Our TaylorMade GAPR Mid v hybrid test took place at Leeds Golf Centre and Rudding Park in Yorkshire.
This is the second instalment of out TaylorMade GAPR tests to see if any of them will replace the clubs currently in my bag.
We’ve already put the GAPR Lo up against the TaylorMade P790 UDI 2-iron and now it’s the turn of the GAPR Mid.
TaylorMade GAPR Mid v hybrid – The methodology
I currently carry a 19˚ 3 hybrid. It’s a Callaway Big Bertha OS model and I absolutely love it. It has been in my bag for about two years.
I’ll hit it off the tee on a short par-4 or a long par-3 and I’m happy using it from the fairway on a par-5 or long par-4.
It normally carries about 200-210 yards.
So if I were to put the 18˚ GAPR Mid club in my bag, this is the hybrid it would have to replace.
TaylorMade GAPR Mid v hybrid – The technology
My Callaway Bertha OS hybrid feature’s the brand’s hyper speed face technology.
Rather than explain that to you, let me just say that when I hit this hybrid, the ball absolutely rockets off the face.
This model is over-sized for a bit of added stability and confidence at address.
The GAPR Mid sits between the Lo and the Hi model and is more of a chunky driving iron. Actually I’d say it’s somewhere in-between a hybrid and driving iron. It’s almost like a hybrid, hybrid.
It has a hollow construction and is filled with TaylorMade’s speedfoam technology to improve the sound and feel.
The CG is place low and forward for a mid-trajectory while the iron-like shape is aimed at adding versatility and control.
TaylorMade GAPR Mid v hybrid – The results
[skylab_video id=”150083″]GAPR Mid YT[/skylab_video]
The GAPR Mid really had its work cut out here as the Bertha OS hybrid is one of my favourite clubs in my bag. It has been in there longer than anything else.
In fairness to the GAPR Mid, the numbers were pretty much identical to the hybrid.
The launch, spin, carry and total distance are all very similar.
TaylorMade GAPR Mid v hybrid – NCG verdict
I think I actually prefer hitting the GAPR Mid off the tee than the hybrid. But I much prefer hitting the hybrid off the fairway and out of the rough.
And seeing as I already have a driving iron in my bag in the shape of the P790 UDI, I think the GAPR Mid would be doing too similar a job.
I’d be more inclined to replace my UDI with the GAPR Mid than replacing my trusty Bertha OS hybrid.
But I think the GAPR Mid will be the most popular out of the three new clubs from TaylorMade. It’s a beefy driving iron at the end of the day.
The Lo might be a bit too niche and the Hi could be a bit confusing for some.
For now, I’m happy with my 17˚ 2-iron and 19˚ hybrid combination which some people may also find confusing.
But there’s enough versatility with the hybrid for me to have one club which is purely a back up for my driver off the tee.
TaylorMade GAPR Mid details
Lofts: 18˚, 21˚, 24˚
Shaft: KBS Hybrid shaft 60/70/80 regular, stiff, x-stiff
SRP: £259
Available: September 7
More information can be found on the TaylorMade website.
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