The new TaylorMade Qi35 lineup is here and that includes two new hybrid models for this year - the Qi35 core hybrid or Rescue model and the slightly larger and more forgiving Qi35 Max hybrid. Both hybrid models offer the same premium look sported by the Qi35 driver and fairway wood, making them some of the best golf hybrid clubs on the market when it comes to their aesthetics.
While the core Qi35 hybrid model has a 3° adjustable hosel, the Max hybrid hosel is bonded, meaning there is no way to change loft, lie or face angle - something to bear in mind if you’re looking to upgrade your current hybrid. The Qi35 Max hybrid has been designed with maximum forgiveness in mind and also features a mild draw-bias, so given you can’t adjust the clubhead, this model may not suit a golfer who naturally plays a draw or doesn't want to see the ball fall to the left (as a right handed golfer). However, If you slice the ball more often than not, you’re in luck.
During my testing I found this draw-bias really was present and on times my draw turned into a strong hook. One shot in particular fell 41 yards left of my intended target although I do have a tendency to release the hands a little too much through impact, which may be partly to blame here. Interestingly I saw much more consistent front-to-back dispersion with the Max hybrid but the regular hybrid was far less volatile when it came to side-to-side dispersion so the jury is still out on whether I can class this one of the most forgiving hybrids released this year.
In order to complete a thorough test, I took this hybrid both out on the golf course as well as inside on a Foresight Sports GCQuad launch monitor to put it through real-life scenarios as well as to gather some standardized data. On the golf course, I was particularly impressed with the height I was managing to launch the ball at and that’s largely down to the CG positioning and rear weight placement on the clubhead. The sharp descent angle as shown in the data table meant holding greens even in the middle of summer would be no issue for the Qi35 hybrid, so if you’re a shorter hitting looking for one of the most forgiving hybrids to attack greens from range, the Qi35 Max is a stand out contender.
Because of the slightly larger head size compared to the core Qi35 hybrid model, I thought it might struggle to cut through rough but that was not the case. In fact, it performed better than the core model from both awkward lies where the ball was in the rough as well as from tight lies in the fairway. The continuation of the Speed Pocket in TaylorMade Metalwoods and hybrids is largely to thank here.
If you want to cure your slice with a hybrid or you’re a slightly shorter hitter and find yourself often hitting hybrids into long par threes or fours then the TaylorMade Qi35 Max hybrid could be a great fit for you. The lack of adjustability is what I think may put some people off but as long as you go for a fitting and understand what loft and lie you require, I can’t see any reason why this hybrid shouldn’t be considered for a spot in your bag.
The TaylorMade Qi35 Max hybrid will be available to purchase at retail on the 30th January and will hold an RRP of $299/£269.
