Best hybrids for slower swing speeds | ClubTest 2025
TaylorMade's Qi35 Max Lite hybrid was among the standouts in our testing.
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There are at least two ways golfers with slower swing speeds can add some zip to their games: get to the gym or invest in ultra-light clubs. For players with slower swing speeds, option 2 is probably the path of least resistance, and fortunately the market is teeming with excellent ultra-light options, especially in the hybrid space. Clubmakers reduce weight in hybrids by using advanced materials such as carbon fiber and titanium, which lighten the clubhead without sacrificing performance. The result is more speed and, yes, more yards.
Ultra-light hybrids also tend to have slightly larger clubheads and be more forgiving on off-center hits by resisting twisting at impact. So whether you’re seeking more distance and launch off the tee, from the fairway or from the rough, an ultra-light hybrid might be a wise addition to your bag.
Below, you’ll find three hybrids that performed especially well in our 2025 ClubTest.
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MORE CLUBTEST: BEST HYBRIDS FOR FORGIVENESS | BEST HYBRIDS FOR PLAYABILITY | BEST HYBRIDS FOR SHOT CORRECTION
TaylorMade Qi35 Max Lite
*TaylorMade’s Qi35 Max Light fairway wood was awarded ClubTest 2025 Game Changer status for its outstanding performance in the best slower swing speed hybrids category.
TaylorMade Qi35 Max Lite Custom Hybrid
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THE BASICS: The Qi35 Max Lite offers all the great tech from the Qi35 line in a lighter package. That means a lighter head, shaft and grip — all designed to help you generate more speed and distance. TaylorMade trimmed weight in the club though a construction of chromium carbon, steel and aluminum. A larger clubhead profile and low GC also help with distance and forgiveness. “A beauty, really solid feel,” said one of our testers. Added a second tester, “Carbon pattern looks good. Nice weighting and powerful feel.”
READ OUR FULL REVIEW OF TAYLORMADE QI35 HYBRIDS
Callaway Elyte Max Fast
Callaway Elyte Max Fast Custom Hybrid
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THE BASICS: The Elyte Max Fast isn’t just lightweight but it’s also packed with tech, including 9-gram tungsten and 3-gram aluminum weights that can be moved around in the sole to encourage a neutral or draw ball flight. The advanced hosel system also allows for serious adjustability by way of seven loft and lie combinations. “The club looks great,” noted of our testers said. “Off-center hits were still acceptable. No distance loss on mishits. I will buy when available!”
READ OUR FULL REVIEW OF CALLAWAY ELYTE HYBRIDS
Titleist GT1
Titleist GT1 Custom Hybrid
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THE BASICS: The GT1 hybrid, like its companions in the new GT1 lineup, is an ultralight option that promotes high launch and mid-spin but can also be ordered in a standard weight spec for stronger players who need more launch. Unlike the rest of the GT hybrid lineup, GT1 comes stock with .335″ tip fairway shafts, which play softer to help promote a higher launch. The GT1 can be custom ordered with a .370″ tip and the same shafts available in GT2 and GT3. Compared with TSR1, the GT1 hybrid has longer heel-to-toe to boost forgiveness. “Mishits still went on a rope,” said one of our testers. “Felt confident over the ball. Nice weight and could swing freely. The head looks big, like the FW. Comfortable. Felt like I had loose, even tempo and didn’t have to hammer it.”
READ OUR FULL REVIEW OF TITLEIST GT HYBRIDS
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