The marketing would have you believe that every new release is destined to top the leaderboard. However, as the data shows, this is rarely the case.
This list is not about calling any of these clubs “bad”. In the right fit, either can work. But based on past advertising, performance or price, I expected these models to fight for the top spot in 2025, and they just didn’t get there.
If you’re buying this year, it’s an incentive to look a little closer at the data (and what’s best for your game) rather than assuming the “hero” product is automatically the best fit.
TaylorMade Qi35 Max Driver
Given the hype surrounding the Qi line and TaylorMade’s reputation for high speed drivers, it was easy to pencil in. Qi35 Max as a leader. In ours Driver test 2025it earned a solid overall score (8.7) and was legitimately one of the most accurate drivers we tested, but it didn’t challenge for the top tier. Callaway Elyte Triple Diamond and others did. For a club with so much hype, price and technology, we expected a bit more “wow” in the distance and all-around dominance column.
Callaway Elyte Hybrid
of Callaway Elyte Hybrid it has an adjustable OptiFit clutch, heel-toe weighting, modern AI face and a neutral, all-purpose profile. The surprise is that in our 2025 testing, it was Elite X AND COBRA DS-Fits that hybrid stole the show.
Elite X finished near the top for accuracy and distance and DS-Suitable ended up like best overall hybrid of 2025. Compared to these two, the standard Elyte hybrid did not share its performance.
COBRA KING TEC hybrid
COBRA has made a serious history in hybrids. DS-Suitable topped our 2025 test and was the most accurate hybrid of the year. KING TEC came with high expectations. While it offers plenty of distance, it doesn’t have the same precision and forgiveness across the board that have made the COBRA a hybrid staple.
Callaway Elyte Triple Diamond fairway wood
As hard as possible Elyte Triple Diamond driver performed in the 2025 test, it was easy to assume that the road fit would be a top contender. Instead, Elyte Triple Diamond fairway wood lived more in the “good but not untouchable” zone. It has plenty of ball speed and a workable profile, but not the same class-leading performance as its driver sister. For top ball hitters who like a compact shape, it might work. If you expect the freeway version to reflect the driver dominance in our data, you’ll want to manage those expectations.
LAB Golf DF3 (Zero torque wrench)
2025 was the first time we ran a dedication Zero Torque Power Test and LAB showed why they own that space. Two of their models landed in the top 10 and one took the overall win. The surprise was DF3. It’s the familiar, long-running Force Drive shape that many golfers are familiar with, but in this formation, it was the weakest performer of the LAB entries and moved toward the bottom of the score sheet.
Callaway Apex Pro (Player’s irons)
Apex Pro marketed as a tournament-proven modern player’s iron. Considering how strong Callaway’s iron lineup has been in recent years, it looked like a lock to be near the top of our 2025 player iron test. Instead, he had an overall score of 8.4, well behind leaders like Mizuno Pro AND Srixonmainly due to poor accuracy and forgiveness.
COBRA DS-Fits super handcuffs for game improvement
In the hybrid category, DS-Suitable was a star. In super game improvement bars, DS-Suitable the name told another story. of DS-Adapt super iron for game improvement it is a club with excellent distance, but significantly poorer accuracy and forgiveness. In a category where COBRA has historically been very strong, especially in forgiveness, seeing DS-Adapt handcuffs showing up among the irons that struggled the most in testing was a surprise.
PXG Sugar Daddy III wedge (BP grinding)
Sugar Daddy III is one of the most premium wedges in the 2025 field. It’s triple forged, highly milled and priced at the top of the class. in our “More expensive vs. less expensive” Wedge comparison, its performance seemed far below. Accuracy and carry numbers were almost identical to the much cheaper ones Meet Sky Forger 002.
Odyssey Ai-One #1 blade shooter
Odyssey’s Ai-One line launched with high expectations and Blade shape number 1 it’s about as classic as it gets. However, in our blade test, Have-A number 1 lived in the bottom half of the test. His average PuttView handicap was followed by the best blades. For a high-tech and heavily promoted shooter, I thought it could get closer.
Evanroll V5.2 hammer thrower
Balance sheet has a solid reputation in the casting world and their grooves have been well tested for reel quality in the past. However, it finished at the bottom of our hammer test. PuttView Handicap Gap Among the Best (Wilson Infinite Buckingham) and the worst translates into multiple hits over a round’s worth of hits. V5.2 still has the soft feel and premium construction Balance sheet it’s known for, but if you’re choosing based on the name or past models alone, the 2025’s numbers are a sign to take it head-to-head with a few other hammers before committing.
Final thoughts
Reputation, marketing hype and reality don’t always match. None of these clubs are bad. In the right fit, some of them may still be the best option for your game. As you search for new clubs in 2026, before you assume the newest or most hyped version, let the data narrow your options, adapt if possible and make sure the club you choose earns its place in your bag.
Post 10 golf clubs I thought would have performed better in the 2025 test appeared first on MyGolfSpy.
