What about hybrid clubs?
There has been a dramatic shift away from higher lofted fairway woods (7 and 9 woods) to more iron-like or wood-like hybrid clubs. These clubs are traditionally shorter than their equivalent fairway woods, yet about ¾” longer than their iron counterparts. These hybrids are typically designed to play more like an iron and are used to replace the 2, 3, and 4 irons. If you play courses where you need to hit long irons off the tee, the hybrid clubs will give you better accuracy, launch angle (higher) and tighter shot dispersion than a fairway wood or long iron off the tee. We have tested every manufacturer’s hybrid clubs and find that hybrid shafts are very light weight and soft(flexible). This can lead to hooking and/or topping the ball. Make sure your hybrid clubs are exactly matched to your swing profile, which would put the weight and flex closer to your irons. I would also suggest that a higher handicap player not go below a 19 degree loft in a hybrid and instead choose a 21 degree 7 wood. The 7 wood will be easier to get your desired distance as the shaft will be longer and you will get more loft on your shots.
My game has definitely improved with the new clubs. I won a two-day tournament this year already and shot one of my best rounds ever, 83. The handicap is dropping and the drives are 20 yards longer. Needless to say, I’m very happy with my D’Lance experience. -Dawanna S., Toledo, OH
Hybrids, long irons or fairway woods?
While hybrid clubs have been the rage for the past couple of years, it still amazes me that some golfers are still struggling with the long iron, fairway wood or hybrid dilemma. Personally, I think a good hybrid club can take the place of most long irons and SOME fairway woods. First of all, a hybrid club is much more versatile from the tee, fairway and rough than a long iron such as a 3, 4 or even a 5 iron. Of course it is always good to have a 5 iron in your bag for those “punch shots”. If you do not generate a good amount of ball speed, going to a low lofted hybrid like a 16 or 20 degree is not such a good idea. You are better off with a 5 or 7 wood. Should you try a 9 wood? Again, I think a hybrid club is a better idea as it is more versatile. The trick is to have the correct length, weight and flex in the shaft as well as the correct loft. Hybrids should have slightly lighter shafts than your irons and heavier than your fairway woods in order to promote a good, consistent swing.
Hybrid Clubs – New Trends
Of all the changes in club head design, nothing has had more variations than the hybrid club. K.J. Choi made a big statement at The Masters in 2011 when he put 4 hybrid clubs in play. Now in 2012, slot technology by Adams Golf and TaylorMade adds a new dimension in terms of distance and ball flight. Read More…
ADAMS
“The Idea Tech V4 Hybrids are the most technically advanced, easiest-to-hit hybrids that Adams has ever engineered. The advancements of velocity slots, now featuring Cut-Thru Technology, achieves the same CT of a driver, which delivers higher ball speeds, more forgiveness and more distance. With innovation like this, the Idea Tech V4 Hybrid is as hot as your driver.” -Adams Golf
CALLAWAY
“RAZR X Hybrids leverage Callaway’s new Zero Roll Design to help golfers hit higher and longer shots, even those shots struck low on the face. These inertia-driven clubs are highly playable and offer hot ball speeds with either standard or Tour models, so golfers can dial in ideal performance.” – Callaway Golf
MIZUNO
“The JPX-825 Hybrids combine extreme forgiveness, easy launch, and straight trajectory into a balanced performance package that can benefit players of all skill levels. The square face angle, enlarged foot print, and optimized internal weighting deliver a set of hybrids that are easy to use, and deliver high golf shots that land soft.” – Mizuno Golf
TAYLORMADE
“RocketBallz Rescue – Launch it Longer and Higher Sole positioned Speed Pocket is the ultimate springboard for distance. Ultra-light shaft and low CG promote launch for increased ball speed. Larger head, finished with white matte, makes launch and alignment easy.” – TaylorMade Golf
PING
“In each of the 17-4 stainless steel Anser hybrids internal and external weighting is utilized to progressively locate the CG position, optimizing it for that particular loft. In the 17º, the CG is slightly lower and farther back to help launch the ball higher while maintaining the correct spin for a strong ball flight. As the lofts increase, the CG is relatively more forward to ensure the best possible launch conditions for that club.” – Ping Golf
TITLEIST
“Titleist® 913H is a high performance hybrid that delivers long distance with outstanding ground contact and ball flight. Our patented SureFit® Tour hosel technology allows loft and lie to be independently adjusted to precisely fit your game. 913H delivers the proper distance and forgiveness through the range of lofts via a progressive center of gravity location and progressive offset.” – Titleist Golf
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