Long irons are harder for most golfers to hit, so hybrids have been growing in popularity since they made their big splash in the golf market in 2003 as rescue clubs.
Only 7% of golfers had them in their bags back then, but well over 30%, including the pros, use them today.
Hybrid golf clubs are like steroids for the average golfer, helping them hit straighter, longer, and more consistently overnight.
They have a larger head, longer shafts, and improved technology that helps them achieve all of the above.
Okay, this all sounds like a no-brainer: swap your long irons for hybrid clubs and start playing better golf.
Well, that’s what I recommend personally, but you should always make up your own mind because both irons and hybrids have strengths and weaknesses.
You have to decide which option suits you best.
Below, you will find everything you need to know as we compare the two in five different performance categories to help you make your final decision.
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Are Hybrids Better Than Traditional Irons?
Hybrids Vs Irons: Distance
Short Answer: Yes, hybrids travel an additional 8-12 yards than irons with the same loft.
In terms of distance, hybrids will outperform long irons in most scenarios. I say most because there is one particular scenario in which a long iron will perform better. (More on that later!)
But generally, they’re longer, and there are multiple reasons for this.
Firstly, although the loft may be the same when comparing your 4 hybrid and 4 iron, the shaft will be longer in the hybrid model.
As you’re probably aware, having a longer shaft results in more distance because the club head has to travel further throughout the swing, giving it more time to pick up speed for impact.
So with two identical swings and connections a club with a longer shaft will always go further.
Secondly, the club head itself is much bigger than the head of your irons.
With a larger club head, there is more mass behind the ball at impact, which helps make better contact with the ball.
The larger head can also help you gain extra club head speed throughout your swing.
Lastly, hybrid club heads are more high-tech than traditional irons.
The same technology used in drivers and woods is applied to most hybrids.
They come with highly engineered club faces, moveable weights, adjustable lofts, and the ability to choose if you want a draw or fade bias.
This is not something available in irons.
Hybrids Vs Irons: Accuracy
Short Answer: Hybrids are more accurate than traditional long irons on average and are shown to be twice as effective from 180+ yards.
Because of their larger head and technology, hybrids are more forgiving than irons, especially on mishits.
Shotscope crunched the numbers from one of their hybrid/long iron experiments and found that you’re twice as likely to hit a green from over 200+ yards.
Then, the closer you got to 180 yards, it began to level out. Of course, you can hit your hybrid that long.
But the same principle applies to whatever distance you use a hybrid from.
Most golfers struggle to hit their long irons consistently, so swapping clubs makes a ton of sense unless you’re crushing your long irons regularly.
Hybrids Vs Irons: Trajectory
Short Answer: Long irons launch lower, making them a better choice in windy conditions.
Hybrids have a higher launch than long irons, which is fine in most scenarios.
But when it’s windy, the extra height and hangtime from the hybrid mean the ball will be pulled around more by the wind.
Because of the lower launch from the irons, the ball will stay under some of the more severe wind currents, making it a better choice on windy days.
The only situation the hybrid will perform better in windy conditions is if you’re hitting downwind, as the ball will pick up extra distance from being airborne for longer.
Hybrids Vs Irons: Workability
Short Answer: Because long irons have a smaller head size and lack additional draw bias technology, experienced golfers can better shape their ball flight.
The technology that makes hybrids more accurate and longer than irons makes it harder to shape your shots.
Hybrids are designed to be forgiving, which ideally prevents huge slices or hooks.
Long irons don’t have this technology, and if you catch one wrong, it’s likely to fly a couple of fairways over in either direction.
However, if you’re a single-digit or scratch golfer, you don’t have to worry about these misses as much and would prefer to be able to play fades/draws on demand.
Also, irons have more variations to tailor for improved workability. For example, forged irons are better for shot shaping than cast irons in general.
Hybrids Vs Irons: Ease Of Use
Short Answer: Hybrids are far easier for players of all skill levels to use, from high handicappers to the professionals on tour.
Hybrids are designed to be easier to hit than irons. As mentioned above, they have a larger head, technology that makes them more forgiving, offset and longer shafts, which help with distance.
Long irons are often the kryptonite of the average golfer.
They can be challenging to hit from the middle of the fairway, and near impossible out of the thick rough for most.
Hybrids perform better out of the rough and help golfers with slower swing speeds keep up with their pals on the golf course.
Different types of irons can be easier to hit, but overall, hybrids still win this category.
Hybrids Vs Irons: Our Winner
Unfortunately, there can only be one winner, but the hybrid wins overall, beating irons in ⅗ categories.
Hybrids are more beneficial to golfers overall. They are easier to hit, more accurate, and longer.
Unless you play in windy conditions often or need the ability to shape the golf ball for certain shots, you should add a hybrid to the bag instead.
Are Hybrids Mainly For Bad Golfers?
There are two parts to this answer, so bear with me, but yes, they’re ideal for mid to high-handicap golfers or those with a slower swing speed.
This group of golfers will benefit the most from using these clubs instead of long irons.
However, they’re also beneficial to the sport’s elites, just not in the same capacity.
Professionals like Matt Fitzpatrick, Jordan Speith, and Justin Rose all use hybrids and are at the top of their game.
So, don’t get into your head if you’re using a hybrid. You’ve accepted that you’re a bad golfer.
Ultimately, if you can hit more greens with a hybrid in your hand, that’s all that matters.
You can easily knock at least a few strokes of your round totals by making the switch.
Do You Have To Swing Hybrids Different To Irons?
Although similar hybrids and long irons need to be hit a little differently.
The setup is going to be the exact same for the most part regarding your stance and ball position.
Well, you may have the ball fractionally further up in your stance when using hybrid, but I’ll explain why shortly.
So, when you’re trying to hit a long iron, you still want to have a slight downward attack angle, taking little to no divots during your strike.
When you get too steep, you’ll chop at the ball, causing it to spin out of control, or even worse, you’ll fat it, and the ball will go nowhere.
However, with a hybrid, you will want to hit the ball at a neutral attack angle or even aim to hit up slightly on the ball like you would your driver or fairway woods.
This is why some may feel the need to move the ball slightly further towards their lead leg to encourage this angle of attack.
Your swing will be largely the same, with just a couple of minor tweaks.
Checkout our product reviews below for some helpful tips/guides before handing over you’re hard earned cash:
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