Hybrid Replacement

[Golfer48]

I currently play a Cleveland Hybrid Hibore stiff from late 2006, early 2007. Do you guys recommend to upgrade this club to a 2015 model? I just went from X20 tour iron set with S300 to a XR pro with KBS Tour V-90 Stiff shaft.. But i don't want to upgrade for the sake of upgrading rather becuase I will benefit from doing so... I am open for suggestion guys!

[pganapathy]

@Golfer48, definitely do not upgrade for the sake of upgrading.  Club technology has not really changed that much over the last decade that a new hybrid will make a huge difference.  Assuming the club is correctly suited to your swing, changing to a more modern club will give you a maximum distance improvement of 5 yards if you are lucky.  More like 1 or 2.  If the club is not suited to your swing, then getting a fitted club does make a difference.  My best suggestion is go to a pro with the equipment to do a fitting and see if the club suits you or not

[Golfer48]

I did that. That is why the s300 shaft was way too heavy for me. So I went ahead with the Tour V-90 stiff.. and I do notice the lighter shaft. So I am currently looking to upgrade my Callaway X-tour x-stiff 15 degree for something more playable. I tried the XR pro but it felt a little too heavy with the Project 6.0 Stiff (75 gr)

[pganapathy]

@Golfer48, Then walk into one of those fitting centres and hit a load of clubs.  If you find a club that hits way better than your current club, get it.  If not, it is a waste of money, especially if you are gaining 1 or 2 yards.  And note that better does not mean distance only.  Dispersion is as important, if not more important than distance.  Find the club that lets you hit it at your target everytime

[saevel25]

37 minutes ago, Golfer48 said:

I currently play a Cleveland Hybrid Hibore stiff from late 2006, early 2007. Do you guys recommend to upgrade this club to a 2015 model? 

Depends on what you are looking for. Some hybrids are more in the driving iron category. Others are more in the fairway wood category. Most tend to be between the two, your more standard hybrid. 

If you have a Golfsmith near you take a look at their used club section. You can sometimes find a current model for a good discount because it has been returned. 

I personally like Titleist hybrids because they have a good combination of shape, size, feel, and forgiveness. I think they are one of the best overall hybrids on the market today. 

Callaway makes a pretty solid hybrid. So does Ping, though they tend to be more on the chunky side in terms of size. 

[Golfer48]

2 minutes ago, saevel25 said:

Callaway makes a pretty solid hybrid. So does Ping, though they tend to be more on the chunky side in terms of size. 

The XR pro hybrid, imho, has a very small head. Looking at the hybrid hibore I have.. i'd say it is more of a shortened 5 wood. It does not have the same ball flight, but it goes much further than an iron.