Cleveland 588 Custom Hybrid
We review ten of the latest golf hybrids on the market but which is the best?
Brand: Cleveland
Hybrid: 588 Custom
RRP: £129
Available lofts: 18-, 20.5-, 23- & 26-degree
Shaft: Miyazaki Hybrid C.Kua 59
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Watch the video above to see how the Golfmagic Hybrids Test 2014 was conducted
Summary
Cleveland says the 588 Hybrid is its longest hybrid ever, featuring a hot, forgiving face for maximum distance and Gliderail Technology for incredible playability. Players of all abilities will experience added power and control from any lie whether that be from fairway, rough or sand.
Appearance
Better players will enjoy the shape of the head as it looks compact and there is minimal offset. It’s a very attractive club but the shiny finish may put some interested punters off. The most glare we saw out of any of the clubs in this test. Nothing really to go on when it comes to alignment either, which is a little disappointing. 3.5 (out of 5)
Feel
A beautiful feel on offer, so much so that we couldn’t stop hitting it. It has a soft, springy feel that will have you reaching for the hybrid time and again. Andy and Brian appreciated the shaft weight of the Miyazaki, which felt easy to swing with control. 8.5 (out of 10)
Performance
One of the longer clubs in the test but the most impressive thing for us was the forgiveness on offer. Variable face thickness technology meant we didn’t lose too much ball speed when we hit a bad one and the Gliderail Technology, designed to reduce turf drag, allowed us to get the club through the turf with ease. Rich said the club performed much better for him off the tee. The 588 has a naturally penetrating ball flight so will be perfect for players struggling with ballooning balls. Performed one of the best in the test for Brian. 8 (out of 10)
Verdict
A fantastic hybrid that performs off the deck, rough and tee. It has a naturally high ball flight and is very forgiving. Aside from potential glare issues and a lack of alignment at address, this one is well worth a look at particularly given its price tag. 20 (out of 25)