Player tests back up claims by the manufacturers that today’s hybrids hit the ball longer and with more spin that the older models. So there remains nom reason to carry long irons when the hybrids are more effective for players of all levels.
The Adams Super XTD certainly has to be one of hottest, featuring a multi-material brazed construction with a titanium face and crown with a stainless steel sole. It comes with the velocity slots on the crown and sole to improve ball speed. The a12OS is larger and launches the ball higher. The Idea Pro a12 models feature head sizes that get smaller as the lofts increase, allowing players to manipulate the trajectory better. Both feature the velocity slot,
The face on the Callaway RAZRX has zero roll to help launch higher shots when hit low on the face, which has a variable thickness. It also has a Ginty-like sole. The CG is more forward on the Tour model. The X HL model is larger with more offset.
The sole slot on the TaylorMade RocketBallz Rescue enhances face flexibility while a thinner wall casting and web-like crown moves CG lower and forward for more ball speed. The Tour model features lower loft angles.
The Nike VR_S features a face made of high-strength steel allow to increase ball speed. The L-shaped insert has a variable-thickness pattern to increase flexibility.
The redesigned sole on the Cleveland Mashie goes from two rails to four rails and a center keel that reduces turf drag. Of course, it’s also the lightest hybrid around.
The Cobra Baffler T-Rail also features rails along with tungsten inserts for improved reaction with the turf.
The Tour Edge Exotics XCG5 offers more weight low in the sole to launch then ball higher. Two internal weight pads allow more weight in rear heel and toe.
On the Titleist 910H models, the head profile, offset and CG location differ with each loft for optimum trajectory and spin. The adjustable hosel allows 16 settings that tweak loft and lie separately from each other.
The hosel axis on the Ping G20 is more forward than others, allowing for higher shots. The face on the i20 model is shorter from toe to heel to help with shots from then rough and has more surface on the bottom to improve forgiveness on thin shots.
The Bridgestone J40 features a tungsten weight on the heel to maximize CG and a larger profile.
