HOT LIST 2007: HYBRIDS

silver
BOBBY JONES PLAYERS SERIES: STREET PRICE: $180.; SPECS: 19, 21, 25, 30 degrees.; KEY TECHNOLOGY: A contoured sole increases the club's versatility. The ultra-thin maraging-steel crown allows weight to be moved to the sole, lowering the CG.; PANELIST COMMENTS: "The most iron-like replacement in terms of being able to hit it from any lie and get something out of it."; JUDGES VERDICT: It's not easy to do something with materials in hybrids, but we applaud the effort, and the execution. And it maintains a clean look.; Hot: Graphite Design shafts complete the package.; Not: Some might not like the resemblance to a small fairway wood.; Triangular- shape head adds stability.; bobbyjonesgolf.net

silver
CALLAWAY FT: STREET PRICE: $200.; SPECS: 14, 17, 20, 23, 26 degrees.; KEY TECHNOLOGY: The composite crown over the stainless-steel face, sole and body is designed to increase perimeter weighting for better performance on off-center hits. It has the OptiFit system, too.; PANELIST COMMENTS: "The address is the standard—the penny loafer of hybrids. . . . Bad swings still carried a long way."; JUDGE'S VERDICT: When it comes to making clubs for average golfers, Callaway gets it. Although it took a while to find its way in hybrids, this club shows the company understands the category.; Hot: Neutral- and draw-bias options offer more choices.; Not: Only one loft available in left-handed neutral model.; Draw version combats a slice.; callawaygolf.com

SILVER
PING RAPTURE: STREET PRICE: $210.; SPECS: 18, 21, 24 degrees.; KEY TECHNOLOGY: A 17-4 stainless-steel body, a thin 475 super-steel face and a tungsten-nickel sole plate position the CG low and away from the face to help launch the ball higher.; PANELIST COMMENTS: "Wow. Every hit felt like it was right in the middle, and every ball went straight at the target. It's exactly what I want a hybrid to be. . . . Many of my heel-toe hits would have reached the green."; JUDGE'S VERDICT: Ping's technology usually goes beyond the science to provide on-course benefits. This three-piece design delivers on its promise and makes it a viable alternative to the G5.; Hot: Sloped crown helps get the ball airborne.; Not: Only three loft options.; All that technology doesn't come cheaply.; pinggolf.com

SILVER
TAYLORMADE r7 DRAW RESCUE: STREET PRICE: $150.; SPECS: 19, 22, 25, 28 degrees.; KEY TECHNOLOGY: Weight in the back heel helps combat a slice and promote a draw. The clubhead is 12-percent larger than the Rescue Dual. This helps improve MOI and lower the CG to get shots airborne.; PANELIST COMMENTS: "It's exactly what it says it is—a draw. . . . It looks bigger than it really is, and you can miss it and still get plenty of distance."; JUDGE'S VERDICT: It's definitely helpful to those fighting a perpetual slice, and it's the most affordable draw-bias option in this category.; Hot: As many loft options for women as for men.; Not: The 55-gram shaft might be a little soft for non-AARP members.; Difficult to hit it left to right.; taylormadegolf.com

SILVER
TITLEIST PT 585.H: STREET PRICE: $200.; SPECS: 17, 19, 21, 24 degrees.; KEY TECHNOLOGY: The contoured sole and 20-gram tungsten backweight pushes the CG low and deep to make it easy to launch the ball. No offset allows for a neutral flight and a lower trajectory.; PANELIST COMMENTS: “A sound that is as pleasing as Pavarotti’s voice. I like the fact that the clubhead isn’t closed.”; JUDGE'S VERDICT: With no offset and a flatter trajectory, it should appeal to better players. It’s an ideal alternative off the tee on those short, extra-tight driving holes.; Hot: Wider face and deeper CG make it modestly more forgiving than expected.; Not:You definitely need some skills to play with this one.; Stronger players will find it versatile.; titleist.com

SILVER
TOUR EDGE BAZOOKA JMAX QL: STREET PRICE: $100.; SPECS: 13 lofts from 16 to 59 degrees.; KEY TECHNOLOGY: A 15-gram tungsten sole weight and a 120-gram sole provide a low and deep CG. A super-thin steel face is designed to increase ball speed.; PANELIST COMMENTS: “I don’t own any of these clubs, and I should. This more bulbous head makes you feel like you can really lay into it. . . . It takes a minute to get used to the look, so maybe call it love at second sight. This is a fantastic club.”; JUDGE'S VERDICT: The value leader doesn’t scrimp on technology, making this one of the best buys for your money.; Hot: Bulge-and-roll technology in longer clubs enhances forgiveness.; Not: Are short-iron hybrids really necessary?; Hybrids available to replace 1-iron through L-wedge.; touredge.com