ZipGolfer » Men’s Hybrid Clubs http://www.zipgolfer.com Golf tips, news and gear reviews Sun, 18 Dec 2011 18:03:53 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 Orlimar Hybrid Iron Replacement System IRS | Men’s RH 19 to 56 Degree Loft w/ XV Graphite Shaft http://www.zipgolfer.com/orlimar-hybrid-iron-replacement-system-irs-mens-rh-19-to-56-degree-loft-w-xv-graphite-shaft/ http://www.zipgolfer.com/orlimar-hybrid-iron-replacement-system-irs-mens-rh-19-to-56-degree-loft-w-xv-graphite-shaft/#comments Mon, 27 Jun 2011 16:46:12 +0000 Mark http://www.zipgolfer.com/?p=4382 Orlimar Hybrid Iron Replacement SystemWhen most of the us see the letters "IRS," we tend to get sweaty palms and start to see Form 1040s dancing across the movie screen of our minds. No need to worry with the Orlimar Hybrid IRS -- IRS in this case stands for Iron Replacement System. Orlimar has created a series of hybrid clubs to replace those difficult -- for many -- to hit long irons.

For those not familiar with the Orlimar name, the company started in 1959 but didn't break out until 1998 with the introduction of their "Tri-Metal" fairway woods. Though a relatively small company, they gained a nearly cult following for a time -- I know, I was a disciple.

Orlimar has long been known to make forgiving, easy to hit clubs, and the Hybrid IRS models are no different. Designed for the golfer who struggles with hitting their long irons, the Hybrid Iron Replacement System clubs are available in a variety of lofts -- from as little as 19 degrees to as much as 56 degrees -- you can actually create the better part of a complete set of irons with these hybrids. Though limited to Right Hand orientation only, the clubs are fitted with the XV graphite shaft that comes in either Regular or Senior flex and covers most of the loft options. A two-piece construction design and internal weighting, combined with an offset hosel, allow the golfer to get the ball airborne more easily and even control the ball flight.

With the Orlimar Hybrid IRS clubs, you're not going to break the bank, either. Orlimar has made a good name in the industry by offering technologically advanced products, for the average player, at a reasonable price.

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]]> http://www.zipgolfer.com/orlimar-hybrid-iron-replacement-system-irs-mens-rh-19-to-56-degree-loft-w-xv-graphite-shaft/feed/ 0 Ping G15 Hybrid Review | Offset Perimeter Weighted Brushed Stainless w/ Reg or Stiff Flex Shaft http://www.zipgolfer.com/ping-g15-hybrid-review-offset-perimeter-weighted-brushed-stainless-w-reg-or-stiff-flex-shaft/ http://www.zipgolfer.com/ping-g15-hybrid-review-offset-perimeter-weighted-brushed-stainless-w-reg-or-stiff-flex-shaft/#comments Thu, 16 Jun 2011 16:02:52 +0000 Mark http://www.zipgolfer.com/?p=4340 Hybrid (hy'-brid) n. 1. that which is created from two or more other types.

In golf, a hybrid is the combination of an "iron" and a "wood" (though rarely actual wood these days). The goal: to produce a club that has the best characteristics of each -- the length of the wood and the accuracy of the iron.

In the G15 Hybrid, Ping has created an entire family of hybrids to fit nearly every golfer's need. Offered in either left or right-hand orientation and in lofts of 17, 20, 23, 27, and 31 degrees, that alone is a great start. Now add a shaft choice of the Ping TFC 149H (a lightweight graphite shaft engineered specifically for the hybrid club with high launch properties) or choose the Aldila Serrano 85 (another premium graphite shaft from Aldila with a slightly lower launch angle, perhaps for the better player). Both shafts can be fitted in either Regular or Stiff flex.

The Ping G15 has the same physical look as the other G15 series: a brushed stainless soleplate with dark red and black markings, offset with a dark graphite grey topside. Unlike many hybrids, this version looks more like an iron at address. For many, this simple feature alone will produce a higher level of confidence swinging the club.

There is a large internal "toe pad" which Ping claims improves and increases the perimeter weighting, making this one of the largest sweet spot clubs in the category. With a significantly offset hosel, to get the ball airborne quicker and easier, this club (depending on the loft you chose) could replace anything from a 2-iron to a 6-iron in your bag. My experience with large offsets has just the opposite effect, however, and it's important you try this club alongside not just what you want to replace, but other hybrids as well.

There is no such thing as a "one size fits all" replacement, so don't be afraid to experiment and find the club (or clubs) that are right for your game.

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]]> http://www.zipgolfer.com/ping-g15-hybrid-review-offset-perimeter-weighted-brushed-stainless-w-reg-or-stiff-flex-shaft/feed/ 0 Adams A3OS Review Hybrid Golf Set | Boxer 3-9, PW Hollow Back Irons http://www.zipgolfer.com/adams-a3os-review-hybrid-golf-set-boxer-3-9-pw-hollow-back-irons/ http://www.zipgolfer.com/adams-a3os-review-hybrid-golf-set-boxer-3-9-pw-hollow-back-irons/#comments Sat, 04 Jun 2011 16:50:54 +0000 Mark http://www.zipgolfer.com/?p=4277 Adams A3OS Review Hybrid Golf Set This new hybrid set from Adams Golf -- the A3OS -- is an updated version of the old A2OS. With some updated engineering, Adams has tried to make this their "easiest-to-hit" iron set, yet. The set starts out with the hybrids in numbers 3, 4, and 5 with the "Boxer" head design (as pictured below). This Boxer technology is essentially a shaping that creates a very high Moment-Of-Inertia or MOI. (In simple terms, MOI is a clubs resistance to twisting on off-center hits. The higher the MOI number, the more resistance.) From there, the set carries on with hollow-back irons for the 6, 7, and 8 irons. The set of eight total irons rounds out with a cavity back offering in the 9 iron and pitching wedge.

Targeted at the high handicapper, a mixed set of hybrids and irons is a great idea and there are several options now available on the market. In this set from Adams, the long irons are replaced with an easier-to-hit hybrid, and the shorter scoring clubs utilize available technology for optimum ease of use -- and ultimately greater pleasure in playing the game. Part of this technology is the progressive offset found in the 6, 7 and 8 irons, which translate to higher launch angles (and softer approaches). The 9 iron and PW are a bit more traditionally shaped and would appeal to most any player.

This set is available in right hand only but has two shaft options: either the Graffaloy ProLaunch Red 80-gram or the True Temper Players Lite Steel. Both are excellent choices, and this would simply be a personal preference of feel and confidence. Both shaft options are also available in your choice of Regular or Stiff flex.

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]]> http://www.zipgolfer.com/adams-a3os-review-hybrid-golf-set-boxer-3-9-pw-hollow-back-irons/feed/ 1 Ping i15 Hybrid Club | Graphite Shaft, Square Address w/ 17, 20 & 23 Loft http://www.zipgolfer.com/ping-i15-hybrid-club-graphite-shaft-square-address-w-17-20-23-loft/ http://www.zipgolfer.com/ping-i15-hybrid-club-graphite-shaft-square-address-w-17-20-23-loft/#comments Sun, 29 May 2011 16:48:55 +0000 Mark http://www.zipgolfer.com/?p=4244 Yet another offering in the hybrid club category, the i15 Hybrid from Ping has been designed with the better player in mind. The head is on the smaller, traditional side, which begs the question, "Are hybrids traditional?"

Whatever term you ascribe to it, this club is designed for the player that wants to be able to work the ball, has a high swing-speed, and wants a low, penetrating ball flight. With loft options of 17, 20, and 23 degrees, even the top end is geared toward that low trajectory shot. Unlike many "rescue" clubs which often have some kind of offset to help you get the ball airborne, the Ping i15 Hybrid has a square face setup. For the better player, this simple aspect can make swinging the club a real pleasure and gives a lot of confidence as you address the ball.

There is a broad selection of lofts, shafts, and flexes to suit your golf game. Shafts options start with the Ping AXIV Core Red Graphite by UST Mamiya. This shaft will generally provide a lower angle of launch than many other graphite shaft options. For steel shaft users, the option is the Ping AWT (Ascending Weight Technology) which compares with the True Temper Dynamic Gold (a more common shaft and one most golfers can relate to). Flexes range from Regular to Extra-Stiff, something for nearly every swing speed.

Cosmetically, the Ping i15 Hybrid is in line with other Ping clubs with a sleek black head enhanced with red/black graphics inset on the chrome finished soleplate.

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]]> http://www.zipgolfer.com/ping-i15-hybrid-club-graphite-shaft-square-address-w-17-20-23-loft/feed/ 0 Nickent 4DX Hybrid Review | T3 Titanium Ironwood w/ Fujikara Shaft http://www.zipgolfer.com/nickent-4dx-hybrid-review-t3-titanium-ironwood-w-fujikara-shaft/ http://www.zipgolfer.com/nickent-4dx-hybrid-review-t3-titanium-ironwood-w-fujikara-shaft/#comments Fri, 27 May 2011 16:36:07 +0000 Mark http://www.zipgolfer.com/?p=4233 Nickent 4DX Hybrid Review Whether they are called an "ironwood" or "hybrid," the benefits to a club of this type are so evident -- for every level of golfer -- any time one comes along that it's worth a closer look. The New Nickent 4DX Hybrid with Fujikara Shaft is no exception.

This model features the Tour-inspired 4DX head and is available in a few loft and shaft flex options -- it should be an easy matter to find the right one to fit your game. The head is a fusion of steel and titanium -- somewhat difficult to do from a technology standpoint, but Nickent apparently figured it out. The titanium reduces and shifts the weight of the head for better performance under the conditions normally used for a hybrid. No club should be based on the head design alone, however, as the proper shaft blend is a key component as well. This club is fitted with the Fujikara Level 5ive shaft in Regular flex. Fujikara shafts turn up in a lot of premium golf clubs, and my experience with them has been very good. They are lightweight (which helps to increase distance) with good torsion strength and overall performance. The grip is a standard rubber compound -- adequate for most conditions and players, but nothing really special.

This club has a quality look to it, with a somewhat deep face for a hybrid; there is a lot to it -- a confidence inspiring look. With a smoothly rounded leading edge to work well in the rough, it's equally easy to hit from a tight fairway lie, or off a tee on a long par-3 or short par-4. Bold yet simple graphics in dark green and black on brushed silver round out the look.

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]]> http://www.zipgolfer.com/nickent-4dx-hybrid-review-t3-titanium-ironwood-w-fujikara-shaft/feed/ 0 Ping Rapture Hybrid Review V2 | RH or LH w/ Mitsubishi Javelin Graphite Shaft http://www.zipgolfer.com/ping-rapture-hybrid-review-v2-rh-or-lh-w-mitsubishi-javelin-graphite-shaft/ http://www.zipgolfer.com/ping-rapture-hybrid-review-v2-rh-or-lh-w-mitsubishi-javelin-graphite-shaft/#comments Wed, 25 May 2011 16:29:50 +0000 Mark http://www.zipgolfer.com/?p=4205 You know how some things just look fast? A Ferrari Testarossa. The Japanese Bullet Train. The old SST jetliner.

The Ping Rapture V2 Hybrid with Graphite Shaft fits nicely into that category. This club just has a cool look to it and inspires confidence that you are going to make that ball go very fast because the club is going to go very fast. I've used other hybrid clubs -- some from several years ago and some from more recent times -- none of them have the same confidence inspiring look as this offering from Ping.

The Ping Rapture V2 Hybrid with Graphite Shaft is available in a variety of setups for both right- and left-handed players. With loft choices of 17, 20, 23 and 27 degrees, there are also options for shaft type: Ping's TFC 939H or the Mitsubishi Javelin and in most cases flex options of Light, Regular or Stiff. As a left-handed player, my choices are often very limited, but I must say, Ping often comes through with flying colors on that score by offering the bulk of their line in either right or left hand versions.

For those that have hit hybrids before, you know how important a low Center of Gravity (CG) is for getting the ball airborne. If you have yet to try a hybrid, look for those with a low CG as it will make your life much easier. The Ping Rapture V2 Hybrid has a tungsten weight added to lower the CG so that even marginally struck shots are going in the direction and at the height you want them to (or close to it). This club has a lot going for it, and it's tough to find any real negative aspects, but the price is on the high side for comparable clubs -- so if this is the one for you, bring your wallet.

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Ping Rapture V2 Hybrid 23 Ping Rapture V2 Hybrid 23
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]]> http://www.zipgolfer.com/ping-rapture-hybrid-review-v2-rh-or-lh-w-mitsubishi-javelin-graphite-shaft/feed/ 0 Nike Slingshot Hybrid 6 | Men’s LH Club w/ Steel Shaft & 30 Degree Loft http://www.zipgolfer.com/nike-slingshot-hybrid-6-mens-lh-club-w-steel-shaft-30-degree-loft/ http://www.zipgolfer.com/nike-slingshot-hybrid-6-mens-lh-club-w-steel-shaft-30-degree-loft/#comments Sat, 07 May 2011 16:25:37 +0000 Jess http://www.zipgolfer.com/?p=4058 Nike Slingshot Hybrid 6 Ok, I cheated a little bit on this one. Sorry, but it's true. I'm not a southpaw. So the idea of me trying to swing a Nike Slingshot Hybrid is a dumb one. However, I have tried the *ahem* normal Slingshot Hybrids -- and while I usually favor Nike, I was not the biggest fan of this one. 30 degrees of loft are pretty good for a rescue wedge, especially when using it to "supplement" a harder-to-hit long iron. I have to admit that I haven't jumped into the whole hybrid craze yet -- I still hack at the ball with my 5 wood or 2 iron if I'm that far away (which is generally the case), but I golf with people who use them constantly.

While you may really enjoy the idea of being able to come close to fairway wood distance with the feel of an iron -- this idea might be good for you. However, I recommend a different club. Price-wise, the Nike Slingshot series are generally pretty low -- but maybe spend the extra $30 and try the Taylormade Burner Rescue club which has a much better feel. While a little lower in degrees, this club has a much better feel, better shaft, and overall better impact point than the Nike.

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]]> http://www.zipgolfer.com/nike-slingshot-hybrid-6-mens-lh-club-w-steel-shaft-30-degree-loft/feed/ 0 Taylormade Burner Rescue Club 08 | Men’s Graphite Shaft, 17 – 28 Degree Loft http://www.zipgolfer.com/taylormade-burner-rescue-club-08-mens-graphite-shaft-17-28-degree-loft/ http://www.zipgolfer.com/taylormade-burner-rescue-club-08-mens-graphite-shaft-17-28-degree-loft/#comments Fri, 06 May 2011 16:21:27 +0000 Jess http://www.zipgolfer.com/?p=4055 Taylormade Burner Rescue Club 08 This club feels great. I hate the fact that I even like a club called a "rescue club," because it is obviously very telling of my game and how much I need to be... uh... rescued. Not only does this pick the ball up quickly and get you out of some ugly lies (I tried the 17 degree loft), but it also has a great "dual crown" design that gives a very even clubhead weight and simply "feels" good to swing. The stiff flex graphite shaft lets you swing enough to get good clubhead speed -- and it even boasts "SuperFast Technology" to boot. The shots that I was able to hit off grass came out fairly clean (ahem, ok -- a few shots were fat; leave me alone...) and were very forgiving. Even one of them actually went where I was really aiming for.

This club, while not too expensive, is much more effective than the Nike Slingshot Hybrid, and even better than some of the other Adams Tight Lies that were popular several years ago. I found myself updating my Father's Day list after hitting this one.

Now I just need another club that doesn't get me into a position where my new TaylorMade will have to "rescue me..."

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New Taylor Made 08 BURNER RESCUE 17 2 Hybrid R flex Graph New Taylor Made 08 BURNER RESCUE 17 2 Hybrid R flex Graph
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New Taylor Made 08 BURNER RESCUE 19 3 Hybrid SNR New Taylor Made 08 BURNER RESCUE 19 3 Hybrid SNR
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TaylorMade Burner 08 3 Rescue REG Flex RH TaylorMade Burner 08 3 Rescue REG Flex RH
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]]> http://www.zipgolfer.com/taylormade-burner-rescue-club-08-mens-graphite-shaft-17-28-degree-loft/feed/ 1 PowerBilt Mens Hybrid Players 5 Club, Air Force One | Maraging Steel Insert w/ Nitrogen http://www.zipgolfer.com/powerbilt-mens-hybrid-players-5-club-air-force-one-maraging-steel-insert-w-nitrogen/ http://www.zipgolfer.com/powerbilt-mens-hybrid-players-5-club-air-force-one-maraging-steel-insert-w-nitrogen/#comments Mon, 09 Aug 2010 11:23:21 +0000 Robert http://www.zipgolfer.com/?p=2880 PowerBilt Mens Hybrid Players 5 Club,This hybrid is from the PowerBilt Air Force line of nitrogen-infused clubs designed by dentists. (Not really -- I just like to imagine the club is filled full of laughing gas.)

The reason they are full of nitrogen is to make the club long and powerful. By using this safe and stable gas, the internal pressure (which can be as high as 150 PSI) will support the face without using any mechanical bracing. No bracing means the clubhead is much thinner than the norm with a considerable amount of energy transfer across the entire face. In other words, the huge sweet spot of the face extends from edge to edge, subsequently providing for a tremendous "COR" trampoline effect anywhere the ball is struck on the face.

This hybrid has a face insert made of Ni-Maraging Steel. This is an extremely strong alloy. The shape of the hybrid is design to pluck the ball out of the rough or tight lies.

I would recommend this club for mid to high handicappers. And if you like this hybrid, you are really going to like the driver. If you want a hybrid that is a little more controllable and something that you can shape your shots with, I recommend the Titleist 909 H Hybrid and the Mizuno MP CLK Hybrid.

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]]> http://www.zipgolfer.com/powerbilt-mens-hybrid-players-5-club-air-force-one-maraging-steel-insert-w-nitrogen/feed/ 0 TaylorMade Raylor Hybrid, 19 or 22 Loft | Mens Club for Long Distance, High Flight http://www.zipgolfer.com/taylormade-raylor-hybrid-19-or-22-loft-mens-club-for-long-distance-high-flight/ http://www.zipgolfer.com/taylormade-raylor-hybrid-19-or-22-loft-mens-club-for-long-distance-high-flight/#comments Sun, 01 Aug 2010 11:37:45 +0000 Robert http://www.zipgolfer.com/?p=2869 TaylorMade Raylor Hybrid, 19 or 22 Loft This TaylorMade Raylor Hybrid picks your golf ball out of the rough like no other. The shape of the head is specifically designed to get through the long stuff and launch your ball high and long.

The leading edge is pointed, and the clubhead is very compact. In addition, the center of gravity is very low, which is what helps the ball fly high at impact.

You will be surprised how extremely versatile this hybrid is. Not only will you like it out of the rough, you can hit high ballooning shots from the fairway or off the tee. (If I want a little lower trajectory, I play the ball back in my stance and try to play a little draw that will run a little more. )

My only complaint about the club is it only comes in two lofts. TaylorMade could do themselves (and us) a huge favor by offering this club in a lower loft for those of us who want to add a club with a more penetrating ball flight. Currently, you can only get it in 19 and 22 degree lofts.

For a more workable option, take a look at the Titleist 909 H Hybrid and Mizuno MP CLK Hybrid.

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