Someone please explain hybrids (and why I need them)

[aiian]

I'm brand spanking new to playing the game of golf, haven't even set foot on a course. I plan on taking some much needed lessons as soon as I get my own set of clubs but I'm just not sure what to get.

I went ahead and purchased a set of Nike SQ MachSpeed Irons (4-AW) to get things rolling for now. I figure I'll need a driver, some woods, wedge or two and a putter but I keep reading about these hybrids.

Where do they fit in the scheme of things? Around the low iron/woods spectrum? What makes them a hybrid?

What is the general consensus on Nike's new MachSpeed line of clubs. As much as I hat to admit it I am a brand wh0re. I can't remember wearing anything other than on my feet and can't imagine any other brand in my (Nike) bag.

Thanks for the help.

AP

[tws1098]

The machspeed line wouldn't be bad for a new player per say. If I recall correctly they are in the super game improvement category, making them more forgiving and easier to get into the air. However, it would be a shame for you to thrash a brand new set so I would probably recommend playing something like the Nike Slingshot HL. The HL is for High Launch and I know several people who have played slingshots and like them. I thought they felt okay when I demoed them at Dick's. They are much cheaper than the Machspeeds so that is a bonus, and if you progress nicely you may be able to move passed them to something like the Victory Red Full Cavity backs. They are a good looking club but I wouldn't even consider them as a beginner. Check out ebay for the Slingshots, they can be had for like $200 shipped. O and they come with hybrids which are much easier to hit for most beginners and a lot of seasoned players. The hybrids often replace the 3,4 and sometimes 5 irons in the set. I had been playing with a 3 and 4 until just this week. Good luck and feel free to ask me more questions as i have looked into several of Nike's options and done some research on several sets.

EDIT: Somehow I missed that you said you already bought the Machspeeds. But anyway, hopefully I answered your question about the hybrids. I would pick up a 3 hybrid and 3 wood. you can get away with not having a driver at the start as many people will hit their 3 wood as far or farther than their driver when they first start because they tend to be very inaccurate with the driver. I know I did. I would also get a SW and a putter that feels good when you do a putting stroke with it.

[aiian]

Thanks for the info, you're right about the driver. I was all over the place at the range Saturday. I'll see if I can tryout the SQ 3w and 3h this weekend.

I bought my wife a set of Slingshots including hybrids and my kid a TW youth set.

[tws1098]

Nice, I bought my fiance a cheap set last year. I tried to get her into golf rather than making it my thing. She never minds when I go and will sometimes just play 9 before going to the clubhouse for a drink or two.

But back on topic, you should like the 3w and 3h. Although it may look more like a wood, do not swing the 3h like a wood. If you try to take a sweeping shot with it you will likely top it or at the very least thin it badly. Mine came witha graphite shaft as I suppose most do, keep that in mind as you may not want to be trying to crush the ball right away. Do not give up on your driver, experiment with a wider stance, the ball more toward the front foot, and a swing that almost feels too slow and see where that gets you. You may not hit it far at first but you will start to feel how your hips lead your swing. I am by no means an instructor, but I have found these things helped me so I thought I would pass them along. Best of luck.

[Shindig]

I went ahead and purchased a set of Nike SQ MachSpeed Irons (4-AW) to get things rolling for now. I figure I'll need a driver, some woods, wedge or two and a putter but I keep reading about these hybrids.

Your set includes two wedges; they're labeled 'P' (Pitching Wedge) and 'A' (Attack/Approach/Awesome wedge).

Where do they fit in the scheme of things? Around the low iron/woods spectrum? What makes them a hybrid?

They're replacements for either high-numbered woods or low-numbered irons, to replace that distance piece. They're usually numbered after the iron they place; for example, your set is a 4-AW. If you wanted a hybrid, you'd probably start with a 3-hybrid. I'm quite fond of my Nike SQ hybrids.

They're a hybrid because they have characteristics of woods and irons. The shafts are shorter than woods, but the head is a small wood. Some people refer to theirs as a utility metal or a rescue.

What is the general consensus on Nike's new MachSpeed line of clubs. As much as I hat to admit it I am a brand wh0re. I can't remember wearing anything other than

Machspeed is a great line. I haven't hit any yet, but I've heard good things. I plan to give theirs a try before too long, but I'm in the middle of obsessing over their Victory Red line.