Best hybrids for playability | ClubTest 2025

A major step to improving any golf game is being able to hit all the shots, and for top players that means working the ball both ways. Some can do it better than others, but there are also clubs that can help. If you’re looking for the best hybrids for playability, you’re in the right place.

For GOLF’s ClubTest 2025, we tested 19 new hybrid models from 10 of the top manufacturers to see not only which clubs performed the best overall, but in which areas each excelled. And when it comes to clubs where you want playability, a trusty hybrid is right up there.

See something you like below? Click through and buy your new hybrid on Fairway Jockey today. For additional exclusive insights on new hybrids from leading brands, join InsideGOLF for only $40/year. Want to overhaul your bag for 2025? Find a fitting location near you at GOLF’s affiliate company True Spec Golf. 

MORE CLUBTEST: BEST HYBRIDS FOR FORGIVENESS | BEST HYBRIDS FOR SHOT CORRECTION | BEST HYBRIDS FOR SLOWER SWING SPEEDS

Titleist GT3

*Titleist’s GT3 hybrid was awarded ClubTest 2025 Game Changer status for its outstanding performance in the playability hybrid category.

Titleist GT3 Custom Hybrid

$329 from Fairway Jockey

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THE BASICS: With the new line of GT hybrids, Titleist is now the only OEM offering both loft sleeve and center of gravity (CG) adjustability in every hybrid in their lineup. All three models will come stock with a 5-gram and an 11-gram weight. The GT3 hybrid, despite being 6 percent smaller than its predecessor, has a whopping 15 percent more MOI thanks to improved perimeter weighting.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW OF TITLEIST GT HYBRIDS

Mizuno ST-Z 230

Mizuno ST-Z 230 Custom Hybrid

STRAIGHT, STABLE AND HIGH LAUNCHING A mid-low spinning, high launching, adjustable hybrid – developed hand in hand with our tour advisors, yet playable for all levels. Utilizing a high energy MAS1C steel face boosted by Mizuno’s CORTECH Chamber for exceptional ball speeds and powerful, solid sensation at impact. CORTECH CHAMBER – THE MISSING PIECE Mizuno’s CORTECH Chamber encases a dense stainless steel weight with elastomeric TPU – taking stress from the clubface and creating an additional energy source. At the same time locating weight closer to the clubface to reduce spin rates. While contributing to a more solid, powerful sensation at impact. WAFFLE CROWN AND THICK SOLE WEIGHT Engineered to create a low sweet spot and deep center of gravity, for high stable launch and efficient spin rates. HIGH ENERGY MAS1C STEEL FACE Reworked with a new multi-thickness design – made possible through the face support of Mizuno’s CORTECH Chamber. QUICK SWITCH HOSEL 4 degrees of adjustability.

$249.99 from Fairway Jockey

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THE BASICS: The ST-Z 230 hybrids offer playability for any level of golfer and feature all of the same technology as the ST-Z fairway woods but in a smaller package. The shaping fits in between the previous CLK hybrid and the ST-Z fairway wood but a more rounded profile to push the center of gravity lower to increase forgiveness. The ST-Z hybrids incorporate the CORTech Chamber into a high-energy MAS1C steel face and body, but with a crown made lighter by what Mizuno engineers call a waffle crown to shave mass from less stressed areas to help creates better launch condition around the face.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW OF MIZUNO HYBRIDS

TaylorMade Qi35

TaylorMade Qi35 Custom Hybrid

$299.99 from Fairway Jockey

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THE BASICS: Similar to the new drivers from the TaylorMade Qi35 family, the new Qi35 hybrids focus on two main characteristics: inertia and adjustability. Inertia refers to the clubhead’s ability to deliver an optimal combination of distance and forgiveness, while adjustability allows golfers to fine-tune their shot shapes and configurations, helping players of all skill levels lower their scores. The Qi35 is the “Goldilocks” hybrid, designed for most golfers seeking the ideal balance of forgiveness, distance and playability from various lies. It also features a 3° loft sleeve for added customization.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW OF TAYLORMADE Qi35 HYBRIDS

PLAYER TESTING TAKEAWAYS: “Like how the strike plate blends into the carbon fiber. Very solid without being clicky. More forgiving than my current gamer. Farther distance. Very consistent and gave me lots of confidence.” — Jeff Smith (12 handicap)

“Smaller head and I like the crown. Like the look at topline. Great performance on mishits.” — John Henninger (4.2 handicap)