Hybrid vs. Fairway

[radcochran]

I know there are many variables, but if everything is as equal as possible(shaft, golfer, etc.) What do you think the yardage and trajectory difference between an 18 degree hybrid and an 18 degree fairway wood is?

[Gerald]

The wood will fly higher, land softer and be longer........ besides that it will be a little harder to hit, mainly because it is a longer club.

[VMAN]

Just switched my 18* fairway for a 17* hybrid. Hybrid is much more versatile, accurate and longer. Some of that is the shaft as the hybrids have been fitted, but my 20* hybrid is longer and more accurate than my fairway wood. I have now gone to Driver, then hybrids, I carry no fairway woods at the moment.

Trajectory is fairly similar for me. I have a fairly low boring trajectory with both, though I find it easier to hit the high ball with the hybrid.

[Slammin' Sam]

There are also some of us with the opposite problem. I have a 14 degree 3 wood and a 17 degree 5 wood that I can hit more accurately and longer than any hybrid. Consequently, I carry fairway woods rather than hybrids. Try 'em both if you have the opportunity to do so and go with the one that works best for you.

[radcochran]

I have both. a 20 degreee hybrid and an 18 degree fairway wood. I wanna get rid of one for another wedge. I would prefer to get rid of the 5 wood and find a hybrid to split the gap between 3 wood and 4 iron. was wonderin if i should get a 18 or maybe 17 or 16, to get a 5 wood distance.

[jc650]

Ive recently ditched the 3 wood and as you can see in my sig have gone to 2 hybrids. For me consistency was far more important than a few yards. Im not saying there isnt 3w out there for me, I just cant find it.

[3 wiggle]

I culled my 3 wood in favor of a 18 degree hybrid. I loose 10 yards but gain much much much more consistency.