How to choose the right Hybrid?

[jswang519]

I am in the market for a new Hybrid. I do not know much about them and need some advice from you educated people.

My irons are Mizuno JPX-800 Pro and my longest iron is the 4 iron, which is lofted at 23* the 5 iron at 26* What would you suggest my hybrid be lofted at? The logical answer seems to be 20* but I am not sure.

I do not have a wood or a driver yet either, so if any of you can give me some insight on what kind of woods and hybrid I should get based on the irons that I have, it would be much appreciated.

Just a side note: I have an inclination towards Callaway drivers (because of the way they look) but any suggest that is not Callaway would be awesome too!

[GJBenn85]

It's a personal preference, you just have to try out different hybrids to determine which has the best feel for your swing.  I'm rather fond of the Titleist 910H but it is not always the most forgiving club due to its smaller face relative to some other hybrids on the market.  I personally like that it has a heavy swing weight but others dislike it for that reason.

You may find you want to replace your longer irons, say 4-5, with hybrids.  I have found I cannot hit long irons at all so I am converting back to hybrids after trying traditional long irons.  I plan on replacing my 3-5 with hybrids of 19*, 21*, and 24*.

Since you asked for suggestions, take a look at the Adams Idea Tech V3, Cobra Baffler, and TaylorMade Burner HT Hybrid (Dick's has the Burners on clearance at less than $50 each).  The Titleist 910H is a possibility as well but it is pretty pricey, especially if you are uncertain if you will end up liking it, but it has adjustable loft and lie.  The Cleveland Mashie has a pretty good reputation as well.

A lot of golfers are only keeping a 3 wood in their bag, replacing the longer irons and 5 woods with hybrids.  A 19* hybrid can replace a 5 wood and even a 3 iron.

Since you're a beginner, I highly suggest you take advantage of some of the deals being offered by Dick's.  They are clearing out older models including the 2010 Cobra S2 fairway woods; I have one and it is proving to be a much better club than my significantly more expensive TaylorMade R11 3 wood.  Just keep in mind that more expensive is not necessarily better.  The Cobra S2 and S3 drivers are also good choices.

[erock9174]

I say go to a place that has a simulator and grab every brand off the shelf and see what feels to be the most comfortable and consistent to hit.

I've had a hard time picking the right hybrid.

So far since Jan I have played the following:

TM Rescue 07 19* (3h)

Ping G15 17* (2h)

Ping G15 20* (3h)

Nickent 3dx ironwood 23* (4h).  Scrapped them all and today bought a TM Rescue 11 21* (4h).

Is it the answer, who knows but after one range session and some swing tweaks I made some progress and It started to feel pretty good.

The Rescue 11 is nice that you can add or reduce the loft.

I added a degree of loft using their FCT hossel so its playing at a 22* which also closes the face some.  This helped with the ball leaking to the right.  I really have to concentrate on taking an inside out swing path.  If I am off plane I cant even make solid contact with a hybrid.  People say hybrids are forgiving but I find my 22* 4 iron is a much easier club to hit.

[jpalermo]

I would get fit for a driver and then go from there. you are going to use your driver much more than any hybrid or fairway wood. hit you longest 2 irons on a launch monitor or simulator and look at the distances. then try to add clubs in between your driver and long irons to fill gaps based on the courses you normally play. otherwise you are going to be wasting money on clubs that don't really suit your game. I can think of about 10 clubs that I bought new and took a bath on because I "self fit" myself.