, iron-like appearance.

Both models feature a lower, deeper Center of Gravity (CG) than previous models. Designers did this to promote more ball speed and better forgiveness on off-center hits. The CG position also launches the ball high with spin so shots land soft and hold greens.

Titleist 818 H1 hybrids come in 19,21,23,25, and 27 degrees. The Titleist 818 H2 hybrid is available in 17,19,21, and 23 degrees. Titleist is also offering some cool, new shafts from top brands for the 818 hybrids. Here are the specs of the shafts available in both models:

• Fujikura Atmos HB Tour Spec Blue 8
  • Flex: S, X
  • Weight: 85g, 87g
  • Torque: 2.5 degrees
  • Launch: Low/Mid
• Project X Even Flow Blue 85 Hyb
  • Flex: S
  • Weight: 86g
  • Torque: 3.0 degrees
  • Launch: Mid/High
• MCA Tensei Pro White 90HY
  • Flex: S, X
  • Weight: 89g, 92g
  • Torque: 2.8 degrees, 2.7 degrees
  • Launch: Low/Mid
• MCA Tensei Pro Blue 70HY
  • Flex: R, S
  • Weight: 69g, 72g
  • Torque: 3.5 degrees, 3.4 degrees
  • Launch: Mid/High

These next shafts are only available in the Titleist 818 H1:

• MCA Tensei Pro Red 60HY
  • Flex: A, R, S
  • Weight: 57g, 58g, 61g
  • Torque: 4.3 degrees, 4.1 degrees, 4.1 degrees
  • Launch: High
• MCA Tensei Pro Red 50HY
  • Flex: L
  • Weight: 48g
  • Torque: 5.4 degrees
  • Launch: High

Technology

Active Recoil Channel 2.0

The Active Recoil Channel 2.0 was first introduced in the Titleist 917 metalwoods. The channel allows for more face flexing, providing boosts in ball speed and distance across the face. A flexible, elastomer strip covering the channel keeps the solid, traditional “Titleist sound” at impact. Titleist had to do something to overcome the loss of spin the Active Recoil Channel 2.0 provides so the ball can hold greens. The lower, further back CG mentioned earlier, which results in higher trajectories, solves this issue.

SureFit CG and Hosel

The Titleist 818 hybrids also share SureFit CG and SureFit hosel technology with the 917 metalwoods. SureFit CG lets you customize ball flight and spin through an angled port on the sole. A weighted cartridge inside the port can be taken out and adjusted. One side of the cartridge is heavier than the other. Placing the heavy side toward the heel makes it easier to hit a high draw. Want to fade spin on the ball? Place the heavy side of the weight near the toe. The weight comes in five options: 10,12,14,16, and 18 grams with 14 grams being the standard stock option.

By now, you are probably familiar with Titleist’s SureFit adjustable hosel. First appearing nearly a decade ago (crazy, right?!), the hosel lets you adjust loft and lie to fine-tune your ball flight. There are 16 settings to choose from. Our adjustment guide walks you through what the adjustments do and how to do them.

Time to go low

Now that you’ve learned how these Titleist 818 hybrids can lower your score, it’s time to put them in the bag and get playing!

We also reviewed these hybrids:

• Introducing: Mizuno CLK Hybrids

• PING G400 Fairway Woods/Hybrids: Distance in the Details

• Callaway’s GBB Epic Hybrid: What You Need To Know

• The (Long) Story On Mizuno JPX 900 Woods

• Introducing TaylorMade’s 2017 M Family: Fairway Woods and Hybrids

Rudi Fann

Rudi Fann has been a Class “A” member of the PGA of America since 2008. He began his career in 1998 as the Assistant Golf Professional at Wake Forest Golf Club in Wake Forest, NC. In 2002, Rudi accepted a similar position at Rio Mar Country Club in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico. He spent a year there before moving to Nipomo, CA where he worked at Blacklake Golf Resort. Over the next 10 years, he worked his way from Assistant Golf Professional to Head Golf Professional and finally Director of Golf Operations. In his time at Blacklake, Rudi devoted much of his time to running tournaments and other activities in order to create a social atmosphere at the club. After Blacklake, Rudi spent one year as Head Golf Professional at Paso Robles Golf Club before deciding to return home to North Carolina. Since returning to North Carolina, Rudi has worked with the First Tee of the Triangle helping to instill life skills and core values through the game of golf to local youth.

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