Anyone Playing Higher Lofted Hybrids

[georgeshot]

Anyone playing higher lofted hybrids? I replace my 4 iron with a PING 20 4-hybrid (23°) and was thinking about getting the 5-hybrid (27°). They go as high as 31° to replace the 6 iron as well. I've hit the Taylor Made Rescue RBZs and have a set "in waiting" 19°, 22°, 25° just because a got a screaming good deal, but right now I am hitting the PING distance clubs really well and they really feel comfortable and smooth.

[dave s]

The longest iron in my bag is a #6.  The only time I use the 6-iron would be on a par-3.  My current set includes 4 and 5 hybrids which can be used from anywhere on the course--rough, fairway, par-3 shots, etc. For me, they are an advantage over a 4 or 5-iron.  More solid contact; better flight; more consistent distance; higher degree of success. At some point, I may consider replacing my 6-iron with another hybrid.

I'm always in favor of moving from long irons to the easier to hit hybrids.  Have been using hybrids for years with better success compared to long irons.

dave.

[Stretch]

Will admit to having three different, 27 degree "5 irons". One that matches the rest of my iron set (Wishon 560MC/KBS Tour), one spring-face SGI iron (Wishon 870Ti/UST Recoil Proto) and one full-on hybrid (Wishon 775HS/Accra Tour-Z).

Tend to rotate them according to which I am currently hitting least badly.

[georgeshot]

The longest iron in my bag is a #6.  The only time I use the 6-iron would be on a par-3.  My current set includes 4 and 5 hybrids which can be used from anywhere on the course--rough, fairway, par-3 shots, etc. For me, they are an advantage over a 4 or 5-iron.  More solid contact; better flight; more consistent distance; higher degree of success. At some point, I may consider replacing my 6-iron with another hybrid.

I'm always in favor of moving from long irons to the easier to hit hybrids.  Have been using hybrids for years with better success compared to long irons.

dave.

Hey dave s,

Thanks for sharing. Do you find that you are getting more distance from the RBZ2 hybrids than your standard 4 or 5 irons? And do you find the same to be true with the RBZ2 fairway clubs? The design of the Taylor Made clubs are truly visually appealing and I know that can inspire confidence as well, but I was just curious. Like I stated I found a set of first RBZs (19, 22, 25) for a "can't pass up" price and I tested them at my range with good results, but I also have not course tested them out yet like I have with the PING G25 4-hybrid. Thanks again as your thoughts are appreciated.

~George.

[georgeshot]

Thanks Stretch for sharing. It's crazy with equipment these day and actually there are incredible deals to be had on excellent clubs if you look hard enough. Like I stated I found a set of the RBZs (3H, 4H, 5H) for a super deal and could not let them go and the RBZ 5-hybrid (25°) was easy so easy to hit. So I'm thinking that the PING G25 5-hybrid (27°) may be the wave of the future for my bag to match up with the G25 4-hybrid (23°) that I already have. I'm in the PING mode I guess right now and I'm hitting the 4-wood and 7-wood like nobody's business, especially the 4-wood. Seems it can do no wrong (keep your finger crossed for me).

~ George.

[Hack2putt]

I've been playing the the pro black 26* and 23* hybrids recently(went back to them after trying the rbz's, too big for my taste) and I doubt I'll ever game a 5 iron again. The key is to have a versatile sole(low bounce or even slight scoop) to increase your range of shots. Most players always find a gap between there longest iron and shortest hybrid so being able to grip down slightly and open the face a bit without ending up with too much bounce is what helps close that gap. When hybrids get too big they're really just short heavy headed woods with flat bottoms. The concept of the Heaven Wood and Divine Nine will most likely make a comeback at some point because of this. "Hybrids" should remain more iron size if that's what there replacing. Seems to me that a lot of them are knockoffs of the Perfect club. )

[dave s]

Hey dave s,

Thanks for sharing. Do you find that you are getting more distance from the RBZ2 hybrids than your standard 4 or 5 irons? And do you find the same to be true with the RBZ2 fairway clubs? The design of the Taylor Made clubs are truly visually appealing and I know that can inspire confidence as well, but I was just curious. Like I stated I found a set of first RBZs (19, 22, 25) for a "can't pass up" price and I tested them at my range with good results, but I also have not course tested them out yet like I have with the PING G25 4-hybrid. Thanks again as your thoughts are appreciated.

~George.

Hi George:

The hybrids deliver more consistent results than irons would for me now.  I can tee up a 4-hybrid, hit it solid and have a chance at par on a 175-yard par-3.  I'd be extremely lucky to hit a 4-iron solid and anywhere near 175 yards on a regular basis.

As for the Taylormade clubs, they replaced my Adams hybrids.  The TM clubs just seemed to work better for me, have more consistent yardage and (for me) work better than the Adams clubs.

The TM 3-wood (its the high-launch model) is used when I need 200 yards off the tee.  I've hit it a few times from the fairway but only if I have an uphill lie.  For me, it's pretty tough to generate enough club head speed to launch a 3w off the deck anymore!  For next season, I'll have the 5-wood HL model as well.  I'm expecting to be able to get that club up and flying and eat up more distance on longer par-5s.

dave