Hot List
Best Hybrids: Innovation
The best clubs in each category of the Hot List reflect excellence across an array of criteria. For Innovation in hybrids, our editors and scientific panel meet with manufacturer R&D teams throughout the year to better understand what companies are doing and why and how important those efforts might be relative to the current standard. For example, although early hybrids were easier to hit because of their size and forgiveness, today’s models go farther by featuring high-strength steel alloys in the face, sleeker, turf-riding soles and different face-thickness patterns, shapes and even ones designed to draw or fade the ball to fit a variety of player types. Here you’ll see how our editors evaluated hybrids based on their interpretation of Innovation, with each achieving a minimum of 4.5 stars. Note: The star rating is for the brand’s family of models (e.g., Elyte family, Qi35 family, GT family), so the rating applies to all the models in a family.
Callaway
Elyte
$300
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Golf Galaxy
GD SCORE
GD HOT LIST SCORE
Hot List Gold
$300
This model seeks to maximize distance for average golfers through adjustability and lie angle while offering the same control of the equivalent iron.
The mid-size profile makes for an easier transition between hybrids and irons.
The adjustable hosel has seven settings that provide 1-degree loft adjustments (weak or strong) and up to 2 degrees of adjustment for lie (weak or strong).
After researching thousands of average-golfer swings, Callaway concluded that the proper lie angle for an individual player was crucial to better contact with hybrids, hence the reason for the new adjustable hosel’s emphasis on lie angle.
These heads have more of a neutral flight to work across a broader range of players and trajectory preferences.
The lofts and neutral ball flight make these hybrids a good fit with Callaway’s Elyte and Elyte HL iron models.
The design of the variable-thickness face used input from AI’s analysis of thousands of swings. The result is more precision and effectiveness for the target player.
Top 5 in Performance, high-handicaps
19, 22, 26, 30 degrees (with seven-way adjustable hosel)
Callaway
Elyte Max Fast
$300
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Golf Galaxy
GD SCORE
GD HOT LIST SCORE
Hot List Gold
$300
This model seeks to maximize distance for average golfers through adjustability and lie angle while offering the same control of the equivalent iron.
These heads sport a larger overall profile with a shallower face to foster confidence in average golfers looking for more forgiveness and easier launch.
A slight draw bias works to offset the tendency of average golfers to fade or slice lower-lofted clubs.
These feature the weakest lofts in the Elyte hybrid lineup to help average to below-average players create more distance potential.
The adjustable hosel has seven settings that provide 1-degree loft adjustments (weak or strong) and up to 2 degrees of adjustment for lie (weak or strong).
After researching thousands of average-golfer swings, Callaway concluded that the proper lie angle for an individual player was crucial to better contact with hybrids, hence the reason for the new adjustable hosel’s emphasis on lie angle.
The design of the variable-thickness face used input from AI’s analysis of thousands of swings. The result is more precision and effectiveness for the target player.
The head sizes, lofts and overall lighter swingweights best complement Callaway’s Elyte Max Fast iron.
Designed for moderate-swing-speed players who need the benefits of a lighter club.
23, 27, 31, 35, 39 degrees (with a seven-way adjustable hosel)
Callaway
Elyte X
$300
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Golf Galaxy
GD SCORE
GD HOT LIST SCORE
Hot List Gold
$300
This model seeks to maximize distance for average golfers through adjustability and lie angle while offering the same control of the equivalent iron.
The oversize profile provides stability on mis-hits for more consistent carry distance.
A slight draw bias works to offset the tendency of average golfers to fade or slice lower-lofted clubs.
The strongest lofted hybrids in the Callaway lineup improve ball speed and compensate for golfers who tend to add loft at impact.
The adjustable hosel has seven settings that provide 1-degree loft adjustments (weak or strong) and up to 2 degrees of adjustment for lie (weak or strong).
After researching thousands of average-golfer swings, Callaway concluded that the proper lie angle for an individual player was crucial to better contact with hybrids, hence the reason for the new adjustable hosel’s emphasis on lie angle.
The design of the variable-thickness face used input from AI’s analysis of thousands of swings. The result is more precision and effectiveness for the target player.
The head sizes, lofts and built-in draw bias best complement Callaway’s Elyte X iron model.
18, 21, 25, 29 degrees (with a seven-way adjustable hosel)
TaylorMade
Qi35
$300
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Golf Galaxy
GD SCORE
GD HOT LIST SCORE
Hot List Gold
$300
Built to fit the broadest range of player types, the standard Qi35 now straddles the line between the previous Qi10 and Qi10 Tour models.
That difference means the Qi35 boasts a similar shape to the Qi10 but with a slightly more forward center of gravity for lower spin and better energy transfer.
A carbon-composite crown with a chromium aesthetic saves weight for a lower center of gravity.
A weight screw in the center of the sole allows fitters to tweak swing weight and further reduce spin.
A forward hosel position, particularly on the higher lofts, places it closer to the leading edge for an iron-like appearance and greater sense of control.
A slot in the front part of the sole improves the way the face flexes and gives distance a boost, especially for impacts low on the face.
The adjustable hosel tweaks loft by 1.5 degrees, giving the lineup a loft range of 15.5 to 26.5 degrees.
Top 5 in Performance, middle- and high-handicaps
17, 19, 22, 25 degrees (with a 12-way adjustable hosel)
TaylorMade
Qi35 Max
$300
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Golf Galaxy
GD SCORE
GD HOT LIST SCORE
Hot List Gold
$300
The oversized shape emphasizes forgiveness and a higher launch with more of a draw bias than the Qi35.
The weight screw in the back center of the sole deepens the center of gravity for more forgiveness.
A carbon-composite crown with a chromium aesthetic saves weight for a lower center of gravity.
A slot in the front part of the sole improves the way the face flexes and gives distance a boost, especially for impacts low on the face.
Lofts are 0.5 degrees stronger than last year’s Qi10 Max for less spin and more ball speed.
Lie angles are slightly more upright than in the standard Qi35 to minimize a slice.
Top 5 in Performance, high-handicaps
20, 23, 27, 31, 35 degrees (fixed hosel)
TaylorMade
Qi35 Max Lite
$300
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Golf Galaxy
GD SCORE
GD HOT LIST SCORE
Hot List Gold
$300
The Max Lite is oversize like the Max but has a more tip-flexible shaft. It also weighs less to help golfers with moderate swing speeds launch shots higher with a slight draw.
The weight screw in the back center of the sole deepens the center of gravity for more forgiveness.
A carbon-composite crown with a chromium aesthetic saves weight for a lower center of gravity.
A slot in the front part of the sole improves the way the face flexes, creating more potential distance, especially for impacts low on the face.
Lofts are 0.5 degrees stronger than last year’s Qi10 Max to reduce spin and add ball speed.
Lie angles are slightly more upright than in the standard Qi35 for help against slicing.
23, 27, 31, 35 degrees (fixed hosel)
Titleist
GT1
$330
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Golf Galaxy
GD SCORE
GD HOT LIST SCORE
Hot List Gold
$330
This wood-like hybrid is Titleist’s most forgiving, targeting players looking for a higher launch.
It has the deepest center of gravity in the GT hybrid lineup to improve stability on off-center shots and increase the launch angle.
Movable weights in the front of the sole and rear perimeter allow players to tweak launch (heavier weight in rear) or lower spin (heavier weight up front).
The fairway-wood shaft, with a narrower tip, contributes to higher launch angles.
The larger face (than the TSR1) extends the degree of forgiveness for inconsistent ball-strikers.
Featured shafts include 50- and 40-gram versions to build the speed potential for moderate-speed players.
Top 5 in Performance, middle- and high-handicaps
20, 23, 26, 29 degrees (with a 16-way adjustable hosel)
Titleist
GT2
$330
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Golf Galaxy
GD SCORE
GD HOT LIST SCORE
Hot List Gold
$330
Designed to provide maximum forgiveness to inconsistent players with average to above-average swing speeds.
New shape is sleeker than last year’s TSR2.
Improved stability on off-center hits (an increase of 10 percent compared to the TSR2) provides meaningful distance gains.
Adjustable heel and toe weights in the sole control draw or fade trajectories and dial in the best energy transfer for where players tend to contact the face.
A flatter leading edge increases the hittable area low on the face where most impacts occur.
Higher launching with higher forgiveness on heel and toe mis-hits compared to the GT3.
Relief pockets in the rear heel and toe of the sole improve turf interaction for cleaner contact.
Top 5 in Performance, middle-handicaps
18, 21, 24 degrees (with a 16-way adjustable hosel)
Titleist
GT3
$330
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Golf Galaxy
GD SCORE
GD HOT LIST SCORE
Hot List Gold
$330
More compact than the GT2 and last year's TSR3, the GT3 offers iron-like control for players looking for more ball speed than their lower-lofted irons.
Because of a wider face, this year’s model boasts a 15 percent improvement in stability on off-center hits for more consistent carry yardages.
Adjustable heel and toe weights in the sole control draw or fade trajectories and dial in the best energy transfer for where players tend to contact the face.
A flatter leading edge increases the hittable area low on the face where most impacts occur.
Relief pockets in the rear heel and toe of the sole improve turf interaction for cleaner contact.
Top 5 in Performance, low-handicaps
19, 21, 24 degrees (with a 16-way adjustable hosel)
Cleveland
Halo XL
$200
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Golf Galaxy
GD SCORE
GD HOT LIST SCORE
Hot List Silver
$200
Built with long-distance problem-solving in mind, these oversized designs aim to help average golfers launch long shots higher from a variety of lies.
Distance gets a boost from a thinner step design in the front part of the crown that gives, which enlarges the area of the face that flexes the most at impact.
Three sole rails taper front to back to minimize the negative effects of steep swings and chunked shots and ease the way the head’s trailing edge moves through the turf.
The larger heads naturally create stability on off-center hits for more consistent ball speeds.
A “Hy-wood” option has a longer shaft and stronger lofts to provide extra forgiveness and ball speed for lofts up to the 6-hybrid.
An online fitting tool shows players the ideal mix of lofts for their games based on average driver distance.
Top 5 in Forgiveness, middle-handicaps
18, 21, 24, 27, 30 degrees (Hy-wood: 17, 20, 23, 26 degrees)
Cobra
DS-Adapt
$300
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Golf Galaxy
GD SCORE
GD HOT LIST SCORE
Hot List Gold
$300
With a focus on forgiveness, this model is the highest launching of Cobra’s hybrids and features a larger head size than the King Tec.
A bridge-like structure inside the front of the head attaches to internal heel and toe weight pads to push the center of gravity low and forward for better energy transfer.
That structure also yields extra stability on off-center hits.
An eight-gram weight screw in the rear section of the sole lowers the center of gravity for increased forgiveness and a higher launch. The weight can be adjusted.
The face is designed with variable thicknesses across 15 distinct regions for more consistent speed across the face.
Adjustable hosel features 33 settings for tweaking ball flight low, high, left and right.
Top 5 in Look, middle-handicaps
17, 19, 21, 24, 28 degrees (with a 33-way adjustable hosel)
Cobra
King Tec
$320
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Golf Galaxy
GD SCORE
GD HOT LIST SCORE
Hot List Gold
$320
Cobra’s most advanced hybrid uses multiple materials and adjustability to optimize distance and trajectory.
The L-shaped face insert wraps around the leading edge and into the sole to maximize rebound, particularly on lower-face impacts.
The face is also designed with variable thicknesses across 15 distinct regions for more consistent speed across the face.
The adjustable hosel features 33 settings for tweaking ball flight low, high, left and right.
A thin carbon-composite crown comprising just one percent of the head’s weight saves mass that’s redistributed low and on the perimeter for forgiveness and less spin.
The saved mass also creates room for widely spaced heel and toe sole weights that can be used to tweak trajectory from neutral to a slight fade.
A bridge-like structure inside the front of the head attaches to the sole to push the center of gravity forward for better energy transfer.
The unique design rises barely above the sole, allowing the lower part of the face to flex more freely.
Also available in a one-length version (7-iron length) with a metalwood-like shape and a single sole weight in the deep center.
Top 5 in Performance, low-handicaps
17, 19, 22, 25 degrees; one-length in 19, 21, 24 degrees (with a 33-way adjustable hosel)
Mizuno
ST-Max 230
$160
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Golf Galaxy
GD SCORE
GD HOT LIST SCORE
Hot List Silver
$160
The oversized profile makes for Mizuno’s most forgiving and highest-launching hybrid.
A wide channel stretches nearly the width of the sole to give at impact and create additional face flex on off-center hits.
A polymer filling in the cut-through channel in the sole encases a steel bar to lower the center of gravity for reduced spin and a higher flight.
Thin, high-strength steel alloy in the face (about as thick as a nickel) with a variable-thickness design provides more potential ball speed.
The underside of the crown is thinned with a waffle pattern and combines with a thicker, extended weight pad on the sole to lower the center of gravity.
A shallower face height (compared to the ST-Z) presents an easier-to-launch look at address.
Top 5 in Look, low-handicaps
19, 22, 25, 28 degrees (with an eight-way adjustable hosel)
Mizuno
ST-Z 230
$160
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Golf Galaxy
GD SCORE
GD HOT LIST SCORE
Hot List Silver
$160
Although larger and more playable than last year’s CLK, the conventional ST-Z provides a flatter, lower-launching trajectory compared to the ST-Max.
This more traditionally sized hybrid (the 2-hybrid volume is 121 cubic centimeters) decreases in size as the loft increases (the 5-hybrid is just 103cc).
The adjustable hosel provides lofts from 14 to 27 degrees.
A wide channel in the sole stretches nearly the width of the sole to give at impact and create additional face flex on off-center hits.
A polymer filling in the cut-through channel in the sole encases a steel bar to lower the center of gravity for reduced spin and higher flight.
Thin, high-strength steel alloy in the face (about as thick as a nickel) with a variable-thickness design provides more potential ball speed.
The underside of the crown is thinned with a waffle pattern. This and a thicker, extended weight pad on the sole help lower the center of gravity.
Top 5 in Performance, low-handicaps
16, 19, 22, 25 degrees (with an eight-way adjustable hosel)
Ping
G440
$325
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Golf Galaxy
GD SCORE
GD HOT LIST SCORE
Hot List Gold
$325
A faster face and a range of adjustable lofts make these hybrids among the most versatile in the game.
Ping lowered the face height by 8 percent and made it thinner. This encourages center-face contact for a higher launch and more ball speed.
A redesigned interior section of the hosel removes mass that helps to lower the center of gravity by 12 percent for higher launch and less spin.
A lightweight carbon-composite section wraps around the back half of the crown to make room for a rear sole weight for improved stability.
A slimmer rear section helps keep the sole flush to the ground so that the face angle changes less when the hosel is adjusted.
The specs of these hybrids target the players most likely to use them: The 2-hybrid is designed for faster swingers who prefer a lower, fade-bias ball flight, and the 3- and 4-hybrids have ample loft to help approach shots hold the greens.
Top 5 in Performance, low-, middle-, high-handicaps
17, 20, 23, 26, 30, 34 degrees (with an eight-way adjustable hosel)
PXG
0311 Black Ops
$300
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Golf Galaxy
GD SCORE
GD HOT LIST SCORE
Hot List Silver
$300
With three movable sole weights, an eight-way adjustable hosel and six lofts that can be tweaked as high as 32.5 degrees, this versatile hybrid aims to meet the needs of a variety of player types.
A new face made of a high-strength, stainless-steel alloy results in additional ball speed, a higher launch and less spin.
The face is 10 percent thinner than previous models and saves mass that’s distributed internally along the perimeter for better stability on mis-hits.
A compression-molded carbon-composite crown half the thickness of a dime saves mass that leads to more stability on toe-heel and crown-sole mis-hits.
The sole weights can be adjusted to favor a draw or fade and are positioned for maximum forgiveness.
Standard heavy weight in the configuration is 12.5 grams, but optional weights can get as heavy as 20 grams to provide more fitting alternatives.
Top 5 in Performance, low-handicaps
17, 19, 22, 25, 28, 31 degrees (with an eight-way adjustable hosel)
Srixon
ZXi
$280
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Golf Galaxy
GD SCORE
GD HOT LIST SCORE
Hot List Gold
$280
Srixon’s hybrids now feature a larger size and hosel adjustability to fit a wider variety of swings and skills.
These also benefit from the same approach to face design that has fueled more ball speed in the ZXi drivers.
By varying rigid and flexible layers in the face and crown transition areas, these hybrids get an additional speed boost from the flexing of the crown at impact.
The increased volume on these (more than 11 percent bigger on the lower lofts) and larger areas in the toe and back provide increased stability on off-center hits.
The 12-way adjustable hosel stretches the loft range from 15.5 to 29.5 degrees.
Top 5 in Look, high-handicaps
17, 19, 22, 25, 28 degrees (with a 12-way adjustable hosel)