Cleveland Golf made some tweaks to its HiBore line from the XL to the new XLS. The hybrids saw several changes: higher moment of inertia, more offset and a more-rounded toe shape that seems to be gaining favor among hybrids. The result is a club that’s an even more attractive replacement for long irons, even among low handicappers.

“I dropped my 2-iron long ago,” says a 2. “After hitting this, I don’t see why I shouldn’t lose the 3-iron as well.” Even the offset, which helps get the ball in the air and is usually a minus for good players, wasn’t a negative. Says a 6: “They say there’s more offset, but it was difficult to tell. The club sets up pretty square to my eye.” 

MSRP: $199 (five lofts, 16–28 degrees)