Sub70 949X Hybrid Review

[golfish!]

Hey fellow spies, it has been nearly 9 months since I had time to post any reviews as I have relocated halfway across the US and been busy with relocation and settling in. I did recently purchase Sub70 949X 3 and 4 hybrids with the Project X HZRDUS Smoke Black RDX 80 6.0 shafts. These were to replace a set of Callaway XR hybrids that I hit ok since I purchased them but more recently with swing changes was starting to hook more often than not. I was looking at the Taylormade Stealth hybrids because I noticed they have the V-steel soles from my old TM woods. Not sure when they brought that design back though I might just be out of date as I have not bought hybrids in years. I did the research on what causes hybrids to hook (my natural shot is a draw and my normal miss is a overdraw/hook with all clubs from driver down to wedge) and saw that I could possibly benefit from a heavier shaft with more torque. So after some discussion with the owner Jason Hiland, he agreed that the shafts I chose on the order were the right place to start.

Sidebar on Sub70 as a brand. If you have not looked into Sub70 yet, I highly recommend giving them a serious look. I currently game the Sub70 699Pro irons and have no complaints. The best part of buying Sub70 is that you get a quality club at a better price point than the big names. Only downside is you have to trust the process and purchase to test (they do have a testing program but the club selection is limited to what they have in stock at the time) unless you live near their HQ or happen to find some at your local golf shop used shelf. Jason will work with you from the beginning of the process and get you into the best fit for you. I have not had to personally swap anything on my clubs so far so no experience with that but talk to anyone who has dealt with Sub70 before and you will hear the same story over and over. 

Getting back to the club review, I immediately noticed the difference in shaft weights compared to my old Callaway XR hybrids. I have come to realize that heavier shafts give me more control even though I know my swing speed is suffering a bit. I think these are the right shafts for me though because I am still able to get good carry distances and have not noticed any decrease in carry/overall distance with these. The lofts are 1 degree stronger than the Callaway XR's but I don't think that makes a big difference. I liked the design of the heads with the carbon fiber crown. The soles remind me of the Taylormade V-steel soles and I do notice I am able to get through turf easier than with my Callaway XR hybrids. The hook still rears it's ugly head here and there but I am noticing a much straighter ball flight. I feel more confident with these clubs that I will hit a good shot off the turf and get close to the pin. On contact, these feel great off the face and I am now expecting the muted sound of carbon fiber crowns with metal faces as in my TM Sim 2 driver. These sound crisp on good contact but sound is subjective. I am sure there is someone out there who enjoys the thonk sound of the square drivers of the 90s lol. 

In summary, if you are looking for some new hybrids take a look at the Sub70 949X. It is a newer release from Sub70 and they don't release new clubs for the sake of releasing new clubs so you know that they have done the research and testing to make sure there is going to be improvement from previous releases. Their 939's are still a top seller but I was drawn to the 949X because of the carbon fiber crown and the sole shape. Hope this helps somebody looking for new hybrids but not wanting to spend major OEM money especially in this economy!

[cksurfdude]

Good info, thx. And yes - have read lots of positive reviews about their customer service!

[Bossfan]

I tried these and their fairway woods at their demo day. They both performed great and I’ll be buying one of each just haven’t decided which will be first since I have one gift card now and another coming in August. 

[CrazyGolfNut]

I am thinking about replacing my 5 hybrid and considering the Sub 70.  Hoping for some more input/reviews before I make the decision.  I have always played big name company products so I am a little tentative.

[golfish!]

@CrazyGolfNutyou could always demo the clubs and decide but 1 year later in still loving the clubs.  As I mentioned in my review,  I am seeing tighter dispersion with these as the massive hook I had with my old callaway XR is less prevalent with the sub70. I feel more confident in my ability to hit these well.  I highly recommend these and I don't even get any endorsement from them lol. 

[Shrek74]

On 7/20/2023 at 7:17 AM, CrazyGolfNut said:

I am thinking about replacing my 5 hybrid and considering the Sub 70.  Hoping for some more input/reviews before I make the decision.  I have always played big name company products so I am a little tentative.

I have the 3 & 4 hybrids of the 939x model and love them. I have the 90g Smoke Black shafts in stiff flex. The 3h was a pre-owned deal and the 4h was bought new to match after using the 3h and loving it. They're very much point and shoot for me. I haven't noticed any leanings in either direction when I make a quality swing. Even a slightly bad swing still delivers a better result than the swing deserves.

I have the 3 & 5 woods of the 949x model and they're also some of the best fairway woods I've ever owned. The 3 wood rivals my driver at this point (granted I overspin my driver), but it's a rocket launcher. They feel and sound great to me even on off-center strikes. Both of these were pre-owned deals as well, as they had the exact specs I wanted at a lower price, plus a nice 20% off sale.

I won't hesitate to purchase anything they make going forward, especially as I get refit next May for my 50th b-day.

I also have some 659 CB/TC irons (not my gamers just yet as they just arrived), their 286 & JB FG wedges, and their 002 mid-mallet putter. You won't find a better company in golf, anywhere. Jason (the owner) even called me the Saturday after Thanksgiving to talk to me about some stuff. Jason, Dan, Jay, and the rest of the staff there are all top-notch. They're always my first check if I need anything new or used for clubs.

Pull that trigger if you haven't already. You won't be disappointed.

[Bossfan]

I really like my 949x. I have had it close to a year and it’s been great. I have a 4 and it is longer than the 3 hybrid it replaced. I am also getting good results with the 949x 4w I purchased  at the same time.