MAY 22, 2008

Hybrids Match Play Test This test was included in our May, 2008 newsletter found here. Those golfers that are regulars at the rankmark website are familiar with my personal analysis of match play: 1) It does not prove who is best! 2) It is the most fun to read about! Hybrid Match Play Results Testing consisted of 20 hybrids, all clubs were ranked on match play, accuracy, and golfers opinion of feel. 150 golfers participated: 23 with a 0-9 handicap and 127 with a 10-30 handicap. Match Play Results for Round 1 Manufacturer Points Winner Titleist 503H 48     vs.   Wilson FYbrid Wilson FYbrid 95   Bobby Jones H3 105     vs.   Bobby Jones H3 Alpha Version 5 41   Ping G-10 112     vs.   Ping G-10 Wedgewood 41   Mizuno MX-950 91     vs.   Mizuno MX-950 Genex 4DX 60   King Cobra 5/R 80     vs.   King Cobra 5/R Sonartec HB001 55   Lind Sniper 82     vs.   Mactec NVG2 MacGregor Mactec NVG2 92   G.R.I.P. 4H 46     vs.   Nike Sumo Nike Sumo 92   Adams Idea 9205 67     vs.   Callaway FT Callaway FT 102   Innovex RLS 80     vs.   Innovex RLS iDRIVE 41   Exotics Iron Wood 90     vs.   Exotics Iron Wood Nicklaus Claw 79

 

Match Play Results for Round 2
Manufacturer	Points	Winner
Wilson FYbrid 76     vs.   Bobby Jones H3 Bobby Jones H3 98
Ping G-10 83     vs.   TIE Mizuno MX-950 81
King Cobra 5/R 85     vs.   King Cobra 5/R MacGregor Mactec NVG2 68
Innovex RLS 81     vs.   Callaway FT Callaway FT 95
Nike Sumo 89     vs.   Nike Sumo Exotics Iron Wood 64

 

Match Play Results for Round 3
Manufacturer	Points	Winner
Bobby Jones H3 103     vs.     Callaway FT 88     vs.     Nike Sumo 97     vs.   BOBBY JONES H3 King Cobra 5/R 77     vs.     Ping G-10 95     vs.     Mizuno MX-950 102

Following are the complete list of all points awarded per club, per match. After 1 round of testing the results for all clubs are the following:

Manufacturer	Points	Rank
Ping G/10	112	1
Nike Sumo	112	1
Bobby Jones H3	105	2
Callaway FT	102	3
Mizuno MX-950	102	3
MacGregor Mactec NVG2	92	4
Wilson FYbrid	92	4
Exotics Iron Wood	90	5
Lind Sniper	82	6
King Cobra 5/R	80	7
Innovex RLS	80	7
Nicklaus Claw	79	8
Adams Idea 9205	67	9
Genex 4DX	60	10
Sonartec HB001	55	11
Titleist 503H	48	12
Wedgewood	48	12
G.R.I.P. 4H	46	13
Alpha Version 5	41	14
iDRIVE	41	14

After round 2 of testing the results for all clubs remaining are the following:

Manufacturer	Points	Rank
Bobby Jones H3	98	1
Callaway FT	95	2
Nike Sumo	89	3
Mizuno MX-950	89	3
King Cobra 5/R	85	4
Ping G-10	83	5
Innovex RLS	81	6
Wilson FYbrid	76	7
MacGregor Mactec NVG2	68	8
Exotics Iron Wood	64	9

Round 3 was tested as an overall competition between the remaining club makers. After Round 3 of testing the results for all clubs remaining are the following:

Bobby Jones by Jesse Ortiz Using the same technology as the fairway metals, Bobby Jones hybrids are designed to replace the hard-to-hit long irons. Rather than designing hybrids that look like irons, Jesse Ortiz' philosophy takes advantage of the fairway metal's low and deep center of gravity, its wide bodied triangle-of-stability (TOS), and its versatile contoured sole. Instead of using the homogenous shape of most hybrids long, flat leading edge Jesse Ortiz has created a more traditional shape hybrid. It is a throwback to the old Cleek or Mashee. These clubs were designed for maximum performance, with the ability to get the ball out of every type of lie, whether it be a divot of fairway bunker.

Bobby Jones H3 score: 103

Mizuno MX-950 MIZUNO’s goal in the creation of the new MX-950 was to deliver the most friendly game improvement iron set with no limit on cutting edge Technology. The new MX-950 irons are a breakthrough HYBRID DESIGNED set, with the unique ability to be custom built to your individual specifications. The MX-950’s are ideal for the mid to high handicap player who is looking for ease of launch, unparalleled forgiveness and maximum game improvement playability.

MX-950 score: 99

Nike SQ Sumo The Nike SQ Sumo Squared Hybrid iron set features high-MOI hybrids to replace hard-to-hit long irons, along with a longer blade length, wider sole, and lower profile in the short irons for increased stability and a lower center of gravity, resulting in long, easy-to-launch shots that stop quickly on the green. The Nike PowerBow design strategically places weight deep and low in the head for more accuracy and easier launch, even on off-center hits. Its TPU Insert in the cavity dampens vibration for a more solid, confidence inspiring feel at impact.

SQ Sumo score: 97

Ping Rapture The combination of a 17-4 stainless steel body, tungsten nickel sole plate and 475 super steel face in the Rapture Hybrids raise hybrid performance to new levels of distance, forgiveness and control. The thin, super steel face provides a hot, responsive hitting area and allows PING engineers to re-distribute weight in the form of tungsten nickel on the sole. The heavier sole plate positions the center of gravity low and away from the face for higher launch and low spin—resulting in high, penetrating trajectories for longer, softer landing approach shots.

Ping Rapture score: 95

Callaway FT Fusion Technology melds with the versatility of hybrids - The next generation of hybrids features our proprietary Fusion Technology. A stainless steel face and body combine with a tungsten-infused sole to optimize the center of gravity (CG) and increase the moment of inertia (MOI) for superior forgiveness.

FT score: 88

King Cobra DWS 5/R We took the #1 selling utility metal* in golf and made it even better. First, we improved the weight distribution by enhancing our proven Dual Weighting System, which increases MOI for even more forgiveness. And then we incorporated Cobra’s fastback crown design, which shifts the CG lower and deeper, for higher launch and greater carry distance. It’s the kind of club that won’t just improve your game – it’ll change it completely.

King Cobra DWS 5/R score: 77

Please remember this test is for your reading pleasure and not for science. The Hybrid Match Play discussion may be found here.

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