Best Hybrid Golf Clubs 2024: Revolutionize your long game with our top-rated rescues

What are the best hybrid golf clubs in 2024? Distance, forgiveness, or an all-rounder, our test to find the top-performing golf rescues has you covered.

Hybrid golf clubs, often referred to as rescue clubs, have been growing in popularity for some years now due to their versatility as a forgiving alternative to long irons or fairway woods. Whether you’re on the fairway or in the rough, hybrids can help deliver the distance and height needed to knock off the yards, get you closer to greens and pins, and shoot lower scores. Or, if you really struggle with your irons, you could replace almost all of them, with many brands now creating hybrids right up to a 7-iron alternative.

Best At A Glance

Best hybrid for distance: TaylorMade Qi10 | Buy Now – US | Buy Now – UK

Best hybrid for ball speed: Callaway Paradym Ai-Smoke HL | Buy Now – US | Buy Now – UK

Most forgiving hybrid: PXG 0311 XF GEN6 | Buy Now – US | Buy Now – UK

Best hybrid for launch-ability: Cleveland Halo XL | Buy Now – US | Buy Now – UK

Best hybrid for adjustability: Ping G430 | Buy Now – US | Buy Now – UK

Best hybrid for playability: TaylorMade Qi10 Max | Buy Now – US | Buy Now – UK

Gone are the days when hybrids and rescue clubs were for beginners and amateurs. Some of the world’s best players, including Major champions Rory McIlroy and Matt Fitzpatrick have used hybrids at the world’s biggest tournaments so they are more than worthy of your consideration.

We tested the latest hybrids from the game’s major brands on a launch monitor data to identify the best of 2024. If you’re not completely sold on the idea of a hybrid, perhaps consider one of the best driving irons. Let’s dive into the best golf hybrids in 2024 to find out which models deserve a place in your golf bag.

Best Golf Hybrids 2024:

A flat out distance machine with more forgiveness than Stealth.

Best for distance
As has been the case for several years with TaylorMade hybrids, this is a great-looking mid-width model, and thanks to a carbon crown you can expect a fraction more forgiveness than models that predate the previous Stealth 2.

With three brilliant Qi10 options, it’s really important to select the one that best suits your game, and judging by our data I believe the Qi10 Max might be a better option if you struggle to get hybrids soaring into the air.
    
Like its predecessor, the Qi10 is a flat-out distance machine for golfers who sweep hybrids off the deck like a fairway wood. Surprisingly for a hybrid that carried 14 yards further than our test average, the carry drop-off (14 yds) was smaller than our test average (15.5 yds) even though the shot area was 84.2% larger.

If chasing speed and distance isn’t your priority with a new hybrid, the Qi10’s wider body Max sibling launched and flighted shots higher (by 4.3% and 14.8% respectively), and hit greens at a significantly steeper landing angle, so long approaches will settle down much more quickly.

Read our full TaylorMade Qi10 hybrid review.

Pros

  • You'll struggle to find longer or more powerful hybrids on the market.
  • Tons of loft options mean you can replace any iron you're not confident with.
  • I love the head shape and profile.

Cons

  • The Ventus TR shafts don't have Fujikura's VeloCore stability tech.
Lofts 3H – 19° / 4H – 22° / 5 – 25° / 6 – 28° / 7 – 31°
Stock shafts 50g Mid –<strong> </strong>Fujikura Ventus TR Blue HB (5A), 60g Mid – Fujikura Ventus TR Blue HB (6R), 70g Mid –<strong> </strong>Fujikura TR Blue HB (7S – 70G, Low)

Fast off the face with a high, hanging ball flight for stopping power.

Best for ball speed
Callaway hybrids have come on in massive strides since the brand took the decision to revert to more fairway wood-type shapes with the original Paradym hybrids in 2023. The profile and attractiveness of the new shape is much less intimidating and more inviting for regular club golfers to hit consistently well.

I’m very much of the opinion that hybrids need to fill yardage gaps between your longest fairway wood and iron and be able to flight shots higher, with more spin and a steeper descent angle than an equivalent long iron. And the results of our 2024 test spell out the Ai Smoke HL is better equipped to do that than most.

Yes, a 144.4mph ball speed and 231 yard total made it the fastest and second-longest hybrid we hit this year. But much more importantly it gave our test pro the high hanging ball flight he loves. Compared to our test averages the HL launched and flighted shots higher, so shots hit the green at a steeper angle, which means long-distance approaches will jump on the brakes when landing on the dancefloor.

With significant differences between the Ai Smoke HL and its slightly narrower body sibling I would urge anyone drawn to the franchise to hit both. 

Read our full Callaway Paradym Ai-Smoke HL hybrid review.

Pros

  • There are a ton of loft options.
  • Super easy to launch at below-average speeds.
  • The larger head size inspires confidence.

Cons

  • If you need more one they become seriously expensive.
Lofts 3H - 18° / 4H - 21° / 5H - 24° / 6H - 27° / 7H - 30° / 8H – 33°
Stock shafts Project X Cypher 2.0, Mitsubishi Tensei Blue (Light), Mitsubishi Eldio (Womens)

A stylish hybrid for those seeking low penetrating distance.

Best for low-penetrating distance
Cobra hybrids have a history of cropping up among our award winners within this category. Part of that is the quality KBS Players Graphite shafts for their mainstream hybrids, which our test pro felt added additional stability on off-center hits. But even though it is £40 less than a Qi10, £70 less than an Ai Smoke, and the longest hybrid we hit this year, we don’t feel this is a hybrid for everyone.

Our thinking comes down to how our test data reveals that compared to the competition the Darkspeed flighted shots 20.5% lower than our test average and hit the green at a 17.1% shallower descent angle. There’s nothing wrong with that, as long as you specifically want to target a lower ball flight with a hybrid.

If you do we love the simple unfussy head shape and profile of the Darkspeed, hence why it ranks among my favorite four hybrids of the year.

Read our full Cobra Darkspeed hybrid review.

Pros

  • Looks fantastic behind the ball and in the bag.
  • A wide range of loft options make it easy to find the perfect hybrid you need.
  • Sounds and feels much better than the previous model.
  • Instills a lot of confidence from a range of lies

Cons

  • Completely black head might not be to everyone's taste
Lofts 2H - 17° / 3H - 19° / 4H - 21° / 5H - 24° / 6H - 28°
Stock shafts KBS PGI

A high-flying and confidence-inspiring hybrid for average-speed players.

Best for launch-ability
The Halo’s preceding XL model was an award winner here at TG last year, as we thought it was an easy-to-use and friendly hybrid for average golfers, and our thinking really hasn’t changed with this new model.

We really like the confidence-inspiring wider head and the lively but stable feel of the newly installed Mitsubishi Tensei Blue shaft. The railed sole is also really well equipped to cut through gnarly lies, and power shots out of trouble back into play.

From a 1° weaker set-up than our test loft, the Halo span shots 1,132 rpm above our test average, which meant shots flew 3.6 yards higher and hit the green at a 4.6° steeper angle; traits that will help slightly more average swing speed players not only flights shots for maximum carry, but also stop them quicker.

Throw in tighter carry distance drop-off and shot area averages and how the Halo comes in for a little bit less than most of its competitors and I believe this club golfer-focused model is well worth a spot on any shortlist of best-performing hybrids in 2024. 

Pros

  • Confidence-inspiring shape.
  • High launching and high spinning.
  • Good level of forgiveness.
  • Easy to hit from tricky lies.

Cons

  • Better options for those seeking pure distance.
Lofts 3H - 17º / 4H - 20º / 5H - 24º
Stock shafts Mitsubishi Tensei AV Raw Blue

An excellent all-rounder offering with the adjustability to fill any gap.

Best for adjustability
The G430 was an award winner here at TG in 2023, but thanks to the price tag it didn’t quite force its way into the frame for a ‘Best of 2024’ award this time around. As far as data goes, this lovely-shaped hybrid produced a ball speed and carry distance above our test average, with a slightly wider dispersion than the majority. In my book that says if you need help dialing in hybrids to a specific purpose, the adjustable G430 can absolutely help you out.   

Read our full Ping G430 hybrid review.  

Pros

  • There are lots of loft options so you can replace everything down to a 7-iron with hybrids.
  • A fast and powerful hybrid option.
  • An adjustable hosel allows individuals to set the G430 hybrid up to accurately fill distance gaps.

Cons

  • There's only one Ping G430 hybrid. 
Lofts 2H - 17 / 3H - 19° / 4H - 22° / 5H - 26° / 6H - 30° / 7H -34°
Stock shafts PING ALTA CB Black 70 (SR, R, S), PING ALTA Quick 35/45 (HL build only)

Those seeking ultimate forgiveness need this hybrid on their radar.

Most forgivng hybrid
Price: $289 / £239 RRP
Our 22° sample didn’t quite compete in terms of ball speed or distance with models at our 20° test loft, but let’s not turn a blind eye to the PGX generating our test pro’s smallest carry distance drop-off and second tightest shot area of all 17 models hit. No matter what level of speed or ability you’re at, if forgiving hybrids are your thing this model along with its multiple shaft options is screaming out for attention.    

PXG fans may also want to check out our PXG 0311 Black Ops hybrid review.       

Pros

  • One of the most forgiving hybrids out there.
  • PXG has an outstanding range of stock shaft options.
  • Striking looks in the eyes of most.

Cons

  • Ball speed and distance are the compromise.
Lofts 19° / 22° / 25° / 28° / 31°
Stock shafts Multiple custom-build options

Another outstanding addition to the Qi10 franchise, geared for playability.

Best for playability
In the hands of our test pro the Max was 14 yards shorter than the Qi10. But let’s not forget the loft was 1° weaker and in reality, at more average club golfer swing speeds, the Max will be the better option. We say that because it launched and flighted shots higher, span significantly more (1113rpm), and hit the green at a much steeper landing angle, so its handling is much like hitting a mid-iron into a distant green.

Read our full TaylorMade Qi10 Max hybrid review.

Pros

  • Extremely easy to launch and forgiving from the turf.
  • The wide body inspires confidence.
  • With so many loft options you could replace your 7-iron with a cracking hybrid.

Cons

  • The very shallow profile might be an issue if you hit lots of hybrids from the tee.
Lofts 2H – 17° / 3H – 19.5° / 4 – 22°
Stock shafts Mid 60g – Mitsubishi Tensei AV Ltd Blue HY (65R), Mid 70g –<strong> </strong>Mitsubishi Tensei AV Ltd Blue HY (85X/75S, Low)

A tour-proven hybrid suited to players with a sweeping motion.

Best tour-proven hybrid
Our test pro liked the slightly longer blade length and narrower body over the TSR1, and also had a preference for the alignment aid on the top edge over the TSR3. Numbers-wise, the model was faster, longer, and higher flying than our test averages which has to say if you can find a TSR2 for reasonable money as it nears the end of its two-year lifecycle, it would be an absolute steal. 

Read our full Titleist TSR2 hybrid review.

Pros

  • A solid and powerful hybrid.
  • Excellent adjustability.
  • Easy to align.

Cons

  • Will be superseded by a newer model in summer 2024.
Lofts 18º, 21º, 24º
Stock shafts Tensei 1K Black 85/95g HY, HZRDUS Black 4G 80/90g HY, Tensei AV Blue 65g HY, HZRDUS Red 60g HY 

Best Golf Hybrids 2024: The Data

Below is the data from our independent testing of the best hybrid golf clubs available in 2024. You can read about all the other models that didn’t make our shortlist above in our golf club review pages.

HybridLoftBall SpeedLaunch AngleBackspinHeightDescent AngleCarry DistanceCarry Distance Drop OffCarry Distance Drop-off
TaylorMade Qi1019°143.2 MPH11.5°2669 RPM27 YDS35.5°234 YDS (1)14 YDS949.2 SQ YDS
Callaway Ai Smoke HL21°144.4 MPH (1)10.8°3283 RPM29 YDS38.3°231 YDS (2)14 YDS645.4 SQ YDS
Cobra Darkspeed19°141.8 MPH9.3°2651 RPM21 YDS31°226 YDS (3)18 YDS586.8 SQ YDS
TaylorMade Qi10 Tour19.5°142.9 MPH9.2°3125 RPM23 YDS34.1°225 YDS18 YDS801 SQ YDS
Callaway Ai Smoke21°142.2 MPH9.9°3270 RPM25 YDS35.9°225 YDS8 YDS (T2)156 SQ YDS (1)
Titleist TSR 120°143.8 MPH (3)10.2°3668 RPM28 YDS38.8°225 YDS21 YDS735 SQ YDS
Titleist TSR 221°142.6 MPH10.5°3359 RPM27 YDS37.4°225 YDS17 YDS759.9 SQ YDS
Ping G43019°142.4 MPH9.4°3295 RPM24 YDS35.1°224 YDS17 YDS554.2 SQ YDS
Titleist TSR 319°143.9 MPH (2)8.2°3378 RPM22 YDS33.1°223 YDS25 YDS387.5 SQ YDS
Cobra King Tec19°141.9 MPH10.3°3611 RPM27 YDS38°222 YDS21 YDS720.3 SQ YDS
PXG 0311 Black Ops22°139.8 MPH10.1°3313 RPM25 YDS35.7°220 YDS20 YDS380 SQ YDS
TaylorMade Qi10 Max20°140.7 MPH12°3782 RPM31 YDS41.2°220 YDS18 YDS480.6 SQ YDS
Cleveland Halo XL21°142 MPH10.6°4739 RPM30 YDS42°213 YDS13 YDS438.1 SQ YDS
PXG 0311 XF GEN622°138.7 MPH11.7°4016 RPM30 YDS41.1°213 YDS7 YDS (1)166.6 SQ YDS (2)
Wilson Dynapower22°139 MPH10.6°4164 RPM28 YDS39.8°211 YDS13 YDS341.9 SQ YDS
Inesis 50020°140.2 MPH10°4407 RPM27 YDS39.9°211 YDS12 YDS454.8 SQ YDS
MacGregor V Max21°132.8 MPH10.5°4587 RPM25 YDS38.9°196 YDS8 YDS (T2)200.8 SQ YDS (3)
Average141.3 MPH10.3°3607 RPM26.4 YDS37.4°220.2 YDS15.5 YDS515.2 SQ YDS

How we tested the best hybrid golf clubs 2024

We asked the leading brands to send us their 2024 hybrid clubs in our test Pro Neil Wain’s specs.

We created an indoor test lab at Keele Golf Centre to ensure a controlled environment, which meant we could use premium Titleist Pro V1x golf balls and a Foresight GC Quad launch monitor to create the most reliable data possible. We rejected major misses but recorded how shots launched, span, peaked out, and how far they flew in which direction.

See more about how TG tests golf clubs and other equipment.

Neil Wain is Today's Golfer's test pro.

Best Golf Hybrids: Buying Guide

How to choose the best golf hybrid for you

The minefield of which golf clubs to choose is often enough to get the better of any golfer, knowing what the best clubs on the market are, knowing what suits your game, and what best fits your bag and set up the best, all questions you should be asking before buying a new club.

With hybrids, it’s not always easy to get a full-fitting swapping in and out of shafts, as they’re not all adjustable at the head. However, I know we keep saying it, but simply getting yourself down to the driving range and trying some out can be good enough. If you can’t secure a fitting most shops and clubs will let you hit a demo or tape up a hybrid for you so you can get an idea of how it feels, the weight of the club, and if the shaft is right for you.

Performance

Getting a fitting is key for all golf clubs and if not just hitting the club on the range can be great to answer most of your questions about the new club you’re trying. With hybrids, it’s about versatility on the course to help you lower your scores, a hybrid is a club that can be used in all matters of different situations on the golf course, so trying it in them situations first would be ideal.

To find the right hybrid for you, if you can hit some shots off of the tee, out of the rough, on the fairway, and even around the green, you will gauge if it’s right for your game. Most golf clubs and shops will host a demo day or most of the time if you ask politely you often borrow a club to take out for a round.

Feel

You won’t have a clue how the hybrid feels until you’ve hit it, the feel of a golf club is subjective to the golfer, with everyone demanding something slightly different from their clubs. Some hybrids will be heavier more like an iron and have a solid feel off the face and others being more like a wood and feel softer and faster off the face.

Looks

Not every hybrid looks the same there is so much variation, some have higher toes, are rounder in shape, have shorter faces, and adjustable heads. You have to like how a club looks behind the ball at address it’s that simple, if you don’t it can be off-putting and distracting which has a negative impact on your game.

Finding a club that suits your eye and suits your bag may seem a weird way to judge a product but confidence is king in golf and if you step onto the course confident in your equipment then that can help improve your game hugely.

Budget

As with most things in the golf world, prices for hybrid golf clubs can vary considerably. Value for money is subjective and therefore you should spend however much you feel comfortable with, be it a premium model, or one with a more competitive price point.

If you’re ready to upgrade in 2024 but can’t justify the dizzying price tags of the games’s powerhouse brands, check out our pick of the best hybrid golf clubs from 2023. Many of these recently replaced models are now available at reduced prices and still deliver a competitive performance package.

Joaquin Niemann plays with a Ping G430 Hybrid

Best Hybrid Golf Clubs: FAQs

What is a hybrid golf club?

In simple terms, a hybrid golf club is a mix of a fairway wood and an iron. They sit at the top of your bag after your woods replacing the longer irons. If you have a 3 or 4 hybrid then you would often take out the 3 or 4 iron to be replaced as the hybrid is easier to hit thanks to the shorter shaft and offset clubhead that leads to straighter shots.

Do I need both a 3 and 4 hybrid?

In terms of your whole bag setup, it may be more beneficial to carry an extra wedge rather than the extra hybrid as the 3 and 4 hybrids are so close in lofts. We’d recommend carrying one or the other, if you don’t have a 5 wood or a 4 iron then a 3 hybrid would work, on the other hand, if you don’t have a 7 wood or a 5 iron then a 4 hybrid would be the better choice.

When should you use a hybrid club?

As they often replace your longer irons, this is the time you would usually pick one out of the bag. Hybrids can be hit from most places on the hole, from the fairway, the tee, and the rough. Hitting longer irons can be tough for many golfers, especially beginners, so having a club that promotes a more natural sweeping swing helps make a more consistent strike with the ball.

Do professionals use hybrids?

Many pros are now gaming hybrid golf clubs, on both the men’s and women’s tours, and do so for the same reasons as most club golfers. The shape and technology on offer in the latest hybrids make the ball easier to launch from a variety of lies. Golf courses that require players to hit long approaches into firm greens are ideal for hybrid due to their higher launch ability and increased backspin. Rory McIlroy, Matt Fitzpatrick, and Colin Morikawa are just a few of the pros that have added hybrids to their setup in recent years.

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About the author

Simon Daddow

Simon Daddow – Today’s Golfer Equipment Editor

Having tested and played more than 10,000 clubs in his life, what Simon doesn’t know about golf clubs isn’t worth knowing.

He spent a large part of his career as a golf club maker and product development manager, and has worked in the golf industry for more than 30 years. He joined EMAP Active (now Bauer Media) as Equipment Editor in 2006 and has worked for both Today’s Golfer and Golf World.

You can contact Simon via email and follow him on Twitter for loads more golf equipment insight.

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