Equipment
2013 Best Hybrids
There’s a lot fewer long irons played on the PGA Tour these days than in years past. That’s because the pros have realized that some of the long irons they used to play aren’t as consistent as similar-lofted hybrids, which they can also hit higher and farther. Unfortunately, many amatuer golfers haven’t caught on with the trend, and are still using long irons with outdated constructions that make the game more difficult.
We hope that you’ll tell them that the technology in today’s hybrids makes them longer, straighter and better looking than in years past. They also can help fill important distance gaps between a golfer’s fairway woods and long irons. Click here to read GolfWRX Featured Writer Rich Hunt’s story, “The importance of bag setup: Long irons or hybrids.”
We’ve listed our picks for the best hybrids of 2013 below, which for the first time includes several adjustable models that have a lot more “bling” than we’re used to seeing at address.
Click here to read the specifics on the voting committee and how we picked the best.
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Winners
Adams Super LS
Callaway X Hot
Cobra AMP Cell
Ping Anser
Taylormade RBZ Stage 2
Titleist 913H
Adams Super LS
Adams’ Super LS hybrids have titanium faces and crowns to lower their center of gravity, adding forgiveness and playability. They also have Adams’ VST Technology, slots in the sole and crown to give the clubs an insane characteristic time of 250, seven microseconds less than the USGA’s limit.
Those two features together give the Super LS extremely high ball speeds and low-spin launch conditions, making them one of the longest-flying models for mid-to-high-speed golfers. The one deterrent is cost; they’re selling for about $230 at most retailers.
[button color=”red” link=”http://www.golfwrx.com/111388/adams-super-s-and-ls-hybrids-editor-review/”]Read Our Full Review[/button]
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Callaway X Hot and X Hot Pro
The Callaway X Hot and X Hot Pro hybrids have a redesigned Callaway Warbird sole that makes them one of the best with dealing with tough lies. Their thin 17-4 stainless steel cup faces also provides tremendous ball speeds and forgiveness, while the matte gray finish and black PVD faces offer a pleasing look at address.
Both the X Hot, which has a larger, more forgiving head design to provide a higher launch and more spin, as well as the X Hot Pro, which has a smaller, less forgiving head design that creates a more penetrating ball flight, received top marks for our panel. Even better news is their current price, which thanks to the end-of-the-season price wars has been lowered from $179 to $129.
[button color=”red” link=”http://www.golfwrx.com/56897/callaway-x-hot-and-x-hot-pro-hybrids-in-hand-pics-and-specs/”]Read Our Full Story[/button]
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Cobra AMP Cell
Don’t be fooled by the four color options. Cobra’s AMP Cell hybrids are more than just a fashion statement; they’re one of the easiest to hit hybrids on the market for golfers with slower swing speeds, and have an unrivaled 4-degree range of adjustability.
They come in three different head options: 2-3H (adjustable from 16 to 19 degrees), 3-4H (adjustable from 19 to 22 degrees) and 5-6H (adjustable from 22 to 25 degrees). Along with the four lofts, each head has two “draw” options in the middle lofts, which make the club more upright at address. Like the X Hot hybrids, they’re selling for $129 (about $60 cheaper than their original price).
[button color=”red” link=”http://www.golfwrx.com/41387/cobra-amp-cell-fairways-and-hybrids/”]Read Our Full Story[/button]
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Ping Anser
The Ping Anser hybrids have been around for more than a year, but they continue to be the best model on the market for many golfers. It hasn’t hurt that Brandt Snedeker used a 20-degree Anser hybrid to win the 2011 PGA Tour FedEx Cup Playoffs, and that Phil Mickelson won this year’s British Open with a 17-degree Anser.
The Anser’s success is based on its balanced design. The lower-lofted hybrids have a low, deep CG to help golfers hit the ball higher, while the higher-lofted hybrids have a more forward CG to help prevent ballooning. Its matte black-painted crown was also a favorite of our testers, as was its solid, traditional feel.
[button color=”red” link=”http://www.golfwrx.com/33412/ping-anser-driver-fairway-wood-and-hybrid-story-videos-and-pictures/”]Read Our Full Story[/button]
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TaylorMade RBZ Stage 2
Low and forward. That’s TaylorMade’s mantra for more distance, which means that the RBZ Stage 2 and Stage 2 Tour hybrids have a lower, more forward CG than their predecessors.
Like Callaway’s X Hot and X Hot Pro hybrids, the Stage 2 models target different types of golfers. The Stage 2 is slightly larger and higher spinning to help golfers with slower swing speeds hit the ball higher. The Stage 2 Tour offers a flatter trajectory, but its 3-degree adjustable hosel gives golfers to ability to tweak ball flight to their preference.
Both models use TaylorMade’s “RocketSteel” faces, which along with the company’s improved “Speed Pocket” (the slot in the sole) creates more ball speed on shots hit across the face.
[button color=”red” link=”http://www.golfwrx.com/59707/taylormade-rbz-stage-2-driver-fairway-woods-and-hybrids/”]Read Our Full Story[/button]
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Titleist 913H and 913H.d
Titleist’s 913H and 913H.d give golfers the total package when it comes to hybrid design. The 913H has a slightly larger head with a more rearward center of gravity that produces slightly more spin and forgiveness than the 913H.d, which has a smaller head and a more forward CG to increase workability and offer a more penetrating flight.
Both models include Titleist’s SureFit Hosel, which offers 16 different loft, lie and face angle combinations, and come with two of the company’s interchangeable sole weights to allow golfers to tune swing weight. Our testers like the 913H and 913H.d’s traditional look and feel, as well as the premium stock shaft options: Mitsubishi’s Diamana S+ 72, D+ 82 and Aldila’s RIP Phenom 80. They retail for $229.
[button color=”red” link=”http://www.golfwrx.com/36248/in-hand-pics-titleist-913-faiway-woods-and-hybrids-from-the-barclays/”]Read Our Full Story[/button]
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Click here to see the “Best of” winners for other club categories.
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Equipment
Coolest thing for sale in the GolfWRX Classifieds (4/18/24): TaylorMade BRNR mini driver head
At GolfWRX, we are a community of like-minded individuals that all experience and express our enjoyment of the game in many ways.
It’s that sense of community that drives day-to-day interactions in the forums on topics that range from best driver to what marker you use to mark your ball. It even allows us to share another thing we all love – buying and selling equipment.
Currently, in our GolfWRX buy/sell/trade (BST) forum, there is a listing for a TaylorMade BRNR mini driver head
From the seller: (@lasallen): “For sale is a BRNR mini 11.5 deg head only in brand new condition. $325 shipped.”
To check out the full listing in our BST forum, head through the link: TaylorMade BRNR mini driver head
This is the most impressive current listing from the GolfWRX BST, and if you are curious about the rules to participate in the BST Forum you can check them out here: GolfWRX BST Rules
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Equipment
Coolest thing for sale in the GolfWRX Classifieds (4/18/24): Ping PLD Limited Anser – 1988 Open Championship – #2 of only 88 Made
At GolfWRX, we are a community of like-minded individuals that all experience and express our enjoyment of the game in many ways.
It’s that sense of community that drives day-to-day interactions in the forums on topics that range from best driver to what marker you use to mark your ball. It even allows us to share another thing we all love – buying and selling equipment.
Currently, in our GolfWRX buy/sell/trade (BST) forum, there is a listing for a Ping PLD Limited Anser – 1988 Open Championship – #2 of only 88 Made.
From the seller: (@DLong72): “Ping PLD Limited Anser – 1988 Open Championship – #2 of only 88 Made. ?: $1150. ?? 100% milled collectors item from the limited releases commemorating when Ping putters won every major in 1988 (88 putters made). This was the model Seve Ballesteros used to win the 1988 Open Championship. Condition is brand new, never gamed, everything is in the original packaging as it came. Putter features the iconic sound slot.
Specs/ Additional Details
-100% Milled, Aluminum/Bronze Alloy (310g)
-Original Anser Design
-PING PP58 Grip
-Putter is built to standard specs.”
To check out the full listing in our BST forum, head through the link: Ping PLD Limited Anser – 1988 Open Championship – #2 of only 88 Made
This is the most impressive current listing from the GolfWRX BST, and if you are curious about the rules to participate in the BST Forum you can check them out here: GolfWRX BST Rules
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As you probably know by now, Collin Morikawa switched putters after the first round of The Masters, and he ultimately went on to finish T3.
The putter was far from the only change he made last week, however, and his bag is continuing to change this week at the 2024 RBC Heritage.
On the range of The Masters, Morikawa worked closely with Adrian Reitveld, TaylorMade’s Senior Manager of Tour at TaylorMade, to find the perfect driver and 3-wood setups.
Morikawa started off 2024 by switching into TaylorMade’s Qi10 Max driver, but since went back to his faithful TaylorMade SIM – yes, the original SIM from 2020. Somehow, some way, it seems Morikawa always ends up back in that driver, which he used to win the 2020 PGA Championship, and the 2021 Open Championship.
At The Masters, however, Rietveld said the duo found the driver head that allowed “zero compromise” on Morikawa’s preferred fade flight and spin. To match his preferences, they landed on a TaylorMade Qi10 LS 9-degree head, and the lie angle is a touch flatter than his former SIM.
“It’s faster than his gamer, and I think what we found is it fits his desired shot shape, with zero compromise” Rietveld told GolfWRX.com on Wednesday at the RBC Heritage.
Then, to replace his former SIM rocket 3-wood, Morikawa decided to switch into the TaylorMade Qi10 core model 13.5-degree rocket head, with an adjustable hosel.
“He likes the spin characteristics of that head,” Rietveld said. “Now he’s interesting because with Collin, you can turn up at a tournament, and you look at his 3-wood, and he’s changed the setting. One day there’s more loft on it, one day there’s less loft on it. He’s that type of guy. He’s not scared to use the adjustability of the club.
“And I think he felt our titanium head didn’t spin as low as his original SIM. So we did some work with the other head, just because he liked the feel of it. It was a little high launching, so we fit him into something with less loft. It’s a naughty little piece of equipment.”
In addition to the driver and fairway wood changes, Morikawa also debuted his new “MySymbol” jersey No. 5 TP5x golf ball at The Masters. Morikawa’s choice of symbols is likely tied to his love of the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team.
Not enough changes for you? There’s one more.
On Wednesday at the 2024 RBC Heritage, Morikawa was spotted with a new TaylorMade “Proto” 4-iron in the bag. If you recall, it’s the same model that Rory McIlroy debuted at the 2024 Valero Texas Open.
According to Morikawa, the new Proto 4-iron will replace his old P-770 hollow-bodied 4-iron.
“I used to hit my P-770 on a string, but sometimes the distance would be a little unpredictable,” Morikawa told GolfWRX.com. “This one launches a touch higher, and I feel I can predict the distance better. I know Rory replaced his P-760 with it. I’m liking it so far.”
See Morikawa’s full WITB from the 2024 RBC Heritage here.
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Mike
Feb 6, 2014 at 1:24 pm
Had a stage 2 rescue both Tour and non Tour 3 and wasn’t overly impressed. It was no better than the rescue 11 for me which was no better than the TP 09 rescue. Switched to the Super 9031 and Super DHy and I am much more impressed by the workability both from the tee and the performance out of the rough.
carter
Oct 18, 2013 at 9:46 am
I had an x hot hybrid for a while and they are complete trash.
carter
Oct 18, 2013 at 9:45 am
the x hot hybrids are complete trash
Duane
Oct 14, 2013 at 8:14 pm
I have a driver swing speed of around 109 and I’m a high ball hitter. I have never played a round since with anyone that has outhit my hybrids with a 3 or 2 iron. Back up to the tips and you’ll see your foursomes long irons fail them.
Desmond
Oct 11, 2013 at 8:06 am
I think wrx ought to divvy this up into Player’s and Regular Joe’s Hybrids. I find the Stage 2 unfriendly and inconsistent, and that flattish sole helps no one out of trouble.
Titleist is a winner because it puts a variety of decent shafts on its clubs.
Cally XHot is a nice addition, Cobra looks good, the Adams Super S fits a normal guy – But if I was going with a regular Joe hybrid it would be the XHot and the Bobby Jones Hybrid (white). Similar in construction, but the BJones has a more rounded sole and a better standard shaft. Nice club in 25 and 30 for normal Joes. Trying out the 21 now.
paul
Sep 29, 2013 at 10:36 pm
Off the tee i prefer a 3 iron, in the rough a 3 hybrid. 1 less wedge.
mark
Sep 23, 2013 at 9:34 am
Still haven’t found anything to top my Bobby Jones hybrids
KCCO
Sep 20, 2013 at 3:13 pm
Have two hybrids that get their fair share of time at the course, TaylorMade proto, very small high toe, and sound great. (2/16.5 4/22.1) I feel like I’m cheating when I use them as you get a very consistent predictable ball flight, that being said, sucks when I pull one for 712u (3), but that’s an awesome weapon as well.
Billy
Sep 17, 2013 at 7:46 pm
I’ve bought and sold every hybrid known to man and every one of them was a hook machine.
I recently tried the Ping G25 23* and I’ve found my hybrid…..
jc
Jan 30, 2014 at 6:39 pm
agree, I have the 17 and 20 and they both go straight…my callway can turn way ugly left if I am not careful.
Michal
Sep 29, 2014 at 2:30 pm
You a e so int resting! I don’t think I’ e t uly read a ighnetling like th s befor . So good to find sοm one with om un que thoughts on th s sub ect. Seriously.. m ny thanks for starting this up. This web site issomething that is neede on th web, s meone ith little origin lity!
Mamat
Oct 1, 2014 at 9:28 am
Just purchased a new set of women’s Adams Idea a7OS 14 Pc. Women’s Integrated Set of clubs. Went to the links with fnried. Boy, was hse surprised at how much better my game had improved. I could a much highter lift on the ball with the drivers. The grip was so much more compfortable to play with. I would highly reccommend them to the next women looking to up her game of golf.
Todd
Sep 11, 2013 at 7:31 pm
I use to be a long iron player – no hybrids in my bag! Then I tempered my ego and put the hybrids and long irons to a test. I really hated the fact that the hybrids were more consistent than my long irons – I had to swallow my pride and give up the long irons for the game improving/scoring hybrids.
pooch
Sep 11, 2013 at 1:46 pm
I put in the new Xhot hybrid which was the first hybrid to replace my original TM rescues. I also have the Adams DHY in my bag love both clubs. You should all try the feel off the Adams DHY.
DJ
Sep 10, 2013 at 11:04 am
What about the Adams 9031 & Dhy?? DHy is the #1 hybrid on all Tours?
Mike Leether
Sep 9, 2013 at 8:50 am
“I’m on GOLFWRX, i don’t like hybrids!”….Please.lol
Keep bangin those 3-irons boys!. If you’re not hitting them well, its a flaw in your swing, not the club. IMO you’re a fool to not take advantage of this technology. I play to a 3.3 index, I don’t have an iron lower than a six iron. Graeme McDowell doesn’t play an iron lower than a five. Are you better than him?. No, you’re not. Buy some hybrids….
Rich
Jan 5, 2014 at 6:02 am
I don’t think I’m a fool. I just don’t have trouble hitting my 3 iron. When I do hit a bad one, no hybrid would save me anyway. When I do start to struggle with it, I’ll buy a G25 3 iron or similar. I just prefer to hit a 3 iron instead of a hybrid. Nothing wrong with that in my book. You hit you’re hybrids and I’ll keep hitting my 3 iron thanks.
JHT
Feb 18, 2014 at 11:59 pm
I’m no fool either but the thing about the two for me is this. I love hitting a 3 iron off the tee but I rarely have the opportunity where a 3 iron is better off the tee than my 2 hybrid or a 3 wood. I have a 2&3 hybrid in the bag. I love hitting an iron and nailing my J40 CB off the tee is fun but my choked 2H is longer just as straight and more consistent because I sometimes I miss a little.
That said smoking a 3 iron off the tee and then hitting it again for the 2nd on a par 5 makes my friends crazy and me exceptionally smug and happy.
doug lewis
Nov 22, 2015 at 9:56 pm
I have 2-7 hybrids and play to 12 HDP, does that mean I am under achieving since I am not a 3.3?
LOL
lloyd duffield
Sep 8, 2013 at 3:59 pm
i used to use the nike covert hybrid but then i tried the taylormade RBZ stage2 it went strait in the bag hitting 250 yards with it very forgiving . saying that my mate has the callaway x hot and he got 277 yards out of that
both great hybrids .
j.a.
Sep 8, 2013 at 12:08 am
We’d like to see at least 10 hybrids in this list. Nike Covert, Cleveland Classic, Mizuno and TEE could be here.
sk33tr
Sep 7, 2013 at 9:14 pm
No Mizuno JPX-825???
Scott
Sep 23, 2013 at 9:34 pm
I just saw the JPZ EZ hybrid here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DrvS7jLrAXQ
i am not big on these EZ but this looks like a real nice design. More like a 5 wood than the wierd shaped hybrid.
I still have 1 and 3 irons, but am probably gonna switch to a hybrid next spring.
B-MAC
Sep 7, 2013 at 8:55 am
Cleveland classic?
B-MAC
Sep 7, 2013 at 8:54 am
Nike Coverts ???
Golfer X
Sep 6, 2013 at 8:44 pm
hybrids are for pansies who can’t hit a 1 iron. Carry a hybrid, look for another foursome, buddy…
Xreb
Sep 6, 2013 at 11:10 pm
I hope that was sarcasm, I doubt anyone wants to play with someone that snobby
Desmond
Sep 7, 2013 at 10:15 am
Funny.
I guess PGA Touring Pros are pansies. lol.
Yeah, hope it was sarcasm or the personal issues are revealed for all the world to see.
leftright
Mar 12, 2014 at 9:10 am
I am 57 years old, carry two hybrids and don’t even know who you are and will give you a shot a side for whatever you want to play for…anywhere on any tee. When I see irons in the bag lower than a 4, easy money.
naflack
Sep 6, 2013 at 4:49 pm
unfortunately i prefer the look of an iron in a hybrid but at my moderate swing speed (85mph 6 iron, 100mph driver) and lower ball flight…the iron looking hybrids design characterisitcs leave me out in the cold.
Conrad
Sep 6, 2013 at 4:22 pm
Just never liked hybrids, have tried many with no good results.
Duncan
Sep 7, 2013 at 8:32 am
Have you tried being fitted for a Wishon 775HS? High COR and accuracy, with an excellent sound and feel.
I was also extremely sceptical about hybrids and had to be persuaded by my fitter to have a 21 degree included in my set. The club he made was so consistent and easy to play out of a range of lies that I’ve since gone back to him to replace the 4 iron and 4 wood with the same design…
Jay
Sep 11, 2013 at 10:11 pm
Give me a break. Enjoy your 2 iron poser. I’m sure it looks cool in your bag.