Has Hybrid technology gotten better?

[SoCalTitleist]

Still rocking Titleist 915s, i don't need a rocket launcher low spin hybrid.  Other than lowering spin are new hybrids more forgiving?

[phizzy30]

I still have my tour issue R11 deep face proto from over a decade ago.  I've tested hybrids through the years and it's not worth it to switch out.  Same with putter.  Newer hybrids allow you to move weight around.   

[Tim Sherwood]

I love my Stealth 2 hybrid, but is it any better than my Adams XTD LSP? Nope, not in any noticable way.

[Pepperturbo]

Over the years, I've tested many hybrids if for no other reason than to see...  Internal designs have improved and adjustments are readily available.  Still, when I look down at a hybrid, it looks like someone lopped off half the head.  They still don't work for me. 

[hammergolf]

32 minutes ago, SoCalTitleist said:

Still rocking Titleist 915s, i don't need a rocket launcher low spin hybrid.  Other than lowering spin are new hybrids more forgiving?

There are two older clubs that you’ll often see in pros and good players bags. First one is a 3wd, next one is a hybrid. Not saying some newer clubs might be a little better or more forgiving, but if your hybrid is doing the job and you hit it consistently well I would stick with it.

[kiawah]

If you're chasing distance, sure, I bet it has. 

 

If you're chasing distance control, I doubt it. Every OEM is obsessed with making the hottest most trampoline-y faces that still conform. It's almost like they are marketing these things to guys who would be thrilled to hit one solid and watch it bound over the green. If your hybrid suits your eye and you know how far it travels, then there is pretty much no sense in throwing money at something new because of the technology. 

[iNeedMoreGolf]

I have only hit 1 bad hybrid in my life. The rest all worked very well for me. So i think they get better or have.

[596]

I'm using 5 year old Cobra hybrids (4 of them from 2019). Love them. They don't make a 33* hybrid (8 iron). So I had to get a Callaway brand 33*.  It's a 2023 model.  Not as easy to swing a consistent distance as my 5 year old Cobras.  

[LukeDonaldsTiger]

I think there’s more user friendly choices nowadays, between large (confidence inspiring) or compact shapes, open, square or closed sitting heads, and adjustable hosels. That’s where the innovation happened. 

Other than that, the new models are noticeably less hook prone. Back in the day, not so much. Had Nike Vapor Fly, Srixon Z H85, TEE EXS 220 and they all delivered that once-in-while hook that went off the golf course. Not trustworthy. Fade biased hybrids are the real innovation for people who draw the golf ball!
 

I‘m very impressed by my New Level NLH-01 23° 4 hybrid. It’s compact, super easy to hit, hot but sits in the right distance bracket, and just satisfying to hit. And it’s fade biased!
I just wish they offered a higher lofted version (5H @26°). 
The TM Stealth I tried was great, too, and looked sexy. 
 

[edwelly]

I can only seem to hit my TM Rescue Dual TP hybrid. I hit well. But I put another hybrid in my hand, and I hit it horribly. It is almost comical how badly I hit hybrids. I have no idea why, but that old Dual TP just looks perfect to my eye and I rarely hook it. 

 

-Erik

[naj959]

The only real benefit to newer hybrids is the adjustability IMO. If you struggle with the hook you have options now. My Cleveland launcher is every bit as good as my Mizuno CLK. The CLK is better in the wind and I can set it up to hit a fade but the Launcher is more forgiving and reliable under the gun. There's something to be said for a club you have confidence in.

[puttingmatt]

Have the Cobra King Tec , spectacular hybrid, and the Titleist TSR 3 hybrid,

Both are adjustable, and play very well.

[djohnsonx]

Short of adding carbon crowns and movable weights, it seems like there isn't a ton of room for hybrid improvement. They all seem to be steel face and most, if not all have adjustable loft sleeves. I just don't see what else they could do to make them more forgiving or improved. I actually went the opposite way in my hybrid upgrade.  I swapped out an adjustable head hybrid for a smaller, bonded head with moveable weights. So far it's working for me.

[golf-RN]

7 hours ago, 596 said:

I'm using 5 year old Cobra hybrids (4 of them from 2019). Love them. They don't make a 33* hybrid (8 iron). So I had to get a Callaway brand 33*.  It's a 2023 model.  Not as easy to swing a consistent distance as my 5 year old Cobras.  

Get a Cobra T-Rail 8 iron, basically a hybrid and is 34º 🙂

 

[EaglesGolf99]

2016 Apex Hybrid here. 

 

I have gamed them since 2016 without interruption. 8 years and counting. 

 

Here's the best part, I have added backup inventory and then some, along the way since 2016, and I am still on my first set!!

 

I probably have 40 years worth of Hybrid inventory (all 2016 Apex Hybrid). 

[mizuno player]

The Titleist 818 is still perfect for me. I've done a Titleist fitting for the tsr hybrid and it just doesn't feel the same. The weight a.d.feel.pf the 818 is perfect. 

[Flyers99]

I still game my RBZ Stage 2 Tour.  Hit that thing straight, can choke down to take some off and consistent distance every time.  I have tried just about every TM hybrid since as well as many other brands and none have kicked it out of the bag.  It’s adjustable but I haven't messed with it in a few years. 

[596]

9 hours ago, golf-RN said:

Get a Cobra T-Rail 8 iron, basically a hybrid and is 34º 🙂

 

I play the T Rail 7, 8, 9, PW, GW and SW.  The Callaway is just for fun when I play my PXG 8 to SW. 

[phizzy30]

14 hours ago, djohnsonx said:

Short of adding carbon crowns and movable weights, it seems like there isn't a ton of room for hybrid improvement. They all seem to be steel face and most, if not all have adjustable loft sleeves. I just don't see what else they could do to make them more forgiving or improved. I actually went the opposite way in my hybrid upgrade.  I swapped out an adjustable head hybrid for a smaller, bonded head with moveable weights. So far it's working for me.

They could do titanium face hybrids which would make them hot for the guys and gals that want more ball speed. 

[Streuner]

13 hours ago, mizuno player said:

The Titleist 818 is still perfect for me. I've done a Titleist fitting for the tsr hybrid and it just doesn't feel the same. The weight a.d.feel.pf the 818 is perfect. 

I still have the 818 and did play it since this season it was replaced by the Mizuno st 230 

the 818 is a bit less forgiving than the Mizuno, I tend to hit them thin, the Mizzy is simply better on this particular miss. 
 

I have used the Titleist with 2 shafts and different weights inside the head. I did love the adjustability. 

[djohnsonx]

2 hours ago, phizzy30 said:

They could do titanium face hybrids which would make them hot for the guys and gals that want more ball speed. 

Adams actually came out with the XTD TI hybrids quite a while ago. Apparently they were rocket launchers. I dont know if anyone else has ventured into titanium hybrids since then.

[clinkinfo]

23 hours ago, SoCalTitleist said:

Still rocking Titleist 915s, i don't need a rocket launcher low spin hybrid.  Other than lowering spin are new hybrids more forgiving?

 

 

Honestly, I don't think so.  I think if the hybrid you're using is still filling the gap it's supposed to, it's fine.  I haven't noticed anything significant in the newer ones.

[SoCalTitleist]

also appears newer hybrids have some loft jacking going on and longer shafts.

[mizuno player]

2 hours ago, Streuner said:

I still have the 818 and did play it since this season it was replaced by the Mizuno st 230 

the 818 is a bit less forgiving than the Mizuno, I tend to hit them thin, the Mizzy is simply better on this particular miss. 
 

I have used the Titleist with 2 shafts and different weights inside the head. I did love the adjustability. 

I've never touched the adjustment on mine. It's been set up factory standard. 

[Streuner]

12 hours ago, mizuno player said:

I've never touched the adjustment on mine. It's been set up factory standard. 

In went conditions I was playing a shaft with higher launch and more spin, but this shaft has a completely different weight balance, so I am changing the weight inside the head for that reason.