Yonex Nanospeed 3i hybrid
|
The humble hybrid has come a long way over the last few years, with manufacturers paying much closer attention to the design and ensuring that all the technology that goes into the woods and irons is now just as integral to the design of the hybrid. In this case it is the inclusion of a carbon composite crown that is the most significant.
This technology might be commonplace in the woods market, but in hybrids it is quite rare, probably because of the price implications and the extra manufacturing required.
But the reason for doing it is pretty simple: carbon graphite is lighter than steel, which means the centre of gravity (CG) is lowered. To be precise, the CG of the 3i is now 14.3mm, compared to the 15.2mm in the previous XC+1 hybrid.
Now 0.9mm might not sound like a huge amount, but when it comes to club design, fractions can make all the difference. The bottom line is that lower CG helps get the ball airborne, so anything that can be done to facilitate this is a good thing.
But the CG location is not just contained to a vertical axis. The further away from the face you can get it, the better it is for launching the ball. Again, Yonex has moved weight by making the rear of the clubhead drop down and making the sidewalls thicker than the face. Compared to the XC+1, the CG is 1.5mm deeper. But what does it all mean in practice?
Well, it’s extremely easy to get the ball in the air and the 3i is very solid, reasonably long and feels like there's plenty behind the ball. It’s also great from light rough, off the tee or just about anywhere for that matter, with the curved sole gliding through the grass.
Just as pleasing is the way it looks. With no silver topline, graphics or decals, this is a club with its game face on. It’s classy, uncluttered, and the lines are very smooth. The lower part of the shaft is jet-black too, allowing the eyes to focus solely on the task in hand.
Indeed, the shaft is the other area where Yonex has invested significantly. Nanotechnology in the tip is supposed to help improve the transfer of energy to the ball and make the club more stable but although the club does feel good at impact, it’s hard to say that it’s a result of Nanotechnology. Not that it matters either way… this is a cracking club.
