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The Sub 70 949X Pro Hybrid offers maximum value to better players. While many hybrids can be hook machines for speedy swingers, the 949X Pro shows that with a few design tweaks, a stellar hybrid can be made for a low-handicap player.
Check out the new Sub 70 Pro V2 fairway wood HERE
Introduction
Coming off of the resoundingly positive experience I had trying the 849 Pro Driver (review HERE), I was thrilled to get a chance to get my hands on this hybrid. The entire pro line of Sub 70 clubs is designed to be more fade-biased, keeping players with faster swings from over-drawing their shots… which is something that I have personally struggled with in the last year. With such a niche design and purpose, it’s clear that this club has a smaller intended audience. After all, there are a lot more people that have trouble with slices than hooks.
Looks
The sole of the Sub 70 949X Pro Hybrid sets the no-frills, down-to-business tone. There’s a simple “V” shaped cut out around a whited-out Sub 70 logo with other text that includes the number of the hybrid and the model name. The only other major features are the two weights visible in the center and the toe of the sole.
I have to admit that the look of this club at address are strange to me. It has a tiny head yet the toe is pronounced and protruding, looking almost like a swollen big toe.
This slightly strange look is a case of function over form. Almost every design choice was made to keep the ball from going left. The weight port on the toe is designed so that a heavier weight can be put there to keep the face from closing down through the swing. The face itself was designed one degree open to further discourage hooks.
Sound & Feel
The 949X Pro Hybrid is a hot feeling club, of that there is no doubt. Striking the ball from the center of the face felt as powerful as any hybrid I’ve hit, but it is unforgiving. With “Pro” in the name, it’s a club that is inherently difficult to hit and if your timing isn’t impeccable, it’ll be frustrating.
The sound off the face is a higher-pitched metallic one that dulls after the initial impact. Not at all hollow, I’d describe it as a “cwap!” Oddly satisfying, it’s a sound that made me want to hit ball after ball.
Performance
The performance of the 949X Pro Hybrid will vary depending on what choices you make when purchasing. The customization starts with four different models available: 2H (16°), 3H (19°), 4H (22°), and 5H (25°). You can lengthen the club up to an inch and shorten it by an inch and a quarter. While the standard option is a Lamkin grip and the Project X Riptide shaft, grip and shaft upgrades can really help dial in a wide swathe of different golfers. The one I tested had a midsize Winn grip and an EvenFlow Riptide 85 gram hybrid shaft.
No matter which options you choose, tinkerers will be thrilled to know they can further adjust their club. With the provided wrench, you can alter how the club performs dramatically by swapping the two weights on the club. It comes with a pair of 7.5-gram weights installed. The 949X also comes with two 10-gram weights and a 5-gram weight for dialing in swing weight and ball flight.
Interestingly, the club went left for me, especially with the standard weighting. However, it wasn’t dramatically left, and it was a very consistent shot shape. The club featured a piercing ball flight and low spin, performing almost like a driving iron. Despite having nearly identical club speed, I was gaining a little over 10 yards in carry, and nearly 20 yards in total compared to the Cleveland Launcher XL Hy-Wood [review HERE].
Interestingly, I was only losing around 400 RPMs of backspin compared to that club. After toying with the 949X’s weights, I found I could minimize the left miss with a 10-gram weight in the toe and a 7.5-gram weight in the center.
Conclusion
Once again, Sub 70 has shown that a superior performing club doesn’t need to come with a superior price tag. The stellar clubs that Sub 70 continues to produce are now an expected standard. I was seeing noticeable gains compared to other top name-brand hybrids and yet, it doesn’t cost nearly much. Starting at $149, it’s one of the cheaper options in a market where others sell for $250 to $270.
Visit Sub 70 Golf HERE
Sub 70 949X Pro Hybrid Price and Specs
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3 Comments
Got 1 in a 5 hybrid went for the pro cause I hate hybrids that look like mini fairway woods awesome club and as easy to hit as any hybrid I have hit
What? A hybrid that does NOT go left? Hmmm…intriguing. Maybe there’s a hybrid I can play after all, since all the others I’ve tried sent the ball sailing foul into the bleachers. I’ve tried a lot of them, and they’re all long gone from my bag. And at that price, I really can’t go wrong. Thanks for that review Drew. I just might take a chance on this one.
I bought the 5 hybrid, with a Project X Hazardous Black RDX shaft. And found it lives up to its billing, except I find it really easy to hit. I also own a set of Sub 70 699 Pro irons.