HYBRIDS

CLUBS LISTED IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER

: TITLEIST 909H; STREET PRICE: $190
WEBSITE: titleist.com
LOFTS: 15, 17, 19, 21, 24

TECH TALK: The size, shape, CG location and offset change gradually from loft to loft in this 17-4 stainless-steel clubhead that also features a fast, Carpenter 455 steel face insert. The face is larger and longer than previous Titleist hybrids to add a touch more forgiveness. A factory-adjustable swingweight screw in the back of the sole allows for customization and a low, deep CG.

PLAYER COMMENTS: (M) "Beautiful club. It looks like a BMW. Simple and elegant."... (T) "Great trajectory. Not too spinny."... (L) "I've never hit a Titleist hybrid I liked until now."... (L) "Super-traditional-looking at address. Rock-solid feel at impact, and mis-hits didn't travel too far off-line."

HOT: It's elegant and efficient, provided you have the training.

NOT: This is truly a club for high-speed players who don't want a high-launching hybrid.

: TOUR EDGE EXOTICS XCG-V; STREET PRICE: $250
WEBSITE: pinggolf.com
LOFTS: 16, 18, 21, 24

TECH TALK: The lightweight, V-shape titanium cupface is brazed to a heavy steel soleplate to move 66 percent of the clubhead's weight to the rear of the heel and toe for a higher MOI and improved launch. A complicated brazing technique bonds the two materials without leaving a weld. The titanium hosel frees an additional 30 grams of weight to add to the sole.

PLAYER COMMENTS: (M) "A wind-cheater. It flies like nothing's in its way?like a bullet."... (L) "There's nothing bad about this golf club. No manipulating necessary: You just set it down perfectly and swing."... (T) "I roasted a few out of divots."

HOT: This meaty hybrid is in fourth gear right out of the headcover. Its low spin rates give it a distinctly metal-wood-like ball flight.

NOT: Resale value can justify some expenditures, but this brand isn't there yet.