HYBRIDS

CLUBS LISTED IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER

: COBRA BAFFLER TWS/PRO; STREET PRICE: $149
WEBSITE: cobragolf.com
LOFTS: 16, 18, 20, 23 (Pro); 16, 18, 20, 23, 26, 29 (men's TWS); 23, 26, 29, 32, 35 (women's TWS); 23, 26, 29, 32 (seniors' TWS)

TECH TALK: The TWS has three internal weight pads on the perimeter of the sole to place the CG back and low. This is designed to increase the MOI and help launch the ball more easily. The large, laser-welded 275 maraging-steel face is intended to provide consistent ball speed across the entire face.

PLAYER COMMENTS: (M) "Just a fantastic golf club in all aspects. It's so easy to swing, and the weight seems just right. It has great distance, too."... (L) "The leading edge makes you feel like you can dig the ball off the ground and launch it way in the air for a mile."

HOT: A genuine upgrade from DWS, it defines easy, and the smorgasbord of lofts guarantees something for everyone.

NOT: No maraging-steel face for women and seniors. Why?

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

TECH TALK: The unassuming 17-4 stainless-steel head features more technology than meets the eye: An internal weight pad in the sole and a thin, sloped crown are designed to lower the CG and help raise the MOI. A plasma-welded, variable-thickness face is intended to help players add ball speed.

PLAYER COMMENTS: (M) "Has a very powerful sound. Really forgiving on mis-hits." ... (L) "This is the Holy Grail. I could hit this thing for a month. Super-workable. Plus, it doubles as a driver because you can use it off the tee on short par 4s."... (T) "It works the ball back into play even on heel shots."

HOT: Extensive research?and 10 radial ribs inside the crown?went into tuning the sound of this club, to great effect. It's one of the most solid-feeling hybrids on the market.

NOT: The sloped crown and orange color might turn off some traditionalists.

* Category Leader

: TAYLORMADE BURNER RESCUE; STREET PRICE: $160
WEBSITE: taylormadegolf.com
LOFTS: 18, 20, 23 (tour launch); 17, 19, 22, 25, 28 (high launch)

TECH TALK: Both models feature thin clubhead walls (0.6 millimeters) and a sole that's distinctly wider than the crown. This allows designers to redistribute weight and move the CG deeper and 35 percent lower than last year's Burner Rescue. The longer, lighter shaft and grip are aimed at boosting clubhead speed. The smaller head has a slight fade bias, and the larger head is designed to draw the ball.

PLAYER COMMENTS: (M) "It's so forgiving, you can't mis-hit it." ... (M) "I found the smaller version more appealing. Definitely very long and high."... (L) "I hit it out of divots and off the toe, and it still performed well."

HOT: These two models from TaylorMade cover all types of skill and size preferences.

NOT: Wide, fairway-wood-style footprint might not be the most versatile from all lies.