Hybrid clubs, which are also called utility clubs are probably the most recent and most desirable additions to the game of golf. They are a type of club designed to have the best components of both woods and long irons, all in one form. Typically, a set of hybrids will replace your three and four irons, and are constructed to get you out of difficult lies as well as take your ball longer distances with better accuracy. Initially, these types of clubs were hard to handle, especially for the recreational golfer, but modifications have made them into an easier-hitting club. You can now find them in a number of pros' golf bags.

Start by defining your game. If you're an occasional golfer, you may not want to invest a lot of money in your clubs, namely the hybrids. These types of clubs can run a pretty penny. A mid-performance set of hybrids to replace your long irons may be the right stroke for you--pun intended.

Set yourself a budget. We all can get swept up into the excitement of buying new clubs, even after we've decided we're only an occasional golfer. Have limits.

Look at your control. If you already have a decent amount of charge over your ball, you may not need to invest in hybrid clubs. Hybrids have a distinct ability of improving the accuracy of your long shots. Since most people have some difficulty with this area of their game, hybrids can improve your stroke as well as your score.

Evaluate your ball loft. Another chief benefit to hybrid clubs is their capacity to add some loft the ball without sacrificing distance. Because the center of gravity is located to the rear of the club, a hybrid makes it easier to get your ball into the air. When you've got a bad lie, this loft can make all the difference in your stroke.

If you've never been fitted for a set of clubs, now's the time to do it. Recreational golfers have a tendency to just play with whatever clubs are on the floor. More often than not, this usually works. But if you're investing in a set of hybrids, get them fitted to your height and swing. Typically, your standard hybrid should be longer or shorter than the club it is replacing, depending on your game.

What Hybrids are right for you?

Hybrids are a great replacement for your 2, 3, 4, and maybe 5 iron...whatever irons you lack confidence in. If your swing speed is very slow (under 60-70 mph) you should consider replacing your 6 iron as well.

Golfers with slower swing speeds (ladies, seniors, and beginners) should consider an iron set that starts with a 3 hybrid goes up to a 5 hybrid, then goes to a 6-SW in the regular irons. You can also consider a complete hybrid set that gradually and smoothly goes from a long iron to a wedge.

What Kind of Performance Can You Expect From Hybrids?

Typically, they will go about 5-8 yards farther than their iron replacements. If you hit your 3 iron 180 yards than a 3 hybrid should go about 185 but at a bit higher trajectory. Higher swing speeds may find less overall distance. Hybrids will definitely not roll as far due to their increased shot height. Sometimes that's a good thing.

A bigger difference may be consistency. You should find that you'll hit your hybrid well more frequently than your long irons. This may mean that you'll approach those 180-220 yard shots with a more relaxed attitude. The biggest benefit of hybrid clubs may be your increase in confidence.

Top Rated Hybrid Clubs

Per Golfsmith.com and the Golftestusa website, the Callaway FT Fusion Hybrid (Neutral) is the best hybrid golf club on the market. The club scored above all the other competition in the Golftestusa survey and we found it listed as the top selling and most popular hybrid on several golf apparel websites. Owners say the feel and forgiveness are what set this club apart from the rest. Ball flight (trajectory) is also top rated giving Callaway another winning club. Available as left-handed or right-handed with regular or stiff flex. Pick from the more common graphite shaft or the heavier steel shaft. The 20-degree loft is a popular model amongst men players giving them the ultimate club as a replacement for their 3 or 4 irons. Callaway calls this club a 1 hybrid, 2 hybrid .... 4 hybrid. For a slightly cheaper selection with very little lost in terms of performance, take a look at the Adams Golf-Idea Hybrid Iron/Wood Graphite . At less than $100 Adams has created a hybrid club that scored 2nd only to the Callaway listed above. It is the hybrid club that more people would recommend to friends than any other (per the Golftestusa ratings). I see these clubs advertised during the Champions Tour events on TV, but I know several golfers in their late 40's that use these. Owners of the A2 OS said it's much easier hitting this club than any of their long irons and it now makes for scoring on longer par 3's. For consistency and accuracy, test out the Adams hybrids

Budget Hybrid Clubs

If you want a top rated hybrid club at a bargain price, then consider the Nickent Men's 3DX DC Ironwood  The Nickent hybrid was tied for 2nd place on the Golftestusa site with an excellent overall score compared to other top brands like Nike, Callaway, and Macgregor. The 3DX Iron Wood comes as a right handed club with 14, 17, 20, and 23 degrees of loft on the head. The club is designed with a lower weighting system that is deeper and more towards the heel/toe. You get "optimal launch angle and trajectory" from this hybrid club making for easier shots on the course. Owners describe the club as "effortless" and a "must have in the bag". Golfers say their increased confidence with the Nickent hybrids has lowered their scores and made golf fun again. Users go on to say that replacing your 3 or 4 iron with a Nickent hybrid is the only way to go. The clubs are a nice option to have when hitting from tight lies in the fairway or from the thicker rough. Although not the most common name in golf clubs, Nickent has a solid reputation amongst those familiar with hybrid and utility clubs at great discount prices too.

A Review of the Adams Idea Black Super Hybrid

The Adams Idea Black Super Hybrid is a fine looking club with shot making control that offers a golfer the chance to produce great distance shots never before thought possible. It is of an extremely forgiving nature, giving even newcomers to the sports a fighting chance out on the course.

The basic technology behind the Adams Idea Black Super Hybrid is in its bigger head which provides a larger more affective area for hitting.

It also employs a heavy sole and steel face which increases MOI by about 17%.

Ball speed is additionally increased thanks to its excessively long shaft.

Turf drag is reduced through its trilevel sole design.

The manufacturers of this club went so far as to make modifications to the swing weight possible by the use of an adjustable screw.

This club is designed to be a very forgiving golf club. This club has been given high points for playability in that the ball flight, being medium-low, is well suited for fairways when it is utilized as a tee club. Its performance is enviable, especially in a windy setting; the ball still flies straight but is easy to draw.

It performs superbly on chips near the green. And off-center hits are easily corrected due to this club's extra large head.

It is definitely, off of the tee, an incredibly straight-shooter. Many feel that the length achieved on their drives was about average when you compare it to other current hybrids; (although some golfers rated it at a higher mark for distance, again, straight off the tee).

Throughout the impact a seasoned golfer can enjoy its decent stability and a crisp, reassuring sensation in their hands after a good solid strike. Its look provides its user with a nice square setup; very tour like. And a high quality profile is achieved by the club's dark face and black head.