These 5 hybrids excel in two important areas, according to our robot testing

Several months ago, GOLF.com’s equipment crew had Golf Laboratories’ swing robot run a test to determine the differences in launch, spin and carry for three clubs with very similar lofts (roughly 20 degrees) — 7-wood, 3-hybrid and 3-iron. Finding the ideal club combination to tackle shots from 230-190 yards remains a top priority for most golfers. The problem is, with so many options available — and we didn’t even mention utility irons — most golfers don’t even know where to start.

Thankfully, the data provided some interesting findings that helped clear a few things up. For example, the launch and spin deltas between the 7-wood and 3-hybrid were a staggering 5 degrees and 2,260 RPMs in favor of the high-lofted fairway. So if you’re someone who struggles to get the ball in the air with enough spin to hold the green, the 7-wood is the way to go, according to the robot.

But what happens if the fairway wood shape is off-putting or you generally have better turf interaction with an iron-like profile? The obvious choice is to find a game-improvement long iron or utility and conduct testing because the hybrid doesn’t generate nearly enough launch and spin to make it a viable option.

While the numbers from our three-club test confirm there are some lower-launching hybrids in the marketplace, it’s still possible to find something that launches the ball high with plenty of spin if a hybrid is more your style.

Below are 5 hybrids (19 degrees) that generated a combination of high launch and spin on the robot. (It’s worth pointing out the difference in launch between the 5 models mentioned was less than 1 degree of launch and 300 RPMs, highlighting the importance of getting fit for a hybrid that checks the looks and performance boxes.)

Callaway Paradym X

Callaway Paradym Hybrids

$300

Click through to purchase a new Callaway Paradym hybrid from Fairway Jockey today.

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Cobra Aerojet

Cobra Aerojet Hybrids

$279

Click through to purchase a new Cobra Aerojet hybrid from Fairway Jockey today.

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TaylorMade Stealth 2

TaylorMade Stealth 2 Hybrids

$280

Click through to purchase a new TaylorMade Stealth 2 hybrid from Fairway Jockey today.

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TaylorMade Stealth 2 HD

TaylorMade Stealth 2 HD Hybrids

$280

Click through to purchase a new TaylorMade Stealth 2 hybrid from Fairway Jockey today.

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Titleist TSR2

Titleist TSR2 Hybrids

$300

Click through to purchase a new Titleist TSR hybrid from Fairway Jockey today.

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Want to overhaul your bag for 2023? Find a fitting location near you at True Spec Golf.

Jonathan Wall

Golf.com Editor

Jonathan Wall is GOLF Magazine and GOLF.com’s Managing Editor for Equipment. Prior to joining the staff at the end of 2018, he spent 6 years covering equipment for the PGA Tour. He can be reached at jonathan.wall@golf.com.

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