Equipment
Best hybrids of 2023: Most versatile, most forgiving hybrids for your game
At GolfWRX, we believe the best hybrid for your game is going to be the one that gives you the greatest opportunity to both score and save shots during your round of golf.
In 2023, we have seen a continued expansion of hybrid options from every manufacturer with models designed to fit golfers of all skill levels and clubhead speeds to the point that some manufacturers offer models all the way down to 8-iron-replacement lofts.
These hybrids all utilize new technology and manufacturing methods to launch golf balls higher, faster, and farther, while also offering forgiveness. It’s now easier than ever to find the right one that matches your swing and fits into your set.
That being said, ultimately the best way to find the best hybrid or hybrids for you is to work with a professional fitter using a launch monitor and gap them accordingly. The difficult part is a lot of people don’t have easy access to fitters, launch monitors, and club builders — so at GolfWRX, we have done a lot of the work for you. We want to give you the tools and information to go out and find what works best for you, and we’re offering recommendations based on exactly what you need from your hybrids.
GolfWRX best hybrid of 2023: Meet the fitters
- Nick Sherburne: Founder, Club Champion
- Clare Cornelius: Fitter, Cool Clubs
- Shaun Fagan: Fitter, True Spec Golf
- Kirk Oguri: PGA Professional/ Club Specialist, Pete’s Golf
- Scott Felix: Owner, Felix Club Works
- Mark Knapp: Fitter, Carls Golfland
- Ryan Johnson: Fitter, Carl’s Golfland
- Brad Coffield: Fitter Carl’s Golfland
- Matthew Sim: Director of Operations, Modern Golf
- Scott Sikorski: Fitter, Club Champion
- Ryan Grimes: Fitter, Club Champion
- Ben Giunta: Owner, The Tour Van
- Alex Dice: Fitter, Carl’s Golfland
- Gus Alzate: Fitter, True Spec Golf
- Marc Roybal: Fitter, True Spec Golf
- Carmen Corvino: Fitter, True Spec Golf
- Bobby Ennis: Fitter,Club Champion
- Dane Byers: Fitter, Club Champion
- Blake Smith: Fitter, True Spec Golf
- Shaun Fagan: Fitter, True Spec Golf
- Mark Hymerling: Fitter, Club Champion
- Joey Simon: Fitter, Club Champion
- Dean Fry: Fitter, TXG
- Jim Yenser: Fitter, Club Champion
- Dan Palmisaro: Fitter, Club Champion
- Mike Martysiewicz: Director of Club Building & Fitting, TXG
- Rob Gallagher: Fitter, Club Champion
- Alex Praeger: Fitter, Club Champion
Best hybrid of 2023: The categories
We have again broken our 2023 best hybrid list into two categories.
- Best hybrid for golfers seeking forgiveness
- Best hybrid for golfers seeking versatility
As a reminder, we selected this format for hybrid clubs because every golfer fits into one of these two “want” categories, regardless of age, handicap, or gender. For many golfers, forgiveness is the number one factor when selecting the hybrids that will go into their bag.
Before we started building the survey, we reached out to our trusted fitters to discuss how they sort through the hybrid club options available to golfers. Forgiveness and versatility were the highest-ranked choices.
Most forgiving hybrids 2023
Ping G430
In all of the G430 fairway woods and hybrids, Ping developed Carbonfly Wrap in a bid to deliver more distance by positioning the CG closer to the face line in design to maximize ball speed, resulting in higher, longer carries. The lightweight composite crown wraps into the heel and toe sections of the skirt, creating weight savings of 10 grams, which are reallocated to achieve the lower CG and increase ball speed.
For more information, check out our launch piece.
Titleist TSR1
Titleist’s new TSR1 hybrids are built with a larger, “wood-like” size to help golfers find more speed and forgiveness. They’re also built 0.5 inches longer than standard to provide additional assistance creating speed.
For more information, check out our launch piece.
Callaway Paradym X
The Paradym X model is for golfers looking for full-sized, wood-shaped hybrid that’s long with versatility and forgiveness. By incorporating high-density tungsten, Callaway pushed the center of gravity (CG) low and forward. The result is lower spin with more ball speed. In addition, the A.I. designed Jailbreak with Batwing Technology increases stiffness in the perimeter, while allowing the face to flex in design for high ball speeds across the face.
For more information, check out our launch piece.
TaylorMade Stealth 2 HD
In the Stealth Rescue, the new carbon crown construction allows for the relocation of 7 grams of weight which has been transferred lower in the head to better position CG in design for easier launch, optimal forgiveness, and better stability through impact. Stealth 2 HD features a larger profile, deeper CG, and draw bias.
For more information, check out our launch piece.
Callaway Great Big Bertha
In their Great Big Bertha hybrids, Callaway engineers leveraged a titanium face and body, resulting in 100g of discretionary saved weight. After extensively reviewing performance characteristics, this weight was then redistributed in design to enhance ball speed, improve forgiveness, and promote an easy launch.
For more information, check out our launch piece.
Most versatile hybrids 2023
Ping G430
In all of the G430 fairway woods and hybrids, Ping developed Carbonfly Wrap in a bid to deliver more distance by positioning the CG closer to the face line in design to maximize ball speed, resulting in higher, longer carries. The lightweight composite crown wraps into the heel and toe sections of the skirt, creating weight savings of 10 grams, which are reallocated to achieve the lower CG and increase ball speed.
For more information, check out our launch piece.
Titleist TSR2
“Forgiving speed and performance,” is the branding for the TSR2. TSR2 hybrids remain slightly longer with a classical shape. Center of gravity is lower and deeper in the TSR2 for higher launch, maximum forgiveness.
For more information, check out our launch piece.
Callaway Paradym
The Paradym model is for golfers who want a mid-sized, wood-shaped hybrid that’s long with versatility and control. By incorporating high-density tungsten, Callaway pushed the center of gravity (CG) low and forward. The result is lower spin with more ball speed. In addition, the A.I. designed Jailbreak with Batwing Technology increases stiffness in the perimeter, while allowing the face to flex in design for high ball speeds across the face.
For more information, check out our launch piece.
TaylorMade Stealth 2
In the Stealth Rescue, the new carbon crown construction allows for the relocation of 7 grams of weight which has been transferred lower in the head to better position CG in design for easier launch, optimal forgiveness, and better stability through impact.
For more information, check out our launch piece.
Titleist TSR3
TSR3 is a smaller-profile hybrid and offers precision, workability, and adjustability. TSR3 hybrids are designed for a more iron-like look with a reduction in offset.
For more information, check out our launch piece.
Conclusion
The fitters consulted for this piece have accumulated data from thousands of fittings with golfers just like you. From beginners to tour players, their feedback and information can’t be undervalued.
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Whats in the Bag
Stephen Stallings, Jr. WITB (July)
- Stephen Stallings’ WITB accurate as of the ISCO Championship.
Driver: TaylorMade Stealth Plus (10.5 degrees)
Shaft: Graphite Design Tour AD DI 6 X
4-wood: Titleist TSi2 (18 degrees)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Diamana D+ 70 TX
Irons: Srixon ZX Utility (3), Srixon ZX7 Mk II (5-PW)
Wedges: Cleveland RTX6 ZipCore (50-10 MID, 54-10 MID, 60-10 MID)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400
Putter: TaylorMade Spider X
Grips: Golf Pride MCC
Check out more in-hand photos of Stephen Stallings’ WITB in the forums.
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Whats in the Bag
Adrien Saddier WITB 2024 (July)
- Adrien Saddier what’s in the bag accurate as of the ISCO Championship. More photos from the event here.
Driver: Mizuno ST-Z 230 (9.5 degrees)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Tensei 1K White 70 TX
3-wood: Mizuno ST-Z 230 (15 degrees)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Black 8 X
Hybrid: Mizuno ST-Z (19 degrees)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Black HB 9 TX
Irons: Mizuno Pro Fli-Hi (1), Mizuno Pro 243 (3, 4), Mizuno Pro 241 (5-9)
Shafts: Fujikura Ventus Black HB 9 TX (1), KBS Tour-V 130 (3-9)
Wedges: Mizuno T24 (46-08S), Titleist Vokey Design SM10 (50, 56-08M), WedgeWorks (60-A)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100
Putter: L.A.B. Golf DF3
Grips: Golf Pride MCC, Golf Pride Tour Velvet
Check out more in-hand photos of Adrien Saddier’s clubs here.
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Product Reviews
Three Swing Challenge: Testing the Edel Array F-2 putter
This week on the Three Swing Challenge, we have the Edel Array F-2 putter. With the Array line of putters, Edel gives golfers several different options to match their putting styles and tendencies. It is a cool concept, but let’s see how it performs.
Why three swings?
Many years ago, the legendary Barney Adams, founder of Adams Golf told us this:
“My formula as a fitter was three shots only. I discounted No. 1 just because it was the first one, counted 100 percent of No. 2 and discounted No. 3 because the player was starting to adjust.”
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