Not sure what i need in my bag Hybrid vs Woods...

[Jonathan Zach]

Hi, i recently upgraded from a beginner set. I purchased:

Callaway ft5 driver

Nike vrs x iron set, 4i through AW

Now i still have the fairway wood and the 4 Hybrid from the starter set (Wilson Ultra)

My question is: should i buy a 3 Hybrid as well to replace the fairway wood ?

Note, i need something for long par 3 for example, as my Hybrid does not  go more then 170 yards.

Or, to buy a 2 hybrid ?

[Grumpter]

I went with Driver, 3W, 2-hybrid, 4i - pw. I found the 3h wasn't much different than my 4-iron so I went with an adjustable loft 2-hybrid that has bridged the gap between my 3-wood and 4-iron.

[Jonathan Zach]

thanks, so maybe i need a 3 hybrid, as i cant hit a 4iron very well.

[WUTiger]

First of all, compare your 4i and 5i. If the two go about the same distance, you need to drop the 4i in favor of a hybrid.

Next, what mix of FWs and Hs will work for  you?

For FWs, you have power and forgiveness heads. You have the power heads for persons with good contact and clubhead speed. Design theme: Center of gravity a bit higher and more forward to lower spin. Think of Tour Edge Exotics Beta, Titleist 915Fd, or most FW variants with "Tour" or "Pro" in the name.

And, you have the forgiveness heads for persons who need help getting the ball launched (majority of golfers). These heads often have a COG somewhat lower and more rearward to get the ball up, and may have a lower profile head. Think Tour Edge XRail, Ping G**, and similar woods.

Before  you say you can't hit a FW off the deck, try some of the more forgiving heads. Also, test out a 4W, easier to hit than many people.

For the hybrids: If you find you hook standard hybrids, you may need to try a Pro or Tour head (less offset). If you have average swing speed, this may be a custom order, as golf shops sometimes don't stock many  P and T heads with R-flex shafts.

The bridge clubs (FW and H) are critical, so don't be afraid to get help from a good fitter.