ClubTest 2022: 22 high-tech hybrids robot-tested and reviewed

6 golf hybrids tested for ClubTest 2022

Read our complete reviews of the latest hybrids below.

Club photos: Courtesy; Design: Tanya DeSelm

For the latest edition of GOLF magazine’s 2022 ClubTest, we relied on a two-pronged approach to deliver valuable insights into the new crop of drivers, woods and hybrids so that you can make better informed purchasing decisions. A bevy of qualified testers were on hand to provide feedback and performance thoughts on gear from manufacturers big and small. You can read all about this year’s ClubTest testing process here.

Below you will find our full reviews and test results of 22 new hybrids from the top manufacturers in the game. See something you like? Click through and buy your new hybrid today.

Hybrid reviews by brand: Callaway | Cleveland | Cobra | Mizuno | Ping | PXG | Srixon | TaylorMade | Titleist | Tour Edge | Wilson | XXIO

More ClubTest 2022 reviews: Drivers | Irons | Fairway Woods | Wedges | Putters

Want to overhaul your bag for 2022? Find a fitting location near you at GOLF’s affiliate company True Spec Golf. 

CLUBTEST HYBRID REVIEWS

Callaway Rogue ST Review

We tested: Rogue ST Max: 18°, 20°, 23°, 26°; Rogue ST Max OS: 19°, 21°, 24°, 27°, 30°, 33°; Rogue ST Pro: 18°, 20°, 23°; Rogue ST Max OS Lite: 21°, 24°, 27°, 30°, 33°, 36°

Our take: There’s a wide spectrum of clubhead designs in the Rogue ST hybrid lineup, but there’s one thing they have in common: forgiveness. While the four heads are made for different flight trajectories, our testers repeatedly found their mishits to stay on target without losing distance. The Rogue ST Max OS Lite, specifically, was especially high launching, helping even slower speed players hit moon balls.

callaway rogue st hybrid

Callaway Rogue ST Max hybrids

$279.99
Callaway continues to push the boundary of hybrid performance with the all-new Rogue ST. Industry-leading innovations like an all-new Jailbreak ST, high strength A.I.-designed Face Cup and precision tungsten weighting are engineered for speed and forgiveness.

The details: A new Jailbreak technology is the likely culprit for our testers finding increased accuracy with the Rogue ST hybrids. The new tech features square-like shapes that sit behind the toe and heel sections of the A.I. optimized faces to stiffen the structure on mishits. Additionally, heavy Tungsten weighting in the toe section helps center overall weight in the heads, making them extra fast and stable. The Pro is the lowest launching, Max and Max OS are for mid-launch trajectories, and the Max OS Lite is a lightweight head designed for high launch.

Cleveland Launcher XL Halo

We tested: 18°, 21°, 24°, 27°

Our take: The Halo has been a popular hybrid for a while now, and so too has the Gliderail tech underneath to help the ball cut through rough a little easier. The latest iteration is the best yet, with shots flying higher and further than previous models. It’s very forgiving and easy to hit, making it just what most of us need from a hybrid.

Cleveland Launcher XL Halo hybrids

$199.99
The new Launcher XL Halo hybrids are constructed with more premium forgiveness than ever before. Gliderail Technology features three rails running along the sole of the club, keeping the face straightened through impact.

The details: The clubhead is bigger than before for a higher MOI and the three Gliderails on the sole stabilize the club on thick and/or uneven surfaces. Additional tech includes a Rebound Frame for more energy into the ball, a HiBore crown for a lower CG and Action Mass CB (counterbalancing) for more control without added effort.

Cobra LTDx

We tested: 17°, 19°, 21°, 24°, 28°

Our take: With a solid look and feel, and a lively face, the LTDx performed impressively in our testing, getting nods from players for its forgiveness, ease of launch and penetrating ball flight. It’s a hybrid that reminds us of the classic Baffler, making it a trusty club come time to extricate the ball from difficult lies with plenty of pop. It’s surprisingly long too.

LTDx Hybrid

Cobra LTDx hybrids

$249
The LTDx Hybrid is designed for pure distance, high launch, and straight ball flights.

The details:  Comes with tech once reserved for woods and drivers, including PWR-COR internal weighting placed low and towards the front for reduced spin and a faster ballspeed. Like the drivers and woods in the same LTDx family, it also comes with H.O.T. Face Tech that includes 15 zones of varying thicknesses for faster ballspeeds across more surface area on the clubface. Which speaking of the face, the PWRSHELL face cup design adds more flex to promote a higher ballflight.  Comes in a ONE Length model as well. 

Cobra King Tec

We tested: 17°, 19°, 21°, 24°, 28°

Our take: Most clubs work well when you catch them flush. Cobra’s King Tec hybrids impressed with their performance on imperfect strikes. “Really jumps right from the start when you catch it,” one Golf tester said. “And when you don’t, it feels forgiving.” Another tester noted the same “pop off the face” that they had experienced with King Tec irons. “If I went to a fitting and got a bag of Cobra’s, I’d be pleasantly surprised.”

KingTec Hybrid

Cobra King Tec Hybrid

$279
The KING TEC Hybrid features advanced technologies to create a hybrid that fits within the better player category. PWRSHELL Technology, a lightweight carbon crown and an adjustable weighting system delivers high launch and powerful ball speed.

The details: Looks can be deceiving. Though they cut the profile of a traditional hybrid, Cobra’s King Tec line boasts the kind of technology and adjustability more often found in drivers and fairway woods. Central to its design what the company calls a PWRShell face, a stainless-steel L-cup that wraps under the leading edge to ramp up ball speed and launch across the face. Increased adjustability comes from three weights that can be positioned in the toe, heel or in a neutral location to encourage the desired ball flight.

Cobra King Air-X

We tested: 19°, 22°, 25°, 28°

Our take: There’s no such thing as being too easy to hit. Cobra’s King Air-X hybrids drew praise in our testing for their forgiveness and soft feel. They also earned props for adding pop to slower swings.

KingTec Hybrid

Cobra King Air-X Hybrid

$199
The AIR-X hybrids are lightweight, easy to swing and feature a heel weighted and offset design to promote straighter and more accurate ball flights.

The details: A thin, flexible face is designed to generate faster ball speeds, while an ultra-light construction and heel weighting are meant to promote longer, straighter shots for players with a tendency to slice.

Mizuno CLK

We tested: 16°, 19°, 22°, 25°

Our take: These hybrids look and feel as though they’re designed for better players, but we’re not fooled. They’re surprisingly forgiving, and players of any ability will reap the benefits of higher launches and consistent ballspeeds across much of the clubface. Said one of our testers, “I can mishit it and the ball still flies straight. That just doesn’t happen with the hybrid I have in my bag.” Others chimed in saying that “it cuts through nasty grass very easily.”

The Mizuno CLK hybrid.

Mizuno CLK Hybrids

$250
The Mizuno CLK hybrid has an eight-way adjustable hosel and can be precisely set to fill the distance gap between your longest iron and shortest fairway wood.

The details: Comes in a compact profile with a new MAS1C Maraging Face for added strength and durability, resulting in faster ballspeeds and more distance. The Dual Wave on the sole helps the ball launch higher and land at a steeper angle — two things you want when hitting a club designed to bring the game seamlessly between longer irons and fairway woods.

Mizuno ST-X

We tested: 20°, 23°, 26°

Our take: With a high, draw-biased flight, the ST-X is built for moderate swing speed golfers who require a high launch long-iron replacement. The confidence-inspiring profile speaks to those who still need some additional room in the heel and toe for the occasional mishit. As one tester claimed, “It’s an automatic addition to my setup. The clean look is easy to embrace, and I’m noticing at least an extra club over my current hybrid.” Speaking of things that are easy to embrace, this hybrid should be added to your list, pronto.

The Mizuno ST-X hybrid.

Mizuno ST-X 220 hybrids

$224.99
The Mizuno ST-X is a confidence inspiring hybrid engineered to produce a higher, draw-biased flight. It’s suited for moderate swing speed players who need elevated launch to reach optimal distance and controlled landing angles.

The details: At 1.8mm in thickness, the MAS1C face found on the ST-X is the thinnest Mizuno has ever produced. You know what that means: More distance. Additional tech includes Harmonic Impact Research that lends a satisfying sound and feel and an ultra-light waffle crown. With less weight positioned up high, designers were able to increase the deep internal weighting to help you turn the ball over with ease.

Ping G425

We tested: 17°, 19°, 22°, 26°, 30°, 34°

Our take: In golf clubs as in mating, we’re not always honest about the importance of good looks to our choices. When it came to Ping’s G425 hybrids, though, testers couldn’t help themselves from gushing about the aesthetics, from the smoothed-out crown with its on-point matte finish to the low-key aiming dots that adorn it, which drew particularly high praise. “Sleek” was the consensus — as were high launch and excellent accuracy, even on less-than-sterling contact. Good looks, and G425s cook, too. Marry it.

ping g425 hybrid

Ping G425 Hybrid

$299
In the G425 hybrids, Facewrap Technology and Spinsistency combine to deliver more distance and spin predictability while ensuring proper gapping throughout a golfer’s bag.

The details: Hybrids are asked to do many things, so its makers must work overtime to jam a lot of tech into not a lot of clubhead. For those of us lacking Iron Byron–like consistency, Ping engineers stretched the sweet spot on the G425, with special emphasis on helping make the best of shots struck low on the face. Aiding on this front as well: a tungsten sole weight, to place weight down low and help the ball launch way up.

PXG 0211

We tested: 19˚, 22˚, 25˚, 28˚

Our take: No matter what lie you draw, PXG’s 0211 hybrids can help you escape with consistency and confidence. “The black matte finish looks great, and the club delivers a soft, solid strike on contact,” said a tester. “But for me, a hybrid shows its true mettle when you’re in trouble. I purposely played from some hairy lies, and the 0211 came through like a champ.” That’s all you can ask for in a solid hybrid.

PXG 0211 hybrid

PXG 0211 hybrid

$189
The can’t-miss, oversize square face design promotes consistently clean contact and rockets the ball down the fairway with incredible speed.

The details: The defining feature of the 0211 hybrid is the oversize square face design, which helps not only with consistently clean contact, but also shoots the ball off the face with incredible speed. These hybrids are versatile and forgiving, with a crown construction designed for durability and mass reduction. The club is a visual stunner as well, with an aesthetically striking, modern appearance.

PXG 0211 Z

We tested: 25°

Our take: The PXG 0211 Z hybrid makes hitting hybrids a breeze. These clubs are engineered for maximum forgiveness, and with a squared face design, low-profile head shape and larger face area, you’ll have the confidence of a tour pro standing over the ball.

pxg 0211 z hybrid

PXG 0211 Z wood set

$795
The PXG 0211 Z Fairway makes it easy to get the ball in the air. With a low-profile head shape and a squared face design these clubs deliver maximum ball speed even on mishits.

The details: The 0211 Z hybrid has a high-strength HT1770 face, and internal weighting that’s made for maximum forgiveness and ball speed.

PXG 0317 X

We tested: 17°, 19°, 22°, 25°, 28°

Our take: Hybrids typically aren’t know for their bells and whistles, but that’s not the case for the 0317 X hybrid. Building off the 0317 proto hybrid that launched last year, the Gen4 model has plenty of tech that makes them easy to hit and get optimal distance. “The ball flight feels penetrating,” one tester said. “The alignment aid is eye-catching, but when you put a ball down, it frames it against the green grass really well. For as much loft as it looks like it has, the ball flight penetrates.”

pxg 0317 x hybrid

PXG 0317 X hybrid

$249
PXG 0317 X GEN4 Hybrids are a sight to behold. From the innovative head shape and face design to the hybrid crown construction, every detail has been meticulously crafted for optimum performance and blazing fast ball speeds.

The details: Just like the fairway woods of the same generation, these hybrids have bodies made of AM355 steel, while the faces are crafted from thin HT1770 steel. The 0317 X hybrid also has two weight ports in the sole to create either draw bias or lower spin.

Srixon ZX

We tested: 16°, 19°, 22°, 25°

Our take: Testers took note of how “clean and polished the finished looks” and felt as though it complements the ZX fairway woods and driver perfectly well. So much that it has a similar look and feel, not to mention a “penetrating ballflight and consistency.” They’re made to be forgiving (like most hybrids are), but also so better players can hit a variety of different shots on or off the fairway.

srixon ZX

Srixon ZX hybrids

$299.99
Fast, forgiving and full of power. ZX Hybrids were built for workability, so that no matter where you find your second shot, it’s easy to put yourself in scoring position. They come in 2-, 3-, 4-, 5- and 6-hybrids.

The details: The tour-inspired shaping allows for added shotmaking versatility and the Rebound Core and Crown Step design boost the MOI and increase ballspeed across more points on the clubface. Traditional groove markings on the face boost spin and make aligning the clubhead behind the ball even easier.

TaylorMade Stealth Rescue

We tested: 19°, 22°, 25°, 28°, 31°

Our take: TaylorMade continues to pump out success rescue products. Stealth Rescue is the latest example of a strong long-iron replacement for better players and mid-handicappers alike. “The ball turns over with ease, and I really like the look,” said a tester. “It’s probably my favorite of the rescues I tested. It does it all. Long irons have never been my thing, so I’d be fine with two or three of these in the bag.”

TaylorMade Stealth Rescue hybrids

$279.99
The newly designed carbon crown relocates 7 grams of mass, creating a hybrid that’s easy to launch with incredible stability while the laser etches alignment aid is designed to highlight directional alignment for boosted confidence and accurate aim.

The details: TaylorMade calls it a “rescue,” which is fitting when you consider the Stealth Rescue is here to save you in a pinch. The generous profile is paired with a new carbon crown construction that allowed for 7 grams of discretionary weight to be positioned low in the head to increase launch. A heavy V-Steel sole serves a dual purpose, enhancing launch and turf interaction at the same time. 

TaylorMade Stealth Plus Rescue

We tested: 17°, 19.5°, 22°

Our take: Not all rescues are created equal. For most golfers, the rescue is a delivers a blend of forgiveness and versatility that makes it a must-add. Of course, better players need to be considered as well when designing a rescue. The Stealth Plus is an option for the more accomplished player with a svelte profile and more penetrating launch. “I could see myself playing this one,” commented a tester. “And I don’t consider myself a hybrid/rescue. It has a clean profile. You can tell TaylorMade put some effort into shaping this one.”

stealth plus rescue

TaylorMade Stealth Plus Rescue hybrid

$299.99
Smaller, more compact shape for added versatility for players looking for iron-like flight and workability. Newly optimized CG placement provides incredible speed, forgiveness and accuracy from any lie.

The details: The high toe profile and compact shape is for the better player. Full stop. That doesn’t necessarily mean you should refrain from playing it if you’re a 15 or 20, but the Stealth offers a combination of performance and high launch that should be more up your alley. The ultra-strong C300 Steel face and Thru-Slot Speed Pocket found on the Plus version work in tandem to produce some impressive ball speed numbers. The V-Steel sole is also situated in a way where golfers will see mid launch characteristics.

Titleist TSi1/2/3

We tested: TSi1: 20˚, 23˚, 26˚, 29˚; TSi2: 18˚, 21˚ 24˚; TSi3: 18˚, 20˚

Our take: Some hybrids in this year’s ClubTest are flashier, but few are as beloved as Titleist’s TSi series. For those looking for launch and forgiveness, there’s the lightweight TSi1. For golfers looking for performance, there’s the TSi2, built a broader head for big-time distance. And, for those looking for playability, there’s the TSi3, which offers iron-like control in a compact, tech-loaded head. “This thing is awesome, they’ve designed a club with zero dispersion,” One Tester said of the TSi3. “It’s a boring looking club that works beautifully, and it seems similar off the tee and off the ground. It just jumps off the face into the fairway.”

Titleist TSi1 hybrids

$279.99
The larger profile, ‘wood-type’ TSi1 hybrids are engineered to deliver high launch and mid-spin, and feature a 455 Carpenter Steel Forged Face. It also has a deeper CG for high MOI and exceptional stability and speed across the face.

The details: Don’t judge a book by its cover, especially not this one. Titleist took a minimalist design approach in building its TSi hybrids, but there’s some serious firepower underneath the hood. Slower-swinging players will love the TSi1, which weighs in at 20 grams lighter than its counterparts and features a wider sole and low CG construction. Titleist calls the TSi2 its ‘work horse’ hybrid for the variety of shots that can be executed with its forgiving face and launch-friendly shape. And the TSi3, which is smaller and more-compact, also features an adjustable CG track to ensure players get iron-like performance and control. All three models feature an adjustable hosel and the all-new Carpenter 455 forged face, which Titleist says is the fastest hybrid face it has ever created.

Tour Edge C522

We tested: 19°, 22°, 25°, 28°

Our take: The Diamond Face 2.0 and 360° cupface designs are the real deal here, helping make the C522 hybrid not only super forgiving, but super-long as well. This means carrying fewer long irons in the bag (why bother with them?) and more attacking the pin on long par-3s thanks to a higher ballflight and a softer, more vertical landing angle.

Tour Edge C522 hybrid

Tour Edge C522 hybrids

$139.99
The Tour Edge Hot Launch C522 Hybrids feature Diamond Face 2.0, a major breakthrough in face technology. Diamond Face consists of 39 “mini-trampolines” behind the face which flex and rebound to rocket the ball of the club head for explosive ball speed and distance.

The details: Diamond Face 2.0 acts as “mini trampolines” for greater forgiveness and more ballspeed, while the rear weight placement boost the MOI for less resistance to twisting and greater stability. Other features include A.R.C Acoustic Engineering for a better sound and soft but solid feel and a Power Channel behind the clubface for even greater distance.

Tour Edge E522

We tested: 19°, 22°, 25°, 28°

Our take: this is a hybrid made for players who need three things: slice control, a quicker/higher launch and more distance. Luckily, the E522 delivers on all three, with much the same technology found in the E522 woods and driver. We anticipated higher shots (got them), fewer slices (it definitely reduced ours) and found that it was easy to hit the ball further because we felt as though we could swing a little faster. That’s what we call a win-win-win.

Tour Edge E522 hybrid

Tour Edge E522 hybrids

$139.99
The Hot Launch E522 Hybrids feature Tour Edge’s Houdini Sole Design, which includes an area of mass concentrated on the trailing edge of the sole, as well as a curved leading edge under the face.

The details: Comes with Diamond Face 2.0 for more energy transfer back into the golf ball for more distance and greater forgiveness on off-center hits, a shallow/low-profile clubshape to help push the CG down and hit higher shots, and finally, an offset design to fight slices and help golfers hit straighter, more consistent shots.

Tour Edge Exotics E722

We tested: 17°, 19°, 21°, 23°

Our take: The RyzerSole tech is for real, helping to reduce turf interaction while at the same time, producing a low and forward center of gravity for a high-launch/optimized-spin ballflight. It works wonders come time to maneuver the ball, as the E722 made it a cinch to hit or low fades and draws—all while still maintaining a forgiving clubface to retain that added power.

Tour Edge Exotics E722 hybrid

Tour Edge Exotics E722 hybrids

$229.99
The Tour Edge Exotics E722 Hybrids are loaded with technology for extreme forgiveness and distance. The aforementioned technology begins with the hybrid’s RyzerSole. RyzerSole includes a sole rail and added weight that extends from the leading edge to the trailing edge of the club.

The details: The aforementioned RyzerSole extends weight from leading edge to trailing edge for better stability and for producing a low and forward center of gravity. Also comes with an adjustable 10-gram weight is located behind the clubface for less spin and greater flight versatility and trajectory fine-tuning. Lastly, the new Diamond Face VFT tech and Maraging Steel clubface boost ballspeed from more points on the face with added forgiveness.

Tour Edge Exotics Pro 721

We tested: 17°, 18°, 19°, 20°

Our take: This is a hybrid for the golfer who wants to dial in a very specific shotshape with his/her hybrid shots, as it comes in not only 1° differentials in loft models, but also adjustable weights for a custom ballflight. Its compact design allows for more shotmaking versatility and the player-preferred shape with a taller face helps better players, again, shape more shots. As for us, our experience with the Pro 721 was enlightening. It may be the most maneuverable hybrid we’ve tried as of late.

Tour Edge Exotics Pro 721 hybrid

Tour Edge Exotics Pro 721 hybrids

$249.99
The Exotics Pro 721 Hybrid ultra-compact shape was designed to be the most iron-like hybrid on the market. It features tour-inspired shape with a tour-prototype look and feel that features a new matte finish on the crown.

The details: The Diamond Face 2.0 tech is here to boost the springiness of the clubface for a hotter, more powerful energy transfer back into the ball. The player-profile shape has a deeper face for greater shotmaking versatility and lower spin for added control. Comes with a Flight Tuning System to manipulate the heel and toe weights for a customized ballflight. Again, comes, in four loft options separated by only 1-degree, for an even more precise fit.

Wilson D9

We tested: 17°, 19°, 22°, 25°, 28°, 31°

Our take: Golfers use hybrids for various reasons, but if you want to hit the ball extra high and far, the Wilson D9 hybrids deliver. The sleek head shapes helped our testers find higher launch angles than other hybrids on the market, and maintained speed even on mishits.

wilson D9 hybrid

Wilson Staff D9 Hybrid

$219.99
D9 hybrids excel with their versatility and forgiveness. From the fairway, the Variable Face in Carpenter Custom 455 steel virtually guarantees higher launch and higher ball speeds even on off-center hits.

The details: Each of the Wilson D9 hybrid heads have faces made with variable thickness to help achieve high speeds and launch angles, especially on shots hit off-center. They have progressive head shaping and weighting in the soles to help the clubs sit square at address.

XXIO X

We tested: 18°, 20°, 23°, 26°

Our take: XXIO’s commitment to quality craftmanship can be found throughout every category of equipment it makes, including the X hybrids. The classic profile and shaping is designed to provide improved distance, accuracy and forgiveness. This is for sure a lightweight hybrid, but it’s balanced feel makes it feel as though it has plenty of mass to extricate the ball from seemingly anywhere on the golf course. It’s durable, too.

XXIO X hybrid

XXIO X hybrids

$299.99
Get better trajectory, tighter control and more consistency when recovering with the new XXIO X Hybrids. Lying in a divot? Found a fairway bunker? Deep in thick fescue? Let these super lightweight, flat-bottomed rescue clubs help you effortlessly strike it clean and keep you in the game

The details: A lightweight clubhead with a cupface design and Cannon Sole combine to produced faster ballspeeds across more of the rugged and durable clubface. The squared toe helps add more hittable surface area in a region where many amateurs miss. Also, the lightweight profile helps boost clubhead speed without any added effort.

XXIO 12

We tested: 18°, 20°, 23°, 26°

Our take: It’s not easy to shrink the technology found in the 12 driver and woods, but XXIO found a way to do just that, resulting in a hybrid that is long, forgiving and easy to swing. There are two flex and two rigid zones that work together to boost energy transfer into the ball at impact, making these hybrids exceptionally long—even when struck a little off the center of the clubface. Like other 12 clubs these are lightweight, but they don’t feel flimsy in the hands. You can expect a faster clubhead speed with virtually zero extra effort.

XXIO 12 hybrid

XXIO 12 hybrids

$299.99
The brand flagship and epitome of XXIO’s design philosophy, the XXIO 12 Woods and Irons are remarkably lightweight and easy-to-use clubs offering a specialized suite of technologies that amplify performance for the moderate swing speed golfer.

The details: Comes with much of the same tech found in the woods and driver: a Rebound frame for more distance and ActivWing – Aerodynamic Control for improved aerodynamics for a faster clubhead speed. Comes in either Navy or Red.

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