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Readers
OUR JOB IS YOUR GAME
With much anticipation, today marks the release of the most comprehensive hybrid test for 2021. There are 25 models in this year’s test. Let’s see which one stands alone as THE Most Wanted.
At MyGolfSpy, our job is to provide independent, unbiased and objective testing so you can make more confident purchasing decisions. Our 2021 Most Wanted Hybrid Test is an indispensable guide for the off-the-rack buyer or for anyone looking for insight before their next fitting.
Here are the best hybrids for 2021!
2021 Best Hybrid: Tour Edge Exotics C721
Coming out on top, the Tour Edge Exotics C721 won the gold for 2021 Best Hybrid. A surprise victor? Perhaps. But it held its own and showed its worth. Here are its highlights:
- 1st in Strokes Gained
- 2nd in Forgiveness
Being #1 in Strokes Gained is an impressive feat. Furthermore, it possesses tremendous forgiveness and enough distance potential to make a claim for a spot in the bag. Give it a go.
Hybrid Buying Considerations
Performance should be your primary concern when buying a new hybrid but there are some additional considerations you may want to think about before you make your purchasing decision.
Long Iron Replacement or Set Addition
Hybrids aren’t right for everyone. Only you (and maybe your fitter) can determine if a hybrid is right for you. As the name suggests, the first hybrids blended elements of fairway woods and irons. The category has evolved to include models that are only slightly larger than utility irons, clubs that are only slightly smaller than conventional fairway woods, and everything in between. Regardless of their size, hybrids exist because many golfers with long iron consistency. If you’re one of those golfers, a hybrid may provide higher launch, more forgiveness, and ultimately lower scores.
Loft
Loft plays a huge role in the performance of a club. We see this day after day in our Most Wanted testing. Hybrid loft is no different. If you launch the ball too low with your long irons, descent angles are likely shallow as well, and you’ll have trouble holding greens because of it. With their low and back centers of gravity, hybrids often provide a more desirable trajectory. While, historically, hybrids have served as long iron replacements, many hybrids models are now available in mid-iron lofts as well. If you struggle with consistency deeper into the bag, a higher lofted hybrid may be the answer.
Shaft Selection
Not only does loft play a vital role in hybrid performance but shaft selection does as well. Since each golfer swings differently, one generic stock shaft offering most likely won’t be the golden ticket for most golfers. Consider aspects such as shaft flex, weight, material and bend profile. All can have an impact on how the shaft performs. Go through a professional fitting to see which shaft works best for you.
Adjustability
Much like drivers, a lot of hybrids offer adjustability. Adjustability provides greater flexibility for what is, arguably, already the most versatile golf club in the bag. Being able to change loft and lie to fit to your swing improved fitting versatility. Adjustability can help you optimize ball flight. So whether you use your hybrid for approach shots or off the tee, adjusting the loft can help with hitting the desired shot based on your own tendencies. Furthermore, adjustability can assist with proper gapping throughout your bag.
BEST DISTANCE - XXIO Eleven
Lightweight designs aren't for everyone, but boasting the best ball speed in the 2021 Most Wanted Hybrid Test, the XXIO Eleven lights up the distance meter. If you're looking for a hybrid that produces distance, the XXIO Eleven may be your top choice.
FIELD NOTES
During each test, we look for trends that provide insight into where the market as a whole is moving as well as what noteworthy changes manufacturers have made to improve year-to-year performance. Additionally, we solicit feedback from our testers. We want to understand what they liked, what they didn’t like and why. Although we obtain their feedback, their subjective opinions do not influence, dictate or determine our testing rankings.
Trends and Tweaks
- Adjustability seems to come in and go within the hybrid category. Out of the 25 models tested, nine are adjustable. Having the option to adjust the loft and/or lie angle can be extremely beneficial. Furthermore, the likes of PING G425, PXG’s 0317 X Gen4 and 0211 and Titleist’s TSi1, TSi2 and TSi3 all feature a flat lie angle adjustment. That’s a feature to be mindful of if you have a tendency to hit a hook with a hybrid.
- In addition to loft adjustments, some hybrids feature movable weights. Movable weights allow for even finer tuning of your trajectory and shot shape. Sub 70 949X Pro, COBRA KING Tec and PXG 0317 X Gen4 all have adjustable weights. Changing the weight position can help increase ball speed, boost forgiveness or help mitigate a fade or draw shot shape.
- Throughout product categories, ball speed is a focus. Within the hybrid category, efforts to increase and maintain ball speed are evident. Varying-face technology is implemented to achieve such goals. To name a few examples, TaylorMade SIM 2 features C300 Steel Twist Face. Callaway Apex Pro utilizes Jailbreak A.I. Velocity Blades. Mizuno CLK showcases MAS1C Maraging Face and Wave Technology.
How Many Hybrids Should You Carry?
There's no right number of hybrids for every golfer. A good rule of thumb is to replace any long iron you can't hit consistently with a hybrid. If you struggle to create consistent 4mph ball speed and at least 10-yard gaps between clubs, we recommend working with a fitter to determine if and where in your bag a hybrid (or two ... or three) might make sense.
Notes from the Testing Pool
The following section details subjective feedback from our pool of 20 testers. Gathering feedback is an important aspect of any test. We use their feedback as a representation of what golfers like and dislike about the product we test. That being said, the feedback is strictly subjective. It does not play a factor in the rankings.
- Without question, the PING G425 is one of the highest-rated clubs among the testing pool. A plethora of testers loved the simple, matte black profile and design. Furthermore, they thought it was easier to hit and is consistent.
- Throughout testing, Tour Edge Exotics C721 caught the eye of the testing pool. In terms of design and feel, the C721 stood out. Testers also thought the performance was remarkable.
- Overall, the COBRA KING Tec impressed the testing pool. Although the larger, fairway wood-like head profile stood out, testers said it inspired confidence. The matte, two-tone finish appealed to them as well. Additionally, testers were pleased with performance.
- Offset designs, such as Callaway Big Bertha B21 and Wilson Staff Launch Pad were generally not well received by the testing pool. That said, offset designs typically work exceptionally well for slicers.
- Other hybrids that received high remarks for their designs and shape were the COBRA RADSPEED, Srixon ZX, TaylorMade SIM 2 Max, Titleist TSi2, PXG 0317 X Gen4 and PXG 0211.
BEST FORGIVENESS - PXG 0317 X Gen4
The PXG 0317 X Gen4 offers a quality that most golfers should look for: forgiveness. Ranking the best in forgiveness, the 0317 X Gen4 can help increase consistency at the long (and middle) part of your bag. With multiple adjustability features (including the anti-hook flat setting), the 0317 GEN4 offers tremendous fitting capabilities.
2021 Most Wanted Hybrid Data
To filter and compare by club, use the drop-down list and checkboxes to select only the hybrids you wish to compare.
Forgiveness vs. Workability
Larger, more fairway wood-like hybrids typically provide higher launch and more forgiveness, which may appeal to average and higher handicap golfers. By contrast, more compact, iron-like hybrids are typically billed as more workable. While not as forgiving, they offer a later, more iron-like trajectory, which is exactly what many more accomplished players want from a hybrid.
More Tips
- Strong (JACKED) lofts are prevalent in the iron category. While stronger lofts can produce more distance, not every golfer is able to generate the launch and height necessary to create playable landing angles into greens. If you struggle to get your long or mid irons into the air and have trouble holding greens on approach, consider switching to a 5-, 6- or 7-hybrid for more effective and consistent shots.
- We all love the idea of distance. But whether you are using a hybrid for approach shots or off the tee, don’t obsess over distance. Hybrids are scoring clubs; you want playability. For approach shots, consider a hybrid that launches higher, spins a bit more, and offers greater forgiveness. If you use a hybrid almost exclusively off the tee, a lower-launching and spinning hybrid might provide the perfect recipe for success.
- All other things being equal, a hybrid will typically produce more speed, launch higher, and ultimately travel farther than an identically lofted iron. For that reason, it’s important to be mindful of your yardage gaps, particularly in the transitions from fairways to hybrids and hybrids to irons. A good rule of thumb is to look for 4mph of ball speed between clubs.
How We Test
Our mission is to help you find the best hybrid for your game.
About our Testers
Over the course of several sessions, each golfer is required to hit 10 to 12 "good" shots with each club. Club order is randomized on a per-tester basis.
Limiting Variables and Gathering Data Reliably
To minimize variables, all testers hit Titleist ProV1 balls.
Both club and head data are captured using Foresight GCQuad launch monitors.
Crunching the Numbers
To determine our rankings, we collect key performance metrics with Foresight GCQuad. After eliminating outliers, we utilize a proprietary methodology to calculate strokes-gained values for each combination of tester and golf club. The iron that produces the highest strokes-gained values relative to the field average is our Most Wanted.
2021 MOST WANTED HYBRID PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
2021 Most Wanted Hybrid Product Specs
| Product | Stated Loft | Measured Loft* | Length | Swingweight | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Ben Hogan VKTR + Check Price | 18 | 17.3 | 40.375" | D2.1 |
 | Callaway Apex Pro Check Price | 20 | 19 | 39.625" | D3.8 |
 | Callaway Big Bertha B21 Check Price | 19 | 18.6 | 40.25" | D1.4 |
 | Cleveland Halo Check Price | 19 | 18.4 | 40.25" | D2.5 |
 | Cobra KING TEC Check Price | 19 | 18.5 | 40.375" | C9.8 |
 | Cobra RADSPEED Check Price | 19 | 18.3 | 40.625" | D0.5 |
 | Inesis 500 Check Price | 20 | 18.7 | 40.375" | D1.3 |
 | Mizuno CLK Check Price | 19 | 17.6 | 40.625" | D3.1 |
 | PING G425 Check Price | 19 | 18.5 | 40" | D1.3 |
 | PXG 0211 Check Price | 19 | 18.7 | 40" | D2.6 |
 | PXG 0317 X Gen4 Check Price | 19 | 18.2 | 40" | D2.0 |
 | Srixon ZX Check Price | 19 | 18.1 | 40.5" | D4.6 |
 | Sub 70 949X Pro Check Price | 19 | 18.3 | 40.5" | C9.4 |
 | TaylorMade SIM2 Check Price | 19.5 | 18.4 | 40.25" | D4.2 |
 | TaylorMade SIM2 Max Check Price | 19 | 18.1 | 40.5" | D4.2 |
 | Titleist TSi1 Check Price | 20 | 19.4 | 40" | D2.0 |
 | Titleist TSi2 Check Price | 18 | 17.6 | 40.25" | D2.2 |
 | Titleist TSi3 Check Price | 18 | 17.6 | 40.375" | D3.9 |
 | Tour Edge C521 Check Price | 19 | 17.7 | 39.625" | D2.2 |
 | Tour Edge Exotics C721 Check Price | 19 | 17.8 | 40" | D4.9 |
 | Tour Edge Exotics EXS Pro Check Price | 19 | 18.4 | 40.25" | D3.3 |
 | Wilson Staff Launch Pad Check Price | 19.5 | 20.8 | 40.625" | D1.8 |
 | Wilson Staff D9 Check Price | 19 | 19.7 | 40.625" | D2.6 |
 | XXIO Eleven Check Price | 18 | 17.6 | 40.75" | D2.2 |
 | XXIO X Series Check Price | 18 | 17.6 | 40.50" | D0.6 |
* denotes measured value vs. manufacturer’s stated spec.
FAQ
BUYING A NEW HYBRID
Q: How often should I buy new a hybrid?
A: While on rare occasions there are quantifiable year-over-year breakthroughs, typically it takes three to five years for manufacturers to make any significant performance gains. With the USGA further tightening restrictions on manufacturers, it’s possible, even likely, that it will take longer still moving forward. Our recommendation is to buy new a new hybrid only when it appreciably outperforms what is already in your bag. Of course, if you want a new hybrid because you want a new hybrid, that’s fine, too.
Q: How do I determine the right hybrid for me?
A: Choosing the right type of hybrid can seem daunting but starting with an assessment of your own game is a great jumping-off point. Figure out what you need out of a hybrid. Do you find yourself having long irons into greens often? You may need a hybrid for short par-4 tee shots or high-lofted shots into par-5s. Make sure you let your fitter know what you’re hoping to achieve so they can guide you to a club that will optimize launch conditions and help you shoot lower scores.
Q: Does the shaft matter?
A: Absolutely. While changes to spin and launch are rarely massive, shaft changes frequently lead to improved accuracy, tighter dispersion and greater overall consistency.
Q: What should I look for when testing hybrids?
A: While golfers have been conditioned to consider distance to the exclusion of nearly everything else, we recommended looking at the little numbers and looking for small circles. When comparing metrics like distance and ball speed, be sure to look at your standard deviations (the small numbers usually found under the big ones on the data screen). Smaller numbers mean better consistency which will usually mean more than an extra yard or two on the golf course. Similarly, look for tighter dispersion ellipses (small circles). We can’t understate the importance of consistency with hybrids.
MOST WANTED
Q: How are the hybrids in the test fit to each golfer?
A: We use a fitting process that we call fit from stock. Hybrids are fitted to each tester using the stock, no up-charge options from each manufacturer. Our 2021 Hybrid Test included hybrids with stamped lofts ranging from 18 to 20 degrees. Some offer adjustability features (loft and CG) and we make use of all available adjustability options to optimize trajectory. Furthermore, we fit to flex for each tester in the pool. Occasionally manufacturers will send multiple sets with different stock shafts that we can utilize to improve launch conditions.
Q: How is the “Most Wanted Hybrid” determined?
A: After eliminating outliers, we calculate the average strokes gained values for each combination of tester and golf club. The club that produces the highest strokes gained values relative to the field average is our Most Wanted.
Q: How is the “Longest Hybrid” determined?
A: Our total distance metric determines the Longest Hybrid.
Q: How is the “Most Forgiving Driver” determined?
A: To determine our Most Forgiving driver, we compare strokes gained values for the best shots each tester hits with each driver to the worst. The club that produces the narrowest gap in strokes gained values is our Most Forgiving.
Q: How much does subjective feedback like looks, sound and feel factor into your rankings?
A: ZERO. Our rankings are based purely on launch monitor data and quantifiable performance metrics.
Lee Stein
3 weeks agoHow can clubs be ranked higher in distance and forgiveness but have less Strokes Gained?
Mike
1 month agoI’m amazed how much the prices of PXG clubs have dropped. Next time I’m in the market I’ll definitely give them a try. I guess the the high-end market isn’t as large as they thought it would be
JAS
1 month agoExtensive study. Noticed the comment from testers that they didn’t like the stock grip on the Cobra. Really? going to complain about the part of the golf club that is the most replaced item? I have a Cobra hybrid and love the old rail system. I flush it almost every swing from fairway and rough. Now I am wanting to compare to the Tour Edge. Good work again MyGolfSpy
Scott
1 month ago“Without question, the PING G425 is one of the highest-rated clubs among the testing pool. A plethora of testers loved the simple, matte black profile and design. Furthermore, they thought it was easier to hit and is consistent.…..”
Yet we ranked it 16th in forgiveness .. what a joke.
MyGolfSpy
1 month agoForgiveness values are exceptionally close across most of this test. There is an extremely minimal difference between 1 and 16. When evaluating strokes gained, distance is going to be the much more effective part of the measurement, whereas the differences in rankings are much larger in this part of the data. SG is the top measurement for performance thus far and we are happy to answer if you have any more questions.
Tony
1 month agoI recently purchased the Tour Exotics 4 hybrid. I can agree it’s really quite excellent. It definitely didn’t replace my 4 iron. Which I have put back in the bag. It replaced my 7 wood and 3 iron. Bonus. However now I’m considering the 5 hybrid, as the new hybrids seem to go a crazy distance. My thoughts are that there may be room to call it what it is. A 2 hybrid. (I also bought the 2 hybrid. But the gapping doesn’t quite work. Too close to my 4 wood. I assume most experienced this. Still love it. Especially no alignment aids.
Geoff M
1 month agoGreat test, as always, but any reason why the Cobra RadSpeed One Length wasn’t included? I play the 4H and I know it’s shorter, distance wise, but would love to have seen how it stacked up re: forgiveness, etc.
Jon
1 month agoThanks very much for this. – these are always very thought provoking and I couldn’t agree more with the first answer in the Q&A that hybrids don’t need to be changed until something much better comes out. I’ve a question to the tester though: the list talks about the heads presumably with the stock shafts – was there a stock hybrid shaft that outperformed everything? We’ve seen KBS bring out a hybrid specific shaft etc. Do these make a difference or is this just about buying off the shelf? Many thanks
Sammy
1 month agoJust wondering, why didn’t you include Mizuno JPX Fli Hi hybrid?
Sammy
4 weeks agoAs a follow-up, at $125 with stock shaft options it seems like the JPX Fli Hi hybrids would be a contender for the best value category.
James
1 month agoThanks for the awesome review on the best hybrids 2021, but i was hoping you could include the bridgestone tour b JGR version, i was trying all the hybrids but not like this one, please add this on the revision version(if u will), thanks.
Steve Smith
1 month agoCrap! Do you know how many hybrids I have in my garage now.? Do you? You just had to go out and test more. MORE! I hate this.
Thanks for the test, I”m aging out of the long/mid irons. That Tour Exotics 721 looks good for a tryout. Almost a D5 swingweight though. Back to hitting the gym.
Dave P
1 month agoThe only problem with Hybrids (and I own one) is that they are becoming as expensive as a fairway woods now. The G425 hybrid is approx $500 Australian dollars – that’s a lot of coin.
RB
1 month agoWe can see the prices in the review. Have you heard of inflation? Find another hobby you cheap bastard.
Mike
1 month agoWow, classy response. Did you spend hours thinking of that comment?
Jorge
2 hours agoI agree, they are expensive. However, a plan might be to find one that could replace a 3 iron and a 4 iron (one club where distance can be managed by the back swing)… and only get irons 5-PW.
Eric
1 month agoAny insight as to why almost every hybrid was a stronger loft than the spec loft outside the Wilson? Chasing distance? Harder to manufacture to spec? Some of these are off by over a degree. Might be hard to find correct distance gaps if you are thinking you are using a 19 degree when you are really using a 17.5.
David
1 month agoMy suspicion is that the manufacturing tolerance is part of the issue. However, where you measure on the face is likely the biggest question. On any wood with bulge and roll there is intentional variation. Where the testers measured and where (most) manufacturers seem to identify may be off a tiny faction.
Scott D
1 month agoWhy do just about all hybrids and fairway woods these days come with soles that are painted or blackened and almost all the fairway and hybrid club faces are dark shaded instead of the older manner of them being polished steel in color? These darkened or painted areas all look like crap after a short while and especially if played out of fairway bunkers or by players who are not playing lift, clean, and place? They get so scratched up so quickly. Then they make you want to buy another new one. Oh, I guess I just answered my own question, didn’t I.? I guess that’s why I will only buy clubs with non shaded or darkened faces and soles so my clubs look good for years instead of weeks. Rise up fellow golfers and demand club designs that will look good for more than a short period.
Matt
1 month agoThis is a good point on hybrids. The original TM Rescue had a silver top line & sole and retained a decent look not matter the beating it took. I have a Sub70 that looks like I drug it behind my car after just a few bad shots.
don
1 month agoSince no one is hitting these off mats and very few are hitting them off a tee the data is not very usable. I understand how difficult it would be to hit these off grass but clubs with rails etc are designed specifically to improve you interaction with the ground. We see more of that with theses clubs because that’s very very important with these clubs.
Mike
1 month agoWhy stop with one hybrid. Why not review full set’s of hybrids? I’ve successfully used full hybrid set’s for the past 12 years, and can’t see myself going back to a conventional iron.
KP
1 month agoThank you for another super test. I bought the Ping G425 2 hybrid and have to concur with your results. Not the most forgiving but when you make good contact it goes. Keep up the great work.
Aart van der Molen
1 month agoWhy do you always test low-lofted hybrids, e.g. 3H These are used rarely by a massive number of players. Could you introduce multiple categories, just like you do in iron testing? For instance 3H (19 degree), 5H (26 degrees), en 7H (34 degrees). That would benefit more people!
Brent McLean
1 month agoI hate to do this it’s a rarity for me to disagree, here we go. I have the Callaway Super hybrid 17 degrees and it is absolutely crazy long and very forgiving. And from time to time I’ve had to bag.my driver and use the hybrid in its place. Now when I do that I get crazy distance and alot more control as well. And I know everyone has their own opinion and I respect that. But this is again one of the very few times I have to disagree with you guys.
Phillip Bishop
1 month agoNothing was said about the Callaway Super Hybrid…so what are you disagreeing about?
Jamie
1 month agoWhy was the PXG 0211 not included? I think this could be a great option especially considering it’s price point.
Jamie
1 month agomaybe it was, ignore me
Phillip Bishop
1 month agoPXG 0211 was tested.
Chris
1 month agoExcellent work! Quick question…..how do I see forgiveness ratings? It would be nice to filter the list by forgiveness rank.
Phillip Bishop
1 month agoForgiveness ratings are not in the Tableau. However, here are the Top 5:
PXG 0317 X Gen4
Tour Edge Exotics C721
Titleist TSi2
TItleist TSi1
TaylorMade SIM 2
Peter Jackson
1 month agoInteresting, the most forgiving hybrid was the PXG 0317 Gen 4. Another tester on Plugged in Golf also stated that this model was the most consistent he had used and it was in his bag
Lee Stein
1 month agoIf something like the TSi2 is longer and almost as forgiving (192.63 yds and 3rd forgiveness) as the Tour Edge C721 (191.80 and 2nd in forgiveness) why isn’t the TSi scoring higher via the Strokes Gained metric? If the Sim2 Hybrid is not as forgiving or as long, why is it ranked higher than the Tsi2?
Thank you for the test, data transparency and all the hard work putting this together!
Jon
4 weeks agoI agree with Lee. How can clubs be ranked higher in distance and forgiveness but have less Strokes Gained?
Joe
1 month agoDo you adjust distances for shaft length and loft? It seems that clubs with long shafts and lower lofts should go further. To some extent comparing a XXIO ELEVEN with a 40.75″ shaft and 18 deg loft to a Ping G425 with a 40″ shaft and 19 deg loft is not an accurate comparison. Using Maltby’s estimates for calculating distances changes based on loft and length changes that would mean an extra 8.75 yards for the XXIO. versus the Ping. However, the XXIO had less than half of that in extra distance compared to the Ping in either carry or total. If we put a longer shaft in the Ping, and tuned it to 18 degs would it outperform the XXIO? Don’t we want all other factors to be equal? I know to some extent MGS is testing the “out of the box” options from the manufacturer and that makes sense in some ways but so to does the fact that some manufacturers are adding distance by using stronger lofts and longer shafts.
Tim
1 month agoCould not be happier with my Radspeed 3h. Swapped out the stock shaft for a Ventus Velocore blue and this thing is a do-it-all hybrid. Great distance off the tee, solid out of fairway bunkers and rough, and a great layup club for par 5s. Awesome distance and great descent angles to hold greens. The rails on the bottom inspire confidence out of all possible lies. Cobra have been making awesome hybrids for years and it’s nice to see the data support that opinion.
Lynyrd
1 month agoAlways great tests and data. A suggestion for future hybrid tests; Consider ranking or at least a comment, if you feel a hybrid is more of an iIron or Fairway replacement, or Neutral. I’m positive that analyzing your data, an accomplished player could figure it out, but us of less ability generally use the size of the head to determine this, which doesn’t always fit the profiles. Thanks
Phillip Bishop
1 month agoThank you for the suggestion. We always look for ways to enhance our testing and make it easier for our readership to grasp the information. We appreciate the insight!