Tour Edge EX9 Hybrid

Over the years, Tour Edge's 'Exotics' line has developed a reputation for their radical designs and the high quality materials they use in each club. Because of this, it's no surprise that the Tour Edge Exotics are some of the longest clubs on the market, especially when it comes to hybrids and fairway woods. The EX9 lineup continues this tradition and, while the emphasis is still on technology and materials, a lot more focus is being put on playability. Case in point - the EX9 hybrid.

As far as looks goes, the EX9 hybrid has it all. The head is slightly larger than the Cobra KING F6 I have been playing and the "E" alignment aid on the top is a welcome change from the usual straight-line or crosshairs found on most hybrids; it also adds a nice contrast to the high gloss black finish. The finish on the club is quite impressive, especially on the clubface. After hitting range balls for about an hour, the EX9 hybrid still looked brand new. Hit range balls with hybrids from other companies and your left with marks all over the clubface. Great Job Tour Edge!

From a purely technical aspect, the Tour Edge EX9 hybrid doesn't disappoint. The SlipStream sole has been combined with a steel cup face in an effort to maximize both forgiveness and distance. The maraging steel cup face features an improved Variable Face Thickness (VFT), meaning the thinnest and thickest areas on the face are strategically positioned to optimize forgiveness on off-center hits. When this VFT cup face is combo brazed to a heavier hyper-steel body, the EX9 hybrid becomes very easy to hit from any lie and delivers explosive power.

For shots where you're in either the intermediate or slightly heavier rough, Exotic's SlipStream Sole technology can be put to the test. The SlipStream sole features shorter 'waves' from front to back which dramatically reduce the amount interaction with the turf. Also, the heavier sole moves the center of gravity in the clubhead lower and helps launch the ball out of any turf condition. When you combine this change in the center of gravity with the innovative design of the SlipStream sole, the result is better contact, better launch angle and much more distance.

The EX9 hybrid is easy to hit from your first swing to your last; there is no break in period required. I took it out of the box straight to the range and immediately started hitting high, penetrating shots from all types of lies. And long, this club is long! The ball was easy to work left and right as well. Overall, it's a very nice club.
My only dislike with the EX9 hybrid was the sound. It produces a high pitched metallic sound. I realize that sound is a personal thing - at least that's what my dad used to say about my KISS record collection. It may appeal to some, but it didn't appeal to me. Come to think of it, dad used to say that too.

The Tour Edge Exotics EX9 hybrid is available as a 2 (17 degree), 3 (19), 4 (22), 5 (25) or 6 (28) hybrid. A US Mamiya Recoil 460 graphite is the stock shaft and is available in ladies, senior, regular, stiff or extra stiff flex. The retail price is $159.99, making it an exceptional value for the money. The EX9 hybrid is available at many major golf retailers. You can also visit them only at www.touredge.com.