Long Irons vs Hybrids

[adamgoodman]

I was convinced that using hybrid clubs instead of long irons was the way to go for me. (My father had me using hybrids since I was 10 years old) But today at the tender age of 16, I'm not so sure. I purchased a Nike SQ Hybrid 3 to go along with my set (4-AW) and I find it troublesome to hit. On the other hand, I found it very easy to hit my new four iron. (I had used a hybrid 4 previously). Even more surprising, I tested my theory with an old Spalding three iron and found that just as easy for me to hit. But I can't seem to get what I want consistently from my hybrid 3, which is always preached for being easier to hit. Any thoughts or comments?

[adamgoodman]

I would also like for this to be an open debate for long irons versus hybrid clubs. I'm a long iron supporter!

[MMouse]

I don't have a hybrid in my bag. I have a 3 iron and a 3 wood as my long cluns ( other than driver )

My perspective is skewed though because I'm hitting a Big Bertha 3 iron and Big Bertha S2H2 3 wood, so they work for me.

[James_Black]

use the search button.

too many threads made on this topic

[sean_miller]

I was convinced that using hybrid clubs instead of long irons was the way to go for me. (My father had me using hybrids since I was 10 years old) But today at the tender age of 16, I'm not so sure. I purchased a Nike SQ Hybrid 3 to go along with my set (4-AW) and I find it troublesome to hit. On the other hand, I found it very easy to hit my new four iron. (I had used a hybrid 4 previously). Even more surprising, I tested my theory with an old Spalding three iron and found that just as easy for me to hit. But I can't seem to get what I want consistently from my hybrid 3, which is always preached for being easier to hit. Any thoughts or comments?

At the tender age of over 40, I've played with a lot of players who struggle with long irons. They're not exactly making travel plans for Q school with hybrids in the bag, but they feel good enough about their game to keep playing and having fun.

I don't carry any hybrids in the bag, but to the people I golf with who can use them with confidence, I say hear hear!

[The Recreational Golfer]

I would say that if you can hit your long irons, fine, but hybrids are truly easier to hit if you know how. Just put an easy swing on it and stay out of its way. The more you try to "hit" the ball with a hybrid, the harder it is to make it perform. Also, they're hybrid irons . You still have to hit down on them. If you try to sweep the ball, you don't get good results.

I switched in 2003 when I tried a Hogan CFT 3h at a demo day and hit the best 3-iron shot of my life, three times in a row. I now have a 2h, 3h, and 4h in my bag, though I rotate the 2h and 3h in and out depending on the course I'll be playing, and a 5h is waiting in the wings.

[stiffdogg06]

I have a 22* Hybrid in my bag. I like it when I am 210+ out and in the rough when I know I can't get good contact with a 4i on the ball.

[nuck81]

I have a 2-5hy in the bag and 6-sw irons. Its what works for me now and gives me the most confidence and results. The 2hy and 4hy are my two easiest and most versatile clubs in the bag. I'll probably lose my 5hy soon, It's an offbrand and feels awkward to swing, and add my 4 and 5 iron back in, now that my swing is starting to get consistent enough to make great contact on the majority of my swings.

Hybrids are meant to be used. If they are not for you that's great, use irons and whatever gives you personally the most options, consistency, and oppurtunities. But to look down or bash players that do is asinine and cowardly (not that anyone in this thread has done that.......yet) especially when the guy using a hybrid knocks it on the green when you still have 20 yds to go

[Juice1499]

For you, I would say go with what works. For better players I think the choice is made on ball flight. For low ball hitters a hydrid can be handy for holding greens 200+ out. For high ball hitters a hybrid can be tricky to keep down when needed. This is the reason Mr. Woods doesnt carry a hybrid.

[adamgoodman]

I found that choking up on the hybrid helped me get the ball flight and direction I was looking for more often... Does that mean anything?

[Juice1499]

Choking up on any club will help control both direction and ball flight. It does two thing, obviously shortens the club for more control but also stiffens the shaft slightly.

[soloredd]

I found that choking up on the hybrid helped me get the ball flight and direction I was looking for more often... Does that mean anything?

Don't know but that's how I hit my 3h and 4h. In fact, it wasn't until this past week that I figured out by choking up just a bit helped me get out of my funk with them. I haven't used my hybrids for maybe 3 rounds now, I was snap hooking the hell out of them. I've had a few range sessions now where I think I dialed them back in so we shall see. My new set I ordered a 4 iron with it for another option.

[adamgoodman]

Choking up on any club will help control both direction and ball flight. It does two thing, obviously shortens the club for more control but also stiffens the shaft slightly.

So... Maybe I should've gone with a stiff shaft instead of regular?

[Shanks A Million]

So... Maybe I should've gone with a stiff shaft instead of regular?

Especially since you're 16, yes. Easy fix is to just get it cut down an inch, it will solve both problems.

I like hybrids, and suggest their use to anyone who thinks they may help. I am considering going to a 2h, and possibly a 3h for some variety. I like my long irons, and hit them just fine, but having the option to pull a hybrid is always better than not having the option. I do a cheap 2 and 3 hybrid that I will on occasion use, but not regularly, as they are cheap and have shut faces. Cleveland is offering their new Launcher DST hybrid with a steel shaft, which may be just the ticket. I think I dislike graphite shafts more than woods and hybrids, because I can hit my old persimmon woods great.

[adamgoodman]

Especially since you're 16, yes. Easy fix is to just get it cut down an inch, it will solve both problems.

Same deal is going on with my 3-wood, also a regular flex shaft. How much would cutting them down cost, and would I have to regrip them also? I only bought the clubs back in January.

[Shanks A Million]

Same deal is going on with my 3-wood, also a regular flex shaft. How much would cutting them down cost, and would I have to regrip them also? I only bought the clubs back in January.

Often just the cost of a new grip, and you'd probably have to regrip them. I've met clubmakers who could do it without harming the grip, but that's rare.

[RC]

Swing speed is a huge factor with long irons. Lower swing speeds don't allow a long iron to really perform well but don't seem to affect hybrids as much (except of course there is less distance.) There is also the question of playability. I think a 3 iron gives one more options than a hybrid when it comes to shot shaping, but a hybrid might be easier for some lies. It is a conundrum that I fight all the time... carry the 3 iron or not? If it is windy, I would rather have a 3 iron because the knock down hybrid is not something I am very successful trying.

p.s. If you are wondering about my club listing in the signature... I have been carrying a 5 wood some of late, so the hybrid or 3 iron has to go. A 5 wood is very useful on my home course.

[anthony]

I love my 4 and 5 hybrids. I can hit them way better than the 3 and 4 irons that they replace. Obviously, with any club, you still have to put a good swing on them. I'm going to drop my 5 wood for a 2 or 3 hybrid too.