Long irons vs Hybrids

[MDGiff]

I have been using short irons (7-9) and hybrids (30, 26, and 22 degree). Wondering if I should switch back to longer irons (4-6). I have some inconsistency with the hybrids. Wondering if I’ll get more consistency without losing distance with the longer irons? Appreciate your thoughts.

[GolfSpy_APH]

2 minutes ago, MDGiff said:

I have been using short irons (7-9) and hybrids (30, 26, and 22 degree). Wondering if I should switch back to longer irons (4-6). I have some inconsistency with the hybrids. Wondering if I’ll get more consistency without losing distance with the longer irons? Appreciate your thoughts.

Depends on a lot, but generally speaking you would loose some distance and even forgiveness. Hybrids are more forgiving just by their construction and the way they are built. 

If you can find some swing feels that work I think you will come to really enjoy the hybrids. 

[Shrek74]

How are you with fairway woods? That might be an option if the hybrids aren't working for you. 7w, 9w, even 11w are available these days for those that don't like long irons or can't hit hybrids. You can even shorten the shafts if you still have trouble with either.

How is your iron game with the 6 and 7? Maybe a 5 might be another option, depending on your consistency or strike as long as you realize that long irons won't go as high and won't stop as easily on greens the way woods will at that distance.

You can also go for a fitting for that particular part of the bag. Might be worth it in the long run to spend a few bucks to be fit into the proper long/mid section of the bag, which tends to be a tough part for a LOT of us.

[Hacker60521]

I carry 4I - 9I and also 3W and 4H. The 4H and 4I are pretty comparable in distance, and right now I’m more comfortable with the 4H. That said, if I’m in the rough I usually opt for the 4I. Consistency for me is something where I make sure to work through these clubs at the range 

[BallsLeon]

I thought I liked my utility/driving iron (18°) a lot, but just had a recent epiphany with a rental 3-hybrid (19°) while on vacation. Found it much easier to hit off the turf, something I've always struggled with using the utility iron. I liked it so much I almost bought it from them, but ended up finding one in better condition online.

Set also included 4i (22°) and 5i (24°), my current set stops at 6i (27°) so it was nice to experience. Found I could hit the 5i cleanly and reliably, but struggled with the 4i like I do my utility. So, I ordered a 5i too 

Now I will be... Driver > 3W > 3H > 5i-58°

Edit: For reference my driver swing speed is around 100mph

Edited June 25 by BallsLeon

[JAYER38]

Recently did some switching up in the bag with this actually...

I removed the 4i all together after trying my set matched 4i and a more game improvement style 4i for a 4h. The 4h can be used as a rescue in sketchy areas, off the deck, or tee club with good consistency and very different ball flights vs the 4i (for me)

I then needed a 200+ club off the deck as my 3w is a Tee only club & I felt the 2h head was a little to small for the shaft length... So instead of the 2h I picked up a Super hybrid to blend the distance and forgiveness of a 3w & 4h. 

[cnosil]

1 hour ago, MDGiff said:

I have been using short irons (7-9) and hybrids (30, 26, and 22 degree). Wondering if I should switch back to longer irons (4-6). I have some inconsistency with the hybrids. Wondering if I’ll get more consistency without losing distance with the longer irons? Appreciate your thoughts.

Impossible for anyone to know; you need to hit them and find out.   My  longest iron is 6.  I can hit longer irons but distance gaps are wrong and I am too inconsistent so I use hybrids which I hit better.  I want the clubs that I am going to have the best chance to hit well and my desired distance.   

[Lefty11]

I carry three hybrids: a 3, 4, and 5. Adding them to my bag was one of the best decisions I’ve made. They’re like utility knives, cutting through the rough, working off the tee and fairway, and even handling bump-and-run shots if needed. I feel hybrids are like a "cheat code" in golf. I’m even debating on adding a 6 hybrid.  

[Rob Person]

I removed my 3-6 irons awhile ago. Zero distance and consistency control, went with shortened 7w, and a 4 and 5hy. Only had a few practices wit them and really like the way they play. 

[AnilDS]

I’ve never really gotten along with hybrids….could never really get the right consistent swing to be effective with them.  I get along better with Fairway Woods and long utility irons.  Still working on the hybrids as I do see how they can be useful in the right situation.

[Fred Mitchell]

one more option, I have a TaylorMade DHY 5 utility iron which for all intents and purposes imo is dead between a iron and a hybrid, used ones readily available on ebay very reasonably.,

 

Edited June 30 by Fred Mitchell

[Wolfstrum]

As you can see it is unique to each individual. 
 

I currently have 4i-9i,PW,GW in my bag with no hybrids or fairway woods. My best hits are with my 4i. Based on that I am adding a 3i driving iron. I tried some fairway woods but I just couldn’t hit them.  I haven’t tried hybrids. At some point I may try a hybrid or add a mini driver. I will wait and see. 

[RyanGi]

I’m very much a golf newb, so please excuse the question, but how do ya’ll ‘try out’ clubs? Do you borrow them? Can you find demos or something? Again, sorry, and not trying to derail the thread, but thanks!

[BradM]

Feeling the same way, I have a 22 and 25 hybrid but my swing and game has improved drastically, so I'm wondering if I even need the hybrids anymore.  My 6 used to give me angina, now I'm using it routinely and think I'm ready for at 4i and 5i.  I'm also losing out on the ability to scramble if I need to hit a stinger or punch out, which unfortunately happens from time to time.

[cnosil]

1 hour ago, RyanGi said:

I’m very much a golf newb, so please excuse the question, but how do ya’ll ‘try out’ clubs? Do you borrow them? Can you find demos or something? Again, sorry, and not trying to derail the thread, but thanks!

Go to golf store, go to a demo day and  try what our friends have.

[Tatehunts96]

I know I personally run a 4H instead of a 4 iron; I tested both while shopping and decided I liked the versatility of the hybrid more than I liked the iron. Felt I could control the club a little better and control what the outcome was going to be.

[RyanGi]

Made a long(ish) drive yesterday to golf galaxy to hit some clubs. The experience was kind of disjointed, but at least I got to hit some different setups. There’s certainly a difference. When my swing gets a bit more consistent, I’ll do something more formal. 

Edited July 13 by RyanGi

[Leo1982]

I have 2 of the Cobra King Tec hybrids. 2H - 17 degree and 4H - 21 degree and I absolutely love them! I have found that they become my go to club when I feel I have a shot I am not 100% confident in hitting. I feel that I feel the pureness when I hit them over longer irons.