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Game Improvement Irons
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.
The Testers
Chris Ashton, PGA pro and Oulton Hall’s academy manager
Dan Murphy, handicap 4
Mark Townsend, handicap 9
Joe Whitley, handicap 19
Click on images to view in full size
Adams Idea A7
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.
Nike SQ Machspeed
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.
Titleist 909H
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.

Ping G15
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
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.
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
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.
Callaway
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
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.
Srixon Z-TX
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? No
Shaft 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.
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
Lofts: 17°, 19°, 22°, 25° & 28° Left-hand? Yes
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.
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
plus The MP-CLK looks beautiful from every angle – not least at address, where the black and silver colour scheme exudes class
minus The feel at impact was a little disappointing – it just wasn’t quite ‘solid’ or lively enough for our liking
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
plus Although it is very light (which is a good thing), the DST felt like there was a lot of club behind the ball and was very long and straight
minus The offset might put off better players, as could the extremely high ball flight. Other than that, it’s an excellent hybrid
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
plus This club was a serious contender for a recommended spot due to its powerful flight and high levels of forgiveness
minus The feel was not quite as solid as some, but this was arguably the club’s only downfall – an excellent choice for anyone on a budget
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
plus The Rescue 09 was long, very forgiving, produced a high flight, and, for the most part, looked great at address
minus The white paint on the crown was a little off-putting. We thought this club’s stablemate – the Burner SuperFast – offered a slightly better all-round option
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
plus Another fine club from Tour Edge. This is a top quality hybrid that will really appeal to the stronger player
minus You might think the price is a lot to pay for a brand relatively unknown (in the UK), but we thought the performance was up there with the best if you can look past this
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
Lofts: 15°, 18°, 21° & 24°
Left-hand option? Yes
Shaft tested: Alidla VooDoo SRP: £150
www.nikegolf.eu 08000 561 640
plus The VR hybrid produced a penetrating, workable flight and, in the right hands, is a force to reckon with
minus The grey crown, designed to mask the offset, may be distracting to some and other hybrids are far more forgiving
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
plus Remarkable performance for a club at this price point – the VX Proto generated a lot of distance and a lovely high flight
minus The face is really offset and this will put off the better player, although anyone looking past this will find a great-value, high-performance club
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
Lofts: 19°, 22°, 25° & 28°
Left-hand option? Yes
Shaft tested: Yonex Nanospeed 100
SRP: £119
www.yonex.co.uk 02087 429 777
plus Looks fantastic at address and is extremely
easy to hit from all lies. A serious performer – especially for the higher handicapper
minus The flight was very high and slightly inconsistent at times, which might be to your disadvantage in extremely windy conditions
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
plus With rounded looks and a powerful feel that provides a high, strong flight, the i15 was popular with some of our testers
minus While others felt it was not an out-and-out better player’s club and found the flight inconsistent
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
plus The Idea Pro Black is stunning to look at, with its traditional compact blade and classy black finish
minus The forgiveness on offer is minimal and we felt the better players this club is aimed at may as well be using a long iron
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
plus Without a doubt MD Golf’s best-looking hybrid to date – the black finish looks sharp and the head sits behind the ball in a way that inspires confidence
minus The performance does not quite back the looks up and we didn’t think this hybrid was quite up there with the fantastic Superstrong driver
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
Lofts: 21°, 24°, 27° & 30°
Left-hand option? Yes
Shaft tested: Callaway Diablo Edge
hybrid graphite
SRP: £139
www.callawaygolf.com 02083 910 100
plus The Diablo Edge offers really good forgiveness and a desirable high flight that stops quickly and easily on greens
minus The large amount of offset may not be to the tastes of some better players, though the Edge Tour will cater for this market
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
plus MacGregor’s MT generated a very impressive flight that was long, penetrating and easy to repeat
minus The head is on the clunky side for a better-player’s hybrid and the alignment aid is quite distracting
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
plus There are not many clubs easier to hit than the Geomax 2, and, at that price, it is a genuine bargain
minus The head will be a little too big for some, and the offset may be slightly off-putting. Still a really good budget hybrid though
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
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
plus It is very easy to hit shots that travel long, high and straight with the FYbrid. The feel off the face is solid, too
minus Good but not exceptional. We just did not think it was quite as impressive as the previous model. The heavy sole was also a talking point
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
plus The FT-iZ was one of the easiest-to-use hybrids on test and made hitting long, high draws from any lie a doddle
minus It is very expensive and does not have enough performance advantages over less expensive clubs to justify the price
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
plus The J36’s head shape is beautiful and will appeal to the better player. The stock shaft is a very high-quality one
minus The forgiveness on offer is minimal and this means the broadness of appeal is limited. Still, for the single-figure player, it is ideal
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
plus The head is nice-looking and the flight very high and soft landing. Also, it is very easy to use.
By far the best John Letters hybrid we have tested
minus The large squidgy grip will get this club off to a bad start for many and does not do it justic
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
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
plus The SDX 2’s head sits very nicely behind the ball. Unlike a lot of game-improvement hybrids, it does not look like it is pointing way to the left
minus The alignment aid was quite off-putting and is positioned too close to the toe, which does not help to build confidence
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
plus With a nicely rounded head shape and a powerful sweet spot, the Viper XT will prove to be a great addition to anyone’s bag
minus It was not as impressive as its stablemate – the Quick Strike – which excels in all areas for the same price
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