Titleist 816 H1 vs 818 H1

[beaureed445]

Quick poll for the audience. I currently carry an old (circa 2005) 21* Cleveland Halo. I carry it about 160-165. I'm looking for a new hybrid to replace it. Today I went by a local golf store, and hit a couple of left-over 816 H1's and a 818 H1.....all in 21*. The 816 models had the Speeder 8.8 and Diamana 60 HY shafts. The 818 had the MCA Tensei Pro Blue 70 HY shaft. Average carry distance with all was in the 180-185 range, with total distance being right around 200- 205. **This was in a simulator**

So, do you guys feel that the 818 is THAT much better than the 816? I hit it marginally further (carried less that 5 more yards). Of the two 816 models, I could definitely tell the difference in shaft options- The Speeder was much lower, on average. I play in the Oklahoma wind regularly, so flight is a consideration as well.....I like the idea of hitting higher, and landing softer, as this will be used to hit into greens more than trying to drive into the wind, off the tee.

Any advice is much appreciated.

[Adam C]

The heads won't be much different. Doubt if you would even see 5 yards just comparing the heads. Biggest difference is the shafts. That Speeder is 80 grams, low torque, low launch. The two Mitsus are both going to launch higher. Usually the lighter will launch higher, if everything else is equal. Of the three, the Tensei probably splits the difference between the other two. 

All this is to say that the 818 is only going to be "better" if that shaft fits your swing better.

[dbuck]

One difference is that the 818 head has the adjustable weight. I have not hit the 816, but I have the 818H1 in 21* with the Project X Even Flow Blue in 6.0, and I love it. I get distance similar to what you said, about 185-190 max carry and 200ish total, but I can choke down and hit it 175.

If the adjustable weight is not important, the 816 can still be found new in the pipeline for a hundred bucks or so less than the 818. I bought the 818 mainly because I wanted a new club and the Even Flow shaft. I haven't changed the weight or neck settings.

 

[beaureed445]

Thanks for the replies, gentlemen.  I think I'm going to go back to the store, and hit a few more balls in their simulator.  The adjustable weight isn't a big deal to me and yes, @dbuck, the difference is right around $100.  After thinking it over, I may keep the Halo in the bag, and carry both....I still hit the Halo well, so it could be used on shorter shots, instead of choking down on an H1.