5 Wood or Hybrid, which do you prefer?

[Javs]

Found this article this morning. Personally, I carry three hybrids: 17 degree, 22 degree and 26 degree. Occasionally, I take out the 17 and 22 and just carry a 19 and 26 while inserting an extra wedge. I never carry a 5 wood.

https://www.golfmonthly.com/gear/should-i-use-a-5-wood-or-3-hybrid?utm_term=CFEB69DA-8695-406A-822D-71925C4B6E39&lrh=afabd56f8788996dec1eed39e53e29756a4fe34c1aff9fa4fdfa9f254cbb042a&utm_campaign=075440B8-601C-4440-A9B1-8A7444061AA8&utm_medium=email&utm_content=D068104C-E249-461D-8C35-3B5B3BCD31A0&utm_source=SmartBrief

[funkyjudge]

26 minutes ago, Javs said:

Found this article this morning. Personally, I carry three hybrids: 17 degree, 22 degree and 26 degree. Occasionally, I take out the 17 and 22 and just carry a 19 and 26 while inserting an extra wedge. I never carry a 5 wood.

https://www.golfmonthly.com/gear/should-i-use-a-5-wood-or-3-hybrid?utm_term=CFEB69DA-8695-406A-822D-71925C4B6E39&lrh=afabd56f8788996dec1eed39e53e29756a4fe34c1aff9fa4fdfa9f254cbb042a&utm_campaign=075440B8-601C-4440-A9B1-8A7444061AA8&utm_medium=email&utm_content=D068104C-E249-461D-8C35-3B5B3BCD31A0&utm_source=SmartBrief

Depending on the course that I am playing, I carry either an 18* 5-wood (Tour Edge Exotics C723) or an 18* hybrid (Callaway Paradym X), never both. If I am gaming the 5-wood, I only have one hybrid in my bag most of the time (21* Sub 70 949x).

The 5-wood is a better club for use from the tee, and I can turn the loft down to 17.25* and drop the 4- wood from my bag. I also like the 5- wood for 215-230 yard approach shots to long par-5 holes.

My 18* Paradym X hybrid is better from the rough and is great when I want a steeper landing angle to stop the ball more quickly. It gives me roughly the same distance as the 5-wood, but I can more easily choke down on it if I want to get only 190-195 yards, which I find very difficult to do with my 5-wood.

[funkyjudge]

46 minutes ago, Javs said:

Found this article this morning. Personally, I carry three hybrids: 17 degree, 22 degree and 26 degree. Occasionally, I take out the 17 and 22 and just carry a 19 and 26 while inserting an extra wedge. I never carry a 5 wood.

https://www.golfmonthly.com/gear/should-i-use-a-5-wood-or-3-hybrid?utm_term=CFEB69DA-8695-406A-822D-71925C4B6E39&lrh=afabd56f8788996dec1eed39e53e29756a4fe34c1aff9fa4fdfa9f254cbb042a&utm_campaign=075440B8-601C-4440-A9B1-8A7444061AA8&utm_medium=email&utm_content=D068104C-E249-461D-8C35-3B5B3BCD31A0&utm_source=SmartBrief

By the way, a “best of both worlds” option just might be the Callaway Apex UW (Utility Wood).

[Javs]

6 minutes ago, funkyjudge said:

By the way, a “best of both worlds” option just might be the Callaway Apex UW (Utility Wood).

Interesting thought actually. However, I do love the PXG hybrids I carry. I can hit them off the tee or from any lie. 

[Josh Parker]

I think both carry some weight behind them.  I have switched things up this year at the top of the bag and I'm going to again when the mini driver arrives. 

Currently I have a 5w and 3 hybrid. I dropped my 4 iron as I never used it. I like carrying both because there are shots from rough or getting over a tree quick that the hybrid works better for and then from the tee or fairway the 5w works for the shot I want. I can choke down on the hybrid for gapping and land it soft where the 5w I can keep low and shape too. 

When the mini gets in, I will prob drop 5w and keep my 16.5 degree 4w in the bag as well as the 3 hybrid. 

[KC Golf]

I have always had a 3 hybrid, but I tried a few 5 and 7 woods and they do offer some great options.  Seriously thinking about putting a FW in the bag.

It launches higher and seems to be just fine of the deck or in the rough.

[GolfSpy_KFT]

While I do not carry a 5w, I do have a 7w and it has been a fantastic club for me off the tee on long par 3s/short par 4s or any shot with a tight landing area, and have a 3h in the bag as well. I love the hybrid out of the rough. The head shape just gets through the grass better. I haven't honestly attempted many shots with my 7w out of rough just with a history of not hitting fairway woods well out of those lies. Each club serves a purpose and while there is probably some overlap with the two in terms of when I can use them, I like having the option.

[Patrick Dawes]

I just got the AI Smoke hybrid and it is the first one that I feel I hit well.  I was on team 5w and 7w before that.  I am trying to work this out myself still and trying to find how I can gap them along with my 4i.  I originally went with a 5 and 7w but got rid of the 7w as I had a better gap with a lofted up 3h.  I like to tinker so I have found having a 5w and a 3h that I can adjust lofts on has let me space them out better and will probably end up taking the 4i out of the bag 

[pete1276]

I have a 5-wood and a 3-iron that I switch between.  They both have similar lofts, but the primary difference is that the 5-wood has a higher launch and is easier to hit out of the rough.  I use this club in wet conditions and situations where the rough is a little thicker. 

The 3-iron is my go to club in dry conditions and when it's windy.  It's nice to be able to have the 3-iron fly a little lower, then run on the dry fairways.  It's also a little easier to keep it lower on those windy days. 

I've tried hybrids in the past, but in my opinion, they're too easy to hook. I have struggled to find one that fits me well.  My "5-wood" is actually the Callaway UW which is somewhere between a true 5-wood and a hybrid.  I do like these clubs, they're about as close to a hybrid as I have found that works well for me.

Edited June 20 by pete1276

[lordchamp_golfs]

About the same!!!  Depending on the course, I’ll drop all fairway woods for hybrids if there is heavy rough etc. 

[buckpillar]

I prefer the 5wood, hybrids are ok but not a big fan, tried several and it didn't fit my eye. I used to have the Callaway Jailbreak hybrid, think I hit it twice and traded it in.

I have the Taylormade Stealth 5w in the bag. 

[67BUDFAN]

Starting out over 50 years ago my woods were a driver, 2 and 4 wood (loved my 2 wood). I then carried a 3 and 5 wood for years and grew to love them as well. As my distance has shortened a bit and I am learning to care more about accuracy than distance, I have switched out my 5 wood for the more versatile for me 2 hybrid. Also put a 4 hybrid in my bag for distances between my 2 hybrid and my 5 iron, and also for different shot making.

Edited June 20 by 67BUDFAN
changed description

[RetiredBoomer]

In my experience, some players hit hybrids well and some don't.
I suspect that it's less biomechanical and more mental.
It's hard to hit a club that doesn't look right to your head.
[That's why I can't hit a 460cc driver or an offset putter.]

I'm one of the latter.  Lofted wood shots from my 18 and my 23 just jump in the air,
while a shot with a shorter shafted long iron or hybrid requires more work and a more perfect hit.
The shorter shaft is good for accuracy, but I go to a driving iron for that.   In such instances,
I'm more afraid of the skinny landing area than the length of the hole.

 

[StrokerAce]

I have both - 24* hybrid and 18* 5 wood... sometimes swap out the 24* with a 5 iron. 

[funkyjudge]

2 hours ago, Javs said:

Interesting thought actually. However, I do love the PXG hybrids I carry. I can hit them off the tee or from any lie. 

I am sure that you could easily do the same with the Apex UWs.

[agram57]

I carry a 4 and 5 hybrid and a 5 wood, I hit all of them pretty well but I prefer the hybrids. I just feel like I hit the center of the face better. Neither of my hybrids go as far as the 5 wood. I have never tried a 3 hybrid. I agree that the hybrids seem to go thru rough better than the woods.

[tdroma98]

@Javs good article on the 5w vs the hybrid. 
I'm actually experimenting with this 5 wood & hybrid selection now.  I worked backward off my 5-iron distance, in selecting the Hybrids.

I ditched my 5w, a Callaway Rzr Blk 19 degree, replacing it with a Titleist TS2 19-degree Hybrid.  Then, changed the 19-degree setting making it 1 degree stronger to 18-degrees. 

With the 3 hybrid club, I'm hitting it further than the 5 wood (at times 20 yds further off the deck & as much as 35 yds further off the tee).  Because of how well I'm hitting the 3-Hybrid at the stronger 18-degree setting, I removed my Callaway Mavrik 3-wood - 15-degree. 
Then I picked up a used Titleist 4 hybrid - 21 degree - TS2 with a Tensei 65-gram stiff shaft. My friend couldn't hit it, so I traded a Vokey SM9 wedge for it.   

Not done yet, I also have a 21-degree Callaway Apex hybrid (which I love), I turned it 1 degree weaker, to 22 degrees.  I find the hybrids easier to hit and I like the yardages with each club. 

I made these changes since purchasing new Irons -
Titleist T200 6i-PW and Titleist T350 5i. 
T350 5 iron yardage is good from 180-190yds.  
22-degree Callaway Apex hybrid - 190 to 205 yds. 
21-degree TS2 Hybrid - 200 to 215 yds
18 degree TS2 Hybrid - 220 to 235 yds.  

At some point, I may change to a 4 wood - 16 degree.  But not sure which Hybrid will be the victim.  

[The Iron Man]

3 hours ago, Javs said:

Found this article this morning. Personally, I carry three hybrids: 17 degree, 22 degree and 26 degree. Occasionally, I take out the 17 and 22 and just carry a 19 and 26 while inserting an extra wedge. I never carry a 5 wood.

https://www.golfmonthly.com/gear/should-i-use-a-5-wood-or-3-hybrid?utm_term=CFEB69DA-8695-406A-822D-71925C4B6E39&lrh=afabd56f8788996dec1eed39e53e29756a4fe34c1aff9fa4fdfa9f254cbb042a&utm_campaign=075440B8-601C-4440-A9B1-8A7444061AA8&utm_medium=email&utm_content=D068104C-E249-461D-8C35-3B5B3BCD31A0&utm_source=SmartBrief

I used to play a 5 wood, 7 wood, and 9 wood with my best success come with my 23 degree Powerbilt 7 wood. Since I played hybrids, I feel more comfortable playing them. I added a 4 hybrid and I know it will bridge the gap between thar hybrid and my 4 iron. 

[Indy_Oz]

I carry a 3 hybrid (delofted to 18*) and 7-wood (21*). The gapping works for me between 3W and 5i (23.5*). I really like how the 7-wood launches out of rough and I can play lower 5-wood like shots as needed.

I've toyed with different hybrids and woods, but this works for me. The 18* hybrid is great off the tee as a fairway finder or for recovery shots I need to keep low. I don't hit it off the fairway or out of rough very often as the 7W gets me where I want to be.

[Paul Hedrick]

I have a 5 wood and am very happy with it.  I also have a 3 hybrid, but not so happy with that.   My 5 wood launches high and I get the distance I want out of it.  I do struggle with my hybrid, but I feel I just need to work with it more.

[fdwolf]

As I have gotten older, I have struggled with my 3 wood and long irons (2,3,and 4). So I made the switch to a 5W and a Smoke AI 7w.  They have replaced my 3W and long irons. The 7w is also very versatile, I use it as my trouble club, low under trees, and other nasty places. I have even started using it when off the green as my bump and run club.

[67BUDFAN]

I totally get what many say about the importance of the "look" of the club at address, and while I had tried hybrids throughout the years, I always went back to my Titleist 5 wood as I preferred its classic teardrop shape. I decided after my clubs were stolen to give the Callaway Apex 21 hybrids (2 and 4) a try as a buddy who knows my game well told me he thought  I would love the MMT graphite shafts. I also bought the Apex 21 irons, and while the different look of the hybrid heads and slightly softer feel of graphite shafts took a bit of getting used to, my buddy was right as their consistent distance and accuracy have convinced me that I made the right choice for my game. 

[jbern]

I have a 5W and a 4hy and the gapping seems to be pretty nice. I do like the look of the 5W better, which is really the only reason I'd like to try a 7W to replace the 4hy, but I just hit the 4hy so straight. The look of the PXG hybrids gives me a lot of confidence and they're good out of almost any lie. Maybe I should consider swapping the 5W for a 3hy or 2hy instead of going with the 7W...

[Golf2Much]

Since one might say I'm distance challenged.  Par fours are typically driver, fairway wood, chip/pitch and putt.  

Looking at the last 10 rounds of my Shot Scope data, I had 241 approach shots.  Slightly more than half (52%) were with fairway woods or my one 5 hybrid.  The rest were iron shots (7-sand wedge).  The percentage of approach shots (of the total approach shots) were as follows:  3 wood=11%, 5 wood=36%, 7 wood=6% and 26 degree hybrid 6%.   From this, you can see that I rely heavily on my five wood!  

When I say 5 wood, it's really a Callaway Epic GBB Heavenwood.  I deloft it to 18 degrees (consistent with the comparable 5 wood).  I tend to like the Heavenwood's slightly longer shaft and larger head versus the Callaway 5 wood.   

When I reach into my bag and pull that club out, I'm confident that I can make solid contact and hit the right location necessary to ensure a high percentage next shot.

[cksurfdude]

I've gone back and forth over the years between woods and hybrids - last year added a 5W and I really wanted to love it .. and I did .. buuuut it was too rare when I would actually use it....

I'm kinda short, only 5' 7" (barely), and it had to be a perfect lie in the fairway for me to pull it out, otherwise I'd be going to a hybrid (4h).

I used to carry a 3H and after deciding to give up the 5W saw a King Tec 3H on sale .. h6ave it a go ..  and it is now very firmly planted in the bag!

[jolter1]

If I am playing a course that I know needs a 5 wood off the tee, especially if it calls for a draw, then I carrry one but other than that a 3 or 4 hybrid is good enough for me.

[Javs]

On 6/21/2024 at 8:41 AM, jbern said:

I have a 5W and a 4hy and the gapping seems to be pretty nice. I do like the look of the 5W better, which is really the only reason I'd like to try a 7W to replace the 4hy, but I just hit the 4hy so straight. The look of the PXG hybrids gives me a lot of confidence and they're good out of almost any lie. Maybe I should consider swapping the 5W for a 3hy or 2hy instead of going with the 7W...

I also love the PXG hybrids. I carry a 2,4, and 5. I also have a 3 in the closet that occasionally goes in the bag and I take out  the 2 and 4. On those rare occasions I’m adding another wedge or 5 wood. 

[jbern]

8 minutes ago, Javs said:

I also love the PXG hybrids. I carry a 2,4, and 5. I also have a 3 in the closet that occasionally goes in the bag and I take out  the 2 and 4. On those rare occasions I’m adding another wedge or 5 wood. 

I used to swap in a 2i and 3i for my 5W and 4hy when I was playing in high winds, but the 5W and 4hy are just so much easier to hit consistently decent shots. I find they can still be hit somewhat low if playing in a lot of wind, so the 2i and 3i just became obsolete for me.

[Javs]

On 6/20/2024 at 1:26 PM, tdroma98 said:

@Javs good article on the 5w vs the hybrid. 
I'm actually experimenting with this 5 wood & hybrid selection now.  I worked backward off my 5-iron distance, in selecting the Hybrids.

I ditched my 5w, a Callaway Rzr Blk 19 degree, replacing it with a Titleist TS2 19-degree Hybrid.  Then, changed the 19-degree setting making it 1 degree stronger to 18-degrees. 

With the 3 hybrid club, I'm hitting it further than the 5 wood (at times 20 yds further off the deck & as much as 35 yds further off the tee).  Because of how well I'm hitting the 3-Hybrid at the stronger 18-degree setting, I removed my Callaway Mavrik 3-wood - 15-degree. 
Then I picked up a used Titleist 4 hybrid - 21 degree - TS2 with a Tensei 65-gram stiff shaft. My friend couldn't hit it, so I traded a Vokey SM9 wedge for it.   

Not done yet, I also have a 21-degree Callaway Apex hybrid (which I love), I turned it 1 degree weaker, to 22 degrees.  I find the hybrids easier to hit and I like the yardages with each club. 

I made these changes since purchasing new Irons -
Titleist T200 6i-PW and Titleist T350 5i. 
T350 5 iron yardage is good from 180-190yds.  
22-degree Callaway Apex hybrid - 190 to 205 yds. 
21-degree TS2 Hybrid - 200 to 215 yds
18 degree TS2 Hybrid - 220 to 235 yds.  

At some point, I may change to a 4 wood - 16 degree.  But not sure which Hybrid will be the victim.  

Sounds like you experimented and found a couple winners! Love when a plan comes together!! Also, by your handicap you are a heck of a player!

Edited June 24 by Javs

[SteddyGolf]

I am not a fan of either. I prefer a 4 iron which I can control much better.  Buuuuuut if I had to pick one over the other I would say the Hybrid.  I would most likely not use it but maybe twice in the round.  I hit my 3 woods pretty well so a 5 wood is a bit redundant for my gaps.