Over the years, the hybrid has become more and more popular, with it being one of the most versatile and useful golf clubs you can put in your bag. How, you may ask? Well, they are created to be a more forgiving replacement for long irons and, design-wise, they essentially resemble smaller headed fairway woods. Whether you are on the fairway, or stuck in the rough, a hybrid can deliver more distance and height to get you closer to the green and, likely, save shots off your score.
It's no secret that, in recent years, club manufacturers have seen more demand for their hybrid models, with many golfers deciding to sacrifice the traditional set-ups of long irons for the more forgiving and easier to hit hybrids. What's more, you don't have to be limited to just one type of loft with hybrids, as manufacturers provide a range of lofts which vary from 17 to 29 degrees.
It's not just amateurs who have benefited from using hybrids, with even the professionals seen using them out on the course. Which professionals you may ask? Well, Major winners like Rory McIlroy and Dustin Johnson have previously carried hybrids when course conditions required higher flighted, softer landing approaches into par 5 greens.
Whether you are after one of the most forgiving hybrids on the market, or perhaps one that will give you an extra 10 yards of distance, there are plenty of models available which are designed to help and, at Golf Monthly, we have created this guide to help aid your decision.
We understand that there is always an element of subjectivity and personal preference in any club testing, but we cross-reference both our qualitative data (observations, feelings, notes) with our quantitative data (the launch monitor numbers) to reach our conclusions about what makes the best golf hybrids. Some products are targeted at certain skill levels but, in this guide, we've brought you a range of our favorite hybrid clubs that cover a broad spectrum of playing abilities.
If you're into finding out more about the best hybrid clubs to use, you should also check out our guides on the best hybrid golf clubs for seniors and best women's hybrids. However, if you’re not completely sold on the idea of a hybrid and want something with more of an iron-like profile, then check out our best driving irons guide.
WATCH: We test and compare all the latest golf hybrids in 2024
The Quick List
The Ping G430 hybrid is a club that combines performance with immaculate looks. It’s forgiving and produces consistent ball flights even out of more tricky lies.
This versatile hybrid performed very well out of various lies on the golf course. The forgiveness on offer was exceptional and the clean looks will please many.
A hybrid club that will suit golfers of all abilities thanks to the strong, all-round performance. Combining good distance with forgiveness makes this the ideal long-iron replacement.
The Halo scores high marks for the versatility. It's easy to hit out of any lie, performs exceptionally well on mis-hits, and gets the ball up in the air quickly.
The Darkspeed hybrid offers high levels of forgiveness with an abundance of power. The high ball flight, even from the rough, will inspire confidence to all levels of golfer
Surprisingly forgiving for such a compact hybrid, the TSR3 is also powerful and versatile. An excellent option for those confident enough to opt for a slimmed down model.
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Mizuno have once again produced a forgiving and versatile long iron replacement. A larger mid-sized head may not be to everyone's taste, but the performance was excellent.
Smoother looking crown creates a better look at address and the revised sole enables the ZX Mk II hybrid to be very versatile. No adjustability differentiates it from the competition.
Callaway tapped into its Tour roster to build a high-performance utility wood with fairway wood distance and hybrid precision.
Best Golf Hybrid Clubs
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Top pick
Perhaps one of the best looking hybrids on the market right now, the Ping G430 strikes a superb balance between its fantastic visuals and the excellent performance it delivers. While it does come with a compact club head, we found that the sole sat flush on the turf and that made the club look a lot shallower than expected, inspiring a lot of confidence when stood over the ball.
Some questions on the acoustics of previous Ping clubs have been voiced over the years but, we have to say with the G430, any metallic sound or 'tin' feel has been toned down to make it very satisfying through impact. What's more, we found there to be a high level of playability, which can be largely attributed to the tungsten back-weight on the club.
Speaking of performance, we thought it delivered excellent distances off the tee and from the ground during our testing sessions. Equally, it stands out as one of the most forgiving hybrids on the market right now, with mis-hits still delivering strong carries from a multitude of lies.
- Read our full Ping G430 Hybrid Review
Best from the rough
When last year's Paradym hybrid was launched, we were instantly impressed with the performance on offer, so we expected big things from the Paradym Ai Smoke model and we are pleased to say it is one of the best Callaway hybrids we have tested.
Starting with the aesthetics, Callaway has moved away from the gloss black crown and has returned to the matte black crown that we saw on the Rogue ST hybrids. The head profile itself has been designed to be a little larger to inspire confidence and provide the user friendliness to compete with the most forgiving hybrids. We must note that there is no crushed carbon as seen on the likes of the Ai Smoke driver and fairway wood, but instead there is a steel finish to the sole.
Behind the ball, the club sat flush to the turf and even glided through the first cut of rough spectacularly when called upon. However, where the Ai Smoke separated itself from the previous years model was in the forgiveness department. We struck countless shots, when testing, out the heel and the toe and saw remarkably consistent ball flights and spin patterns when doing so. This is testament to the new Ai Smart Face implemented into the whole Ai Smoke family.
- Read our full Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Hybrid Review
Best wide appeal
While the footprint itself remains similar to that of the Stealth 2, a new larger carbon crown has been implemented on the whole Qi10 range, freeing up weight that is then redistributed and split between the front and rear of the head. By doing this, TaylorMade's engineers have lowered the CG (center of gravity) and created a powerful and extremely forgiving hybrid club.
The Qi10 hybrid has been designed with the majority of golfers in mind and we’ll likely see this in the bag of both amateur and professional golfers over the course of the 2024 season. Some of the same technology that was so successful in previous TaylorMade models, such as a Speed Pocket - a slot behind the face of the club to aid ball speed and shots struck lower on the face - has been kept in the Qi10.
Where this hybrid excelled though, was with its feel and acoustics. In testing, we thought that the Qi10 hybrid sounded and felt powerful and springy through impact while letting out an almighty crack through the ball. The V-Steel sole also enabled the club to perform well out of the rough and even fairway bunkers, allowing it to glide through any trouble and provide superb turf interaction and launch.
- Read our full TaylorMade Qi10 Hybrid Review
Most forgiving
The Cleveland Launcher XL Halo Hybrid ranks as one of the most forgiving hybrids on the market and hence earned a spot in our Editor's Choice Awards. To begin with, it features an incredible amount of technology, with the specific focus in the design process being to help golfers escape poor lies with power and accuracy.
In testing, we felt that the three Glide Rails on the sole helped keep the clubface straight for better strikes, regardless of lie quality. It also scored high marks for its versatility, with the main standouts being the ability to hit it out of any lie, its performance on mis-hits, and also how it got the ball up in the air quickly.
Aesthetically, the Halo features Cleveland's XL head design, which is certainly larger than most hybrids. As well as the large head design, the hybrid has a high MOI and, paired with great stability and resistance at the moment of impact, it is definitely an appealing option for a wide range of golfers.
- Read our full Cleveland Launcher XL Halo Hybrid Review
Best smaller profile
Straight out of the box, the Darkspeed hybrid has a look synonymous with Cobra hybrids - a slightly longer blade length with a compact footprint and slightly more toe-heavy look to it from the top. The same stealth-like finish has been applied to the Darkspeed hybrid as seen on the rest of the Darkspeed family and provides a modern and premium aesthetic. The combination of black and grey tones, alongside a matte dark grey crown, make this one of the best looking hybrids at address.
Featuring some of the technology found in the Darkspeed fairway wood, such as PWR-bridge technology and H.O.T face technology, this is one of the longest hybrids we have ever tested, with the carry distances exceptional. Not only that, but the sound and feel is great as well, producing a muted crack through the ball at impact that only adds to the powerful feel.
Overall, the Darkspeed hybrid will suit a wide range of players. The compact shape will appeal to better ball strikers but, because of the forgiveness, playability and versatility, it easily ranks as one of the best hybrids for high handicappers.
- Read our full Cobra Darkspeed Hybrid Review
Best looking
For those in search of a compact hybrid, Titleist has launched a moveable-weight TSR3 model that the brand says should: “Give you more control over every shot.” In testing, the performance certainly backed up this statement, with the TSR3 producing an impressively strong ball flight.
Delivering a lower-pitched sound and more powerful feel than some of the other hybrids in this guide, the stand-out feature, for us, was definitely the moveable weight system in the sole. It is sleek and easy to use and, when we changed it about, it definitely had an effect on the ball flight, which was very consistent.
One thing to mention is that the flight is noticeably lower than other models in the TSR range, such as the Titleist TSR2 hybrid, so you may need to move the weighting around to get the desired results. Along with the flight, the overall look of the TSR3 is that it's significantly more compact. This may sound like a problem, but we really liked that Titleist is giving golfers some clear differentiation here and, because it is shorter from heel-to-toe, we felt it was a little more useable from a range of different lies.
- Read our full Titleist TSR3 Hybrid Review
Best for better players
Another forgiving and versatile club that we really enjoyed testing, the Mizuno ST-Z 230 hybrids deliver a forgiving and versatile feel off the tee and the ground. Aesthetically, they are fantastic looking clubs too, with Mizuno opting for a gloss black crown that is very compact at address. It does possess a very long-looking face that we thought, when squared up to the golf ball, inspired confidence.
What's more, Mizuno have featured a Cortech Chamber inside the clubhead that moves the weight closer to the face of the club and lowers the center of gravity to help control the launch and spin of the ball. The sweet spot of the club has also been lowered, making it even easier to hit, especially when playing off tighter lies on the fairway. That also meant that the ST-Z 230 performed incredibly well out of the rough with the ball launching high and sitting up softly on the greens.
- Read our full Mizuno ST-Z 230 Hybrid Review
Best for simplicity
The Srixon ZX MK II hybrid supplements the excellent ZX5 MK II irons and ZX7 MK II irons that were released in tandem with this hybrid. Here, the brand has taken the best bits from the previous Srixon ZX hybrid and upgraded them, introducing a smoother clubhead which looks a little cleaner at address.
Aesthetically, it has a very cool dark matte black finish with some very stylish alignment decals positioned behind the centre of the clubface. The taller crown helps to push the center of gravity of the club back a little, and that adds more spin to launch the ball a touch higher for greater carry distances.
The face of this hybrid sits in front of a Rebound Frame on the inside of the head and this helps to stiffen the structure of the club to improve ball speed. That makes it one of the best hybrid golf clubs for higher handicappers and slower swingers looking for a little extra distance off the deck. The shape of the sole also means this club cuts through the grass very easily and is great from thicker lies, making it a very handy club to have in the bag.
- Read our full Srixon ZX Mk II Hybrid Review
Most fairway wood like
Now into its second iteration, the Callaway Apex UW sits almost in a category of its own and, when assessing the looks of the new Apex UW, the club retains a clean, unfussy profile with a gloss black finish and no markings on the crown. The clubhead sits extremely squarely behind the ball and there is no noticeable change in head shape from the original when looking down at address.
In testing, we found that well-struck shots have an impressively high launch angle but still flew powerfully through a fairly stiff headwind without the excessive backspin that a fairway wood may produce for a higher swing speed player. It also performed excellently and, dare we say, better than the previous UW, out of the rough, thanks to the new sole technology. Finally, no matter the wind conditions, the Apex UW could even rival the best fairway woods on the market.
- Read our full Callaway 2024 Apex UW Review
How we test hybrids
When it comes to Golf Monthly's testing procedure, we use the same ethos and methodology for all golf products to make sure they are as insightful, honest and as comprehensive as possible. When it comes to testing for the best hybrids, we usually attend product launches so we can meet with the manufacturer’s R&D experts to understand the new technology.
After we have an understanding here, our first port of call when hitting clubs is usually the indoor simulator at Foresight Sports, where the team can test in a controlled environment using premium balls and the GCQuad launch monitor. We also use TrackMan at golf facilities across the UK. With hybrids, we look to assess how each club performs in terms of its forgiveness, shot shaping abilities and how much distance it provides off the tee. We also look to test hybrids on different lies to gain a better understanding of how each club performs around the course.
How to choose the right hybrid
It's one thing knowing what the best golf hybrid clubs on the market are, and something else entirely choosing which model to add to your bag. So, how do you make such a decision?
In an ideal world, a properly executed club fitting will provide the answers. However, if this isn't possible for whatever reason, we have a few tips.
1. Performance
How a hybrid performs is the most important factor. You are looking for versatility that will improve your scores and help you out of trouble in a range of on-course situations. We would recommend trying out hybrids off the tee, from the rough, fairway, around the green and even from the middle of low-lipped fairway bunkers. You need to gauge how well they perform for you and a demo day is an ideal opportunity to do the kind of testing you need to be sure a hybrid is right for you.
2. Feel
A thorough test can inform how some clubs feel during the golf swing and most importantly at impact. Some models sound loud at impact, others are more muted. Some will feel like the contact is a dense thud, others will feel hot and energetic off the face. Feel is entirely subjective and personal to the player. Again, we recommend hitting some models indoors and outdoors, so you can have an idea of what you like and dislike.
3. Looks
With all golf clubs you need to like how they look, especially at address, because you don't want to be distracted by a club you really don't enjoy looking at. Take some time to shop around, feel the club in your hands and see if you like the way it looks and feels at address. Does it match the rest of your set-up, will you feel completely comfortable putting it in the bag? As much as it may seem vain to judge a club on looks, it can increase your confidence on-course if you love the look of your hybrid when you pull the headcover.
Not every hybrid is the same. Some are more wood-like in appearance, whilst others have a higher toe and are designed to look more like an iron. Some are also more rounded and more square so getting the clubs in your hands will allow you to see what you like and what you don't.
4. Budget
The penultimate factor you should consider is budget. Given the number of hybrids available on the market, you can find a quality club at most price points and to suit almost any budget. If you want a premium brand model then you can get one, or if you want to save money, there is usually value for money to be found if you are happy not to own a club by a marquee manufacturer.
5. Testing
We hate to sound like a broken record but go to a range and try some out. Most places still tape clubs up and let you conduct your own range test. It won't be as thorough as a custom fit but you can draw some conclusions. For example, you'll be able to get a sense for the weight and looks of the club and whether the shaft suits the way you swing it.
Hitting some shots, even with tape on the face, will also give you an idea of how easy each hybrid is to hit and get airborne. For higher handicappers, this will likely be very helpful. Better golfers may be in the market for something that's more workable and therefore would be suited to something with plenty of hosel adjustability. Ultimately, it depends on what aspect(s) of performance you value above all else and which hybrid is able to tick the most boxes for your game.
If hybrids aren't your cup of tea we have plenty of information on our website on the best golf irons, best golf club sets for beginners and best wedges that'll help you get around the course.
FAQs
What is the difference between a hybrid and a rescue?
There is next to no difference between a hybrid and a rescue because a rescue club is actually just the TaylorMade version of a hybrid.
What is a hybrid golf club good for?
There are two clear benefits to a hybrid when answering this question. First the best thing about a hybrid is that it combines the best bits of a fairway wood and long iron into one convenient club. They help players get the ball in the air easier and help fill the gap between woods and irons in relation to distance gapping.
Hybrids are designed with a lot more perimeter weighting, which is possible because the heads are so much bigger. The hollow design also allows for a lower and deeper centre of gravity that encourages a higher launch, making it much more versatile from tricky lies.
Therefore, for the average golfer liable to mishits and drives finding the rough, a hybrid can be handy for getting back into position. Another big benefit to the hybrid is versatility. Not only can hybrids be used to help in the rough, from the fairway and off the tee, but also around the green too.
What is the difference between a hybrid and a fairway wood?
Hybrids are smaller than fairway woods in terms of clubhead size and shaft length, because they are designed to fill the gap between woods and long to mid irons. Hybrids are usually easier to hit than woods because of the lower centre of gravity and denser head construction and because the club design encourages you to hit down on the ball, in the same way you would with an iron.
Hybrid shafts are heavier than those in a fairway wood, with average weightings around 80 to 90 grams, which makes them easier to swing with more control. Lighter and longer fairway wood shafts can often tempt players to try and swing too fast resulting in inconsistent strikes and a lack of accuracy compared to hybrids.
Which hybrids should I carry?
This is completely personal and comes down to the way you choose to set your bag up. If you use several long irons and struggle to hit them, then a hybrid could definitely help fill these spots in the bag. Alternatively, if you are not getting on well with your five-wood, then hybrids come with similar lofts so can replace it easily.
Senior golfers and women golfers often favour hybrids that replace longer and mid irons in the bag, because they are more playable and offer more distance than their iron equivalents. This is why you will see hybrids available in lofts and head sizes ranging from 2H to 7H, or 17° to 29°.
Do professionals use hybrid golf clubs?
Interestingly, with the growth in hybrid technology over the last few years, more and more professionals are starting to put hybrids in their golf bags now because they are significantly easier to hit than long irons, and they tend to help get the ball in the air easier which can be very useful when hitting out of rough or hitting second shots into par-5's.
Top players like Rory McIlroy and Dustin Johnson have both put hybrids into the bag at one time, and the clubs usually come in and out of the bag dependent on course, setup and conditions.
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