Cobra

What it does: An intricate internal-weighting system positions weight low and forward to produce fast ball speeds, forgiveness and low spin for enhanced distance. It’s not just centre strikes that produce fireworks. A face designed with the help of artificial intelligence uses 15 “hot” zones with strategic thicknesses to increase smash factor and ball speed across a wider area on the face. The thinner face, which wraps around the sole like a backward letter “L”, works with the sole to deliver more speed. Also, the rails are hollow, allowing the face to more easily deflect at impact than solid rails would.   

Why we like it: Applaud this hybrid for its singular focus on the two types of golfers: those seeking more distance and bald-faced liars. Every element to these hybrids is in search of extra distance. That L-shape face moves the weld line back to the sole so that impacts low on the face perform better. The company’s signature Baffler sole rails have been abbreviated in size but not in effectiveness, helping the club glide through uneven lies to reduce loss of ball speed. The One Length version’s 7-iron-length shaft is designed to provide more solid contact with added accuracy.

Lofts 17, 19, 21, 24, 28 (ltdx); 19, 21, 24 (one length)