If you are just starting out golfing, you may already know that you can easily hit with hybrid clubs and add distance and accuracy to your game. However, what you may not know is that there are also different types of irons that can help improve your game as well. In this blog, we will be discussing the differences between hybrid and iron clubs when it comes to distance and loft.
I always assumed that a 4 hybrid would replace a 4 iron, but some people said that wasn’t true. The length of the club, the size of the head, and the center of gravity all impact how the club performs.
Table of Contents
What is hybrid club?
Hybrid clubs are a combination of both woods and irons, creating the best of both worlds. These clubs are designed to provide more forgiveness than irons and be more versatile when it comes to hitting the ball. The club head is usually smaller than that of a wood, but larger than an iron, making it easier to hit the ball. The clubface is also typically more angled than an iron, making it easier to get the ball airborne.
What is an iron club?
An iron club is a traditional golf club that is mostly used by professional golfers. These clubs are designed for precision and accuracy, rather than distance. The club head is smaller than a wood and the clubface is typically more angled, making it difficult to hit the ball high in the air.
Hybrid vs Iron Distance Chart
When it comes to distance, hybrid clubs will always outperform irons. This is because hybrid clubs are designed for forgiveness, meaning that you are more likely to hit the ball straight even if you don’t make perfect contact. On the other hand, irons are designed for precision and accuracy, meaning that you need to make perfect contact in order to hit the ball straight.
| Club | Loft (Degree) | Distance (Yards) |
| 3 Iron | 19 | 194* |
| 4 Iron | 21 | 187* |
| 5 Iron | 24 | 182 |
| 6 Iron | 27 | 175 |
| 7 Iron | 31 | 168 |
| 2 Hybrid | 17 | 216 |
| 3 Hybrid | 19 | 206 |
| 4 Hybrid | 22 | 195 |
| 5 Hybrid | 25 | 188 |
| 6 Hybrid | 28 | 180 |
| 7 Hybrid | 31 | 173 |
However, there is a trade-off when it comes to distance. Hybrid clubs are easier to hit, but they don’t offer as much control as irons. This means that you may not be able to hit the ball as close to the hole as you could with an iron.
Do Hybrids And Irons Go The Same Distance?
Hybrids will usually hit the golf ball 7 yards farther than their iron counterparts, although the distance might range between 5 and 12 yards. Jon explains that his 5 hybrid typically sends the ball a distance of 188 yards, whereas his 5 iron typically travels around 182 yards.
In general, hybrids will go further than irons, but not by much. The average difference is about 5-10 yards. However, there are some players who can hit a hybrid just as far as they can hit an iron.
Hybrid vs irons: size
The average hybrid club is about 1 inch shorter than the average iron club. This is because hybrids are designed to be easier to hit, and a shorter club makes it easier to make contact with the ball.
The difference in size between a hybrid and an iron can have a big impact on your game. If you are used to hitting irons, you may find it difficult to adjust to the shorter length of a hybrid. On the other hand, if you are used to hitting woods, you may find it easier to hit a hybrid than an iron.
Head size on hybrids is larger than irons
The head size on hybrids is also usually larger than that of an iron. This is because a larger head provides more forgiveness, making it easier to hit the ball straight even if you don’t make perfect contact.
Shaft length:
The shaft length of a hybrid is usually an inche longer than the shaft length of an iron. This is because hybrids are designed to be played with the same swing speed as an iron.
Hybrid vs irons: loft
The average hybrid club has about 3 degrees more loft than the average iron club. This means that the ball will go higher into the air when hit with a hybrid.
The extra loft of a hybrid can be helpful if you are struggling to get the ball airborne with your irons. However, too much loft can make it difficult to control the direction of the ball.
Should You Use A Hybrid Or An Iron?
The answer to this question depends on your individual golf game.
If you are a beginner or high handicapper, you will likely benefit from using a hybrid. This is because hybrids are designed for forgiveness, meaning that you are more likely to hit the ball straight even if you don’t make perfect contact.
As a broad guideline, use a hybrid rather than an iron for any shot over 180 yards. The greens of golfers who use hybrids from 180+ yards out are in better shape by around 5% on average.
Can 4 Hybrid replace 3 Iron?
For many golfers, the answer is yes.
A 4 hybrid will typically have about the same loft as a 3 iron or inch longer, but it will be shorter and have a larger head. This makes it easier to hit the ball straight and get it in the air.
The extra loft of a 4 hybrid can also be helpful if you are struggling to get the ball airborne with your 3 iron. However, too much loft can make it difficult to control the direction of the ball. The lower center of gravity of a hybrid will also help with getting the ball airborne.
A 4 hybrid can be a great addition to your golf bag and is a club that you can use for a variety of different shots.
When Should You Use A 3 Hybrid?
A 3 hybrid should be used for shots that are between 140 and 180 yards.
This is a great club to have in your bag as it can be used for a variety of different shots. The 3 hybrid will typically have about the same loft as a 5 iron or 6 iron but will be shorter and have a larger head. This makes it easier to hit the ball straight and get it in the air.
The extra loft of a 3 hybrid can also be helpful if you are struggling to get the ball airborne with your 5 iron or 6 iron. However, too much loft can make it difficult to control the direction of the ball. The lower center of gravity of a hybrid will also help with getting the ball airborne.
A 3 hybrid is a great club to have in your bag and can be a versatile club that you can use for a variety of different shots.
Using hybrid vs irons:
How Do You Use A Hybrid Club?
A hybrid club can be used for a variety of different shots. The most common shot that golfers use a hybrid for is a high shot that goes a long distance.
A hybrid can also be used for a low shot that goes a long distance or a shot that goes a shorter distance but is extremely accurate.
The key to hitting a good shot with a hybrid club is to make sure that you make contact with the ball in the center of the clubface. If you hit the ball off-center, it will cause the ball to go off-line.
It is also important to make a smooth swing with a hybrid club. A hybrid club is designed for forgiveness, but it is still possible to hit a bad shot if you don’t make a good swing.
How Do You Hit A Hybrid Shot?
There are a few things that you need to do in order to hit a good hybrid shot. First, you need to make sure that you make contact with the ball in the center of the clubface.
If you hit the ball off-center, it will cause the ball to go off-line. Second, you need to make a smooth swing with a hybrid club. A hybrid club is designed for forgiveness, but it is still possible to hit a bad shot if you don’t make a good swing.
Third, you need to make sure that you follow through with your swing. A good follow-through will ensure that the ball goes where you want it to go.
FAQs on Hybrid vs clubs:
Q: What is the difference between a hybrid club and an iron club?
A: The main difference between a hybrid club and an iron club is the loft. A hybrid will have more loft than an iron, which makes it easier to hit the ball in the air. Hybrid clubs also have a larger head than iron clubs, which makes them more forgiving.
Q: What is the best hybrid club for me?
A: The best hybrid club for you will depend on your golfing ability and the type of shot that you want to hit. If you are a beginner, you might want to try a 3 or 4 hybrid. If you are an experienced golfer, you might want to try a 2 or 3 hybrid.
Q: How do I hit a hybrid shot?
A: The key to hitting a good hybrid shot is to make sure that you make contact with the ball in the center of the clubface. If you hit the ball off-center, it will cause the ball to go off-line. It is also important to make a smooth swing with a hybrid club. A hybrid club is designed for forgiveness, but it is still possible to hit a bad shot if you don’t make a good swing.
Q: What are the benefits of using a hybrid club?
A: Hybrid clubs offer many benefits over traditional iron clubs. Hybrid clubs are easier to hit, more forgiving, and can be used for a variety of different shots.
Q: What are the drawbacks of using a hybrid club?
A: The main drawback of using a hybrid club is that they can be difficult to control. If you don’t make good contact with the ball, it can go off-line. Hybrid clubs also have a smaller sweet spot than iron clubs, so it is important to make sure that you hit the ball in the center of the clubface.
Q: What is the difference in prices between hybrid and iron?
A: Prices for hybrid clubs can vary depending on the brand and model. However, in general, hybrid clubs are more expensive than iron clubs. This is because hybrid clubs offer many benefits over traditional iron clubs. If you are looking for a high-quality hybrid club, you can expect to pay $100 or more.
Q: Where can I buy a hybrid club?
A: Hybrid clubs are available at most golf stores and pro shops. You can also find them online at a variety of retailers such as Amazon.
Q: How do I learn to put it correctly?
A: The best way to learn how to putt correctly is by taking a golf lesson from a professional instructor. They will be able to show you the proper technique and help you develop a consistent putting stroke. You can also find many helpful putting tips online.
Hi there! I am Justin, one of the founders here at Golf Bagsy. I have been golfing since I was 12 and have participated in over 50 tournaments since 2018. When COVID took over the golf tournament schedules during the lockdowns, I spent a good amount of time doing research and writing about golf. I also provide part-time coaching for those looking to learn how to play golf and can be reached at justin@golfbagsy.com.