Best Callaway Hybrids: Quick Menu
1. The List In Brief
2. How We Test
3. How To Choose
4. FAQs
Callaway has always been an innovator when it comes to the golf equipment they produce. Particulary when it comes to some of the best golf hybrid clubs, the brand has produced a wide variety of stunning club sets including the Big Bertha, Warbird and Steelhead ranges. Callaway was also one of the earliest brands to start producing golf hybrids, when, in the early ‘noughties’, it gave us the Heavenwood and Divine Nine; higher-lofted woods that could be swung and struck like irons.
Today, the golf hybrid is a mainstay in almost every golf bag, from weekend warriors to touring professionals. The reason is obvious. They are so much easier to hit than any long iron. The best golf hybrid clubs are designed to help players hit better approach shots from longer ranges; they're easier to launch, more effective from a variety of lies and generally instill greater confidence at address.
Video: Sam De'Ath and Neil Tappin discuss the best hybrids of 2023
It’s more common now to see hybrids in the bags of tour players compared to traditional 2 and 3 iron clubs. Not only do top players understand the forgiveness and flight benefits that come from playing with a hybrid, they also recognise how well hybrids fill the distance gaps at the top end of their bags. With hybrids available in lofts from 17° to 29°, there are plenty of options to replace long and mid-irons and make the long game infinitely easier.
Considering the brand's excellence in this field, it comes as no surprise that there are plenty of top clubs included in this guide to the best Callaway hybrids. The brand has clearly done their research over the years to produce a range of rescue woods that help to promote forgiveness, ease of use and style. Whether you're looking to give yourself a distance boost or find the most forgiving hybrids, Callaway has a model that will suit your preferences, and we've listed some of the best clubs below!
The Quick List
This versatile hybrid performed very well out of various lies on the golf course. The forgiveness on offer was exceptional and the clean looks highlighted by a matte head and steel sole will please many.
One of the most forgiving hybrids we've tested that generates effortless launch regardless of the lie. This user-friendly hybrid produced a high, powerful ball flight with a slight draw-bias to it, perfect for those fighting a slice.
This provided exceptional forgiveness on strikes across the face and was easy to hit from a variety of lies making it a club to seriously consider if you are in the market for a long iron replacement or just a powerful, playable hybrid to usurp what's in your bag currently.
A highly-forgiving hybrid option that will suit the mid-to-high handicap golfer. Thanks to multiple loft options as well as hosel adjustability, this can be tailored to multiple spots in your bag to replace long or even mid irons.
Callaway tapped into its Tour roster to build a high-performance utility wood with fairway wood distance and hybrid precision. Great value considering one club does the work of two with outstanding efficiency.
A high launch, mid spin hybrid with a semi-draw bias. One of the most accurate hybrids we’ve tested so far in 2022, Rogue ST Max is packed with playability and performance and will appeal to a wide range of golfers who want a forgiving long iron replacement.
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A low spin hybrid with a rounded fairway style head and a shallower face for increased workability. One of the best hybrids we’ve tested this year, delivered a consistent fade shape and impressive distance control.
A technology-packed hybrid that should suit a wide range of abilities. The combination of forgiveness and distance will rival any other hybrid and the loft and lie adjustability is a stand out feature in getting dialled in on this impressive hybrid.
A fantastic example of what a compact, iron-like hybrid can offer a golfer. Workable, great ball flight and an ideal option for a player looking to fill a slot in the bag instead of a classic long iron.
Best Callaway Hybrids
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Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Hybrid
When last year's Paradym hybrid was launched, we were instantly impressed with the performance on offer so we expected big things from the Paradym Ai Smoke models like the standard head above.
Starting with the aesthetics Callaway has moved away from the gloss black crown and has returned to the matte black crown that we saw on the Rogue ST hybrids. The head profile itself has been designed a little larger to inspire confidence and provide the user friendliness to compete with the most forgiving hybrids. No crushed carbon as seen on the likes of the Ai Smoke driver and fairway, but instead there is a steel finish to the sole.
The club sat flush to the turf and even glided through the first cut of rough spectacularly when called upon. But the club really separated itself from the previous years model when it came to forgiveness though. We struck countless shots when testing both out the heel and the toe and saw remarkably consistent ball flights and spin patterns when doing so. This is testament to the new Ai Smart Face implemented into the whole Ai Smoke family.
- Read our full Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Hybrid review
Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke HL Hybrid
Another model in the Paradym Ai Smoke range is the HL hybrid which is essentially the more user-friendly version which offers an effortlessly high launch. As forgiving as the standard head is, the HL takes things up another notch thanks to the newly constructed Ai Smart Face, which sees multiple sweet spots scattered around behind the face to ensure miss-hit shots fly relatively similar to those struck out the center.
Out of the rough in particular it produced a high, towering ball flight that landed on greens from distance extremely softly. And yet the trade-off here is the club is difficult to flight down in the wind and there is a degree of control lost as a result. The adjustable hosel can help here slightly though.
The larger footprint really inspires confidence when on the ground and the classic ‘V’ alignment aid on the matte crown made it easy to set up square to my intended target. Overall this is the perfect hybrid for those with slower swing speeds seeking easy launch as well as those who like to see the ball fly from right to left as a right handed golfer. It will no doubt become one of the best hybrids for seniors and hybrids for high handicappers over the course of the year due to how easy it is to use.
- Read our full Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke HL Hybrid review
Callaway Paradym Hybrid
Callaway's latest range of Paradym golf clubs are some of the most hotly anticipated metal woods and irons on the market. Visually these clubs are stunning, particularly the Paradym drivers and this metal wood is no different. It offers up a premium aesthetic that oozes class, thanks to the golden weight that is contrasted against the chrome silver and black chassis on the hybrid. And while it's clear Callaway hasn't skimped on the design on this club, from our hitting experience, they haven't held back on the technology here either.
At address, the Paradym hybrid will fill the user with confidence, while sitting square enough that the better player will still feel as though they’ll be able to orchestrate the shot they desire and not hit frustrating hooks (an aspect to hybrid play that some golfers struggle with). Callaway has interestingly moved away from the matte black finish that we saw on the Rogue ST Max hybrid and instead has reverted to a more traditional gloss black crown - something you may or may not enjoy.
The club performed solidly delivering punchy ball speeds that matched its predecessor. Spin rates were solid and the ball flights from the tee, deck and from out of the first cut were all equally impressive. Due to the 455 Face Cup design mentioned previously, the Paradym provided a soft yet powerful feel even from off-centre hits and a slightly more dull pitch which we personally really enjoyed. Lastly, this club comes with a cutwave sole design, which allowed us to cut the club through wet and thicker cuts, allowing us to get the ball back onto the fairway when we went a little bit off piste. For that reason, we've chosen to include it in our guide for the most forgiving hybrids.
- Read our full Callaway Paradym Hybrid Review
Callaway Paradym X Hybrid
A highly-forgiving hybrid option that will suit most mid-to-high handicap golfers, the Paradym X has a larger footprint compared to the standard Paradym hybrid, making it more suitable to less experienced players or those looking for one of the most forgiving hybrids in the game. Comparing both models, the X possess more draw bias to help players who tend to slice the ball, it delivers towering ball flights that fly a little higher than the standard Paradym, and it boasts a lot of versatility.
The Paradym X boasts a glossy club head and is certainly a wood-shaped hybrid that can inspire confidence. Hitting out of thick, wet rough was where this really excelled and the design of the club's sole seemed to make getting the ball into the air very easy. Distance was impressive and the club felt powerful when we tested it on the range and on the course. Achieving consistent ball flights was not hard either with this being one of the most playable clubs on this list and we loved the power it offered off the face.
- Read our full Callaway Paradym X Hybrid Review
Callaway Apex UW
It's not often we give out five-star reviews but when we do, we mean it and the Callaway Apex UW Hybrid is very deserved of that rating. A 2022 Editor's Choice pick, there is an awful lot to like about this Callaway Hybrid, with the unbelievable performance making way for a gigantic amount of technology. Sitting flush and square on the turf at address, it gives the user a lot of confidence, and looks stunning, thanks to its glossy black colorway which we really loved when resting behind the golf ball.
We loved the consistency on offer here with this club striking a long and noticeably punchy ball flight when struck from the tee and off the deck. Callaway states that the Apex UW delivers 17 percent tighter dispersion in testing and our launch monitor test results support that. A MIM’D Tungsten weight (18g per club) sits behind two Jailbreak A.I. Velocity Blades in a neutral forward position close to the face. Callaway says this weight creates a neutral CG (centre of gravity) configuration for higher launch, steeper landing angles and better stopping power. Ultimately, it is one of the best hybrid golf clubs we've tested in recent memory.
- Read our full Callaway Apex UW Hybrid Review
Callaway Rogue ST Max Hybrid
Callaway released the Rogue ST hybrid family for 2022 with a serious billing, calling it “our fastest family of hybrids ever.” While they have added the new Paradym hybrid range to their clubs since then, the Rogue ST clubs remain an epic option for any golfer looking to add more punch to their game form the greens and the tees. All the tour proven Callaway technology is built into the Rogue ST Max hybrid, including a revamped Jailbreak ST system that pushes the two ‘batwings’ further towards the perimeter of the face for a higher MOI, a more flexible face and better ball speeds.
We thoroughly enjoyed our testing session with this club that offers plenty of performance benefits akin to many of the best golf hybrids on the market. We loved the rainbow shaped flight it delivers and it stopped quickly on the greens on longer par 3s and 4s. While it wasn't the longest in the Rogue ST family, this club launched with a semi-draw bias that will benefit many high handicap players looking to improve their dispersion and hit the ball straighter. Perhaps the thing we loved the most about this hybrid was the consistency it delivered and how well it played from thicker lies.
Callaway Rogue ST Pro Hybrid
Callaway’s Rogue ST Pro hybrid is targeted at better players seeking strong distance and enhanced workability. Designed with a shallow face, the ST Pro hybrid includes artificial intelligence (A.I), a computer programme that optimises Callaway’s Flash Face designs for the best possible launch, spin and ball speed. We also loved the matte finish on this golf club that gives it an impressively stealthy look that golfers of all abilities will enjoy playing with.
Down at address, the ST Pro hybrid head resembles a compact fairway wood, which also includes a rounder toe and a premium looking matte black finish. We think that gives it plenty of shelf appeal for better players looking for a highly workable club. The hybrid actually looks similar to that the Apex UW (utility wood), which earned five stars when we reviewed it. We tested the 20° model and, with its low spin bias, strong shaft and shallower, hotter face, it meant we could hit it lower or higher with minimal set-up changes. In testing, it displayed a slight fade bias, with 60 per cent of shots fading right of target line and only 25 per cent left, the rest were straight.
Callaway Apex Hybrid
Callaway has enjoyed huge success with its hybrids of late, chief among which is the updated version of the Callaway Apex. It features many of the same technologies as its predecessors, but the jailbreak technology has been given an upgrade. Artificial intelligence was once again key to the design of the new Jailbreak Velocity Blades that are angled and more spread out than they have been in any model since it was first introduced in 2016.
The result is more forgiveness across the face and more speed, particularly at the bottom of the club where golfers often mishit their shots. In addition, the blades also allow the Face Cup to flex more for consistent spin rates and therefore, flight, with tungsten weight being specifically placed into each loft, therefore offering lower CG, as well as creating a club that promotes high launch and forgiveness.
- Read our full Callaway Apex Hybrid Review
Callaway Apex Pro Hybrid
A hybrid which shone in our Editor's Choice 2021 list, the Apex Pro continues in Callaway's range for 2022. It's more compact than the standard Apex 21 hybrid and produces a more penetrating flight. Looks wise, at address, there is definite iron-like profile to it so, if your irons stop at the 5, then there is a very easy flow to the set by adding this. This is aimed at the better player who wants a long iron-type trajectory and can generate plenty of clubhead speed, with Callaway’s Face Cup Technology designed to deliver great speed and spin consistency across the face, which tempers the powerful flight and distance in order to retain accuracy. This club packs a punch and there is the workability and control that the strong player will be looking for, rather than more forgiving models designed predominantly to launch the ball higher.
- Read our full Callaway Apex Pro Hybrid Review
How we test hybrids
When it comes to our testing procedure, we use the same ethos and methodology for all golf products to make sure they are as insightful, honest and comprehensive as possible. When it comes to golf clubs, we usually attend product launches so we can meet with the manufacturer’s R&D experts to understand the new technology.
After we have an understanding here, our first port of call when hitting clubs is usually the indoor simulator at Foresight Sports, where the team can test in a controlled environment using premium balls and the GCQuad launch monitor. We also use TrackMan at golf facilities across the UK. We then do outdoor testing, usually on ranges at West Hill Golf Club, Surrey, The Wynyard Club in Teesside and at Brancepeth Castle Golf Club in Durham. We then put the clubs into play out on these golf courses.
How to choose the right hybrid
It's one thing knowing what the best golf hybrid clubs on the market are, and something else entirely choosing which model to add to your bag. So, how do you make such a decision?
In an ideal world, a properly executed club fitting will provide the answers - the amount of data available covering things like swing speed, club path, ball speed, angle of attack, and distance is quite staggering. One of these will definitely get the right make and model in your hands.
However, if this isn't possible for whatever reason, we've set out a few tips below to help you in your buying decision...
1. Performance
How a hybrid performs is the most important factor. You are looking for versatility that will improve your scores and help you out of trouble in a range of on-course situations. We would recommend trying out hybrids off the tee, from the rough, fairway, around the green and even from the middle of low-lipped fairway bunkers. You need to gauge how well they perform for you and a demo day is an ideal opportunity to do the kind of testing you need to be sure a hybrid is right for you.
2. Feel
A thorough test can inform how some clubs feel during the golf swing and most importantly at impact. Some models sound loud at impact, others are more muted. Some will feel like the contact is a dense thud, others will feel hot and energetic off the face. Feel is entirely subjective and personal to the player. Again, we recommend hitting some models indoors and outdoors, so you can have an idea of what you like and dislike.
3. Looks
With all golf clubs you need to like how they look, especially at address, because you don't want to be distracted by a club you really don't enjoy looking at. Take some time to shop around, feel the club in your hands and see if you like the way it looks and feels at address.
Does it match the rest of your set-up, will you feel completely comfortable putting it in the bag? As much as it may seem vain to judge a club on looks, it can increase your confidence on-course if you love the look of your hybrid when you pull the headcover. Not every hybrid is the same. Some are more wood-like in appearance, whilst others have a higher toe and are designed to look more like an iron.
4. Budget
The penultimate factor you should consider is budget. Given the number of hybrids available on the market, you can find a quality club at most price points and to suit almost any budget. If you want a premium brand model then you can get one, or if you want to save money, there is usually value for money to be found if you are happy not to own a club by a marquee manufacturer.
5. Testing
We hate to sound like a broken record but go to a range and try some out. Most places still tape clubs up and let you conduct your own range test. It won't be as thorough as a custom fit but you can draw some conclusions. For example, you'll be able to get a sense for the weight and looks of the club and whether the shaft suits the way you swing it.
Hitting some shots, even with tape on the face, will also give you an idea of how easy each hybrid is to hit and get airborne. For higher handicappers, this will likely be very helpful. Better golfers may be in the market for something that's more workable and therefore would be suited to something with plenty of hosel adjustability. Ultimately, it depends on what aspect(s) of performance you value above all else and which hybrid is able to tick the most boxes for your game.
For more advice on some of the best hybrid golf clubs check out our guides on the best hybrid golf clubs for high handicappers, best hybrid golf clubs for seniors and most forgiving hybrids.
FAQs
What hybrids replace what irons?
Typically, a 3-iron is replaced by a 19 degree hybrid or a 5-wood, a 4-iron is replaced by a 22 degree hybrid or a 7-wood, a 5-iron is replaced by a 25 degree hybrid, and a 6-iron is replaced by a 28 degree hybrid.
Why should I use a hybrid golf club?
Hybrid clubs combine all the best qualities of both fairway woods and long irons while attempting to avoid the negatives of both. Essentially, they are easier to hit from all manner of lies, with the extra weight and control being great out of the rough, whilst the support behind the sweet spot helps the ball into the air from bare lies.
Can I use my hybrids off the tee?
Yes, you can use your hybrid in any situation from around the golf course. Depending on your preferences, you can play your hybrids off the tee but they are designed to help you play from tougher and thicker lies around the course, like the deep rough.
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