Hybrid golf clubs have become increasingly popular among amateur and professional players these days, and for good reason. A hybrid club, for the uninitiated, is a cross between an iron and a fairway wood. These clubs are much easier to use than irons, making it simple for all players to get their shots airborne.
They have compact heads which are perfect to use from the fairway or the rough. In addition, the shaft on a hybrid is slightly shorter than that on a wood, giving you more control with your shots.
A hybrid golf club helps players get more loft from their shots than they otherwise would using an iron. The reason for this is that the hybrid club’s center of gravity is farther back in the club head. This makes it much easier to elevate the ball and get that beautiful loft that all successful golfers employ.
The truth is, the majority of amateur golfers simply do not have the ability to consistently hit shots with an iron longer than 38 inches, meaning anything longer than a 5 iron. This is not something to be ashamed of, it’s just a matter of simple physics.
Some golf players can eventually learn to hit the long irons through practice and by making adjustments to their swing, however for many it makes a lot more sense to switch to a golf club that is a better fit for their natural swing. For this reason many golfers, from beginners to experienced players, are adding hybrids to their arsenal of clubs.
Best Hybrid Golf Clubs for 2013
| Name | Orlimar Hybrid Iron Replacement System | Tour Edge Bazooka JMAX Tour Hybrid | NIKE Machspeed 3 Hybrid | Callaway FT-iZ Hybrid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Photo |  |  |  |  |
| Shaft Material | VX Graphite | Steel | Carbon Fiber, Graphite | Graphite |
| Flex | Regular, Senior | Stiff | Regular, Senior, Stiff, X-Stiff | Regular, Stiff, Senior, Ladies |
| Loft | 19, 23, 27, 31, 35, 43, 47 and 56 degrees | 22, 27 and 30 degrees | 21 degrees | 18, 21, 24, 27 and 30 degrees |
| List Price | $26.55 - $34.00 | $34.99 | $179.99 | $250.00 |
| Reviews | Read Reviews | Read Reviews | Read Reviews | Read Reviews |
Types of Hybrids
There are two types of hybrid clubs to consider when looking to buy. Hybrid woods are similar to fairway woods, albeit with a smaller club head and shorter shaft. Hybrid irons look like standard irons, only thicker and sturdier.
The question of which type to buy is a matter of personal choice, as either one can be used in situations where you would normally use a long iron. Both types are easier to use than long irons and the benefits are quite similar, however those who prefer a slightly heavier club may wish to go with a hybrid iron.
Hybrid clubs can be purchased individually or as part of a set. A hybrid golf club set usually includes every club you need for a day at the course, including a driver, a putter, a sand wedge, and an assortment of irons and woods. The difference is that in a hybrid set the long irons (2, 3, and 4) are typically replaced with hybrid utility clubs. Golfers looking to give their game a fresh start may want to consider a new hybrid set.
For the player looking to add hybrids to an existing set of clubs, they can be purchased individually from a number of leading manufacturers. These clubs typically come in several models ranging from a degree of loft between 15 and 27 degrees. The 24 or 25 degree hybrids generally replace the 4 or 5 irons in your bag. Hybrids with a lower degree of loft (15-22) replace the longer irons (2 or 3). When adding these clubs to your arsenal it is always a smart idea to pick up several in varying ranges to give yourself some options when you’re out on the course.
As you can see, hybrid iron sets can be enormously valuable to the golfer who wants to give himself the competitive edge. As more and more players discover the benefit of these clubs it becomes all the more important to get onboard with the latest technology to keep yourself in the game.