Punch shot with 4i (blade) vs 4i driving iron

I'm looking into putting a driving iron in the bag to replace my lowest lofted iron, the 4i, and was wondering if the punch shots with the respective clubs would still be the same, or if the driving iron punch shot would have the tendency to go higher. I know they're designed to get up in the air much easier, which for most shots would be ideal, but I'd hate to lose the option to use this spot in my bag for a super low punch (say under some trees for 30 yds) and have to resort to using my 5i. I know the difference in performance between similarly lofted irons and hybrids for this type of shot is night and day, so I was wondering if this type of shot with a driving iron and blade iron is closer to night and afternoon, or night and night?

I only mention its a blade for perspective, knowing this should tend to go lower than bigger cavity backs, which would change the perspective of the question slightly. Thanks in advance for any answers or insight. The driving irons look tasty and I'm trying to convince myself to give it a try.

Also, FWIW, I go driver, 3w, 19* hybrid, 4i, 5i etc.

I had a Callaway X-Utility Prototype 4 iron in my bag for a while and had a hard time controlling the flight - especially punching low as you described. While it was often easier to hit flat-out than my standard 4 iron, I found I wanted that workability and have gone back to the standard iron. I haven't tried many others, so maybe some of the more modern ones have resolved the ballooning issues(?) I'd be interested in knowing as well what others have found.

Definitely easier to fight or punch with a standard 4 iron . Best driving iron Fto punches I've played was Tmb. But it's also the least forgiving and least like a driving iron of any out there.

I went back and forth for a while and I ultimately decided go with the long iron that matched my set rather than the mizuno fli hi i was messing around with. For me, the traditional 4 iron or 3 iron ended up being more consistent just because it was an easier transition from the rest of my set. Even though the driving iron is theoretically more forgiving , it's yet another type of club to get used to and practice with. The other benefit of the traditional iron is that they are more workable. A lot of the type of punch out shots you are describing require a bit of cut or draw to get it to release up the fairway and hopefully get close to the green.

Srixon U45 23*; seems to want to get up rather quickly even when shutting the face down. Actually find it easier to knock down my XR 22*. The U45 does have a relatively light weight (high launch) shaft and I suspect that may contribute to the problem.

Seriously, you hit the nail on the head with this thread. I have an MP Fli Hi 4i that's an absolute joy to hit on full shots from the fairway and rough but it only goes high. When I need to punch out I use my 5i. I just got a new set of irons and included a 565 4i that acts more like an iron that I can control the trajectory with. I'm not ready to put my Fli Hi on BST though.

I guess they're just 2 completely different clubs...

I have difficulty getting my 18 degree U45 to fly low. Just reshafted it with S400s and it helped, but this still sill launches silly high with a full swing. I have to try to hit a stinger to get it at all low, even then it's tough.

Mainly use my 745 4 or 5 iron for punch outs unless I have a generous window, then the U45 is a monster to punch with, easy 1/2 swing and the ball rockets out.

Haha, love this thread. This is maybe the biggest scenario for me where "worakability" of a club actually makes a big difference. For me, my driving iron stays in the bag because it fills a good distance gap and is so much more consistent in launch and distance (I hit mine about 215). At that distance I want something as automatic as possible. The downside is you have to get a lot more creative on those punches out of trouble....which can also be fun in a way.

Also, if you start hitting a driving iron off the tee, you might not have as many punch outs.....

Sadly for me, punching out is the strongest part of my game. I get way too much practice with it. I can keep it low and can work it both ways. I seriously think I might score better if I just punched it off the tee and punched it down the fairway as well. Guess I'm built to play links golf.

Had a TMB 3i and it went high in comparison to a standard 3i. Iam only going to assume that a 4i in the same set would do the same thing. It didnt bother me because I would just go to a normal 4i and shut it down.

Sadly for me, punching out is the strongest part of my game. I get way too much practice with it. I can keep it low and can work it both ways. I seriously think I might score better if I just punched it off the tee and punched it down the fairway as well. Guess I'm built to play links golf.

LOL! I am right there with you!

I'm sad to admit that I have employed the "punch layup" on more than a few occasions in lieu of just pulling a 7 or 8 iron for the prototypical layup on longer par 5s. Plus, a well executed 5 iron punch draw can rollout well past a full shot with the same club in dry conditions. I've ended "accidentally" up on the green and putting for eagle with a punch layup from 240 out.

Now I'm trying to learn the stinger 2 iron shot off the tee. If I can master that shot and deliver it consistently I'll be one step closer to the single-digit goal I set for this summer!