TaylorMade

What it does: If hybrids are some kind of mix of fairway wood and iron, consider the Stealth Plus to be sprinkled with iron-like aura, and the Stealth working as a fairway wood’s spirit animal. The Stealth Plus+ is a traditional all-steel, compact construction built for speed, workability and a flatter flight. The larger Stealth features a carbon-composite crown to relocate seven grams to the rear perimeter. This boosts the moment of inertia (stability on off-centre hits) 15 percent higher than TaylorMade’s Sim Max hybrid. Both models benefit from the company’s famous slot in the sole. It helps the face deflect more at impact, especially for shots hit lower on the face.

Why we like it: Some hybrids are merely stripped-down drivers or fairway woods, which can compromise the ground game hybrids have to play. Sure, the Stealth and Stealth Plus+ have the look of TaylorMade’s other woods, but they are all their own. The emphasis on forgiveness throughout the line is important because when a hybrid is called, dirty work is to be done. The V-shaped sole on both models contributes to this mission, keeping weight low and using heel and toe relief to allow these hybrids to power through any lie.

Lofts 17, 19.5, 22 (stealth plus, adjustable); 19, 22, 25, 28, 31 (stealth)