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Looking for the best hybrid golf clubs for high handicappers in 2023? Our golf expert provides an in-depth review to help with your purchase.
As a lower handicap golfer, I was a little slow to get into the hybrid game. I kept trying to convince myself that the long irons were more accurate and easier to control. I can tell you that this is not true.
With the way that hybrid golf clubs have changed and improved through the years, they are truly a great option for any handicap golfer; however, they stand out for the higher handicappers.
I recently tested many new golf hybrids on the market, did a ton of research and comparison and compiled a list of the best hybrid golf clubs for high handicappers.
Whether you are just starting out or have been a high handicapper for the last 20 years, some equipment here could help you cross into the mid-handicap category!
⛳️ Read Next: Callaway Supersoft vs Supersoft Max | Which is Best?
Check out our time saving comparison table on the best hybrid golf clubs for high handicappers:
Overall Best Hybrid Golf Club For High Handicappers
TaylorMade Stealth 2 Rescue HD
Updated on 2024-04-25
Overall Best
The TaylorMade Stealth 2 line has already gotten a lot of hype in early 2023, but it has earned it. The Stealth line was impressive, and then TaylorMade went in and made an improvement to turf interaction and increased overall forgiveness and accuracy.
Although the TaylorMade Stealth 2 driver features a carbon twist face, the hybrids are made with the traditional Titanium Twist Face design. The golf club does feature Speed Pocket technology and, of course, the sleek black and red look.
High handicappers need forgiveness, distance, and consistency in a hybrid, and the Stealth 2 focuses on all of these things.
PROS
- Higher lofted head for easier ball flight
- A low center of gravity improves overall consistency
- Very high ball speeds, some of the highest across any brand
- Twist face technology improves forgiveness
- Overall best hybrid golf club for high handicappers
CONS
- Not an adjustable hybrid
- Doesn’t feature that same softer carbon feel that you get in the driver
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Best Hybrid Golf Clubs for Seniors
Callaway Rogue ST Max Hybrid
Updated on 2024-04-25
Best for Seniors
Choosing the best hybrid golf clubs for seniors that are high handicappers can be a little difficult. The problem is there are just so many good options. The Callaway Rogue ST Max Hybrid is a forgiving golf hybrid that features A.I. Face Optimization.
When choosing the best for seniors, I was torn between the Stealth 2 and the Callaway Rogue ST Max Hybrid. Each of these should be on our list. Although the shape of the Rogue ST Max Hybrid is large and confidence inducing, I still feel like it transitions well from the irons to the hybrids.
In addition to the 24g of tungsten that helps to optimize the center of gravity, ball speed and overall forgiveness have increased with the high-strength 455 Face Cup technology.
PROS
- A great choice for a golfer with a little less swing speed
- As much as 24g of precision tungsten
- Strong lofts to help get a few more yards of roll
- Jailbreak frame for more stability at impact
CONS
- Although it’s an iron shape, the clubhead is a little bulky
- No adjustability in the clubhead
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Best Women’s Hybrid Golf Clubs
Callaway Big Bertha B21 Hybrid
Updated on 2024-04-25
Best Women’s
Women higher handicappers rely on their hybrid golf clubs a lot! In fact, it may be the most used golf club in the bag, especially if it is something like a forgiving 5 or 6 hybrid. Most higher handicapper women are looking for distance, and the B21 was built with this in mind.
The Big Bertha B21 hybrids have Flash Face technology, an impressive AI design, and a lightweight RCH shaft that helps increase that initial launch.
If you are tired of rolling a golf ball down the fairway and want something that produces high launch shots, the B21 is a smart choice.
PROS
- More offset to help reduce slice
- Nice transition from irons to hybrids
- Fast ball speeds
- Active Tip Flag in the shaft for higher launch
CONS
- Not the latest release from Callaway
- Too much offset can be an issue for golfers that hit the ball straight
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Best Hybrid for Beginners
TaylorMade SIM Max Hybrid
Updated on 2024-04-25
Best Beginners
The TaylorMade SIM Max Hybrid is my favorite choice for the beginner golfer that is also a high handicapper. Two things bring this to the top of my list. The first is the price point; the second is the forgiveness.
As a new player, you need a lot of equipment, and anytime you can find something somewhat affordable, it’s worth it! The SIM Max hybrid may not be the newest release from TaylorMade, but it still has a high strength C300 steel face, the speed pocket technology (seen in the latest releases), and the V Steel Sole for better turf interaction.
You can keep this in your bag even after you get out of the beginner stages.
PROS
- Simple and effortless interaction with the turf
- Great price point
- Impressive ball speed with speed pocket technology
CONS
- Doesn’t have the same jump off the face that the new Stealth line does
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Best Premium Hybrid Golf Club for High Handicappers
Callaway Paradym Hybrid
Updated on 2024-04-25
Best Premium
If you want the best of the best, I love the new Callaway Paradym Hybrid. The new Paradym combines all of the technology that Callaway has been perfecting for the last 8 to 10 years into one ideal hybrid for the higher handicap players.
The Paradym has some of the fastest ball speeds around, thanks to the Tungsten Speed Cartridge.
In addition, the high strength 455 Face Cup design was created with AI to improve ball speeds and spin robustness. Essentially, even if you don’t hit the center of the face, you can have a great shot.
PROS
- Premium looks and feel
- Optimized trajectory with an adjustable hosel
- Low center of gravity
- High ball speeds
CONS
- Priced high as it is a new release with premium technology
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Best Budget Hybrid Golf Clubs for High Handicappers
Pinemeadow Excel EGI Hybrid
Updated on 2024-04-25
Best Budget
If you are on a real budget this year and looking for a golf hybrid that can help upgrade your bag without breaking the bank, the Pinemeadow Excel EGI is a good choice.
I can’t tell you that this is the best feeling hybrid. The materials and technology used are nothing like what you will find in the Callaway Paradym or TaylorMade Stealth 2.
The Pinemeadow Excel EGI has a lightweight graphite shaft, a large sweet spot, and the hybrid comes with a headcover to protect it.
I like this hybrid for the golfer that is looking to try out a hybrid for the first time or plays golf occasionality and is not sure it’s the sport for them.
PROS
- Very low pricing
- Large sweet spot
- Lightweight graphite shaft
- Comes with a headcover
CONS
- Does not have a long life; better for the occasional golfer
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Best Value Hybrids for High Handicappers
Cobra Air X Hybrid
Updated on 2024-04-25
Best Value
The Cobra Air X Hybrid is the best-value hybrid for high handicappers.
There is a slight difference between value and budget. Value golf clubs pack a ton of technology into a fairly priced club; the budget clubs are just some of the least expensive on the market. The Cobra Air X hybrid is a really great choice for golfers with slower swing speeds.
If you want something draw bias, offset, and very lightweight, the Cobra Air X hybrid is a really good value. I also found this to be one of the best options for golfers that play from a lot of heavy rough.
PROS
- Good distance capabilities
- Lightweight
- Forged face for higher ball speeds
CONS
- Noticeable offset, it can take a little while to get used to
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Most Forgiving Hybrid For High Handicapper
Cleveland Launcher XL Halo Hybrid
Updated on 2024-04-25
Most Forgiving
Forgiveness is one of the key features of a hybrid for a high handicapper. Of all the hybrids I have tested, the one I found to be the most forgiving is the Cleveland Launcher XL Halo Hybrid.
The XL in the name of this hybrid is no exaggeration; with a larger head, you will have more area to make contact with the golf ball.
In addition, the Gliderail technology on the bottom part of the club helps you cut through the rough lies and improve overall turf interaction. In the past, Cleveland struggled to keep up from a distance perspective, but that is no longer the case; with the new Rebound Frame, the ball can jump off the face.
PROS
- High MOI hybrid
- Action Mass CB at the end of the grip to help improve balance and stability at impact
- Extra large head design for higher MOI
CONS
- The feel is a little less pure than something like a Ping hybrid
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Best Hybrid For Feel For High Handicappers
Ping G430 Hybrid
est $299.99
Best Feel
The Ping G430 Hybrid is a brand-new release that is getting a lot of attention from both low and high handicap golfers. Ping has done a great job of combining an impressive feel with the performance that higher handicappers need.
One of my favorite things about the Ping G430 hybrid for high handicappers is the tungsten back weight. The tungsten back weighting increases forgiveness and improves overall launch. In addition, ball speed has increased across the entire face.
One of Ping’s missions when creating the Ping G430 was to make the clubhead more lightweight, and they could do so with the impressive G430 hybrid.
PROS
- Six loft options to choose from
- New Facewrap Technology for higher ball speeds
- Impressive feel
- Adjustability in the clubhead
CONS
- New release with a higher price point
- Not the most forgiving of all hybrids on the market
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Best Game Improvement Hybrid for High Handicappers
Cobra AeroJet Hybrid
est $279.99
Game Improvement
The Cobra AeroJet Hybrid is the best game improvement hybrid for high handicappers. Cobra has had the Baffler Rail technology for many years, and they still incorporate some of this impressive turf interaction into their newest hybrid.
The thing that really helps the new Cobra AeroJet stand out is the H.O.T. Face Technology. For a long time, Cobra couldn’t compete when it came to distance, but with this newest Aerojet, they have some of the faster ball speeds to offer.
In addition, if you struggle with high launch, the Aerojet can help improve things considerably.
PROS
- Large face with higher ball speeds
- High launch
- Lower center of gravity
- New release with more distance than previous models
CONS
- Unique shape for Cobra may take some time to get used to
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Best Hybrid Golf Iron Sets for a High Handicap Golfer
Cleveland Launcher XL Halo Irons
Updated on 2024-04-25
Best Hybrid Irons
If a single hybrid in the golf bag is not enough for your game, the Cleveland Launcher XL Halo Iron Set is a great option. These take the same forgiving technology we love in the XL Halo hybrid and incorporate it into the 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, PW, and even a gap wedge.
The XL Halo irons have a very large head, high MOI, and 3 tiered sole on the short irons. One of the things that golfers have complained about with hybrid golf sets is the control in the shorter irons. With this newly refined sole, turf interaction and control should not be an issue.
PROS
- Action mass CB for more control
- Blends in incredibly well with fairway woods
- More stability at impact with new action mass
CONS
- It still takes time to adjust to the shorter irons in the set
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Most Adjustable Hybrid for High Handicappers
Cobra King Tec Hybrid
Updated on 2024-04-25
Most Adjustable
Many of the latest releases to the market do not offer a lot of adjustability for higher handicappers. One thing that golf manufacturers try to do is optimize a club for forgiveness and distance. Once it is optimized, they produce it, and sometimes this means no adjustability.
The Cobra King Tec Hybrid was not specifically designed for higher handicappers. However, it does have great adjustability, up to 1.5 degrees, and there is still enough forgiveness built in to help golfers of all abilities.
One of the most important features of the Cobra King Tec Hybrid is the PWRSHELL Face Cup design that improves overall ball speed and increases distance considerably.
PROS
- Up to 1.5 degrees of adjustability
- A great option for higher handicappers that are making swing changes and need adjustability
- The new PWRSHELL Face Cup helps with increased distance
CONS
- Does not have as low of a center of gravity as other hybrids on our list
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Best New Release For Higher Handicappers
Wilson DynaPower Hybrid
Updated on 2024-04-25
Best New Release
May Wilson golf clubs can seem as though they are budget or value clubs, and not there to compete with the rest of the large manufacturers. However, the new Wilson DynaPower Hybrid for higher handicappers is one of the best new releases in 2023.
Wilson has entered the world of AI technology, and now there is no turning back. This tour-inspired head shape allows for a great look, impressive setup positioning, and a higher launch angle than I expected.
When I tried the Wilson DynaPower, I expected forgiveness and distance, but I was impressed by the look and feel that this club offered.
PROS
- Impressive forgiveness
- Tour-inspired shaping
- AI Technology used to create
- Higher launch angles
CONS
- Not quite as stable at impact as the TaylorMade Stealth
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Buyers Guide for High Handicapper Hybrids | What To Look For
Now that you have a better idea of which of the hybrids are the best for higher handicappers, here is how you can narrow down our 13 best hybrid golf clubs for high handicappers in 2023 into the one club that will make it into your golf bag.
Long Irons vs Hybrids
The fact that you are searching for hybrids, as opposed to long irons, means you already understand the importance of this club in your bag. Long irons are much harder to hit, require higher swing speeds, and have higher dispersion rates. When it comes to long irons vs hybrids, stick with the hybrids, utility irons, or driving irons.
Hybrids and Fairway Wood | Setting Up Your Bag
Most golfers find it beneficial to have both a hybrid and a fairway wood in their golf bag. You bring more variety into your game when you can have both clubs. Check the lofts of your hybrids and fairway woods and make sure they are not overlapping.
Forgiveness
The most forgiving hybrids for high handicappers have a low center of gravity, high launch, large sweet spot, and technology that increases stability at impact.
Loft
The loft of the hybrid will correspond with the long iron you are attempting to replace. The most common hybrids are 22 degrees for the 4 iron replacement and 25 degrees for the 5 iron replacement.
The more loft that a hybrid has, the easier it is for a higher handicapper to hit it high and benefit from the characteristics of the club.
Adjustability
Although adjustability can be a great feature for those that are working on improving their game, it can be hard to find adjustability in a hybrid for high handicappers. Adjustability adds weight to the club, and higher handicapper hybrids are lightweight and have higher launching.
Price
A golf hybrid ranges from around $150 to more than $300. Most of the hybrids on our list are in the $200 to $300 range, with a few outliers for budget options. Although hybrid clubs are more money than golf irons, you will get quite a bit of use out of this versatile club.
Pros and Cons of Hybrids for High Handicappers
If you are reluctant to switch to a hybrid and take the long iron out of the bag, don’t be! Hybrid golf clubs are literally made for high handicappers. Here are a few basic pros and cons to consider before you invest.
Pros of Hybrids for High Handicappers
- Easy to hit out of the rough (a place where high handicappers often end up!)
- Higher launch angles
- Longer distance than long irons
- Easier to keep the ball in the fairway
- It can be use for tee, fairway, rough, and even bunker
- Hybrids are available in more lofts than ever
Cons of Hybrids for High Handicappers
- Sometimes transitioning from iron to hybrid is difficult
- Does not always have as much control as the irons
- More expensive than irons
Testing Hybrid Clubs
When new hybrid golf clubs come to the market, I test them immediately. In addition, I look at other industry-wide testing, stats, and results to see which hybrids stand out as the best in the industry.
It’s also important to get feedback from a variety of player handicaps in order to put together a comprehensive list of the best options this year.
Final Thoughts on the Best Hybrid Golf Clubs for High Handicappers
Hopefully, you are feel well on your way to being able to pick out a hybrid golf club that will work for your game. Although this is a bold statement, I will go as far as to say that all high handicappers need a hybrid golf club in their bag.
Our top choice was the TaylorMade Stealth 2 Hybrid, but any of these options will help you to reach more greens in regulation and enjoy a better round of golf.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are a few of the most commonly asked questions about the best hybrid golf clubs for high handicappers.
What hybrid clubs should a high handicapper carry?
A high handicapper should have at least a 4 hybrid or a 5 hybrid. Most high handicappers have at least two hybrids in the bag.
What is the most useful hybrid golf club?
Most golfers find the 5 hybrids the most useful as it has a mix of distance and forgiveness capabilities.
Should I use a 3 hybrid or 5 hybrid?
When it comes to a 3 hybrid or a 5 hybrid, the 5 hybrid is easier to start with for a high handicapper. The 5 hybrid allows for extra launch and a bit more forgiveness.
Should I carry a 4 and 5 hybrid?
As long as your 4 hybrid and 5 hybrid travel different distances, it makes perfect sense to carry both. Look for about ten yards of difference between the 4 hybrid and 5 hybrids.
When should I use my hybrid?
The hybrid performs best when hit out of a bit of rough. Of course, you can hit the hybrid from the tee or the fairway, but when hitting out of the rough, you can see the true benefits of carrying a hybrid golf club.
Do PGA Tour pros use hybrids?
Yes, hybrid golf clubs are extremely common on the PGA Champions Tour. Some of the top professionals including Bernhard Langer, Padraig Harrington, and Steve Stricker to name a few.
