Simply stated, hybrid utility clubs are a cross between a fairway wood and a
long iron, with similarities to both. The terms “utility clubs” and“hybrid clubs” are generally used interchangeably.
Their purpose is to replace the hard to hit lower irons - 2, 3, 4 and even 5
irons. They have been designed to launch the ball up in the air from long
distances and tough lies. Initially, these clubs were difficult to use and the
public did not take well to them. But now, with some modifications, they are
catching on like crazy and manufacturers are meeting the demand by
specifically designing “sets”, so you do not have to do inordinate amounts
of Internet research to find the set that works for you nor do piece-meal
compilation of a set.
Unquestionably, hybrids' ease of use and versatility are without peer, and,
not surprisingly, the numbers reflect pros' increased interest in the clubs.
How Do Hybrid Golf Clubs Work 101?
Manufacturers have taken the center of gravity and moved it back and to the
bottom of the club. This is nearly impossible with a standard iron. What this
does is help launch the ball into the air. They have also made the face flat
and added a higher launch angle. This gives the ball a higher spin rate which
allows it to stop faster with more accuracy.
These hybrid golf clubs are mainly designed for distance control and accuracy.
The shafts are shorter and the club faces stiffer like their iron
counterparts. They also have no face bulge or roundness like fairway woods
which keeps the shots simple. The bottoms often have runners or rails that
help the club interact positively with the turf, whether it is long rough,
short fairway or sand. Their lofts also vary anywhere form 16° to the mid
26°.
There are three key elements that players must realize about hybrids:
Firstly, find a club that is optically pleasing. This means that you must find
one that looks good to you, visa vie, fits your eye. This is very important to
build your confidence in that club.
Secondly, the player must have a willingness to change. These clubs are
different and you have to be OK with mixing and matching your set. They are
not considered replacements; they just provide new club selections.
Lastly, you will need a little time to convert to a new set of hybrids and you
may still have the need to change a club, but generally speaking, these sets
have been specifically designed to eliminate this issue.
Hybrids are available in three fairly distinct categories:
* Mid-to- low swing speed neutral bias
* Mid-to low swing speed draw bias
* Mid-to-high swing speed neutral bias
Stronger players generally prefer the neutral bias options with steel shafts.
These deliver a lower trajectory with more control.
Conversely, average to softer swingers will probably be drawn to the bias
options, with graphite shafts, as this will increase height and distance. Some
of the early entries into irons sets that match hybrids with more traditional
irons simply replace the 3- and 4-irons with hybrids, then jump directly to
the 5-iron through pitching wedge.
That's fine for some players. But there are a lot of golfers with slower swing
speeds that find even getting a game improvement 5- or 6-iron up in the air an
inconsistent proposition.Wilson FYbrid Fairway Utilities Series
Wilson, in our humble opinion, offers the best and easiest to use set of
hybrids.
I am happy to report that the mission that Wilson set out to accomplish, that
of developing a FYbrid family of fairway utility clubs to eradicate confusion
in the long game and also to provide consistent gaps between clubs, has been
accomplished more than satisfactorily.
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They have developed clubs that result in the same confidence and consistent
results on long shots, as with short game irons. You will be amazed when you
know precisely how far you hit each shot with each club. You will probably
just need a combination of two to six clubs based on your ability to generate
club head speed and trajectory height off fairway woods.
By effectively combining fairway woods and hybrids into a single family, the
FYbrid system eliminates the redundancy of more than twelve traditional clubs
by offering six clubs that cover the long distance needs between the driver
and six iron. |
The clubs set up so well, feel absolutely powerful, and when one consistently
gets the ball to where it was aimed, a lower score will put a huge grin on
your face! The UST V2 shaft is phenomenal and makes these clubs perform
unbelievably well.
I highly recommend that any golfer with a handicap of 10 or higher should
investigate these six clubs.
$149.99 per club www.wilsongolf.com
Nickent 4DX CB Combo Set
Nickent continues to gain market share both on the PGA Tour, Nationwide Tour
and at the retail level.
The Nickent 4DX CB Combo set is great for players of all skill levels looking
for considerable forgiveness and more power.
The large, perimeter-weighted head features a new cavity shape that positions
the away from the face for increased forgiveness on off-center hits. A
moderate offset promotes right-to-left ball flight without sacrificing
shot-making flexibility.
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The 4DX CB has a wider body and a longer shaft to match the look and feel of a
fairway wood, while offering the playability benefits of a hybrid.
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The 4DX has been injected with elastomer for a more solid and lively feel at
impact, as well as having its center of gravity moved back using tungsten
weights. Its head has brazed titanium and stainless steel for head stability.
As with the Wilson FYbrid, a UST shaft complements this club. This club plays
solid and has an extremely attractive black-green-chrome color scheme to
boot.
Putting a set together is simple as Nickent offers a 1- 6 iron replacement
option (14° to 29°)
$699.99 www.nickentgolf.com
Callaway FT i-brid Irons
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This is Callaway’s most technologically advanced game-improvement set. Their
Fusion Technology, the superior weight-shifting science created by Callaway
Golf, is incorporated in the new FT i-brid Irons set that features three
hybrid-like clubs designed to replace hard-to-hit long irons and
game-improvement short irons, providing the ultimate in forgiveness and
playability.
Multi-material construction allows weight to be shifted for optimal
performance. The lightweight titanium body allows for an oversized club head
with increased offset for greater forgiveness and an increased effective
hitting area. Heavy Tunite weighting in the sole creates a higher moment of
inertia and better stability with a low, deep center of gravity. The TPU
SenSert decreases vibration and delivers solid feel.
These clubs blend the control and accuracy of irons with the forgiveness,
distance and versatility of hybrids. The low, deep center of gravity (CG)
helps get the ball in the air quickly and easily, and the wider sole improves
turf interaction. |
The Super Game-improvement Mid and Short Irons are designed for the ultimate
in forgiveness in its oversized design with an increased offset, a large
effective hitting area and a wide sole for exceptional turf interaction.
The Fully Integrated Set Design Seamless performance progression throughout
the set provides consistent distance separation with optimal trajectories.
An advanced version of the original Tru-Bore Design, the polycarbonate tip
plug at the end of the shaft, dampens vibration for enhanced feel and
performance.
$1299.95 Steel $1499.95 Graphite
www.callawaygolf.com
Mizuno MX-950 Hybrid Iron Set
The MX-950 Hybrid Iron set is ideal for the mid to high handicap player who is
looking for ease of launch, unparalleled forgiveness and maximum enjoyment on
the golf course.
With the MX-950 hybrid set, Mizuno utilized multiple technologies in three
distinct head designs to deliver seamless game improvement performance.
Hybrid 3 and 4 feature internal high density tungsten weights to create
massive MOI (Moment of Inertia) values to deliver high, straight and
ultra-forgiving shots, Grain Flow Forged 5 through 7 Hollow echnology irons
also feature internal high density tungsten weights in the lowest and deepest
area of the cavity to deliver solid, forgiving and consistent shots. Finally,
Grain Flow Forged 1025E "pure select" mild carbon steel 8 through lob wedge
provides pin seeking accuracy with soft, solid and consistent feel in one
piece scoring irons.
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Mizuno's Hybrid H.E.M.I. COG design philosophy is utilized in each iron for
maximum energy transfer from club head to the ball. Another feature that sets
the MX-950 apart from any other hybrid set on the market is their ability to
be custom built to a golfer's individual specifications.
The MX-950 3 and 4 hybrids have an amazing two-tone paint finish which fades
from black to blue, and the MX-950 5-LW irons are durable double nickel chrome
plated with a mirror satin finish to provide durability and glare resistance.
Modified U-grooves are utilized to produce the ideal spin rate, for maximum
playability in all conditions.
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The MX-950 hybrid design is offered with True Temper Dynalite Gold Super Lite
shafts (R300,S300) standard in steel and Mizuno's Exsar IS2 shafts (regular,
stiff) standard in graphite. Also standard on the MX-950ï will be the
exclusive Mizuno/Golf Pride® M-21 58 Round grip.
The suggested retail price for a set (3-PW) of MX-950 hybrids are $899.00
(steel) and $999.00 (graphite). A MX-950 gap wedge, sand wedge, and lob wedge
will also be available. The MX-950 hybrid design iron set is available in
right-handed models and custom shaft and grip options, as well as flat or
upright lie adjustments are available through Mizuno's Custom Club
department.
www.mizunousa.com
NIKE SQ SUMO2 Hybrid/Iron Set
NIKE continues to deliver outstanding products to the marketplace and their
wins on Tour are causing golfers to take notice.
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NIKE SQ SUMO2 Hybrid/Iron Geometry set consists of four high MOI hybrids and
four high MOI irons combine to offer the highest total MOI in a mixed set Nike
Golf has ever created. The SQ SUMO2 iron has a longer blade length, wider
sole and lower profile than the SQ SUMO iron for increased stability and lower
CG.
New club head geometry and vibration dampening inserts bring amazing feel to
the SQ SUMO² irons, while SQ SUMO² hybrids give you confident length from
anywhere on the course.
The Nike PowerBow design shifts weight strategically to place the CG low and
deep in the irons, and to the perimeter in the hybrids, to increase MOI and
create a more stable club at impact while the TPU insert dampens unwanted
vibrations at impact for that pure feel. |
$899.95 Steel $999.95 Graphite
www.nikegolf.com
Tour Edge Bazooka QLS Combo Set
This Illinois golf company has set sales records with their products for the
past few years and retailers confirm that Tour Edge offers great value for
money throughout their line. Their Exotics CB2 Hybrids, are, in this
writer’s opinion. The best on the market!
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The hybrids and irons share the same appealing top line to deliver confidence
in every club.
With the QLS hybrid golfers get a shallow face, wide-sole design that has a
heavy sole and lower center of gravity for higher flying, more forgiving
shots. The irons combine a large undercut cavity, shallow face, and super-wide
sole so shots fly higher, straighter, and land softer.
The Combo sets available with 2 or 3 hybrids usually # 3 and #4 Hybrid and
5-PW in the irons.
2,3,4,5 &6 hybrids are available. |
Both graphite and steel are available.
www.touredgegolf.com
Adams Golf
Adams is the leader of the pack when it comes to full hybrid sets offered.
Their presence is ubiquitous on all Tours worldwide, especially on the
Champions Tour. They make a great product.
They offer three different models (Idea a30S, Idea a3 and Idea Pro) to suit
the higher handicappers and pros alike.
Adams Idea a30S
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Designed for maximum game improvement, Idea a3OS integrates six progressively
shaped hybrids with two cavity-back short irons for consistent results.Set make-up:
3, 4 & 5 Boxer Hybrids:
Three of the easiest-to-hit hybrids we've ever tested. These weapons, a.k.a.
clubs, are designed with Boxer Technology which results in high MOI for more
forgiveness and a straighter and longer ball flight.
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6, 7 & 8 Hybrids:
Three iron-like hybrids move the weight low and back for high-launching, easy
to hit approach shots from the rough or fairway. Their wide sole design helps
cut through turf interference allowing for more onfident and accurate
swings.
9 & PW:
Cavity-back short irons with a large sweet-spot helps deliver pinpoint
accuracy and better feel around the greens.
$699.00 Graphite $599.00 Steel
Idea Pro Gold Hybrid
Using feedback from players on the Nationwide, PGA, and Champions Tours, the
Idea Pro Gold Hybrids are an update to the popular Idea Pro Hybrids and
incorporate their Boxer technology for "advanced geometric shaping" to give
you a higher moment of inertia and more forgiveness. I for one will gladly
take some additional forgiveness.
Designed for the "elite" player, the Idea Pro Gold Hybrids feature an "enhanced weighting system" and a maraging steel face. The stock shaft for the
Idea Pro Gold Boxer Hybrid is the Mitsubishi Rayon JAVLN FX 80-gram graphite
shaft and the head cover is one the sweetest looking ones out there: it's a
gold and black striped knit sock from Rocket Tour. The stock grip is a Golf
Pride DD2 in the black and yellow color scheme.
Idea Pro Gold Hybrid/Irons Set
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The aesthetically pleasing combo Idea Pro Gold set consists of a set of 3- and
4- Idea Pro Gold hybrids and 5-PW forged cavity-backed irons. The predecessor
to this combo set, the Idea Pro combo garnered great reviews. This new set is
even better!
The 8620 carbon steel forged head is finished with a mirror-chrome plating and
features a thin top line and sole to appeal to better players. Constant offset
throughout the irons offer the better player more control and workability to
their ball flight. A 14% increase in groove volume gives the better golfer
more accuracy and feel.
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$899.99 Steel $1099.99 Graphite
www.adamsgolf.com
KING COBRA TRANSITION-S SET
An extremely popular set and brand, this eight club integrated set has great
aesthetics and more importantly, forgiveness. As the name implies, the
Transition set refers to the three types of clubs that make up the set:
utility metals, hybrid irons and wide-sole irons.
The clubs have been designed to give moderate-ball-speed players a higher
level of forgiveness and playability, along with optimal launch and carry
distance. And, as with the Wilson FYbrid, this set has been designed to
eliminate distance gaps resulting in a higher level of consistency.
Golf can be unforgiving. But with its super-high MOI, the Transition-S set,
with its 17-4 stainless head with a face insert, low-and-back center of
gravity, makes for a very forgiving set of clubs. And with three types of
clubs that have been integrated to eliminate distance gaps, you're covered
from anywhere on the course.
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The set includes 3 - PW with standard flex Aldila VS Proto-HL 65 lightweight
shafts for high launch to promote increased carry distance.
As has become almost standard practice in game improvement clubs like this,
the lofts are set strong in the men's version, with the pitching wedge at
44°. However, in the women's and senior's versions, the pitching wedge loft
is 48°. And while the women's and seniors sets are 4-PW, a 3 utility metal is
available separately with 23° loft as opposed to the 20° 3 utility standard
in the men's set. |
The 3-, 4-, and 5-irons are replaced with utility metals that have a wide-sole
and low crown design for low-back CG (center of gravity) and increased MOI.
The 6- and 7-iron are hybrid irons that feature a hollow, back-weighted, low
profile design for improved accuracy. The 8-, 9-iron, the pitching and sand
wedges, are wide-soled, deep cavity back irons for maximum forgiveness and
optimum launch. That's about as perfect a set of irons as you could want or
imagine.
Transition S sets are available in men’s, women’s and seniors’ models
with Cobra/Aldila NV-HL shafts and Cobra/Golf Pride Tour Velvet grips. Men’s
sets include 3-PW. Seniors’ and Women’s sets include 4-SW.
$699.00
www.cobragolf.com
Caveat 1: For starters, watch out for distance gaps. Just because a hybrid has
the same degree of loft as the iron it might replace, it doesn't mean it's
going to go the same distance. Odds are you'll hit it farther - probably one
club farther. However, by no means should this be a detriment to buying a set.
Simple practice will determine which clubs fit your distance needs and the
results will convert to lower scores.
Of course it is realized that OCD (Obsessive, Compulsive, Disorder) players
will still tinker and change any one of the full sets, so be it.Caveat 2 High
Lofted Fairway Woods
(Nine woods, eleven woods, thirteen woods....)
If you still struggle with your long and mid irons, or even if you struggle
with your short irons, you might want to consider high lofted fairway woods:
9 wood = 5 iron
11 wood = 6 iron
13 wood = 7 iron
15 wood = 8 iron
17 wood = 9 iron
19 wood = Pitching Wedge
21 wood = Gap Wedge
Try a nine wood or an eleven wood. You will absolutely hit it more
consistently than the equivalent iron. Numerous manufacturers have the 9 and
11 woods available. These higher lofted woods are available from Golfsmith and
BANG Golf.
As previously mentioned, hybrid sets will save you a lot of grief over trying
to match individual clubs to make up a set yourself.
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Hottest Clubs in Golf - Full-Set Hybrids
