Callaway X2 Hot Hybrid
We review ten of the latest golf hybrids on the market but which is the best?
Brand: Callaway
Hybrid: X2 Hot
RRP: £149
Available lofts: 19-, 22-, 25- & 28-degree
Shaft: Callaway X2 Hot
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Watch the video above to see how the Golfmagic Hybrids Test 2014 was conducted
Summary
Callaway X2 Hot Hybrid features Forged Cup Face technology which the brand claims provides added distance and a tour-inspired shape for accuracy. Callaway adds that a thinner, lighter and more robust 455 carpenter steel face cup design produces faster ball speeds across the entire face for longer, more consistent distance, bringing driver-like CT to the hybrid category for the first time ever.
Appearance
With less pinching at the toe and the heel, less offset and more scroll lines on the face, the X2 Hot has a much more iron-like look than last year’s standard X Hot hybrid. Good alignment with the brand's chevron logo in the middle and that's something you don't get on the X2 Hot Pro version. Sits neutral and has a clean, minamalist crown. Higher handicappers may want to see a little more offset, though. 3.75 (out of 5)
Feel
Hot off the face, as the name suggests, and nice high pitched sound when hit out the centre. Brian and Rich both disliked the sound. Ball doesn't feel as though is pops up off the face quite as quickly as one of the Adams hybrids. 7 (out of 10)
Performance
Easy to work, particularly a draw shot. All four testers found there was a bit of a draw bias to this hybrid, and therefore not always the easiest to hit down the line. Solid turf interaction from a variety of lies as the clubhead glides through the turf nicely. Despite the large sweetspot on offer, it wasn't one of the more forgiving hybrids in the test. Boring ball flight, so it's great in the wind, and up the top end when it comes to distance. 7.75 (out of 10)
Verdict
Impressive distance and looks the part but not as forgiving or easy to get airborne in comparison with both Adams hybrids. 18.5 (out of 25)
