Going back to a hybrid... bye bye 3-iron

I've been working a lot on my swing lately. I'm more consistent and it's helped me figure out what I can get (and can't get) out of certain clubs. I just got another 21 degree 585H (bought one then sold it back last year). I've come to grips that the difference in carry between my 3 and 4 iron is not large enough (4I = 185-190 yards, 3I=190-195 yards). If I play the 21 degree hybrid like a 7 iron, I can get about 200 yards carry most of the time and consistently straighter than my 3 or 4 iron. I get about 210-220 carry with the 5 wood, so I feel like my longer range distances are taken care of now. It's tough losing the 3 iron, but I figure I can hit a harder 4I or softer hybrid if I need to dial in 190-210. And, I can choke down and deloft a 4I to punch out of trees.

In some ways I wish my swing supported hitting a longer 3I, but it doesn't. I'm hitting the ball better and more consistent than ever (shorter swing, good tempo/timing) and I don't want to mess with that.

Has anyone else out there grappled with a similar situation?

I recently replaced my 3 iron with a 585.H 21 degree as well (just a few days ago). I was happy with my yardage gap (193 carry for my 4 and 206 for my 3) but my 3 iron occasionally hooked on me. Couldn't be happier with the 585.H although I'm hitting it 215-220 carry, so now I have a gap with my 4 iron and hybrid (up to 27 yards carry??).

The 585.H is way more consistent and a lot more forgiving than my 3 iron. Even if I hit it thin it flies a good 170+ yards, which isn't a bad result (assuming of course I'm on the fairway ). It's heaps better from the rough as well.

I loveee my 21 degree 585H... I also love my 3 iron, but wouldn't put it back in my bag over my 585H... Just as much carry with my 3 but the 585H is much more forgiving and sooo much easier from the rough imho.

I replaced added two hybrids to my bag, a 22* (or is it 21... ill have to go check lol) and 25*. I hit them much better than a 2, 3 or 4 iron and they fit much better into my set. They fill my distance gaps perfectly and keep my ball flight consistent, if not a touch higher than I'd like... but I rather have to knock it down then not be able to get it to spin and stop when I need to.

iacas, just a question on the distance gap between your 17 degree and 19 degree 585.H's. Is two degree's enough? or do you not play both but take one out depending on the course?

I would have never bought a hybrid iron. But a few weeks ago I was in a scramble and won a hybrid 2 iron. And I actually love it. I hit my 4 iron about 210 and my 3 iron about 220-225. Before I had the 2 iron I had a large gap between my 3 iron and my 3 wood. I don't carry a 5 wood. I hit my 3 wood about 260 yards. Now I have this hybrid 2 iron I don't have to try to kill a 3 iron or take an easy 3 wood when I have 240 yards. Wish I would have purchased something like this sooner.