Read our guide to the best golf hybrid clubs. Find your perfect club and transform your scoring.
Best Golf Hybrid Clubs
Matching the correct hybrid to your game can transform your scoring – but there is a lot to consider before committing to a purchase.
A hybrid, or rescue, is often more appealing than a long iron thanks to the extra forgiveness on offer and a more confidence-inspiring head.
Watch us test 13 of the latest hybrids and deliver our verdicts on the looks, performance, versatility and value
They can provide a superb option on long par 3s, can be great to hit low shots out the trees and can even help around the greens from bare lies. In short, a hybrid is the most versatile club you can carry.
How do we define ‘best’? Well, there are some fantastic models on the market and we’ve been busy on the range putting each model through its paces.
Here’s a look at the Foresight Sports GCQuad launch monitor average data we collated recently using Titleist Pro V1x golf balls, also outlining the loft (19° unless stated otherwise) and the RRP of each model on test.
You’ll have your own preferences in terms of looks and some products target certain skills levels – but we’ve covered all abilities in this list of the best golf hybrid clubs.
Additionally take a look at our other guides on the best hybrid golf clubs for seniors and most forgiving hybrids.
Best Golf Hybrid Clubs
Titleist TSi2 Hybrid
Tour-approved performance
+ Exceptional forgiveness
+ Fast ball speeds and strong, towering flight
– Glossy crown does produce glare from the sun in certain angles
Featuring the fastest hybrid face Titleist has ever made, the TSi2 delivers faster ball speeds and excellent forgiveness.
The head is bigger than the lower spinning TSi3 but smaller than the TSi1, making it an extremely versatile hybrid suitable for golfers of all levels.
A lower CG means that not only will golfers enjoy greater speed off the face, but they’ll have no trouble getting the ball in the air.
It comes in three different lofts – 18°, 21° and 24° – but thanks to Titleist’s patented SureFit hosel, golfers can take advantage of the 16 individual loft and lie settings available, something we found very useful when testing from round to round in ever-changing conditions.
While the other two models offer something different, the TSi2 was the most consistent and easiest to hit, delivering excellent feel and inspiring loads of confidence.
- Read our full Titleist TSi2 hybrid review
TaylorMade SIM2 Max Rescue
Best for technology
+ Sits very square behind the ball
+ Excellent playability from tee and turf
– Lacks any adjustability
Such was the success of the first SIM Max Rescue that it made it into the bags of some of the best players in the world. Big shoes to fill then for TaylorMade.
But the brand was confident there were gains to be made, with the SIM 2 Max featuring a redesigned V Steel sole for even greater forgiveness and launch properties. This redesign meant weight was able to be redistributed for increased MOI and better turf interaction.
Additionally, through the corrective technologies of Twist Face and Speed Pocket, golfers will be able to enjoy explosive ball speeds even on off-centre strikes.
Another brilliant feature of this club is that it is available in so many different lofts, lengths and lies.
While not adjustable on the hosel, right-handed golfers can get this club in 19°, 22°, 25°, 28° and 31°, and it’ll fit seamlessly into the bag as each different loft option is the appropriate length and comes with the correct lie setting.
In fact, we liked this club so much that it also features in our most forgiving hybrids guide.
- Read our full TaylorMade SIM2 Max rescue review
Ping G425 Hybrid
No-nonsense results
+ Easy to launch
+ Three dots make it easy to line up
– Not as penetrating a flight as other hybrids
Ping’s G410 was one of the best-performing hybrids of 2020, so how does its latest model compare? The thin, maraging steel face is back to generate high ball speeds but it’s part of Ping’s new Facewrap design that overlaps into the crown and the sole for even longer distance and easy launch.
Also new for 2021 is Spinsistency, which means golfers can expect far more consistent spin rates on shots struck out the bottom of the club thanks to the modified roll profile of the face.
The alignment aid has been upgraded, with three dots on the crown making it easy to line the ball up out the centre, and like all things Ping, the feel off the face is brilliant and it’s extremely easy to hit, making it an option we would highly recommend for the recreational golfer.
It’s available in 2H through to 7H, meaning you can pick up this hybrid in lofts of 17°, 19°, 22°, 26°, 30° and 34°, with each adjustable by up to 1.5°.
We found it a little more tricky to flight low compared to some other models but it’s so forgiving and easy to hit that it’s comfortably one of the best hybrids on the market.
- Read our full Ping G425 hybrid review
Cobra Radspeed Hybrid
Best value hybrid
+ Cobra Connect for performance tracking an added bonus
+ Excellent value for money (RRP £189)
– Larger size than average hybrid won’t appeal to all
Joining the Radspeed drivers and fairway woods, the King Radspeed hybrids are available in variable and one-length options and feature the hollow split rail system that creates more flex on the sole behind the face for higher launch and increased distance.
This is also boosted by two 6g internal weights that have been placed in the front of the head as well as a 7g weight in the back to really optimise launch conditions.
Furthermore, the rails on the sole are excellent for overcoming any lie, making this one of the most versatile hybrids on the market.
Available in 17°, 19°, 21° and 24° and in a variety of different lies and lengths, there are plenty of options to choose from. Admittedly not as many as some other brands but more than enough for what most golfers could realistically be looking for.
From a testing standpoint, the standout performance feature was the rails on the sole of the club. They really do their job brilliantly, making it a worthy inclusion on this list of the best golf hybrid clubs.
- Read our full Cobra Radspeed hybrid review
Callaway Apex Hybrid
Forgiving and long
+ One of the longest hybrids
+ Impressive forgiveness levels
– On the expensive side
Callaway has enjoyed huge success not just with its hybrids, but also in the driver and fairway wood categories of late, and with just two models in the hybrid range this year, the Callaway Apex makes our list. It features many of the same technologies as its predecessors, but the jailbreak technology has been given an upgrade.
Artificial intelligence was once again key to the design of the new Jailbreak Velocity Blades that are angled and more spread out than they have been in any model since it was first introduced in 2016. The result is more forgiveness across the face and more speed, particularly at the bottom of the club where golfers often mishit their shots.
In addition, the blades also allow the Face Cup to flex more for consistent spin rates and therefore, flight.
Tungsten weight has been specifically placed into each loft offering to lower the CG and create a club that promotes high launch and forgiveness.
Callaway has also unveiled the Apex Pro hybrid, which is aimed at lower-handicap players who prefer more of an iron look, but we really liked the overall performance on offer with the standard Apex model that is available in 3H through to 6H.
- Read our full Callaway Apex hybrid review
Honma TR21 Hybrid
Offset helps slicers
+ Adjustability makes it a more versatile offering
+ Classic shape
– Slightly offset design won’t suit everyone
The Japanese golf brand’s premium performance TR (Tour Release) line of clubs includes the TR21 hybrid.
It features strategically placed CG locations for improved launch and spin to deliver greater stopping control into greens, while a narrow sole improves turf interaction at impact.
Better players seeking meticulously crafted tour-inspired equipment will approve of the classic, compact shape as well as the distance potential on offer. Catch this thing out the middle and it goes.
Additionally, it feels and sounds hot, creating a higher-pitched tone on impact than the other hybrids included. Whether that will be to your liking is a matter of personal preference.
Those in the market for a TR21 can get it in three loft options – 18°, 21° and 24°.
Titleist TSi3 Hybrid
Best for workability
+ Offers iron-like control
+ Streamlined shape
– Might not suit higher handicappers as much as the TSi1 or TSi2
Another top Titleist model to make this best golf hybrid clubs guide is the TSi3, which is aimed at players who prefer more of an iron feel with their hybrid.
The combination of the thin, hot face and SureFit hosel means golfers can fine tune this more streamlined hybrid to give them ultimate control over their trajectory, shot shape and distance.
And unique to the TSi3 is the CG Track Technology, which enables the CG to be moved from the centre to the toe or the heel depending on each individual’s swing characteristics.
While it’s the smallest head of the three new Titleist hybrids, we still found it offered a good level of forgiveness to go with its workability. Not as much as the TSi2 but the trade-off for better players will probably be worth it.
However, unlike the TSi2, this model is only available in two loft options – 18° and 20° – which limits the potential for it to fill a hole in the bag.
- Read our full Titleist TSi3 hybrid review
Mizuno CLK Hybrid
Confidence-inspiring model
+ Adjustable to help with distance gapping
+ Powerful feel off the face
– Dirt gathers in the sole slots
Mizuno’s new CLK hybrid has been designed to offer golfers a versatile, high-performing connection between irons and fairway woods, and that’s exactly what it does.
Thanks to the new Dual Wave sole technology, which gives the club a wider profile at address, we found it really easy to flight the ball high and attack tighter pin positions.
There have also been several structural refinements to ensure a solid sound at impact, which is another performance aspect we really look out for.
We like how the wide, flat crown sits flush to the turf, which is sure to give many golfers that little extra confidence they need with a hybrid.
Meanwhile, the CLK hybrid is available as a 2H through to a 5H and comes with an adjustable hosel that has eight loft and lie settings, making it extremely easy to set up exactly how you want.
- Read our full Mizuno CLK hybrid review
TaylorMade SIM 2 Rescue
Ideal for better players
+ All black head looks great behind the ball
+ Excellent balance of feel and distance
– Not as forgiving as the SIM 2 Max
The SIM 2 is aimed at golfers who aren’t looking solely for maximum distance, but who like their hybrid to slot in seamlessly to their iron set-up in terms of the control it offers.
Building on the elements that made the original SIM such a hit with players like Rory McIlroy and Dustin Johnson, the new edition features a more compact shape and interacts with the turf just like an iron thanks to TaylorMade’s new leading edge and updated V-Steel design.
Other technology such as Twist Face and the Speed Pocket means this hybrid delivers an exceptional blend of distance and playability.
After testing, the feel left a lasting impression on us as it inspired an ever-growing amount of confidence with each shot. From low, flighted wind beaters to towering, high draws, this hybrid can do it all (in the right hands).
Additionally, we love the no nonsense look of this model’s all-black colour scheme.
Although the hosel is adjustable up to 1.5°, it is only available as a 2H, 3H or 4H, coming in standard lofts of 17°, 19.5° and 22° respectively. Overall, this is one of the best golf hybrid clubs for the lower handicappers out there.
- Read our full TaylorMade SIM2 rescue review
Wilson Staff D9 Hybrid
Effortless to hit
+ Very easy to hit
+ Looks great behind the ball
– No adjustability on the hosel
Perhaps better known for their irons, Wilson’s D9 hybrid is packed with performance that makes it one of the easiest hybrids to hit on the market. It’s also an extremely nice-looking club that sits squarely behind the ball, inspiring confidence to perform your best.
Milled using the same premium Carpenter Custom 455 steel used by Titleist in its hybrids, the face is hot and thin, delivering optimal feel and distance. This is enhanced by the Variable Face Technology for high ball speeds and launch angles.
It comes in a variety of lofts from 17° through to 31°, although there is no adjustability on the hosel. Each different loft option is also the correct length to help it fit seamlessly into your bag.
An incredibly easy club to hit, this club really could suit every type of golfer if they can find the right specs for their unique game.
- Read our full Wilson D9 hybrid review
Srixon ZX Hybrid
Suits wide range of players
+ Mid-size shape will suit a range of tastes
+ High launch with low spin creates distance
– Not adjustable for loft
The Srixon ZX hybrid has a stepped crown that lowers the centre of gravity to optimise launch and increase MOI as well as helping with alignment. Its looks are almost a throwback to the original TaylorMade rescue clubs.
Anyway, as Srixon says, it’s a ‘true player’s hybrid’, featuring a smaller head shape and square toe to provide more confidence at address. We really noticed this when looking down from up high.
Another thing we liked was the all-black face. It’s not uncommon among hybrids or clubs in general, but it did make it just that little bit more appealing than the more traditional silver-faced models.
Featuring Srixon’s Rebound Frame Technology, the ZX provides increased ball speed and distance from a variety of lies. Similarly to the Cobra Radspeed, it’s one of the easiest hybrids to hit from the rough.
One thing we would point out is that it is only available as a 2H, 3H or 4H and doesn’t come with the option to adjust the hosel. But if you find yourself in the market for a 16°, 19° or 22° club that you want in the bag to replace a long-iron, then you could do far worse than the Srixon ZX.
- Read our full Srixon ZX hybrid review
How we test hybrids
When it comes to club testing, Golf Monthly has a comprehensively rigorous process built upon a sterling reputation in the industry. The brand ethos revolves around honesty and integrity, which means if we say we have reviewed a golf club, we have done so properly. We should also mention that manufacturers cannot pay for a good review because our team tells it how it is.
Getting into the specific testing procedure, Golf Monthly will attend product launches and meet with the manufacturer’s R&D experts to understand the new technology.
The first port of call when hitting clubs is usually Foresight Sports so we can hit the clubs on a GCQuad Launch monitor with premium golf balls and in a controlled environment.
We then take the clubs to do outdoor testing which usually takes place at West Hill Golf Club, a course in Surrey with fantastic practice facilities.
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 – the amount of data available covering things like swing speed, club path, ball speed, angle of attack, and distance is quite staggering. One of these will definitely get the right make and model in your hands.
However, if this isn’t possible for whatever reason, we have a few tips.
Performance – Obviously the performance of a hybrid is the most important factor to think about because nobody would use or even buy a club that hinders better golf scores right? So as such we would recommend trying out some models so you can gauge how well they perform for you, as most good pro shops will let you use demo models.
Feel – Some kind of testing will also inform how some clubs feel during the golf swing and at impact as well. Some models will produce louder noises at impact, some will be lighter, some may feel hot off the face. Feel is entirely subjective so again we recommend hitting some models so you can have an idea of what you like and dislike.
Looks – With all golf clubs you have to like how they look especially at address because you do not want to be distracted with how ugly something is when you are about to pull the trigger. That’s where focus is key. Therefore going into pro shops and picking up the clubs will help you see which ones you like the look of, and which ones you don’t.
Not every hybrid is the same because some are more wood-like in appearance, whilst others have been designed to blend with irons more.
Budget – The penultimate factor you should consider is budget. Given the proliferation of hybrids across most brands, there are models at pretty much every price point so there is something for everyone. If you want a premium model then you can get one, or if you want to save, there are other models that offer good value too.
Testing – We hate to make the same point again but it is vital you at least get to a range and try some out. Most places will still tape clubs up and let you conduct your own small test. It won’t be as thorough 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 they suit your preferences. Don’t underestimate this in an all-out quest for distance.
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 of paramount importance.
But 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.
FAQ’s
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 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 the difference between a hybrid and a fairway wood?
Hybrids tend to be a little smaller than fairway woods in terms of clubhead size and shaft length, because they are designed to fill the gap between woods and irons. That being said hybrids are usually easier to hit than woods because of the lower centre of gravity and denser head construction.
We have found that many players also swing hybrids like irons too and don’t try to swing too fast, whereas they do with fairway woods.
Which hybrids should I carry?
This kind of comes down to what the set makeup of your bag currently is.
If you use several long irons and struggle to hit them then a hybrid could definitely help fill these spots in the bag, or alternatively if you are not getting on well with your five-wood, then many hybrids come with similar lofts so can replace it easily.
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.
We hope you enjoyed this guide on the best hybrid golf clubs.
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