The Acer XP hybrid

Where the golf club world travels, so the clone world follows. Hard to imagine that a few years ago, a hybrid or utility club was a gimmick rarely seen in any self-respecting golf bag. Today, barely a self-respecting golf bag goes without at least one such club.

So no surprise to find the Acer XP line of clubs including a utility version. Like its siblings, this model features a deeper and shallower clubhead, with a wide rail on the sole to guide you through unwelcome vegetation.

The XP is a more forgiving alternative to the longer XP irons. They’re available to replace the 2- through to 7-iron, but it’s the longer-hitting hybrids that command most attention, since those long irons can be quite a challenge.

Typical retail price for the XP hybrid is under $30 in a basic configuration, rising toward $40+ with a more expensive graphite shaft. The clubs are available from online stores like GigaGolf or direct from the manufacturer Hireko.