We demonstrate a compact, efficient Nd:YVO4 stable-unstable hybrid slab oscillator that was partially end pumped at 880 nm. A maximum output power of 165 W at 1064 nm was obtained with an optical-to-optical efficiency from absorbed pump power to laser output of up to 60% and a slope efficiency of up to 66%. The beam propagation factors M-2 were 1.7 in the stable direction and 1.4 in the unstable direction without sidelobes. (C) 2008 Optical Society of America.