Callaway

What it does: It’s a hybrid of a hybrid, something between this category and a fairway wood but with all the technology of a titanium driver. The face gets extra bounce from the company’s “Jailbreak” system that features two angled bars positioned wide apart and stretching from crown to sole. They stabilise the frame surrounding a thin titanium face, concentrating more energy at impact. This combines with a variable-face-thickness design for greater ball speeds no matter the impact location. Rare for this category is a titanium body underneath a carbon crown that allows for an oversize shape (about 20 percent larger than the Apex hybrid) for extra forgiveness. The adjustable hosel tweaks loft and lie independently.      

Why we like it: It’s a damn-good feeling to hear your competitors say, “You smoked that 3-wood,” only to respond, “Actually, it was my hybrid.” And it’s awfully handy to have your 5-iron replacement club double as a 5-wood. Of course, size isn’t everything. This blunderbuss gets its bullets from not just a hot face but an ultra-sturdy 90 grams of hefty tungsten split between the extreme heel and toe that provide this club with plenty of forgiveness.

Lofts 16, 18, 21, 24, 27 (adjustable)