Equipment
Greatest Adams hybrids of all time
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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Editor’s note: This is an excerpt from a piece our Andrew Tursky originally wrote for PGATour.com’s Equipment Report. Head over there for the full article.
…The Jailbird craze hasn’t really slowed down in 2024, either. According to Odyssey rep Joe Toulon, there are about 18-20 Jailbird putter users on the PGA TOUR.
Most recently, Akshay Bhatia won the 2024 Valero Texas Open using a broomstick-style Odyssey Jailbird 380 putter and Webb Simpson is switching into a replica of that putter at the 2024 Wells Fargo Championship.
Now, Fowler, who essentially started the whole Jailbird craze, is making a significant change to his putter setup.
Fowler, who has had a couple weeks off since the 2024 RBC Heritage, started experimenting with a new, custom-orange Jailbird 380 head that’s equipped with a standard 35-inch putter build, rather than his previous 38-inch counter-balanced setup.
According to Fowler, while he still likes the look and forgiveness of his Jailbird putter head, he’s looking to re-incorporate more feel into his hands during the putting stroke.
He told GolfWRX.com on Tuesday at the Wells Fargo Championship that the 38-inch counterbalanced setup “served its purpose” by helping him to neutralize his hands during the stroke, but now it’s time to try the standard-length putter with a standard-size SuperStroke Pistol Tour grip to help with his feel and speed control.
Although Fowler was also spotted testing standard-length mallets from L.A.B. Golf and Axis1 on Tuesday, he confirmed that the custom Odyssey Jailbird 380 is the putter he’ll use this week at the 2024 Wells Fargo Championship.
Head over to PGATour.com for the full article.
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- Akshay Bhatia what’s in the bag accurate as of the Wells Fargo Championship. Bhatia is deciding between drivers. More photos from the event here.
Driver: Callaway Rogue ST Max LS (9 degrees @7.2, 2 grams lead tape heel, 4 grams toe)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Black 7 X (44 7/8 inches, tipped 1 inch)
Driver: Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Max D (9 degrees @7)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Black 7 X
3-wood: Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Max (15 degrees @13.9)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Black 8 X (43 inches, tipped 1.5)
Hybrid: Callaway Apex UW Prototype (19 degrees @17.8)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Black 10 X
Irons: Callaway X Forged UT (21 degrees) Buy here, Callaway Apex TCB Raw (5-PW)
Shafts: KBS $-Taper 125 S+
Wedges: Callaway Jaws Raw (50-10S @49, 54-10S, 60-08C @61)
Shafts: KBS Hi-Rev 2.0 135 X
Putter: Odyssey Versa Jailbird 380
Grip: SuperStroke Zenergy Split
Grips: Iomic
Ball: Callaway Chrome Tour
More photos of Akshay Bhatia’s WITB in the forums.
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- Emiliano Grillo what’s in the bag accurate as of the Wells Fargo Championship. More photos from the event here.
Driver: Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond (9 degrees @10)
Shaft: Project X Denali Blue 60 TX
3-wood: Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond (15 degrees)
Shaft: Project X HZRDUS Smoke Blue RDX 70 TX
5-wood: Cobra LTDx Prototype (18.5 degrees)
Shaft: Project X HZRDUS Smoke Blue RDX 70 TX
Irons: Callaway Apex TCB (4-9)
Shafts: Project X 6.5
Wedges: Callaway MD3 Milled (46-08S), Callaway Jaws Raw (50-10S, 54-10S, 60-08T)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400
Putter: Odyssey White Hot OG #5
Grip: SuperStroke Zenergy Flatso 1.0
Grips: Golf Pride MCC
Check out more in-hand photos of Emiliano Grillo’s clubs here.
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BillyG
Apr 19, 2020 at 12:46 am
What hybrid did Tom Watson play?
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!
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,
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.
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…
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.
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.
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…
JP
Apr 3, 2020 at 11:45 am
A12 Pro Proto was my ATF.
And how come no PNT mention? Seriously?
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.
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? ????
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
HKO
Apr 2, 2020 at 1:40 pm
how come no PNT (aka Peanut) is mentioned here?
Jack
Apr 2, 2020 at 10:16 pm
It is. Tour issue/prototype Idea Pro. First hybrid on the list 🙂
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!
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…
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!
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.
Thebigdad
Apr 1, 2020 at 4:48 pm
A12 Pro, 18° and 20° are still in my bag
Cdub
Apr 1, 2020 at 3:15 pm
No pro black?!
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.
JB
Apr 3, 2020 at 9:26 am
Yep, exclusion of a7 PNT makes this list questionable at best.
Cm
Apr 1, 2020 at 12:22 pm
???? no Peanut? They also made the RED hybrid after the XTD.
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.
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.
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.