Replacing an iron with a hybrid, the degrees of loft never seem to match up.

[crazygolfnut]

When replacing an iron with a hybrid, the degrees of loft never seem to match up. With this example, if a person replaces the 4 iron with a hybrid, should they look at the closest loft or the number stamped on the hybrid? It looks like the 5 hybrid would be closer to the 4 iron.


710 AP1 iron specs vs. 910 Hybrid specs


3 iron is 20° - 3 hybrid is 19°
4 iron is 23° - 4 hybrid is 21°
5 iron is 26° - 5 hybrid is 24°


Thank you for your input.

 

[JB]

For it depends on the brand, but in reality, I choose it based on numbers. I have found with hybrids that they launch higher than their iron counterparts in most cases. I have also found that I hit them more consistent in most cases, so because of that I get more distance (sweet spot vs missing).

Have you hit the 910H and determined what gap it could fill for you?

 

[crazygolfnut]

For it depends on the brand, but in reality, I choose it based on numbers. I have found with hybrids that they launch higher than their iron counterparts in most cases. I have also found that I hit them more consistent in most cases, so because of that I get more distance (sweet spot vs missing).

Have you hit the 910H and determined what gap it could fill for you?

I have not hit the 910H but hope to in the near future. I was trying to do a little home work beforehand.

 

[JB]

I have not hit the 910H but hope to in the near future. I was trying to do a little home work beforehand.

Always best to be educated in any process.

 

[crazygolfnut]

When replacing an iron with a hybrid, the degrees of loft never seem to match up. With this example, if a person replaces the 4 iron with a hybrid, should they look at the closest loft or the number stamped on the hybrid? It looks like the 5 hybrid would be closer to the 4 iron.


710 AP1 iron specs vs. 910 Hybrid specs


3 iron is 20° - 3 hybrid is 19°
4 iron is 23° - 4 hybrid is 21°
5 iron is 26° - 5 hybrid is 24°


Thank you for your input.

I took the specs numbers off a golf store website. After further review, it looks like the 910H only has the degree stamped on them and not an "iron equal" number.

So, would a 23 degree 4 iron be replaced by a 24 degree hybrid or a 21 degree?

 

[Hawk]

It's almost impossible to tell on paper. With the W/S Fybrid line I was able to go seamlessly from hybrid to iron. I was also playing W/S irons at the time. There is really no way to tell until you get them out there. Longer shafts, higher flight, ease of use can all make it different.

 

[DawgDaddy]

In my case I go by the degree marking instead of the hybrid number. The 3h in my set is marked 22* which is very weak compared to most other companies 3h, I use the 23* to replace my 4i which is 23*. The higher launch gives me very similar distance to the iron.

 

[lowballhitter]

This is where gap fitting in your set comes into play. A 19* fairway will travel farther than a 19* hybrid and in many cases a 19* iron. Trajectory and the distance3 you are looking for need to be considered always. You do not want to have a huge yardage gap between clubs. Get fit by someone with a good launch monitor that does this and make your determination from there.

 

[MarcW]

I never really thought about the # on the hybrid vs the iron #. I replaced my 3 & 4 iron with a 3 & 4 hybrid years ago, not giving any thought to the lofts of either the irons or the hybrids. There is a wide gap (20 yards +/-) between my 5 iron and 4 hybrid, but it hasn't really been an issue. When I get my new irons and Mashie I think I'll go and either hybrid shop or get mine fitted. Thanks for the thread.

 

[Snap Hook]

I've also noticed that Hybrid's shafts tend to be longer as well cmopared to their iron counter part. I had to learn that the hard way, my Hybrid that replaces my 3 iron actually is a "4 iron" = Hybrid. Same loft as my 4 iron actually, i just hit it the distance I need it to cover.

 

[PiratePenguin]

For me personally I replaced my 21* 3i with a 22* 4h and still carry my 24* 4i and the gaps work out fine. The one degree weaker hy still plays as long or a little better than my old 3i but the better forgiveness and versatility is a much greater asset.

 

[MudFlap]

I replaced my 3-5 irons with hybrids and my distances increased but for me that was a good thing, until I discovered I had a 20 yard gap between my 6 iron and 5 hybrid. I put my 5 iron back in to fill the gap and now carry a 25* 5 hybrid and 26* 5 iron.

 

[JRamz]

When replacing an iron with a hybrid, the degrees of loft never seem to match up. With this example, if a person replaces the 4 iron with a hybrid, should they look at the closest loft or the number stamped on the hybrid? It looks like the 5 hybrid would be closer to the 4 iron.


710 AP1 iron specs vs. 910 Hybrid specs


3 iron is 20° - 3 hybrid is 19°
4 iron is 23° - 4 hybrid is 21°
5 iron is 26° - 5 hybrid is 24°


Thank you for your input.

Crazy I would look at the loft of the hybrids and not what number they are because the lofts can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. What I commonly find in most of my customers is that they hit a hybrid 10-15 more yards than an iron of similar loft. I would decide what the longest iron you hit consistently is and then go from there.

Personally I play a 25 degree five iron, then a 22 degree and 19 degree hybrids. I have no gapping problems with this set up.

 

[Gus R]

The best way to find out is to go to a golf store that has a launch monitor and hit several hybrids against your 4 iron and see which one is correct for you. Anything else is just a guess since one OEM hybrid may not be the same as another.