HOT LIST 2007: HYBRIDS

Gold (Editor's Choice)
ADAMS IDEA PRO: Street Price: $200.; lofts: 16, 18, 20, 23, 26 degrees.; Key Technology: A sole weight can be adjusted by the manufacturer to the golfer's desired swing weight. A maraging stainless-steel face is designed to increase ball speed.; Panelist Comments: "Smaller, but definitely Adams Idea's big brother. . . . The look inspires confidence, and I found myself going after it a little more with this club than I did with others. This one is a winner."; Judges' Verdict: It's loaded with technology that tour players like, but it's easy to hit. Adams has been a leader of the hybrid movement and has increased its usage in the market and on the PGA Tour (to complement its dominance on the Champions Tour) for one reason: It knows how hybrids work. The latest model is a reminder that the best hybrids function more like the long irons they're designed to replace. That means a controlled shaft length and a reasonable head size.; Hot: Aldila VS By You shafts are standard.; Not: Small head (100 cubic centimeters) might intimidate some.; Adjustable weight and hosel length increase options.; adamsgolf.com

Gold
CALLAWAY X: Street Price: $160.; LOFTS: 18, 21, 24, 27 degrees.; Key Technology: The company's X-sole design was modified to include rails that reduce drag and increase stability through the turf.; Panelist Comments: "Just so easy to align it's silly. You have to be an idiot not to have this one in the bag. . . . Extremely springy at impact."; Judges' Verdict: A high-performing, clean design that produces a hot ball flight with that distinctive Callaway metal-wood sound.; Hot: Variable face thickness produces a hot face.; Not: Doesn't have as much visible technology as some; Just enough of a closed face to keep shots from going right.; callawaygolf.com

Gold
CLEVELAND HiBORE: Street Price: $180.; Specs: 16, 19, 22, 25, 28, 31 degrees.; Key Technology: An inverted crown pushes weight toward the sole, lowering the center of gravity. Its square leading edge increases the hitting area.; Panelist Comments: "This is my favorite for impact; the sound was solid and crisp—almost like a mini-driver. . . . Clean and simple at address. There are no optical illusions here."; Judge's Verdict: OK, it's a bit strange-looking, but it really gets the ball airborne. The scoop-back design is easier to take in the smaller clubhead. The satin finish provides a pleasing look.; Hot: Lightweight crown frees weight for use on the perimeter.; Not:Odd appearance might be a turnoff.; High lofts might really help the beginner.; clevelandgolf.com

Gold
COBRA BAFFLER DWS: Street Price: $150.; Specs: 16, 18, 20, 23, 26, 29 degrees.; Key Technology: More weight has been placed in the heel and toe areas to lower the CG and increase the moment of inertia.; Panelist Comments: "It's better than its predecessor, and that's saying something. . . . It's the standard for all other hybrids. This is an upgrade for any bag."; Judge's Verdict: When you're a utility-club icon, it's sometimes hard to live up to expectations. But this club does in a big way. The setup is easy, and it produces crisp shots. That's been a hallmark of Cobra's hybrids since the days of the original Baffler.; Hot: Maraging-steel insert produces lively face.; Not: Longer shafts are more difficult to control.; Six options for men, five for women and four for seniors.; cobragolf.com

Gold
NICKENT 3DX DC: Street Price: $150.; Specs: 13, 14, 15, 15.5, 17, 18.5, 19, 20, 21, 21.5, 23, 24.5, 26 degrees.; KEY TECHNOLOGY: Its three-dimensional weighting system, which includes tungsten-polymer inserts, moves weight lower and to the perimeter to lower the CG and get shots airborne. A pair of clubhead options available, too.; PANELIST COMMNETS: "Square to the target, and you have to hit it near perfectly, but when you do, the ball flies. . . . The contrasting scoring lines help frame the ball."; JUDGE'S VERDICT: This latest version uses better weighting to improve a tour favorite. It plays more like a fairway wood than a hybrid, but it has versatility.; Hot: Thinner face complements perimeter weighting.; Not: Impact a bit mushy.; Having 13 lofts eliminates yardage gaps.; nickentgolf.com

GOLD
PING G5: Street Price: $190.; Specs: 16, 19, 22, 25 degrees.; KEY TECHNOLOGY: A sloped crown pushes weight low and away from the face to help launch the ball higher. A thin 455 stainless-steel face is plasma-welded to save weight.; PANELIST COMMENTS: "You feel like you can really go after it with this club. I tried to miss a few, and you just can't make it curve. It goes straight every time. . . . Has the right amount of offset."; JUDGE'S VERDICT: The color is cool, and the scoop-back design is not as noticeable as the HiBore or Nike CPR. Put this one in your bag, and you will save strokes.; Hot: Small head increases versatility.; Not: Some people will object to its scoop-back look.; Trailing edge performs off a variety of lies.; pinggolf.com

GOLD
TAYLORMADE RESCUE DUAL: STREET PRICE: $200.; SPECS: 16, 19, 22, 25 degrees.; KEY TECHNOLOGY: Two adjustable weights are positioned in the heel and toe to improve MOI and trajectory control.; PANELIST COMMENTS: "It looks and feels like a TaylorMade, which in a hybrid is a really good thing. The ball just rips off the face."; JUDGE'S VERDICT: The technology story from our Editors' Choice in the hybrid category last year is still relevant. Even better: The company has plans to unveil a new flagship hybrid this spring.; Hot: The shallow face of the Rescue Dual promotes ease of use in the rough.; Not: The launch angle might be too high for better players.; Tinkerers will find the adjustable weights fun to toy with.; taylormadegolf.com