Driving iron or Hybrid ??

[chris_]

I cannot seem to hit driving irons well. I do hit my 4 iron well, but not a 4 driving iron of the same loft well. So I run a 4i (22) to 220 or so, a 3h (19) to 240, and a 4w (16.5) over that

[365GolfApe]

I've never tried a driving iron, I've thought about it but my 3w off the tee is pretty good with a nice smooth swing it carries about 240 and if I get after it I can get it out past 275 total yards. Of course the smooth swing goes straighter. My 7w is a fairway finder but only like 210 carry. I really need to get out and play more. Lol

[TxDentist1234]

for me it’s an easy answer. Hybrid! fairway finder off the tee and able to stop in on the green! with driving irons any long approach shot or long par 3 I tend to get too much run out! 

[DGula]

I completely understand but have not found an iron that works well for me. I have been using a Mizuno MP CLK for years and cannot find anything better for me.

[Brad F]

On 8/28/2023 at 2:13 PM, John T69 said:

For an easy swing and a great fairway finder it’s a 3 or 4 G425 hybrid from Ping for me. Easy swing and I’m out there over 200yards. I wanted the driving iron/crossover but just couldn’t hit it as well as the hybrids. The 5 wood came out of the bag to make room for the 3 hybrid. 

I can also vouch for the G425 4 hybrid.  It's so easy to hit and super accurate.

[RwsGolf1]

I am very interested in why the G425 HY is so acceptable.  I have not hit one at this point, currently playing a Callaway Super.  I like it because it was more stable.  Over the next few months I will set up a fitting/testing.

Can anyone touting the G425 give me the list of benefits?  Thanks.

[anotherburntsteak]

I tried hitting 3w and 5w off the tee and just cannot seem to find any consistency with them. So, I had my 4i that was not in my bag bent down to 17 degrees by our club maker in town and it has completely changed my game off the tee box. This was over the weekend in our club championship... Outside of the 2 times I topped it being an idiot (lost focus being too confident with it) it preformed well... Never OB, no lost balls... miss hits stayed well in play. 

[Byrnzee]

On 8/27/2023 at 9:08 PM, Byrnzee said:

I have had a 3 hybrid in my bag for as long as I can remember. I typically like hitting it off the tee on tighter fairways and using it to attack reachable Par 5s in two. However, sometimes it can be inconsistent, especially off the fairway. I recently played with someone using a driving iron and he was so consistent with it that I started questioning whether or not I could benefit from owning one.

Long story short... I found a Ping iCrossover on Facebook Marketplace for a really good deal and decided to pull the trigger. I still think I'll be using the hybrid more often, but I think it will be nice to switch it out for the driving iron depending on the course, wind conditions, etc.

Looking forward to testing it out once it arrives! Might be a permanent addition to the bag if it makes a good impression 

New driving iron arrived today! Made a mistake by saying it was the new iCrossover - it's actually the Ping G425 Crossover driving iron; but still super excited about it nonetheless! I've attached some pictures here for your viewing pleasure. It looks to be in great shape with just a few scratches from minimal wear and tear.

Specs are as follows: 40.5in, 18 degree, Aldila Rogue Black Hybrid 95 Graphite Tour X-Stiff, built-in Arccos Golf Pride Tour Velvet grip

I can't lie, this thing is intimidating to stand over  looking forward to testing it at the range tomorrow! Might become an alternate option to my 3 hybrid.

[Forbes]

On 8/28/2023 at 8:51 AM, Forbes said:

I have a Titleist u505 1 iron that I use as my fairway finder. I have played them all my life and still find it useful. Just purchased the Ping G430 2 hybrid delofted to 15.5 degrees. Trying it out tomorrow 

Update - played today with the g430 2 hybrid. Averaged 220 yds with a long of 230 yds. Fairway finder. It is staying in the bag for now. 

[ZMendle10]

I am actually currently carry both a Srixon ZX utility 2 iron and a Mizuno CLK 3 Hybrid in my bag. I tend to rotate them out depending on the course conditions but typically I favor my hybrid as it's just much more consistent with a slight fade. It for sure wins on the ease of use compared to the 2i and I like the additional distance I get out of it as well. 

[Big moose]

It's hybrid all the way for me. I carry the callaway xr 3,4 and 5 hybrid. They are so easy to hit. My handicap dropped at least 4 strokes since I took out the 3,4 and 5 iron. 

[Girldad18]

I think it is preference and use in the bag.  If that is all you are using it for and have the space in your bag for it, then hammer down.  Me personally, I have a hybrid that could be a fairway finder if needed, but I would rather have the loft to land it softly on a green if needed for hitting a par five in two or a long approach shot.  I prefer not have just a unitasker in the bag.  I don't really have room for it anyway.

[TG8]

Played driving irons for 3 years. 
This year I gave a hybrid another shot. 
 

Verdict: my hybrid mishits were extremely better than the driving irons.  I miss my driving iron but had to ditch it to make my overall game better.