Equipment

Greatest Adams hybrids of all time

Published

4 years ago

Apr 1, 2020

It’s almost impossible that, over the past decade, you or someone you played golf with didn’t own an Adams hybrid. The fact that they can still be found in the bags of players on the PGA Tour demonstrates the kind of cult-like dedication some players have to those clubs.

They were in everyone’s bags—from low handicaps to golfers just trying to break 100. Simply, Adams was hybrids in the early-to-mid 2000s. In an age when many would still call them “cheater” or “old man” clubs, Adams pushed the envelope of design and ushered in a new era of small, workable-yet-forgiving, anti-left clubs.

Adams was also one of the first companies to do exclusive combo sets off the rack for better players with the initial Idea Pros and then later with the Idea Pro Golds. It’s a common practice now, but at the time it was revolutionary.

Here is a list of some of Adams’ all-time great hybrid designs.

Original Idea Pro – 2008

This is the one that started it all. After going through a number of tour issue prototypes leading up to the retail release, the Idea Pro had a lot of buzz, and it delivered. It wasn’t that other companies weren’t producing hybrids at the time, but the sheer popularity of the Adams outweighed what others had in the market thanks to it working its way to become the number one hybrid on the PGA Tour. It also came stock with an 80g Aldila VS Proto Hybrid shaft that was directly aimed at better players, and considering the aftermarket price of the shaft on its own, it made the Idea Pro a no brainer for those looking to replace harder-to-hit longer irons.

XTD – 2014

This was the final hybrid ever made by Adams and was packed with technology: all-titanium construction, crown, and sole slots for greater face deflection and ball speed—along with an adjustable hosel. TaylorMade had taken over ownership at this point and engineers at Adams took advantage by using the proprietary TaylorMade adjustable sleeve—this allowed for more shaft options for many golfers that had used TaylorMade hybrids in the past.

The entire XTD line from Adams was premium by design and from the driver to the hybrid, offered real-deal shafts and tight quality control. This is still a hard club to beat.

Idea XTD Super Hybrid Ti – 2012

You could argue the 2012 Super Hybrid XTD was the original bomber hybrid. Thanks to the multi-material titanium construction, it produced a higher-than-expected launch, along with exceptionally low spin. For faster players, this was a perfect control club off the tee and easily replaced a 5-wood (in the 19 degree). Don’t believe it? Check out this historic review from the GolfWRX Archives: GolfWRX.com – Adams Super Hybrid Review (2012)

Super 9031 – 2013

The Super 9031 was released the year after the original Idea Pro Blacks and featured an updated white paint job along with a technology upgrade that included both sole and crown slots for faster ball speeds compared to the original (hence the “Super” designation). It has a high toe, flatter lie angle, and open appearance from address—something better players love! Although I should attempt to be unbiased, I will admit that not only did I love these hybrids, but I still hold a place in one of my travel bags.

It’s not just me that has a sweet spot for the Super 9031, you can still find these in the bag of PGA Tour player Brian Gay.

Boxer A3 Idea – 2007

You might be wondering that after all of the others on the list, how the A3 earned its spot. Well, it’s quite simple. Just before the launch of the Idea Pro, the A3 and A3OS (oversized) were massive sellers at the retail level. The sets offered classicly shaped irons alongside easy-to-hit hybrid clubs into the longer clubs. Although never marketed towards better players, it did have a bit of a cult following to the point that even Vijay Singh was using one during the 2008 season in replacement of a 5-wood. They came stock with Grafalloy ProLaunch Red hybrid shafts and in both right and left-handed to outfit almost any player.

GolfWRXers, did you have any of these clubs? Check out the Cult Classic Clubs Discussion in the GolfWRX.com forums.

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Ryan Barath

Ryan Barath is a club-fitter & master club builder with more than 17 years of experience working with golfers of all skill levels, including PGA Tour players. He is the former Build Shop Manager & Social Media Coordinator for Modern Golf. He now works independently from his home shop and is a member of advisory panels to a select number of golf equipment manufacturers. You can find Ryan on Twitter and Instagram where he's always willing to chat golf, and share his passion for club building, course architecture and wedge grinding.

26 Comments

BillyG

Apr 19, 2020 at 12:46 am

What hybrid did Tom Watson play?

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John D Gleason

Apr 13, 2020 at 7:58 pm

I still use the 2012 XTD ti in 18 & 20 degree lofts. I bought the 2014 versions but never felt as good. Incredibly easy to hit and long long long!

Reply Report comment
Wreiman

Apr 13, 2020 at 9:34 am

I still Bag the Gold Pro and Boxter to this day….lol Nothing has really replaced them in my bag,

Reply Report comment
- Risky Plan
  
  Dec 10, 2020 at 8:10 pm
  
  I have the A3 Boxer 2, 3 and 4 and don’t carry a fairway wood (4 wedges) I’ve tried others, but nothing has come close. The rectangular shape is what drew me to them when new and the performance and consistency has kept them in my bag.
  
  Reply Report comment
Kevin

Apr 11, 2020 at 9:36 pm

Not on the list here, but I still have a 21* Idea Super Black in the bag. Every time I think about taking it out I just start nailing it again…

Reply Report comment
RJ

Apr 11, 2020 at 9:28 pm

Hey Ryan,
I can not disagree with your list at all but I did find one small error. The Idea Pro Hybrid actually launched in January 2006, not in 2008. I was the South Florida sales rep from 2004-2008 covering Vero Beach to the Florida Keys. But nonetheless, great article.

Reply Report comment
ssspence

Apr 4, 2020 at 9:27 am

After the Idea Pro — you could argue for a dozen or more “Top 5” Adams hybrids, including the obvious PNT mentioned numerous times above.

I think a more interesting topic would be Most Underrated hybrids from Adams. Examples:

Both the A12 / VST (Silver) and the A12 Pro were outstanding. The former is a low spin bomber (I still game one as a 5 wood replacement), the latter a super accurate take on the original Idea Pro.

The Idea Pro Gold boxer is also excellent — a point and shoot club that saw plenty of tour play.

And what about the V3? It’s a super solid club, that was considered the best of its generation. It’s hallmark was that crisp feel.

I also agree the DhY should be considered. I still game the 21 degree — a perfect 3 / 4 iron replacement that bridges the gap between iron control and playability with hybrid power. It’s now been imitated repeatedly by other OEMs.

And lastly, the Super LS is the longest hybrid ever created. It’s certainly not the most accurate, but man is it a cannon. I found that matching it with a very stable, tipped shaft tamed it. It’s still a legit 3 wood killer with a nice small head by comparison. Seriously — who doesn’t need a club you can smoke out of the rough 230 to get back into a hole every once in a while?

So I just raised 7 that deserve mention. Honestly, none of these takes a back seat to the A3 or the XTD ti.

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Sharky

Apr 3, 2020 at 11:51 am

I still bag a tour issued *24 idea pro, it’s my most reliable club in the bag, I see Bernhard Langer stil has the same club in his bag . Just recently put down my Adams Idea Pro Gold 18* and mb2 raw for some new irons, will miss them…

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JP

Apr 3, 2020 at 11:45 am

A12 Pro Proto was my ATF.

And how come no PNT mention? Seriously?

Reply Report comment
Chris

Apr 3, 2020 at 7:40 am

Any Adams club list (whether hybrids or not) starts with the PNT (Peanut). Any exclusion of this club renders your list obsolete and pointless as it is the best club Adams ever produced.

Reply Report comment
JungleJimbo

Apr 2, 2020 at 6:51 pm

Hi Ryan: There’s enough interest/ other cult-fave Adams hybrids not listed in your article…for a “Part 2++” article pls? ????

Reply Report comment
y2zar

Apr 2, 2020 at 4:11 pm

The best hybrids ever existed along with the easiest f-wds to hit with, I can just simply command my golf balls with those things. Playing with Pro Black 20′ & 23′, latest Tight Lies 25′ and XTD 26′. So far I’ve yet to find anything closer to Adams, so these clubs ain’t gonna be sold or let off from my bag

Reply Report comment
HKO

Apr 2, 2020 at 1:40 pm

how come no PNT (aka Peanut) is mentioned here?

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- Jack
  
  Apr 2, 2020 at 10:16 pm
  
  It is. Tour issue/prototype Idea Pro. First hybrid on the list 🙂
  
  Reply Report comment
Nicklaus#1

Apr 2, 2020 at 10:32 am

The Adams idea A3 is a beast. I still use the 3 iron hybrid and would be lost without it!

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DC2000

Apr 2, 2020 at 3:33 am

Adams 2014 Pro Hybrid was the club to own..still play it. Surprised you missed this gem…

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SoHigh247

Apr 2, 2020 at 2:02 am

Still got the super 9031 in the bag, great iron replacement hybrid (not overly hot, dank trajectory). Adams irons and hybrids are still relevant and cheap!

Reply Report comment
Howard Hayden

Apr 1, 2020 at 10:05 pm

Somebody needs to buy the name and whatever intellectual property they can and restart the company Tragedy what TaylorMade did to it. Obviously still plenty of well-deserved goodwill. Maybe more than TaylorMade.

Reply Report comment
Thebigdad

Apr 1, 2020 at 4:48 pm

A12 Pro, 18° and 20° are still in my bag

Reply Report comment
Cdub

Apr 1, 2020 at 3:15 pm

No pro black?!

Reply Report comment
Project X

Apr 1, 2020 at 12:25 pm

The A7 PNT that McDowell used to win the 2010 US Open has to be on this list.

Reply Report comment
- JB
  
  Apr 3, 2020 at 9:26 am
  
  Yep, exclusion of a7 PNT makes this list questionable at best.
  
  Reply Report comment
Cm

Apr 1, 2020 at 12:22 pm

???? no Peanut? They also made the RED hybrid after the XTD.

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Brandon

Apr 1, 2020 at 12:04 pm

DhY was my favorite. Finally got knocked out of the bag for a Tour Edge Exotics CBX Ironwood.

Reply Report comment
- Andrew Thompson
  
  Apr 3, 2020 at 11:04 am
  
  DHY! How was it not included? Club is still the best players hybrid out there, sadly underrated.
  
  Reply Report comment
Adams Fan

Apr 1, 2020 at 11:53 am

The silver Adams Super Hybrid was my personal favorite. Definitely one of the best Hybrids ever.

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Whats in the Bag

Eric Cole WITB 2024 (March)

Published

2 hours ago

Mar 21, 2024

GolfWRX Staff

Eric Cole what’s in the bag accurate as of the Cognizant Classic.

Driver: PXG 0311 Black Ops (9 degrees)
Shaft: Project X Even Flow Riptide LX Proto 70

3-wood: PXG 0311 Black Ops (15 degrees)
Shaft: Project X Denali Black 70 TX

Check out more in-hand photos of Eric Cole’s clubs here.

3-wood: TaylorMade Stealth (15 degrees)
Shaft: Project X Denali Black 70 TX

5-wood: PXG Gen5 0311 (18 degrees)
Shaft: Project X HZRDUS Black 95 TX

Check out more in-hand photos of Eric Cole’s clubs here.

Irons: PXG 0317 CB (4), PXG 0317 ST (5-PW)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100

Wedges: Vokey Design SM10 (50-12F, 54-10S, 60-04T)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400

Check out more in-hand photos of Eric Cole’s clubs here.

Putter: PXG Battle Ready II Bat Attack, Odyssey O-Works 2 Ball CS

Ball: Titleist Pro V1x

Check out more in-hand photos of Eric Cole’s clubs here.

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Whats in the Bag

Rose Zhang WITB 2024 (March)

Published

5 hours ago

Mar 21, 2024

GolfWRX Staff

Driver: Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond (9 degrees @9.5)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Red 5 S (45.5 inches)

(Photo via Callaway Golf)

3-wood: Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Max (15 degrees @14.5)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Red 6 S (43 inches, tipped 1 inch)

5-wood: Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Max (18 degrees)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Red 6 R (42 inches, tipped 1 inch)

Hybrid: Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke (21 degrees @22)
Shaft: KBS Tour Hybrid 75 R

Irons: Callaway X-Forged Star Japan (5-PW)
Shafts: Nippon 850GH R

(Photo via Callaway Golf)

Wedges: Callaway X-Forged Star Japan A (49), Callaway Jaws Raw (54-10S, 58-08C)
Shafts: Nippon 850GH R

Putter: Odyssey Ai-One Double Wide

Grips: Golf Pride Tour Velvet

Ball: Callaway Chrome Tour X+

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Equipment

Best fairway woods of 2024: Expert club fitters recommend the most versatile and forgiving options

Published

6 hours ago

Mar 21, 2024

GolfWRX Staff

Whether it be hitting approach shots into longer par 4’s and par 3’s, going after par 5’s in two, or just trying to hit more fairways off the tee — finding the best fairway wood of 2024 to fit your needs is a must as you fill your golf toolbox.

Looking at the best fairway wood playing field for 2024, we continue to see more fairway wood options from every manufacturer. What used to be a single model release has been expanded to three — and in some cases even four — driver D.N.A.-infused models to fit specific player types.

These new fairway woods impress us with their ability to utilize new technology and construction methods to go faster, and further, while also offering never-before-seen levels of forgiveness. It’s now easier than ever to find the right one that matches your swing.

That being said, ultimately the best way to find the best fairway woods for you is to work with a professional fitter using a launch monitor. The difficult part is a lot of people don’t have easy access to fitters, launch monitors, and club builders — so at GolfWRX — with the help of our panel of expert fitters — we have done a lot of the work for you to narrow down your short list of fairway woods to demo.

Best fairway woods 2024: The categories

We have broken our 2024 best fairway wood list into two categories.

Best fairway wood for golfers seeking forgiveness
Best fairway wood for golfers seeking versatility

We selected this format for fairway woods in cooperation with fitters because every golfer prioritizes one of these two elements, regardless of age, handicap, or sex. And for many golfers, forgiveness is the number one factor when selecting a fairway wood.

Most versatile fairway woods of 2024

Ping G430 Max

Ping developed Carbonfly Wrap in a bid to deliver more distance by positioning the CG closer to the face to maximize ball speed, resulting in higher, longer carries. The lightweight composite crown wraps into the heel and toe sections of the skirt, creating weight savings of 10 grams, which are reallocated to achieve the lower CG and increase ball speed. The composite also plays a role in the pleasing sound, while a tungsten backweight extends the perimeter weighting to ensure forgiveness.

For the full technology breakdown, check out our launch piece.

Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Max

Ai Smart Face — the centerpiece of Callaway’s Paradym Ai Smoke drivers — is also the key technology of new Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke fairway woods and hybrids. As with the drivers, the carbon chassis is lighter, allowing for 24 grams of weight to be redistributed throughout the head for enhanced launch, spin, and forgiveness. As utilized in Paradym, engineers leverage a tungsten speed cartridge to push CG low and forward.

For the full technology breakdown, check out our launch piece.

Titleist TSR2

TSR2 fairways feature the lowest CG in Titleist history for an all-steel construction designed to create speed and launch without excessive spin. New Open Hosel Construction created space for sizable improvements to key areas of performance by removing unwanted weight high and towards the heel.

For the full technology breakdown, check out our launch piece.

TaylorMade Qi10 Tour

The Qi10 Tour model uses a multi-material titanium-carbon construction and offers a more compact head shape, equipped with a moveable 50-gram weight in the sole for precise weight placement. By placing the sliding weight further back in the head, golfers can achieve a higher launch and more stability, whereas placing the weight further forward helps achieve a lower-spin and more penetrating ball flight.

For the full technology breakdown, check out our launch piece.

Titleist TSR3

Titleist’s adjustability-focused fairway wood is designed with a new, easy-to-adjust 5-position SureFit Adjustable CG Track System to fine-tune performance. It features the same Open Hosel Construction as TSR2 fairways. The TSR3’s CG has been positioned deeper, slightly lower, and closer to face center to provide easy, high launch with plenty of forgiveness.

For the full technology breakdown, check out our launch piece.

Most forgiving fairway woods of 2024

TaylorMade Qi10 Max

The Qi10 Max fairway wood heads use the company’s “Infinity Carbon Crown” that helped free up weight to be placed lower in the heads, helping achieve higher inertia and an enlarged face profile to boost ball speeds across their faces. Compared to the standard Qi10 model, the Qi10 Max has a larger front-to-back shape and shallower profile that’s designed for increased forgiveness and playability.

For the full technology breakdown, check out our launch piece.

Ping G430 Max

For the full technology breakdown, check out our launch piece.

Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Max

For the full technology breakdown, check out our launch piece.

Cobra Darkspeed Max

Cobra’s draw-biased model is built for the player who needs forgiveness. Depending on the weight configuration, either greater forgiveness or more draw bias can be targeted. The draw-biased Max model is the most forgiving in the lineup. Here the weights are 12 and three grams and are situated in the rear and heel of the club to achieve the desired launch and ball flight.

For the full technology breakdown, check out our launch piece.

Titleist TSR2

For the full technology breakdown, check out our launch piece.

Again, we can’t thank the fitters enough for their time, and we hope that in your search for your best fairway wood for 2024, we can help you find it!