50 Words or Less
The Callaway Super Hybrid is a fusion of hybrid and fairway wood. Very long and very low spin.
Introduction
Regular readers know that I don’t get along with fairway woods, at least not well enough to bag one. However, I love eagle putts. This puts me in a perpetual quest for the longest hybrid I can find, so you can understand my excitement when I learned about the Callaway Super Hybrid. By blending the playing length of a hybrid with the construction of a fairway wood, Callaway seeks to give golfers a better way to attack those long par 5s.
Looks
The Callaway Super Hybrid is big. B-I-G, big. It’s not as long from front to back as a fairway wood, but it’s not far off. If you get past the size, this is a really attractive club. The head is slightly asymmetrical, and the chevron alignment aid is centered. Callaway’s signature crown is here, too: a strip of gloss black near the ball with carbon fiber covering the rest of the head.
Flipping the club over, you see a sole that’s interesting without being too busy. The “Super Hybrid” branding is modest in size, putting most of the focus on the variety of shapes and finishes on the sole. You’ll also notice the Jailbreak bars near the face and a weight plug opposite them.
Sound & Feel
If you had asked me to guess what a Super Hybrid would sound like, I would have said, “Loud.” In fact, I would have bet the house on it. I’m glad you didn’t ask me, because I would have lost my house.
The Callaway Super Hybrid is shockingly quiet. Impact creates a small, staccato “click” that has more in common with an iron than either a hybrid or fairway wood. This club is a silent assassin – if you hit into the slow players in front of you, they’ll never hear it coming.
What was not surprising was the way that this large head made all types of shots feel similar. The sound was nearly the same all across the face. Except for shots where I nearly missed the ball, the head does not want to twist.
Performance
Before I made my first swing, I knew that the Callaway Super Hybrid was going to require a little getting used to. My brain had to reconcile that a head this big could be on a shaft this short with a lie angle this upright. There were some clunkers to start with, but that was on me, not the club.
Once I stopped overthinking things, the Callaway Super Hybrid got very impressive. Most important for me, it launched the ball high and easily. It’s easily the highest launch I’ve ever seen from a 17 degree club, and it’s very forgiving of thin shots.
When I got the Super Hybrid on a launch monitor, what stood out was the ball speed. Whether you think of this as a fairway wood or a hybrid, it’s a monster. With a titanium face and body, plus a carbon crown, the Super Hybrid is built for ball speed. On the sweet spot, off the sweet spot, it doesn’t seem to matter, the ball is going to come off the face sizzling.
Finally, the Super Hybrid is very low spin. I saw this on the range and confirmed it on the launch monitor. For me, a low spin player, the 17 degree model is actually too low spin. I was launching the ball at a beautiful height only to watch it fall out of the sky and run like crazy. This low spin will be a boon for higher spin players, and it does have me excited to test the 20 degree version for even higher launch with more spin.
Conclusion
If you’re looking to add a new weapon to your long game arsenal, consider the Callaway Super Hybrid. It’s unlike anything else on the market with its larger head, shorter shaft, immense ball speed, and very low spin. Make sure you get fit for the right loft and shaft, and you’ll be bringing par 5s into reach in no time.
Callaway Super Hybrid Price & Specs
Matt Saternus
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What would you think about putting a 43 in fw wood shaft in and adjusting the loft to 15 to replace a 3 wood?
Brandon,
The lie angle would be REALLY upright at 43″, but that could work for some players.
Best,
Matt
You would think Callaway would be marketing 25/27/29/31 degree hybrids to help those who really struggle out there….. seriously, how many “average” players get any assistance from their current 3/4 woods – the golf stores are filled with them.
–
Callaway has been pushing higher lofted hybrids, too, just not in this model.
-Matt
Tell me about the shafts they offer? I usually play stiff shafts in hybrids and woods. I play a lighter composite regular shaft in my irons. Age 68, handicap of six.
Gary,
There is only one stock shaft, the Tensei Orange.
Best,
Matt
If I was going for strictly distance, I should try the 17 degree loft?
Bob,
Probably, unless you launch it so low that you lose out on carry distance. Or, if you’re low spin like me, you could play a higher loft and still have optimal spin. In short: get fit or at least test the club in a couple different lofts.
Best,
Matt
How would you compare this to the PXG 0317x hybrids, both Gen 1 & 2? In terms of launch, spin, distance, forgiveness? Thanks!
Kenny,
I have full reviews of both of those clubs here: https://pluggedingolf.com/?s=0317
Best,
Matt
Dis you test both stiff and x-stiff in the 17 degree Super Hybrid? Feel of the shaft? Spin-numbers?
In Europe we need to shop blinde. Callaway do not sell them here. What was your carry and total lenght?
Regards PEO
No, I only tested the X-flex. The Tensei Orange is tip stiff but smooth in the butt and mid.
Best,
Matt
What kind of distances where you getting compared to fairway wood? I would love a lower lofted hybrid to add to the bag and currently game rogue 3 and 4 hybrids.
Nicholas,
The Super Hybrid has ball speed equivalent to the very best fairway woods, so if you get the right launch and spin conditions, it will be as long or longer than a FW.
Best,
Matt
Would you consider this in the same class as the Rogue X hybrid you reviewed a few years back? Is this similar size or even larger than the Rogue X (my current gamer)?
Mike,
I haven’t seen them side by side, but I don’t think any hybrid is quite as big as the Super Hybrid.
Best,
Matt
Why would they not sell it in Europe, and looking at the USA there is along lead in time for club?
Is it becuase it is that good that they have sold out or not taken off and not producing, any thoughts?
Dave,
I have no idea. If I were guessing, I’d say that Callaway underestimated the demand for this club and is now backordered.
Best,
Matt
Hi Matt,
Love your reviews.
How do you see Super hybrid against Apex 19 Hybrid?
Is Apex 19 better than it’s previous version significantly?
Regards
Aarun
Aarun,
The Apex and Super Hybrid aren’t comparable in my mind. The Apex is a players club, an iron replacement whereas the Super Hybrid is all about distance.
Best,
Matt
Hey Matt,
I’m debating between the Super Hybrid, the Rogue X Hybrid, & the Big Bertha OS Hybrid. I’m a self taught slightly above average golfer, my 3W solid but have issues with control at times (mostly when I’m tired). Any thoughts on best bang for distance AND control?
Austin,
All three are good choices. If you’re buying stock, I would put a good bit of stock into which shaft you’re getting. Ultimately, if you want the best performance, you need to try them yourself and get fit.
Best,
Matt
Matt,
Thanks so much for the quick response. Your reviews are dope af and always much appreciated. I’m usually swinging a regular flex shaft but stiff flex on my Driver
Best,
Austin
Matt,
Matt,
I’m strictly looking for a higher launch & softer landing (don’t much care about the distance) I just got the Super hybrid. What setting should it be on the club to achieve this?
Thanks,
Joe
Joe,
For most people, the softest landing will be achieved with the highest loft setting.
Best,
Matt
Looking to replace my 5 wood which is a rogue. Would you go with the 17 and loft up or the 20 and loft down?
Patrick,
That depends, do you prefer the look of a closed face or an open face at address?
-Matt
I would like to get maximum distance with an open face at address, would you go with a 20 and decrease the loft or the 17?
William,
The delofted 20 will get you a more open look, but if you hit it high or with too much spin, the 17 might still be longer.
Best,
Matt
Hi Matt. I’ve just subscribed to your site as I’ve been looking for a 3 wood replacement in a hybrid. Excellent reviews by the way. I have 2 Callaway steelhead XR 3 and 4 hybrids which I love. And would buy a 2 if they ever made one. So which hybrid would you recommend out of the Callaway Super 17 degree. Or the ping g410 or CBX. I basically want a low launch low loft 3 wood replacement. Many thanks
Jamie,
The Super Hybrid seems like the obvious answer as a FW replacement, but the caveat is that it needs to fit you well to achieve maximum distance. The G410 is not a distance monster, it’s just a great all around hybrid. The CBX is low spin and low launch, so you need solid speed to max that thing out.
Best,
Matt
I am late to this party but picked up a 20 degree on Callaway’s Pre-Owned site for a song. I am amazed at how long this club is. No hooks, easy to launch and just flies!
Thinking of considering this as I struggle with my 3w, so much so I hit a 2i DI. If this is as forgiving as it sounds I might be game for it. Hard to say how I would combo it. Do I go 17 with a 3H as well or 20 and 3H. One for more height and the other more distance. Man I wish my fitter was around.
I have seen reviews on the super hybrid 17 degree that have been adjusted to 15 degrees. But when I received my super hybrid from callaway preowned it only adjusts to -1 degree. Can I change out the optifit to one that will adjust -2 degrees?
You need an opposite handed adapter. Then set it to plus 2
Is it difficult to hold greens with the Super Hybrid because it is low spin?
John,
Yes, that’s correct. Low spin plus shallow landing angle.
-Matt
So I have been out with this twice and it is great as a tee club but stiff having issues off the deck. Could that be shaft related or is this a club that should be fit with the ball a little forward you your stance to get the most lift? I am gaming the 17*.
Randy,
What issues are you having off the deck?
-Matt
Sorry for my messy comment. So off the deck I just am not getting any lift from it. As well I am struggling with low pointing it on the turf. Likely a swing fault of mine that I need to shallow out more I think.
Randy,
If it’s a contact issue, I would agree with your original comment: it’s either shaft or swing. If you’re hitting it well off the tee, I probably wouldn’t change the shaft, I’d just play around with ball position a bit.
Best,
Matt
Matt, How would you compare the epic flash hybrid to the super hybrid in terms of trajectory, distance, overall playability, etc..
Ron,
I have a full review of the Epic Flash Hybrid here: https://pluggedingolf.com/callaway-epic-flash-hybrid-review/
-Matt
Hi Matt. Super Hybrid or Ping 425 7 wood for a good 200 +/- yard weapon that is good for hitting into greens with? From what I’ve been reading and seeing, the Ping 425 7 wood has it over this for the trajectory/decent angle. A bit more forgiving too. Correct?
Todd,
If you want a softer landing, I would go with the G425 for sure.
Best,
Matt
Matt, How does this compare to the Taylormade Sim2 Ti fairway woods and would the 23* be a good addition between my 19* Sim2 Ti 5 wood and 5 iron? I have a yardage gap I need to fill in that slot. Also I play Tensei AV Blue Xstiff in my woods so should I go S orX in the Tensei orange?
Ron,
I haven’t hit the new TM fairway woods, so I can’t offer a comparison there. We will have a review of each TM FW coming in the next couple months.
Regarding shaft flex, my suggestion would be to try both in a fitting.
Best,
Matt