Hybrids have become so ubiquitous in recent years, not to mention so useful, that we occasionally forget how much variation exists in their design. Some launch lower and have blade-like profiles preferred by more talented players. Other models, like the new XR OS hybrids from Callaway, are designed to be more versatile and easier to play for a wider range of golfers.

The new clubs feature a generously-sized head shape that inspires confidence. Couple that with a design that emphasizes greater forgiveness with a higher ball flight and you have what Callaway believes are the perfect hybrids for golfers looking to maximize their performance from all areas of the golf course.

Naturally, all golfers are interested in leveraging more distance from their hybrids. The new models feature a deeper center of gravity position that helps get the ball airborne. The XR OS hybrids are also outfitted with Callaway’s industry-leading Forged Hyper Speed Face Cup which varies in thickness across a greater portion of the hitting surface. This helps golfers get more distance out of every shot, including those struck near the toe or heel.

XR OS Hybrids have a player-friendly head design

The XR OS hybrids have also been designed with versatility in mind and feature the new keeled utility sole which helps these clubs perform more effectively from a wide variety of lies.

“With a relatively large sole we’re interested in turf interaction,” said Dr. Alan Hocknell, Senior VP of R&D at Callaway. “It has a dual keel aspect to it to reduce ground contact by about 50 percent. That will improve it’s versatility over other hybrids of a similar shape and size.”

Face Cup technology allows for greater distance

Callaway has identified the XR OS hybrids as being ideally suited for players with moderately slow swing speeds, or for those players seeking maximum forgiveness. They will also benefit golfers looking for better gapping options at the lower-lofted range of their iron set. As such, the XR OS hybrids have been designed to smoothly integrate with Callaway’s new XR OS irons. Callaway has also designed a separate set of XR OS hybrids to address the unique needs of female players.

“In recent times our women’s products have been mostly cosmetic variants of the men’s with different shafts and grips,” said Hocknell. “But here we took a stronger stance in designing a set with women’s needs more specifically catered to.”

Wider sole improves turf interaction

The women’s set of hybrids feature a variant of the face cup for even more distance while the head itself has been engineered for proper weight, CG and maximum forgiveness. The set comes stock with lightweight, ultra- premium Mitsubishi Bassara shafts (50 grams) and properly sized Winn Grips for better feel.

Features at a glance:

• High ball speed and forgiveness across the face with Callaway’s Forged Hyper Speed Face Cup.
• Improved head design features a draw bias and extreme forgiveness for players seeking more distance in an easier-to-hit hybrid.
• Seamless integration with Callaway’s new XR OS irons making them an ideal long- iron replacement.
• Keeled utility sole helps you to hit good shots from the fairway or out of the rough.

The XR OS hybrids come in five different lofts and will retail for $219.99 each. Each hybrid model comes stock with a Mitsubishi Fubuki AT shaft except for the women’s edition which is paired with a Mitsubishi Bassara shaft. The new hybrids will be available for purchase on January 22nd.

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