Hybrids

* Category Leader

: PING G10; STREET PRICE: $150
WEBSITE: pinggolf.com
LOFTS
15, 18, 21, 24, 28, 32

TECH STORY
The variable-thickness, computer-machined face is designed to provide consistency on off-center hits, and an internal weight pad is intended to increase the launch angle. The presence of 10 radial ribs built into the sloped crown is a science project for solid sound.

PLAYER COMMENTS
"The most workable hybrid. Almost as good as an iron for shaping shots. . . . The height and trajectory are spot on. . . . You sense off-center hits, yet the ball holds its line, which is exactly the kind of forgiving feedback you want."

HOT
A handsome tool with some research behind the specs. To learn the proper shaft length-loft combinations most golfers need to have linear distance gaps, Ping's engineers studied amateurs of all skill levels. If you're looking for quality shaft choices, the Grafalloy ProLaunch Red and UST V2 High Launch are available as standard options.

NOT
Having a Carpenter-steel face instead of 17-4 might produce more ball speed.

* Category Leader

: TAYLORMADE BURNER RESCUE; STREET PRICE: $180
WEBSITE: taylormadegolf.com
LOFTS
19, 22, 25, 28

TECH STORY
The two-piece head (stainless-steel body and separate face insert) is 13-percent larger than the Rescue Dual, a design intended to deepen the CG and increase MOI. Like all Burner kin, the hybrid is built with "superfast" technology (lightweight shaft and grip in the 60-gram range) to increase swing speed.

PLAYER COMMENTS
"This is a godsend for the average player. . . . No matter where you hit it on the face, it flies high and straight, and the feel is always the same. . . . Dispersion was tight. If you need something that performs like a long iron but won't knuckleball, this is your club."

HOT
An exemplar of hybrids whose shape suggests a little more fairway wood than iron. Intent on forgiveness, the slightly beefier volume sits cleanly at any address position because of the shallow face and well-contoured sole.

NOT
Busy graphics. Op-art critics might contend the crown has too much of a Victor Vasarely influence.

CLUBS LISTED IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER

: BOBBY JONES PLAYERS SERIES; STREET PRICE: $200
WEBSITE: bobbyjonesgolf.com
LOFTS
17, 19, 21, 25, 30, 35

TECH STORY
Clubmaker Jesse Ortiz has chiseled a substantial amount of mass away from the toe and heel contours to make this club more versatile in uneven lies. The body is a three-piece construction of maraging metals, including a super-thin crown that let Ortiz relocate 30 grams deeper in the head to lower the CG.

PLAYER COMMENTS
"Sweet, solid impact. I felt it right up through my hands and into my heart. . . . Looks like a gem and goes like a rocket. . . . I dropped a few balls into divots, and the head scooped them out no problem."

HOT
Praise to Ortiz for his bravado in making a cleek throwback. The compact head offers utility and niche aesthetics, and the conservative shaft lengths will translate to accuracy and consistency.

NOT
Two Benjamins is a bold frontier for many hybrid shoppers. Plus, some golfers might not want their hybrid to look like a 7-wood.

: CALLAWAY FT; STREET PRICE: $200
WEBSITE: callawaygolf.com
LOFTS
18, 21, 24, 27

TECH STORY
The stainless-steel face and body and tungsten-infused soleplate lower the CG. The traditionally shaped hosel (nicely counterbalanced with the heavier weighted sole) caters to the taste of better players, and there's no excess face progression in the higher-lofted models.

PLAYER COMMENTS
"How soon can I put this in my bag? . . . It's got the balance of an experienced tightrope walker. . . . The compact clubhead just wants to snuggle right up against the ball. . . . Whoever made this knew what they were doing."

HOT
Draw and neutral versions are available, a pleasant surprise for such an attractive club. High-handicappers might find the look intimidating, but those willing to try it will be rewarded. A player-inspired club from a company known for game-improvement.

NOT
The ding on your credit-card statement might hurt, especially if the exact loft you want isn't one of the paltry four offered.