WHAT IT DOES: The two hybrids here try to do a lot of the same things (distance, forgiveness, adjustability), but they differ in a key way. The X enhances solid hits, and the XF smooths out your blunders. Of course, what’s most noticeable is a crown that sandwiches a carbon-composite wedge between heel and toe sections made of steel. This increases the structure’s stiffness for faster ball speed and enhances the high-strength stainless-steel face. Two adjustable ports in the sole—one heavy, one light—allow for a range of customization for spin and draw. A honeycomb TPE internal insert improves sound and feel. The XF is slightly bigger to make it easier to hit, but maybe it’s smartest mistake-fixer is a set of sole rails that prevents the head from digging into the ground on turf-heavy strikes.

WHY WE LIKE IT: This is a company that favors the bold, but that crown is more than just an aesthetic. It’s emblematic of the brand’s search for an alternative from the usual way of doing things. Not any old carbon composite, the use of aluminum vapor in the carbon-composite material adds strength and reduces mass up top to lower the club’s center of gravity for better ball flight and stability.

WHICH ONE'S FOR ME?

0317X: Designed with a clear intent to reduce spin, the more compact X still offers a wider, squared face for forgiveness on off-center hits. It also comes in a driving iron 17-degree loft.

0317XF: The large-profile XF, with a deeper CG location than the X, is geared to salvaging mishits. That forgiveness comes first in its larger shape vs. the 0317X, but it's also apparent with the sole design. If your biggest concern with a hybrid is overcoming bad lies and avoiding hitting the turf before the ball, the XF's sole rails offer a clear advantage over the X. Read more >>

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