
We put a selection of the latest long-iron replacements to the test
About the test
We conducted this test at De Vere Oulton Hall in West Yorkshire.
Our intention was to identify the clubs that were most suitable for a wide array of handicaps. Looks, forgiveness, versatility and price were the key criteria.
We conducted this test at De Vere Oulton Hall in West Yorkshire.
Our intention was to identify the clubs that were most suitable for a wide array of handicaps. Looks, forgiveness, versatility and price were the key criteria.
The Testers
Chris Ashton, PGA pro and Oulton Hall’s academy manager
Dan Murphy, handicap 4
Mark Townsend, handicap 9
Joe Whitley, handicap 19
Chris Ashton, PGA pro and Oulton Hall’s academy manager
Dan Murphy, handicap 4
Mark Townsend, handicap 9
Joe Whitley, handicap 19
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Technology: Weighting in the rear promotes a higher launch angle for a long, towering ball flight and soft-landing shots. A specifically shaped sole allows you to make good contact from all lies
Lofts: 17°, 19°, 22° & 25° Left-hand option? Yes
Shaft tested: UST ProForce AXIVCore SRP: £149
www.adamsgolf.co.uk 08000 139 139
NCG verdict THIS is the perfect example of what a hybrid should look like and how it should perform. It looks great behind the ball, but not intimidating, is just as effective from the rough as it is from the short stuff,
and launches the ball on a soaring trajectory.
We think it represents the perfect balance of good looks and forgiving playability, and is so versatile that it will offer appeal not only to the better player, but also anyone up to the high teens.
The compact head and workable flight will suit the accomplished golfer,while the forgiveness you get on strikes that miss the meat of the bat will appeal to those of us without tour-level consistency. The shaft is also outstanding.
Adams are a huge name in the USA, and officially the most-used hybrid manufacturer on the PGA Tour. After testing their Idea A7, it is not hard to see why. This is a serious piece of kit.
Mark: The head looks quite small but it is so forgiving and has a brilliant flight. It is perfect for a wide range of abilities.
Joe: I thought this was the best-looking club on test. It felt solid and strong at impact and was really forgiving on my mis-hits.
We think it represents the perfect balance of good looks and forgiving playability, and is so versatile that it will offer appeal not only to the better player, but also anyone up to the high teens.
The compact head and workable flight will suit the accomplished golfer,while the forgiveness you get on strikes that miss the meat of the bat will appeal to those of us without tour-level consistency. The shaft is also outstanding.
Adams are a huge name in the USA, and officially the most-used hybrid manufacturer on the PGA Tour. After testing their Idea A7, it is not hard to see why. This is a serious piece of kit.
Mark: The head looks quite small but it is so forgiving and has a brilliant flight. It is perfect for a wide range of abilities.
Joe: I thought this was the best-looking club on test. It felt solid and strong at impact and was really forgiving on my mis-hits.
Technology: Optimised aerodynamics reduce clubhead drag for high club speed and, in turn, ball speed and distance. Square technology makes it easier to keep face aligned at impact
Lofts: 18°, 21°, 24°, 27° & 30° Left-hand option? Yes
Shaft tested: UST ProForce AXIVCore SRP: £120
www.nikegolf.eu 08000 561 640
NCG verdict ALTHOUGH initially suspicious, our panel were unanimous in their praise for Nike’s game-improvement hybrid once they had put it to the test. The Machspeed features a square head trimmed and tucked to improve aerodynamics.
It was, we felt, the most forgiving hybrid on test and produced a long,high and straight flight that was effortless to reproduce. It works brilliantly in all areas, whether you are on the fairway or in deep rough.
If you are a mid-to-high handicapper looking for a confidence boosting driving alternative, or want some help escaping from undesirable lies in the rough, there are few better options.
Dan: It took me about three shots to get used to looks,but after that it was superb.
Chris: Almost flawless. This is perfect for the higher handicapper.
It was, we felt, the most forgiving hybrid on test and produced a long,high and straight flight that was effortless to reproduce. It works brilliantly in all areas, whether you are on the fairway or in deep rough.
If you are a mid-to-high handicapper looking for a confidence boosting driving alternative, or want some help escaping from undesirable lies in the rough, there are few better options.
Dan: It took me about three shots to get used to looks,but after that it was superb.
Chris: Almost flawless. This is perfect for the higher handicapper.
Technology: Tour-proven, modern profile creates deep CG for stability; larger, longer head promotes confidence and forgiveness. Swingweight in back pushes CG deeper for high launch
Lofts: 15°, 17°, 19°, 21° & 24° Left-hand option? Yes
Shafts tested: Aldila VooDoo/Graphite Design YS-Hybrid+
SRP: £150 www.titleist.co.uk 01480 301 114
NCG verdict IF you are a better player looking for a compact hybrid that sits square, is not draw-biased and will allow you to work the ball, while still offering far greater forgiveness than a long iron, you cannot look past the 909H. This classy club features a beautifully rounded head that sits behind the ball squarely and a plain crown that does not distract.
With a solid yet powerful feel from the middle, good players will find they have far greater control over the flight than with the vast majority of hybrids.
It is not forgiving enough to be considered a mass-market club and so will only be used to its potential by better ball strikers.
Dan: This has to be the best better-player hybrid out there.
Chris: It looks fantastic and performs even better.
With a solid yet powerful feel from the middle, good players will find they have far greater control over the flight than with the vast majority of hybrids.
It is not forgiving enough to be considered a mass-market club and so will only be used to its potential by better ball strikers.
Dan: This has to be the best better-player hybrid out there.
Chris: It looks fantastic and performs even better.
Ping G15
Technology: Features large internal toe pad to expand perimeter weighting and increase MOI.Iron-style design promotes high launch angle
Technology: Features large internal toe pad to expand perimeter weighting and increase MOI.Iron-style design promotes high launch angle
Lofts 17°, 20°, 23°, 27° & 31°
Left-hand option? Yes
Shaft tested: Ping TFC 149H SRP: £135
www.pinggolf.com 01427 615 405
Shaft tested: Ping TFC 149H SRP: £135
www.pinggolf.com 01427 615 405
NCG verdict THE shape of the G15 raises more than a few eyebrows, but anyone who has tried it will tell you that it works.
It looks like a toe-heavy driving iron but is seriously forgiving and, once your eyes adjust,inspires confidence at address. It produces a high and long flight and is excellent from the fairway and off the tee. It can look a little cumbersome when you use it from the rough.
Dan: If you can get past the looks, this is one of the best hybrids around.
It looks like a toe-heavy driving iron but is seriously forgiving and, once your eyes adjust,inspires confidence at address. It produces a high and long flight and is excellent from the fairway and off the tee. It can look a little cumbersome when you use it from the rough.
Dan: If you can get past the looks, this is one of the best hybrids around.
TaylorMade Burner SuperFast
Technology: SuperFast technology reduces weight to increase clubhead speed and offer ultimate
distance. Triangular head shape is aerodynamically optimised to travel through the air quicker
Lofts: 18°, 21° & 24° Left-hand option? Yes
Shaft tested: TaylorMade Aldila RE AX-60
Burner SuperFast SRP: £129
www.taylormadegolf.eu 08000 480 781
Shaft tested: TaylorMade Aldila RE AX-60
Burner SuperFast SRP: £129
www.taylormadegolf.eu 08000 480 781
NCG verdict THE Burner SuperFast is another hybrid that did not necessarily win our hearts in the looks department, but more than made up for it with performance. It features a triangular head shape and an odd honeycomb pattern on the crown, neither of which necessarily appeal at address, but has a lovely, powerful feel at impact and was by far and away the longest club on test. A great choice for the high handicapper.
Joe: This is seriously long and very easy to hit.
Joe: This is seriously long and very easy to hit.
Callaway
Diablo Edge Tour
Diablo Edge Tour
Technology: Unique sole design offers versatility and playability while variable face thickness increases ball speeds across the club
Lofts: 18°, 21° & 24° Left-hand option? Yes
Shaft tested: Callaway Diablo Edge Tour
hybrid graphite SRP: £139 www.callawaygolf.com 0208 3910 100
Shaft tested: Callaway Diablo Edge Tour
hybrid graphite SRP: £139 www.callawaygolf.com 0208 3910 100
NCG verdict CALLAWAY have worked hard on the looks of their new range, and this is a great example. It features a simple yet classy head shape that, although slightly long heel to toe, sits behind the ball nicely and inspires confidence. There is lots of forgiveness on offer – especially for a tour club – and the high flight was admired by all. The perfect option for the mid-to-low handicapper who is not a fan of excessive offset.
Chris: I really could not fault this. Superb.
Chris: I really could not fault this. Superb.
Srixon Z-TX
Shaft tested: Diamana Blue SRP: £139
www.srixon.co.uk 01420 541 709
Technology: Thin face, large sweetspot and lighter overall weight offer increased club and ball speed and therefore more distance. Shallow head and low CG promote high-flying, shots
Lofts: 16°, 19°, 22° & 25° Left-hand? NoShaft tested: Diamana Blue SRP: £139
www.srixon.co.uk 01420 541 709
NCG verdict THE weapon of choice for Jim Furyk performed superbly. The Z-TX, which has quite an elongated head (from heel to toe)and a very square face, produced a penetrating flight and a lot of distance. Although designed for the accomplished ball striker, it still generated decent forgiveness.
An excellent hybrid that can genuinely be used by all abilities.
Mark: It feels light but has a great sound, is really long and very easy to use.
Mark: It feels light but has a great sound, is really long and very easy to use.
Cobra Baffler Rail H
Technology: Thin steel face insert increases ball speed for more distance, while dual rail sole improves interaction with turf and means hitting a good shot out of any lie is easy
Technology: Thin steel face insert increases ball speed for more distance, while dual rail sole improves interaction with turf and means hitting a good shot out of any lie is easy
Lofts: 17°, 19°, 22°, 25° & 28° Left-hand? Yes
Shaft tested: Grafalloy ProLaunch Red
SRP: £129
www.cobragolf.co.uk 01480 301 114
Shaft tested: Grafalloy ProLaunch Red
SRP: £129
www.cobragolf.co.uk 01480 301 114
NCG verdict THE Baffler is recognised as one of the most famous hybrid families in golf,and this latest model is set to continue its reputation of usability and performance.
The head is perfectly sized. It is not too small or intimidating, and the face looks really inviting at address. The performance is even better, with shot after shot firing high, straight and really long.
Joe: The Rail H performs brilliantly from the rough and is very easy to hit.
The head is perfectly sized. It is not too small or intimidating, and the face looks really inviting at address. The performance is even better, with shot after shot firing high, straight and really long.
Joe: The Rail H performs brilliantly from the rough and is very easy to hit.
Mizuno MP-CLK
Technology: A tour-inspired smaller head shape and
workable CG position will appeal to better players looking
to replace traditional long irons with high-flying hybrids. A
hot metal face gives a handy distance and forgiveness
boost
Lofts: 17°, 20° & 23° Left-hand option? No
Shaft tested: Mitsubishi Rayon Fubuki
SRP: £139
www.mizuno.com 01189 362 100
Shaft tested: Mitsubishi Rayon Fubuki
SRP: £139
www.mizuno.com 01189 362 100
Cleveland Launcher DST
Technology: Dual-rail sole design reduces turf drag to
improve contact and increase workability. Leading edge
bevel also helps to add forgiveness out of tough grass
and allows club to slide through instead of digging
Lofts: 15.5°, 18°, 20.5°, 23° & 26°
Left-hand option? Yes
Shaft tested: Diamana Red SRP: £119
www.clevelandgolf.com 01420 541 709
Left-hand option? Yes
Shaft tested: Diamana Red SRP: £119
www.clevelandgolf.com 01420 541 709
Snake Eyes Quick Strike 4–U
Technology: Compact head and minimal offset are
designed to suit eye of the better player, while four
perimeter weight ports concentrate mass around the skirt
of the head to increase MOI and forgiveness
Lofts: 15°, 19°, 23°, 27° & 31°
Left-hand option? Yes
Shaft tested: UST QS4 SRP: £99
www.snakeeyescustom.com 01480 308 800
Left-hand option? Yes
Shaft tested: UST QS4 SRP: £99
www.snakeeyescustom.com 01480 308 800
TaylorMade Rescue 09
Technology: Combines traditional looks and principles
of TaylorMade’s original Rescue Mid with ultra-thin wall
technology, which reduces weight and allows engineers
to position the CG deep and low for a high, long flight
Lofts: 17°, 19°, 22° & 25°
Left-hand option? Yes
Shaft tested: TaylorMade Aldila
RE AX-65 Rescue SRP: £149
www.taylormadegolf.eu 08000 480 781
Left-hand option? Yes
Shaft tested: TaylorMade Aldila
RE AX-65 Rescue SRP: £149
www.taylormadegolf.eu 08000 480 781
Tour Edge Exotics XCG 3
Technology: Heavy tungsten sole plate shifts weight
towards back and below ball to offer high-flying, long
flight, while two internal pads improve sound, feel and
accuracy. A thin steel cup face increases distance
Lofts: 16°, 18°, 21° & 24°
Left-hand option? Yes
Shaft tested: Fujikura Motore Exotics SRP: £175
www.touredge.com 01753 218 913
Left-hand option? Yes
Shaft tested: Fujikura Motore Exotics SRP: £175
www.touredge.com 01753 218 913
Nike Victory Red
Technology: Designed to meet requirements of the best players, Nike created the Victory Red with distance and workability in mind. Features split compression channel and ultra-thin face for high levels of distance and power
Technology: Designed to meet requirements of the best players, Nike created the Victory Red with distance and workability in mind. Features split compression channel and ultra-thin face for high levels of distance and power
Lofts: 15°, 18°, 21° & 24°
Left-hand option? Yes
Shaft tested: Alidla VooDoo SRP: £150
www.nikegolf.eu 08000 561 640
Left-hand option? Yes
Shaft tested: Alidla VooDoo SRP: £150
www.nikegolf.eu 08000 561 640
Benross VX Proto Escape
Technology: Designed to offer players of all abilities an
easy-to-hit long iron alternative, the VX Proto Escape will
suit all types of player. It features a low and deep centre
of gravity to help get the ball airborne
Lofts: 17°, 20°, 23° & 26°
Left-hand option? No
Shaft tested: Aldila DVS SRP: £59.99
www.benrossgolf.com 01932 821 200
Left-hand option? No
Shaft tested: Aldila DVS SRP: £59.99
www.benrossgolf.com 01932 821 200
Yonex Nanospeed 3i
Technology: High-tech Nanoscience increases impact speeds and improves accuracy and consistency. It also has a shallow back design to lower the CG and promote a high, powerful flight
Technology: High-tech Nanoscience increases impact speeds and improves accuracy and consistency. It also has a shallow back design to lower the CG and promote a high, powerful flight
Lofts: 19°, 22°, 25° & 28°
Left-hand option? Yes
Shaft tested: Yonex Nanospeed 100
SRP: £119
www.yonex.co.uk 02087 429 777
Left-hand option? Yes
Shaft tested: Yonex Nanospeed 100
SRP: £119
www.yonex.co.uk 02087 429 777
easy to hit from all lies. A serious performer – especially for the higher handicapper
Ping i15
Technology: Designed with a traditional head shape and size,
and a tour-preferred trajectory, but with a high MOI. This
means the i15 caters for all types of player. A deep CG
increases control and stronger lofts reduce spin
Lofts 17°, 20° & 23°
Left-hand option? Yes
Shaft tested: Ping TFC 700H
SRP: £155
www.pinggolf.com 01427 615 405
Left-hand option? Yes
Shaft tested: Ping TFC 700H
SRP: £155
www.pinggolf.com 01427 615 405
Adams Idea Pro Black
Technology: A compact and workable clubhead is designed to
maximise distance and versatility, while a steel
face increases ball speed and therefore distance.
The clubhead is low spinning and is designed with
skilled players in mind
Lofts: 16°, 18°, 20°, 23° & 26°
Left-hand option? Yes
Shaft tested: Aldila VooDoo
SRP: £159
www.adamsgolf.co.uk 08000 139 139
Left-hand option? Yes
Shaft tested: Aldila VooDoo
SRP: £159
www.adamsgolf.co.uk 08000 139 139
MD Golf Superstrong
Technology: With a deeper face and an extra 1.5mm of
offset, MD Golf believe their latest Superstrong hybrid is the
longest and most forgiving yet. It features a high quality UST
grip and shaft combination as standard
Lofts: 18°, 21° & 24°
Left-hand option? Yes
Shaft tested: UST Proforce 65
SRP: £69.99
www.mdgolf.co.uk 02894 460 333
Left-hand option? Yes
Shaft tested: UST Proforce 65
SRP: £69.99
www.mdgolf.co.uk 02894 460 333
Callaway Diablo Edge
Technology: A thin crown helps create a low centre of gravity,
which allows the sweet spot to be lower (where research
suggests amateurs tend to
hit the ball more often). The result is
maximum forgiveness and distance
hit the ball more often). The result is
maximum forgiveness and distance
Lofts: 21°, 24°, 27° & 30°
Left-hand option? Yes
Shaft tested: Callaway Diablo Edge
hybrid graphite
SRP: £139
www.callawaygolf.com 02083 910 100
Left-hand option? Yes
Shaft tested: Callaway Diablo Edge
hybrid graphite
SRP: £139
www.callawaygolf.com 02083 910 100
MacGregor MT
Technology: Cup face technology offers high ball speeds
across the entire face and means the club is almost one big
sweet spot. A deeper face improves forgiveness further and a
slightly open face suits the eye of the better player and stops
the ball going left
Lofts: 17°, 20°, 23°, 26° & 29°
Left-hand option? No
Shaft tested: MacGregor Fujikura Tour
SRP: £129
www.macgregorgolfeurope.co.uk 01480 308 800
Left-hand option? No
Shaft tested: MacGregor Fujikura Tour
SRP: £129
www.macgregorgolfeurope.co.uk 01480 308 800
Tour Edge Bazooka Geomax 2
Technology: A concave crown and four weighted internal
cavities place weight deep and low to promote a
high, long flight while an ultra-thin steel face
maximises ball speed from all areas and leads to big
carries
Lofts: 17°, 19°, 22°, 25° & 28°
Left-hand option? Yes
Shaft tested: Bazooka GeoMax
SRP: £89
www.touredge.com 01753 218 913
Left-hand option? Yes
Shaft tested: Bazooka GeoMax
SRP: £89
www.touredge.com 01753 218 913
Wilson Staff FYbrid HS
Technology: Designed to bridge the gap between fairway
woods and hybrids and therefore
offer all types of player a goto club whether
on the tee or off the deck. Features a heavy
sole, which lowers the club’s CG to offer a high, long flight and clean, consistent contact
offer all types of player a goto club whether
on the tee or off the deck. Features a heavy
sole, which lowers the club’s CG to offer a high, long flight and clean, consistent contact
Lofts: 13°, 15°, 18°, 19.5°, 21°, 24° & 27°
Left-hand option? Yes
Shaft tested: UST ProForce AXIVCore
SRP: £109
www.wilsonstaff.com 01276 404 970
Left-hand option? Yes
Shaft tested: UST ProForce AXIVCore
SRP: £109
www.wilsonstaff.com 01276 404 970
Callaway FT-iZ
Technology: Fusion technology increases distance and
accuracy by utilising different metals and weight to maximise
MOI and optimise the CG for a stronger trajectory. A large
clubhead increases forgiveness further
Lofts: 18°, 21°, 24° & 27°
Left-hand option? Yes
Shaft tested: Callaway FT-iZ
hybrid graphite
SRP: £179
www.callawaygolf.com
0208 3910 100
Left-hand option? Yes
Shaft tested: Callaway FT-iZ
hybrid graphite
SRP: £179
www.callawaygolf.com
0208 3910 100
Bridgestone J36
Technology: Weight pads in sole push mass to perimeter to
increase MOI, while sharp leading edge reduces skipping at
impact and allows clean contact from all lies. A square face
angle and steel head design offer large levels of distance
Lofts: 16°, 19°, 22° & 25°
Left-hand option? No SRP: £119
Shaft tested: Aldila VS Proto
www.bridgestonegolf.com
01630 657 689
Left-hand option? No SRP: £119
Shaft tested: Aldila VS Proto
www.bridgestonegolf.com
01630 657 689
John Letters T Series
Technology: A dual weighting system moves the T-Series’ CG
low and back to promote a high ball flight and low spin rates
for an optimal ball flight and maximum distance. These weights
also increase MOI
Lofts: 17°, 20°, 23° & 26°
Left-hand option? No
Shaft tested: Aldila Tour Gold
SRP: £69.99
www.johnletters.com
Left-hand option? No
Shaft tested: Aldila Tour Gold
SRP: £69.99
www.johnletters.com
By far the best John Letters hybrid we have tested
Ram SDX 2
Technology: Ram's SDX 2 hybrid is engineered for maximum
forgiveness from the tee, rough and the fairway. Its head
utilises enhanced perimeter weighting to improve MOI and an
ultra-lightweight graphite shaft for more
club speed
ultra-lightweight graphite shaft for more
club speed
Lofts: 18°, 21° & 24°
Left-hand option? Yes
Shaft tested: Ram Ultralite SDX 2 graphite
SRP: £39.99
www.ramgolf.co.uk 01618 864 010
Left-hand option? Yes
Shaft tested: Ram Ultralite SDX 2 graphite
SRP: £39.99
www.ramgolf.co.uk 01618 864 010
Snake Eyes Viper XT
Technology: An adjustable weighting port in the back of the
club allows you to tune the club to the feel you demand, while
a deep bullet-shaped head provides optimal launch and
distance. A compact design will suit the eye of the traditionalist
Lofts: 18°, 21° & 24°
Left-hand option? No
Shaft tested: Snake Eyes Aldila NV
SRP: £49.95
www.snakeeyescustom.com 01480 308 800
Left-hand option? No
Shaft tested: Snake Eyes Aldila NV
SRP: £49.95
www.snakeeyescustom.com 01480 308 800

