913F
The Titleist 913's composition is a 17-4 Stainless Steel body with a 455 Steel face insert, designed to deliver better launch conditions, more distance and forgiveness through precision fitting of SureFit Tour hosel technology. Lofts available are 13.5-, 15-, 17-, 19- and 21-degrees - for both right and left-handers.
When I had the chance to try these new fairway metals from Titleist at their pre-delivery launch back in August, the main difference I noticed between this and the equally new 913F.d, which Tour players preferred for their low spin characteristics, was the new SureFit Tour weight located on the sole to help create lower spin with a more penetrating flight.
It was nearer the face on the 913F.d to help reduce spin and toward the tapered back on the 913F to deliver the spin and height that club golfers look towards for their fairway metals.
Such a shame that having been fitted by Titleist Tour van technician Phil Dimmock for the 913F.d Low Spin 13.5 and 18-degree models - and winning multiple times including the US PGA major at Kiawah Island - McIlroy has decided to switch allegiance to another brand.
I tried both models with a regular shaft - and even experimented by inserting my moderate swing speed shaft from the 910D2 driver - but detected little difference in comparable performance because I probably lack the ball-striking consistency of a better player.
As the R&D guys rightly say, SureFit offers the opportunity to dial in improved performance with the adjustable hosel but at my mid-handicap level it's more about feel and consistency of ball striking that measures it.
Verdict
I can see why the top players prefer the dynamic looks of the Titleist 913F 15-degree fairway metal. Given the opportunity, I'd prefer to use it as a go-to replacement when driver timing goes awry.
Follow @Golfmagic and like our Facebook page for all the latest golf news, views and reviews.
