Golf hybrids are the youngest type of golf clubs, which usually alternate one or more clubs of the higher number wood type, or lower number iron type.
These are golf clubs designed for long to medium play, especially when the ball is in a location with poorer accessibility. The hybrid's head shape allows for greater accuracy on the swing while the stroke is only slightly slowed by the terrain.
For this reason, hybrids are also commonly referred to as Rescue club or Utility club, a rescue club.
For this reason, golf hybrids have become a common part of golf sets and are used in specific situations. The purchase of golf hybrids as a full set is especially recommended for beginner players, as they can be used to play the same swings as conventional irons, but do not require a significant emphasis on ball striking accuracy due to the large sweetspot area. Hybrids are especially preferred by women.
What types of golf hybrids are recognized
Like standard woods or irons, hybrids have their own numbering that corresponds to that of iron-type clubs, as they were originally designed to replace them for less skilled players.
In golf sets you will usually find hybrids of lower numbers – by default there are hybrids of 3 or 4, which form a very good transition between shorter woods and longer irons and fully alternate them, so in a golf set that is limited to 14 clubs you can choose, for example, more types of wedges or drivers instead of a larger set of classic clubs.
When choosing a hybrid, you should therefore focus on the game you will be using them for, as they can be applied not only as transition clubs but also as standard irons.
A special type of hybrids are the so-called Driving irons, which perform essentially the same function, but their design is different from standard hybrids and, like drivers, they can be equipped with additional technologies such as adjustable loft or a system for changing the centre of gravity with additional weights.
What to choose a golf hybrid based on
Hybrids are selected as part of a golf set, so the first step in selecting one should be to consider what golf set you will be purchasing. Hybrids are purchased individually primarily when you want to replace the golf clubs you already own in a set or need to replace a used hybrid with limited functionality.
When selecting a hybrid, there are several specific parameters to keep in mind that will have a big impact on its playability and handling.
Golf Hybrid Type
The first guideline when choosing a golf hybrid is the numbering mentioned above, which corresponds to the numbering of iron-type clubs and defines the playing characteristics of the club. Although hybrids were primarily developed as full-fledged replacements for irons, the strokes they perform have a different character – lower spin than woods and a longer trajectory than irons.
When replacing irons, always choose a slightly higher number than that of a conventional club. You can choose between hybrids 1-9, with hybrids 3 and 4 replacing woods 5 and 7 and irons 1 and 2 being the transition ones.
Features of the golf hybrid component design
In hybrid clubs, several specific parameters are monitored that affect the action on the ball at impact. These include:
- head shape and volume
- loft
- head weight
- shaft solution
Each of these parameters defines specific properties of the hybrid. Their basic characteristic is precisely the technological design of the head of the hybrid, which is related in shape to the heads of wood-type clubs, but made of Loft head tends to be between 18° and 27° with a large sweetspot area. Loft at these values approximates the swing characteristics of conventional irons, but since the head design increases the spin of the ball, the swing path is always longer than that of an iron of the same number. This is why you need to replace lower number irons with higher numbered hybrids. The more versatile types of hybrids have adjustable loft – usually in a range of three positions. The head centre of gravity of a hybrid can be either fixed or adjustable with additional weights. With a fixed head centre of gravity, you will always be sure that the stroke you make will direct the ball where you are used to, depending on which part of the sweetspot you hit it with. The adjustable center of gravity is ideal if you are learning the proper technique for different clubs – changing the center of gravity will change the swing characteristics of the hybrid. Be careful, however, if you are using a hybrid in a tournament – like loft, the center of gravity of the head must remain the same throughout the tournament. The shaft of a hybrid, as with other types of golf clubs, primarily affects the handling and stiffness of the swing. Hybrid shafts are usually made of a more flexible material (graphite), but can also be made of metal or wood or composite. In addition to stiffness, the length of the shaft (which together with the head design defines the hybrid number) is also very important. The shaft length of golf hybrids ranges between classic woods and irons – the shafts are slightly shorter than in woods, in irons they always correspond to a specific alternate number. The material of the shaft determines its flex, which mainly affects swing speed – flexible shafts are designed for players with a slower swing. By default, shafts are graded as with other club types according to the following scale: Shafts L, S and R are classified as flexible types. Stiff shafts are designated S (stiff), and in addition to the basic stiffness, shafts with XS-XXXS stiffness can be purchased. When choosing a golf hybrid – as mentioned above – the most important thing to think about is what you will be using it for. If it is to be an alternative to conventional irons, it is a good idea to get a full set and replace even the highest number of woods with them. This approach is optimal for beginners who, thanks to hybrids, will gain skill and practice their technique for shorter distances. If you intend to use the hybrid as a transition club between woods and irons, you need to choose carefully especially in the lower numbers of these clubs. Generally, one or two are enough for a set. The manufacture of golf hybrids usually requires the application of special technologies, as they generally differ from conventional clubs in the material design of all parts. Research and development has made it possible to create various more versatile versions of these clubs that apply additional features (which are also generally applied to drivers and advanced designs of classic golf clubs).
A new hybrid model always requires careful design, testing and balancing to ensure it can be manipulated appropriately for a specific target user group. The production of this type of clubs is handled by companies that focus exclusively on hybrids, as well as by companies whose portfolio consists of all types of clubs in a golf set or offers a complete golf set. Among the best known and largest are: Golf hybrid prices depend primarily on technology, additional features and design. They range approximately between 1 000 – 7 000 CZK. Golf hybrids are mainly purchased in sets by beginners or recreational golfers, they are usually only found in small numbers in advanced or professional golf sets.
Although these are relatively new types of clubs, they are now standard equipment for almost all golfers, mainly due to their convenient features and easier handling. Here are the 10 most popular golf hybrid models currently available according to consumers. The men's hybrid X Series from Callaway is a club with a very sophisticated design intended to alternate long iron-type golf clubs, i.e. it is used as a transition club between woods and irons. This hybrid is mainly used to complement the golf sets of advanced players. The hybrid is only available in the right-handed version and in sizes 3, 4 and 5. Reasons to get the Callaway X Series Golf Hybrid Reasons not to get the Callaway X Series golf hybrid The Mavrik Max men's golf hybrid – Project X Catalyst from Callaway is the latest model with a precision-profiled hitting surface for ultra-accurate swings. This hybrid is especially suitable for advanced players. The club is fitted with a graphite shaft and a designer grip for a better grip with maximum length in the category. Hybrid can be purchased in both right- and left-handed versions and in 6 categories (3-8) always with precisely balanced loft and the corresponding hitting surface shape for optimal swings with desired length and spin. Reasons to get the Callaway Mavrik Max – Project X Catalyst golf hybrid Reasons not to get the Callaway Mavrik Max Golf Hybrid – Project X Catalyst The Fly-Z women's designer golf hybrid from Callaway is a very suitable solution for beginner and advanced recreational golfers. The visual design of the club is very friendly, the loft and shaft are optimized for lower swing speeds, which are typical especially for women. The hybrid is also lightweight (thanks to the graphite shaft), making overall swing handling easier. Loft is adjustable. The hybrid comes in a right-handed design and in numbers 5 and 6. Reasons to get the Cobra Fly-Z golf hybrid Reasons not to get the Cobra Fly-Z golf hybrid The Rogue women's golf hybrid from Callaway is a club with a meticulously engineered head design for ultra-precise strokes with high stiffness and reinforcement to increase overall swing speed. Hybrid comes in 6 sizes (3-8) and is designed for beginner and intermediate players. The entire set of hybrids can be used as an adequate alternative to golf irons. All sizes can be purchased in a right-handed version, only some are adapted for the left side. Reasons to get the Callaway Rogue golf hybrid Reasons not to get the Callaway Rogue golf hybrid The women's Mavrik Max hybrid from Callaway features all the advanced technologies applied to the men's version, i.e. a precision-profiled striking surface with a graphite shaft and a designer grip for a better grip with maximum length in the category. Hybrid can be purchased in both right- and left-handed versions and in 6 categories (3-8) always with precisely balanced loft and the corresponding hitting surface shape for optimal swings with desired length and spin Reasons to buy the Callaway MAVRIK MAX golf hybrid Reasons not to get the Callaway MAVRIK MAX golf hybrid The F.Max golf hybrid from Cobra is a basic solution with versatile application suitable especially for recreational players. The simple head design and very lightweight design make this hybrid the ideal club for recreational play. The hybrid serves as a transition club between woods and irons. Reasons to get the Cobra F-Max golf hybrid Reasons not to get the Cobra F-Max golf hybrid The Cobra Women's Baffler XL Hybrid is a transitional club between classic golf woods and irons with solid loft and a very lightweight design. Graphite shaft with optimized flex with right-handed grip. The Hybrid is only available in a 6# and will be used primarily by advanced players. Reasons to buy the Cobra Baffler XL Hybrid Reasons not to get the Cobra Baffler XL Hybrid The 2019 Prostaff SGi men's hybrid is designed as an alternative to long golf irons with a very high quality head and hitting surface design, as well as variable loft settings. The shaft of the hybrid is graphite with high stiffness. The hybrid is suitable for advanced players with lower swing speed (medium and higher handicap). Reasons to get the 2019 Wilson Prostaff SGi golf hybrid Reasons not to get the 2019 Wilson Prostaff SGi golf hybrid The Z 355 women's golf hybrid from Srixon is a suitable solution for beginners and advanced players (especially recreational players) as an alternative to long irons. The hybrid is available in sizes 4 and 5 with an optimized lightweight shaft with L flex in the right-handed variant. Reasons to get the Srixon Z 355 Hybrid Reasons not to get the Srixon Z 355 Hybrid The King F8 men's golf hybrid from Cobra is especially appreciated by advanced players. The hybrid is available in four sizes (2-5) and fully replaces long irons. The head and variable loft are tailored to very accurate swings and precise shaping of medium-long shots. The lightweight shaft with flexible flex makes it easy to handle and optimizes swing speed. In general, the hybrid is made for players with right- and left-handed dominance. Reasons to get the Cobra King F8 golf hybrid Reasons not to get the Cobra King F8 golf hybrid
How to choose a suitable golf hybrid
Golf Drivers Parameter Table
Feature Common Parameters Hybrid Type 1-9 Head Material and Weight metal/composite Loft 18- 27° Loftness adjustable/non-adjustable Heft adjustable/fixed Moment Head inertia low/high Shaft material graphite/metal/composite Flex L/A/R/S / XS / XXS / XXXS Shaft Length Variable by marking User Men's/Women's/Children's Player Dominance Right/Left Side The most popular types of golf drivers according to consumers
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Callaway Rogue Review
Callaway MAVRIK MAX Hybrid – review
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Cobra Baffler XL Hybrid – review
Wilson Prostaff SGi 2019 Review
Srixon Z 355 Hybrid – Review
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