I currently play a KE4 TC Utility 21 degree with Kuro Kage shaft and I KILL it! A little lead tape on the toe and I can rip it without worrying about it going left. It has become a ‘go to’ club for me. The new TC Pro IST Hybrids look very similar. I’m interested in the 26 degree club. Could I expect it to play similar to the Utility model?
The Pro IST Hybrids are a little smaller than the HyWay. Actually the Pro IST design is what we were working towards when we ended up with the HyWay. First samples came in and were larger than what we had originally designed. We went ahead and tested them and they became the HyWay. Once we adjusted, the result is the Pro IST you see today. The HyWay sold pretty well and definitely perform at a high level, but it was time to let it fade away. We have some 23 deg. remaining but no more 21 deg.
We feel the Pro IST is a great hybrid and is a great transition club either from fairways to irons or from irons to fairways because of it’s shape, size and sole. For me, I like them better than what might be considered a more traditional hybrid shape like our Tour TC Hybrid, which is also a great club. I think the Pro IST is a great alternative to the HyWay in the similar lofts. All the lofts performed exceptionally well in our testing and the feedback has been all positive.
So, I think the 26 degree Pro IST is worth a try. I don’t think the slight size difference will matter, but that’s something you will have to determine for yourself.
Hope this helps.
Britt Lindsey
The shaft size requirement is a difference, but shouldn’t make a difference in performance. You can put a .335″ in a .370″ hosel with a shim.
Britt Lindsey
I play the HiWay 21 and the IST 26. IST is smaller, Britt posted the sizes on an earlier comparison question.
IST has a smaller sweet spot and seems to be a little hotter off the face. Perhaps due to the smaller head size?
26* gaps well with the 21*.
I’m playing in the Seattle area with frequently wet and soft conditions(surprise). The HyWay is absolute money.
I have built them for every friend that has tried mine. Stock up…phasing them out.
Wouldn’t the biggest difference between the hyway and the ist hybrids be the difference in the wood shaft vs the iron shaft?
By the way myself and others would love to put a wood shaft in one of the ist hybrids with a shim. Would it work?