2018 Hybrids: Five things we learned…

TOP GEAR 2018: What we learned during our hybrid testing

Fairway Woods that created the most ball speed for our Test Pro 
➤ 142mph Callaway Rogue
➤ 141mph Mizuno CLK and TaylorMade M4
➤139mph Mizuno MP-18 MMC Fli-Hi, Cleveland Launcher HB, Wilson Sta C300, Callaway Rogue X 

1: There’s a hybrid to replace your 8-iron

Callaway’s 28° Rogue X 8H just wouldn’t have been entertained a few years ago, but with more of us realising the benefits of wide body forgiveness it’s now a credible option.

2: Shaft weights can tailor feel to you

Lighter hybrid (and fairway) shafts mean you can concentrate on keeping rhythm and sweep shots away without feeling the need to power shots into the air. They also feel great at average swing speeds.  

3: Not all better players need narrow hybrids

You won’t see many wide hybrids on tour, but it didn’t stop our test pro preferring them over their narrow cousins. If you prefer the shape of irons consider narrow bodies and utility irons, just make sure you own enough club speed to get them airborne from the turf.

4: Replace the 5-iron you only ever hit on a par 3

If you only hit a 5-iron when you can tee up on a par 3, drop it; there are so many easier, more forgiving options out there now. Consider high lofted hybrids and fairways, as well as toe and heel weighted hollow body irons, Crossovers or even Cobra’s One Length hybrid.

5: Ignore the numbers on the sole, and cover off loft gaps

Just because you remove a 3 and 4 iron from your set doesn’t mean you need a #4 and #5 hybrid to replace them. There’s every chance one would suffice. Instead of getting hung up on whether you need a #2, #3 or #4 hybrid focus on covering off yardage gaps between your longest iron and most lofted fairway wood (check them on a launch monitor). The numbers on the sole are irrelevant.