Hybrid Match Play Test 5/08 | Golf Club Tests, Reviews, Comparisons

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

discuss

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

discuss

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

discuss

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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