Equipment

Greatest Adams hybrids of all time

Published

6 years ago

Apr 1, 2020

It’s almost impossible that, over the past decade, you or someone you played golf with didn’t own an Adams hybrid. The fact that they can still be found in the bags of players on the PGA Tour demonstrates the kind of cult-like dedication some players have to those clubs.

They were in everyone’s bags—from low handicaps to golfers just trying to break 100. Simply, Adams was hybrids in the early-to-mid 2000s. In an age when many would still call them “cheater” or “old man” clubs, Adams pushed the envelope of design and ushered in a new era of small, workable-yet-forgiving, anti-left clubs.

Adams was also one of the first companies to do exclusive combo sets off the rack for better players with the initial Idea Pros and then later with the Idea Pro Golds. It’s a common practice now, but at the time it was revolutionary.

Here is a list of some of Adams’ all-time great hybrid designs.

Original Idea Pro – 2008

This is the one that started it all. After going through a number of tour issue prototypes leading up to the retail release, the Idea Pro had a lot of buzz, and it delivered. It wasn’t that other companies weren’t producing hybrids at the time, but the sheer popularity of the Adams outweighed what others had in the market thanks to it working its way to become the number one hybrid on the PGA Tour. It also came stock with an 80g Aldila VS Proto Hybrid shaft that was directly aimed at better players, and considering the aftermarket price of the shaft on its own, it made the Idea Pro a no brainer for those looking to replace harder-to-hit longer irons.

XTD – 2014

This was the final hybrid ever made by Adams and was packed with technology: all-titanium construction, crown, and sole slots for greater face deflection and ball speed—along with an adjustable hosel. TaylorMade had taken over ownership at this point and engineers at Adams took advantage by using the proprietary TaylorMade adjustable sleeve—this allowed for more shaft options for many golfers that had used TaylorMade hybrids in the past.

The entire XTD line from Adams was premium by design and from the driver to the hybrid, offered real-deal shafts and tight quality control. This is still a hard club to beat.

Idea XTD Super Hybrid Ti – 2012

You could argue the 2012 Super Hybrid XTD was the original bomber hybrid. Thanks to the multi-material titanium construction, it produced a higher-than-expected launch, along with exceptionally low spin. For faster players, this was a perfect control club off the tee and easily replaced a 5-wood (in the 19 degree). Don’t believe it? Check out this historic review from the GolfWRX Archives: GolfWRX.com – Adams Super Hybrid Review (2012)

Super 9031 – 2013

The Super 9031 was released the year after the original Idea Pro Blacks and featured an updated white paint job along with a technology upgrade that included both sole and crown slots for faster ball speeds compared to the original (hence the “Super” designation). It has a high toe, flatter lie angle, and open appearance from address—something better players love! Although I should attempt to be unbiased, I will admit that not only did I love these hybrids, but I still hold a place in one of my travel bags.

It’s not just me that has a sweet spot for the Super 9031, you can still find these in the bag of PGA Tour player Brian Gay.

Boxer A3 Idea – 2007

You might be wondering that after all of the others on the list, how the A3 earned its spot. Well, it’s quite simple. Just before the launch of the Idea Pro, the A3 and A3OS (oversized) were massive sellers at the retail level. The sets offered classicly shaped irons alongside easy-to-hit hybrid clubs into the longer clubs. Although never marketed towards better players, it did have a bit of a cult following to the point that even Vijay Singh was using one during the 2008 season in replacement of a 5-wood. They came stock with Grafalloy ProLaunch Red hybrid shafts and in both right and left-handed to outfit almost any player.

GolfWRXers, did you have any of these clubs? Check out the Cult Classic Clubs Discussion in the GolfWRX.com forums.

Related Topics:featured

Up Next

What GolfWRXers have spent more money on – Drivers vs Putters

Don't Miss

SeeMore releases new RST Hosel series of plumber neck design putters

Ryan Barath

Ryan Barath is a club-fitter & master club builder with more than 17 years of experience working with golfers of all skill levels, including PGA Tour players. He is the former Build Shop Manager & Social Media Coordinator for Modern Golf. He now works independently from his home shop and is a member of advisory panels to a select number of golf equipment manufacturers. You can find Ryan on Twitter and Instagram where he's always willing to chat golf, and share his passion for club building, course architecture and wedge grinding.

26 Comments

BillyG

Apr 19, 2020 at 12:46 am

What hybrid did Tom Watson play?

Reply Report comment
John D Gleason

Apr 13, 2020 at 7:58 pm

I still use the 2012 XTD ti in 18 & 20 degree lofts. I bought the 2014 versions but never felt as good. Incredibly easy to hit and long long long!

Reply Report comment
Wreiman

Apr 13, 2020 at 9:34 am

I still Bag the Gold Pro and Boxter to this day….lol Nothing has really replaced them in my bag,

Reply Report comment
- Risky Plan
  
  Dec 10, 2020 at 8:10 pm
  
  I have the A3 Boxer 2, 3 and 4 and don’t carry a fairway wood (4 wedges) I’ve tried others, but nothing has come close. The rectangular shape is what drew me to them when new and the performance and consistency has kept them in my bag.
  
  Reply Report comment
Kevin

Apr 11, 2020 at 9:36 pm

Not on the list here, but I still have a 21* Idea Super Black in the bag. Every time I think about taking it out I just start nailing it again…

Reply Report comment
RJ

Apr 11, 2020 at 9:28 pm

Hey Ryan,
I can not disagree with your list at all but I did find one small error. The Idea Pro Hybrid actually launched in January 2006, not in 2008. I was the South Florida sales rep from 2004-2008 covering Vero Beach to the Florida Keys. But nonetheless, great article.

Reply Report comment
ssspence

Apr 4, 2020 at 9:27 am

After the Idea Pro — you could argue for a dozen or more “Top 5” Adams hybrids, including the obvious PNT mentioned numerous times above.

I think a more interesting topic would be Most Underrated hybrids from Adams. Examples:

Both the A12 / VST (Silver) and the A12 Pro were outstanding. The former is a low spin bomber (I still game one as a 5 wood replacement), the latter a super accurate take on the original Idea Pro.

The Idea Pro Gold boxer is also excellent — a point and shoot club that saw plenty of tour play.

And what about the V3? It’s a super solid club, that was considered the best of its generation. It’s hallmark was that crisp feel.

I also agree the DhY should be considered. I still game the 21 degree — a perfect 3 / 4 iron replacement that bridges the gap between iron control and playability with hybrid power. It’s now been imitated repeatedly by other OEMs.

And lastly, the Super LS is the longest hybrid ever created. It’s certainly not the most accurate, but man is it a cannon. I found that matching it with a very stable, tipped shaft tamed it. It’s still a legit 3 wood killer with a nice small head by comparison. Seriously — who doesn’t need a club you can smoke out of the rough 230 to get back into a hole every once in a while?

So I just raised 7 that deserve mention. Honestly, none of these takes a back seat to the A3 or the XTD ti.

Reply Report comment
Sharky

Apr 3, 2020 at 11:51 am

I still bag a tour issued *24 idea pro, it’s my most reliable club in the bag, I see Bernhard Langer stil has the same club in his bag . Just recently put down my Adams Idea Pro Gold 18* and mb2 raw for some new irons, will miss them…

Reply Report comment
JP

Apr 3, 2020 at 11:45 am

A12 Pro Proto was my ATF.

And how come no PNT mention? Seriously?

Reply Report comment
Chris

Apr 3, 2020 at 7:40 am

Any Adams club list (whether hybrids or not) starts with the PNT (Peanut). Any exclusion of this club renders your list obsolete and pointless as it is the best club Adams ever produced.

Reply Report comment
JungleJimbo

Apr 2, 2020 at 6:51 pm

Hi Ryan: There’s enough interest/ other cult-fave Adams hybrids not listed in your article…for a “Part 2++” article pls? ????

Reply Report comment
y2zar

Apr 2, 2020 at 4:11 pm

The best hybrids ever existed along with the easiest f-wds to hit with, I can just simply command my golf balls with those things. Playing with Pro Black 20′ & 23′, latest Tight Lies 25′ and XTD 26′. So far I’ve yet to find anything closer to Adams, so these clubs ain’t gonna be sold or let off from my bag

Reply Report comment
HKO

Apr 2, 2020 at 1:40 pm

how come no PNT (aka Peanut) is mentioned here?

Reply Report comment
- Jack
  
  Apr 2, 2020 at 10:16 pm
  
  It is. Tour issue/prototype Idea Pro. First hybrid on the list 🙂
  
  Reply Report comment
Nicklaus#1

Apr 2, 2020 at 10:32 am

The Adams idea A3 is a beast. I still use the 3 iron hybrid and would be lost without it!

Reply Report comment
DC2000

Apr 2, 2020 at 3:33 am

Adams 2014 Pro Hybrid was the club to own..still play it. Surprised you missed this gem…

Reply Report comment
SoHigh247

Apr 2, 2020 at 2:02 am

Still got the super 9031 in the bag, great iron replacement hybrid (not overly hot, dank trajectory). Adams irons and hybrids are still relevant and cheap!

Reply Report comment
Howard Hayden

Apr 1, 2020 at 10:05 pm

Somebody needs to buy the name and whatever intellectual property they can and restart the company Tragedy what TaylorMade did to it. Obviously still plenty of well-deserved goodwill. Maybe more than TaylorMade.

Reply Report comment
Thebigdad

Apr 1, 2020 at 4:48 pm

A12 Pro, 18° and 20° are still in my bag

Reply Report comment
Cdub

Apr 1, 2020 at 3:15 pm

No pro black?!

Reply Report comment
Project X

Apr 1, 2020 at 12:25 pm

The A7 PNT that McDowell used to win the 2010 US Open has to be on this list.

Reply Report comment
- JB
  
  Apr 3, 2020 at 9:26 am
  
  Yep, exclusion of a7 PNT makes this list questionable at best.
  
  Reply Report comment
Cm

Apr 1, 2020 at 12:22 pm

???? no Peanut? They also made the RED hybrid after the XTD.

Reply Report comment
Brandon

Apr 1, 2020 at 12:04 pm

DhY was my favorite. Finally got knocked out of the bag for a Tour Edge Exotics CBX Ironwood.

Reply Report comment
- Andrew Thompson
  
  Apr 3, 2020 at 11:04 am
  
  DHY! How was it not included? Club is still the best players hybrid out there, sadly underrated.
  
  Reply Report comment
Adams Fan

Apr 1, 2020 at 11:53 am

The silver Adams Super Hybrid was my personal favorite. Definitely one of the best Hybrids ever.

Reply Report comment

Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Equipment

Tour Edge unveils all-new Exotics mini driver

Published

1 day ago

May 12, 2026

Gianni Magliocco

Tour Edge Golf has today introduced the all-new Exotics mini driver, engineered to deliver a powerful combination of speed, control, and versatility in the long game.

The Exotics Mini combines a titanium face with a stainless-steel body in design to balance ball speed with stability and control, creating a versatile option at the top end of the bag.

At the core of the design is Tour Edge’s proprietary Combo Brazing technology, a high-precision thermal bonding process that seamlessly fuses a titanium cup face to a stainless-steel body into a single, continuous structure. By eliminating energy loss found in traditional multi-piece constructions, Combo Brazing is designed to deliver faster face response, more efficient energy transfer, and a uniquely powerful yet controlled feel.

The multi-material construction also allows mass to be positioned lower and deeper in the head in a bid to increase stability, while the thin titanium face is engineered to maintain ball speed across a wider impact area.

“While the initial goal was to enhance control and versatility in the long game, Combo Brazing ultimately drove measurable gains in ball speed and distance within the mini driver category. In robot testing, we’ve documented higher ball speeds, higher launch, reduced spin, and increased carry and total distance compared to leading models.” – Vice President of R&D Matt Neeley

In addition to distance performance, the Exotics mini emphasizes forgiveness through a heavier stainless-steel body that shifts mass toward the perimeter. This configuration increases MOI relative to traditional all-titanium mini drivers, helping preserve ball speed and directional stability on off-center strikes. Paired with Pyramid Face Technology from the Exotics metalwood line, the design is intended to support consistent speed across the face.

To further enhance MOI, a lightweight carbon fiber crown frees additional mass that is strategically repositioned low and deep in the head in design to improve stability and promote optimal launch with controlled spin.

“We designed the Mini to be about five millimeters shallower than other mini drivers on the market. That change improves playability off the deck. From a clean fairway lie, it can function as a strong 3-wood alternative while still providing control off the tee.” – Tour Edge CEO David Glod

An adjustable hosel system allows for loft and lie tuning to dial in trajectory and shot shape, while a fixed 13-gram rear weight helps stabilize the head through impact to improve dispersion consistency. The Exotics Mini Driver is available in 11.5 and 13.5-degree lofts in right-handed models.

Pricing & Availability

The Exotics Mini Driver is available for pre-order beginning today for $399.99 USD at touredge.com, and will be available for purchase at retail outlets worldwide on May 22, 2026.

Equipment

Srixon ZXi combo or TaylorMade P7CB/770 combo? – GolfWRXers discuss

Published

1 day ago

May 12, 2026

Gianni Magliocco

In our forums, our members have been pitting a Srixon ZXi combo against a TaylorMade P7CB/770 combo. WRXer ‘edutch22’ is on the hunt for a new set of irons and kicks off the thread saying:

“Looking at picking up a new set of irons and think I’ve narrowed it down to Srixon ZXi combo or Taylormade P7CB/770 combo. I am currently a 5 cap and allbeit I feel irons are my weakness. My miss is a little to the toe side. I am decently steep at 4-5 down. Always thought I am high spin but recently on trackman my 7 was spinning at 5800 roughly.

My question or looking for thoughts on which one would benefit me more from a forgiveness standpoint? Or is there another iron is should be looking at entirely? I only get to play about once or twice a week, if I am not playing a 2-3 day event. Thanks in advance.”

And our members have been sharing their thoughts and suggestions in response.

Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.

manima1: “You just can’t go wrong with Srixon ZXi7.”
MattM97: “You have to hit them to know, the V-Sole on the Srixon can be make or break for many.”
dmeeksDC: “P7CB is more forgiving for me than ZXi7 because my main miss is low middle and the P7CB still flies and spins great on that miss. These are both really nice irons but I like the P7CB more than the Zxi7 and the P770 (or P790) more than the Zxi5. The Srixons are larger so if that gives you confidence that is the way to go. I don’t feel like I get any benefit from the V-sole and the P7CBs live up to their high Maltby forgiveness rating so the TaylorMades have been great for me.”

Entire Thread: “Srixon ZXi combo or TaylorMade P7CB/770 combo? – GolfWRXers discuss”

Equipment

From the GolfWRX Classifieds: 2024 Wilson Staff CB/Blade combo

Published

1 day ago

May 12, 2026

Gianni Magliocco

At GolfWRX, we are a community of like-minded individuals who all experience and express our enjoyment of the game in many ways.

It’s that sense of community that drives day-to-day interactions in the forums on topics that range from best driver to what marker you use to mark your ball. It even allows us to share another thing we all love – buying and selling equipment.

Currently, in our GolfWRX buy/sell/trade (BST) forum, @pianoman0123 has a 2024 Wilson Staff CB/Blade combo up for grabs.

From the listing: “2024 Wilson Staff CB/Blade Combo. 4-8 irons are CB’s and the 9,PW are Blades. 5-PW have Project X 6.0 Shafts and the 4 Iron has a Steelfiber CW110 Stiff Shaft. Standard Length, Lie and Lofts. These are in very good condition the shafts just don’t work for me. Like new Lamkin Grips on the 5-PW and a stock Golf Pride on the 4 Iron. $525 OBO.”

To check out the full listing in our BST forum, head through the link. If you are curious about the rules to participate in the BST Forum, you can learn more here: GolfWRX BST Rules