Old hybrids just as good?

[North Butte]

I carry a pair of Tour Edge Trilogy hybrids that must be getting on towards 8 or 10 years old (although I bought mine cheap several years after they were discontinued). They're pretty generic, no trendy shafts, not adjustable, not particularly high-COR face. Just vaguely fairway-wood-shaped hybrids with a nice, stable R-flex shaft.

 

I've not hit anything more "modern" or supposedly higher tech that works better for my double-digit handicap short-hitter game. They suit my eye, the soles are nice and wide, there's a slight V-shape to the leading edge that seems to handle light rough nicely. And they're not super-long or super-light like so many hybrids nowadays. I love 'em and they cost me 60 bucks...for the pair of them!

[jedc]

I feel like I will always have an Adams hybrid or fairway in the bag. They truly made the best shapes that are playable for everyone.

[chubs3a]

On 11/9/2023 at 12:00 PM, ballzo said:

I'm still rockin the old school sonartecs md's from 20 years ago 🙂

They just seem to work for me so I haven't changed. I've tried a few newer ones over the years but typically lower faced or just odd shapes keep me from switching. These are big and forgiving, deep faced and versatile. Over the years I've managed to pick up every loft they offered, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23 and 25. Over the years I've used every combination and even played 3 at one time. Right now I'm playing 19, and 23.

 

I MISS MY SONARTECS!!!!

 

I used to have a HB001 that was solid for me back in 2013/2014.  I got rid of it when I was eyeing something new and shiny.  If I can score a decent shaped one Imma snatch it (I also had the np-99(?) 3-wood that had a sweet click when struck well_

 

I just got the md 21 and can't wait to play around with it!

[Straphael]

I still play an 818h2 and haven’t found anything even close to as good as that thing. I’ve tried a few newer hybrids but I end up back in that hybrid every time 

[NRJyzr]

I remember a friend grabbed a Rescue Mid in 16* back in the day.  I hit it a couple times, rather liked it, but hit it way too high at the time.

 

Now that I don't hit it nearly that high, a 19* seems like it might be a fun experiment.  And, I have two 2nd Swing locations in town, with some time to burn today.  Hmmm....

 

[miles2go]

Hybrids either fail miserably (hook mostly) or play great for me. Nothing in between. Been playing a 2014 Ping Karsten hybrid for 7+ years (was part of a super GI set Ping released for like one year). Standard Ping shaft. No reason to change it. Tried lots of other stuff over the years. Nothing else performs any better on course for me. 

[Nickb333]

I posted this pic in another thread, but it seems appropriate. 
 

Trying to fill a gap, I grabbed a 2009 TM TP 4 rescue out of the shed. It dropped 3 shots on top of each other. I always loved that club. Wondering why I ever took it out of the bag? 
 

edit fwiw. Stock loft is 22*. I have this club set at L. I believe that’s roughly 24* but the old tip adapters don’t list it. The carry for all three shots was 171. It’s going back in the bag right behind my 7w. 

 

 

Edited November 12, 2023 by Nickb333

[obsessed_golfer]

Still using the Sonartec MD and Titleist 585H

[bhard315]

Best hybrid I’ve hit was the Cleveland Tour Mashie. So versatile. Still play one in the 20.5 degree head on occasions and have a 23 degree head waiting to throw a shaft in  whenever I decide I want to stop playing a 4 iron.

[philly2kuk]

I played the same rescue dual hybrid from 2004 to 2022. It was finally benched when I found a ts3 I liked.

 

Ironically the dual is now back in the bag for winter golf and it’s still point and shoot. I’m considering letting it stay in the bag for next year to celebrate our 20 years together!

 

Old hybrids work just fine as they are about finding a specific yardage. If you find an old hybrid that works then just leave it in.

Edited November 17, 2023 by philly2kuk

[LeftyCanuck11]

I’m still playing with my old TM 19* Rescue Dual and Adams Boxer 22*.  These are two of my most trusted clubs in the bag. If it’s not broke don’t fix it!

[Bobb3rdown]

Played an adams a7 19° for a long time. Havent found anything that has come close to matching its consistency. 

 

Unfortunately I got rid of it years ago. I play a 5wd now, but have been tinkering with a hybrid in the 4i slot.

 

I've put together a ping g25 23° w/ a c taper lite shaft. Havent played it yet, but hoping it performs well in the 185-190yd slot in my bag.

[RoryDawg27]

If it works it works, however I will say modern tech innthe by rids is built to maximize efficiency in modern golf balls 

[jah7838]

I still use the Adams 23* Super 9031 for my 4 hybrid spot.  It's been out of the bag on and off as I continue to try out various utility irons, but it always manages to make its way back in.  I had a s300 shaft in it for a long time, but it now has a Recoil 110 F4 Utility shaft in it, and it's not going anywhere anytime soon.  I honestly don't know why it every leaves my bag.  🤷‍♂️

[snoodacris]

As others have mentioned, and you see it in many tour pro WITB, usually the oldest clubs in the bag are between the longest iron and driver.  3 woods, 5 woods, 7 woods, hybrids, driving irons, etc. often seem to be older clubs because when they consistently do their job of hitting a number, there's no reason to switch.

My 3 wood is the Titleist 913.  I'm sure I could get a new 3 wood that goes farther, but then it would get too close to my driver's distance.

[leftyb]

On 11/7/2023 at 1:55 PM, naj959 said:

Manufacturers have strayed from their original intent of hybrids being iron replacements. The trend towards low spin bombers that look more like mini fws is not what some of us want or need. 

 

This right here. Very well said. No one who is a good or serious golfer is happy if their 190yd hybrid suddenly goes 210yds. If you think you can get 190yds out of it, you play to that knowledge base. 

[Hotdocta]

Adams super ls in my bag.  I cracked one last year and now on to my last one. So sad.  Every year I try to replace it with something new.  Every year i come back to it 

[jimmygunn]

I have two 2016 Callaway Apex hybrids..20° and 23° both tour issue(flatter lie), shafted with Fujikura 904hb. Can’t imagine a better feeling/performing combo.

 

 

[Corsair]

Still going strong

 

[Pepperturbo]

IMO head design technology of hybrids has improved but only smidgens.  What's improved greatly is the materials used in shafts.  

[DrDaveYT]

I still use my trusty Nike Covert Vrs 3H that I have since cranked up to 21* to replace my 4i. I don't hit the 4i often at all, but the 3H(really plays as a 4H) gives me an option off the tee into a long par 3 and is great out of the rough. I don't need to replace it seeing as it does the job I want it to perfectly. As one of the only leftys at the club I grew up playing at I would get gifted the odd old club from one of the pros there, he gave me this around 2015, and it's stayed in the bag ever since. I had a Nike 3W he gave me that I enjoyed as well but the shaft was a driver length shaft so I've since replaced it.

 

Edited November 19, 2023 by DrDaveYT
forgot photo/typo

[Tinkerer]

I went to the range tonight with the X2 Hot Pro 3H and my Titleist u505 utility 3 iron. Loft is the same at 20 degrees, length is 40" for the hybrid, 39.25 standard length for the u505.

 

I hit both fine, the is hybrid a little further (190-200 yds overall) and the dispersion is better. First time Ive done the head to head on the range, I want to bag the iron, I should put it away and bag the hybrid. Great how golf can make us try and justify the wrong decision....time after time! 

[BHI 99]

1 hour ago, Tinkerer said:

Great how golf can make us try and justify the wrong decision....time after time! 

If men were smart we’d spend more time drooling over LPGA bags instead of PGA bags. 

[dwh24]

Ping G series 19 degree hybrid was as good as it gets in my opinion. Draw, fade, off the tee. Was great.

[LeftyCanuck11]

I read somewhere recently that hybrids are the clubs that have changed the least as technology has advanced. 

[POKeefe]

On 11/8/2023 at 12:10 PM, Dan Drake said:

***cough*** Nickent Genex 3DX***cough***

 

Look, if you find a club that you can hit a long way (longest non-driver 4 or 5 clubs in your bag) for you and hit it solidly off the turf, new tech just isn't going to help that much over "old faithful."  New driver (head, not shaft) tech can make a big difference.  New (vs. old & worn out) wedge grooves can make a huge difference.  Irons might or might not make a difference.  

 

Long turf clubs, driver shafts, & putters should be NOT be messed with if they are trusted, no matter their age!!!!

The Nickent 3DX and 4DX Hybrids were fantastic clubs. I wish I never would've gotten rid of them.

[Dan Drake]

2 minutes ago, POKeefe said:

The Nickent 3DX and 4DX Hybrids were fantastic clubs. I wish I never would've gotten rid of them.

I may or may not have the 3DX Genex in 14°, 17°, 18.5°, 20°, 23°, 26°, & 29°.......

 

Anybody have a 15.5°, 21.5°, or 24.5° they want to get rid of, LOLOLOLOL?

 

My old man bag is going to be so flippin' cool!

[naval2006]

Hybrids together with some specialty fairway woods are usually the oldest clubs you find in golf bags. It’s true it isn’t easy to find the right hybrid. When you run into it there’s a big deal of loyalty with these clubs and you just stick to them. I carry a 17* Ping G15, the ugly one, and a 21* first gen M1. They’ve gone through sets of irons, drivers, 3 woods and wedges. They’ve seen it all in my bag lol. 

[optimator]

Like I said earlier, I’m still playing Amp Cells. I recently got a King Tec 2H. I like it a lot more. A little more distance but a lower ball flight with more roll out. I’m thinking it’s most likely the shaft tho. I’ve got a 4H on the way and on the hunt for a 3H now. 

[therev]

Ping Anser hybrids (3,4) in my bag.  I hit them as well as anything.