#9 OUR FAVOURITE 2018 HYBRIDS/UTILITY IRONS ARE…
Taylormade M4 www.taylormadegolf.com
◆ Lofts: 3-19° / 4-22°/ 5-25° / 6-28° ◆ Stock shaft: Fujikura Atmos Red ◆ Adjustable hosel: No
VERDICT: It may be controversial, but we’re going to say it anyway… the M4 hybrid is the widebody hybrid of 2018. It’s a decent step forward in terms of looks and shaping over the old M2. It’s really powerful, too, and for the vast majority of club golfers will out-perform any long iron or narrow body hybrid for forgiveness and all-out playability.
Mizuno CLK www.mizuno.asia
◆ Lofts: 2-16° / 3-19° / 4-22° / 5-25° ◆ Stock shaft: Fujikura Speeder Evolution HB ◆ Adjustable hosel: Yes ◆ Loft change: +/-2°
VERDICT: A stand-out performer. The flexibility of the adjustable hosel opens up extra possibilities for golfers looking to fill specific loft gaps, and we love the cute little head. Like most Mizuno products, the CLK comes with a top-notch Fujikura shaft. It’s designed to launch low, which means it’s ideally suited to average and above swing speeds.
Ping G400 www.wingolf.com.sg
◆ Lofts: 2-17° / 3-19° / 4-22° / 5-26° / 6-30° ◆ Stock shaft: Ping Alta CB70 / Ping Tour 85 ◆ Adjustable hosel: No
VERDICT: A brilliant all-round hybrid option. A mid-wide head shape is perfect for flighting shots easily from the turf, digging shots out of the rough and scuttling shots out of low-lipped fairway bunkers. The matt black finish means the turbulators on the crown fade into the background, creating a completely inoffensive head design.
Cobra King F8 www.cobragolf.com
◆ Lofts: 2-17° / 3-19° / 4-22° / 5-25° ◆ Stock shaft: Aldila Rogue Pro 75 ◆ Adjustable hosel: No
VERDICT: At a time when a Ping hybrid will set you back £30 more than the F8, the Cobra has a heck of a lot to offer. It’s really easy to use, is rammed full of technology and is more than capable of getting you out of jail. Use the shot tracker that comes as standard in the grip to help record successes and failures every time you pull it from the bag. A very impressive package.
Callaway Rogue transviewgolf.com.sg
◆ Lofts: 2-17° / 3-19° / 4-21° / 5-24° / 6-27° ◆ Stock shaft: Aldila Synergy 60 ◆ Adjustable hosel: No
VERDICT: The Rogue hybrids are among the very best performers within our test. But they cost a pretty penny, and they’re not adjustable, so you’re going to need to love them to warrant the outlay. Looks are entirely subjective, so if you can turn a blind eye to the Rogue’s offset, wide body they’ll certainly help you hit it higher and further.