Best replacement for a 4 iron

[chch3]

One thing I noticed with putting hybrids in the bag is that a hybrid will go a lot further than the iron I was replacing it with. I was using a 22* hybrid to replace my 20* 4 iron and it was still going too far and way too high. If there was any kind of wind, it would knock it out of the sky.

 

What I did was swap out my hybrid shaft to the same shaft I was using in my irons. I cut it down to 4 iron length. The hybrid was still easy to hit, and it brought the flight way down. I was able to get my gaps right.

 

I went back to a 20* iron, but I will put that hybrid in the bag every once in a while.

[me05501]

I decided to drop my Srixon i506 4 iron this year.

 

For most of the season I used a TM SLDR 4 hybrid, but I never really trusted it. Recently I put in a Srixon U65 4/23 and it is really a great alternative to the matching iron. It basically looks like a game improvement 4 iron. Lots of weight low, thicker top line.

[Sub_Roc]

I've been dabbling with hybrids but always gave up on them due to being overly draw biased or just never delivering a good feeling shot even when flushed.

Lately, I stumbled upon a Bridgestone JGR 5H with the stock NV Orange 85 gram shaft and I really liked the weighty feeling of it.

It blew me away at just how easily I can crush long straight good sounding shots.

Even though it's a 5H with 25 degrees of loft, it can easily replace most 21-24 degree lofted clubs that are harder to hit.

[apj0524]

I know the looks aren't to everyone's taste but try GAPR 4 mid if found it the perfect 4i replacement as it is more accurate that my hybrids easy t launch and long

[mrmatx]

I ditched my 4i and bought a Callaway Heavenwood. So much easier to hit. Perfect 200-215yd club for me.

[Zigzog]

These are well worth a look, super easy to hit

 

https://www.srixon.co.uk/en_GB/clubs/hybrids/z-u85-utility-irons/MZU85-UK.html

[geochitown]

TourEdge Exotics IronWood. Period. Same length and shaft, that was in your 4 iron.

 

I got one of these in a 22* (but that's 3 iron replacement for me

 

My 4 iron replacement in my set has been a 25*hybrid (4 iron was 24 degrees loft), although I did recently purchase a Tour Edge CB proh iron in a 24* lie to play with.

 

The hybrid (cut down to 4 iron length) has been great for me, so no real NEED for me to try a different 4 iron replacement, but this Golfwrx!

 

The 24* iron has been more of a tinkering experiment (I did also pick up a Wishon 590 DIH in a 24* loft for more tinkering).

 

.

[Lancj1]

taylor made just invented the gapr for people like you :)

[SecondShot]

I’m switching to the 919 Tour irons and will replace the 4 iron with another MP-18 MMC Fli hi. Easier to hit, same shaft and gap should be perfect.

 

Never get used to hybrids. They are all going to far left for me. I have a 818 H2 4 hybrid that I sometimes use. Distance wise it’s more like an 3 iron.

[braveheart]

Another 4 iron that is easier to hit. There are some older models and newer models that work well.

For instance, I use Titleist 712 ap1 irons and the 4 iron is good for me. In another set I own I added a Callaway Big Bertha Diablo. It’s like a driving iron.

[zubby01]

Wow - lots of great suggestions here. It's like I hit all my irons well but fall apart at 4i. I like my 4h - goes high but again, my hybrids aren't the straightest. Will review your suggestions and come up with a plan..

[me05501]

Wow - lots of great suggestions here. It's like I hit all my irons well but fall apart at 4i. I like my 4h - goes high but again, my hybrids aren't the straightest. Will review your suggestions and come up with a plan..

 

If you're good up through 5i and struggle with the 4i it may just be a mental hurdle or even a small setup tweak. Not many of us spend enough time practicing and getting comfy with those clubs.

 

I had a lesson yesterday and my pro helped me with my setup and approach for the Srixon U65 4/23. Within a couple swings I was hitting massively high and long but penetrating shots.

 

Maybe it's something little. Ball position, getting a little steep, etc.

[Chuck905]

I went thru a similar thing.

 

Pure every irons but the 3 iron. Had my swing looked over, ball position and too flat of a back swing was the culprit.

 

Got my swing stretched down to the two iron now.

 

Wow - lots of great suggestions here. It's like I hit all my irons well but fall apart at 4i. I like my 4h - goes high but again, my hybrids aren't the straightest. Will review your suggestions and come up with a plan..

 

If you're good up through 5i and struggle with the 4i it may just be a mental hurdle or even a small setup tweak. Not many of us spend enough time practicing and getting comfy with those clubs.

 

I had a lesson yesterday and my pro helped me with my setup and approach for the Srixon U65 4/23. Within a couple swings I was hitting massively high and long but penetrating shots.

 

Maybe it's something little. Ball position, getting a little steep, etc.

[Sir edward of putternut]

Tampon

[BiggErn]

Ball retriever

[GolfTurkey]

Saw a fitter today and he said the best 4i replacement for me was a 4i ... goodbye old 9W

[elwhippy]

Took my 4 iron for a spin yesterday. Now back in the cupboard. 21 degree R15 hybrid is back with a new grip. Soooo much easier to hit consistently. 22 Ping G400 is a superb club - optional tour shafts are very high quality.

[geochitown]

I would think 4 iron is at a disadvantage from the rough vs hybrid and thicker soles 4 irons

[BiggErn]

I would think 4 iron is at a disadvantage from the rough vs hybrid and thicker soles 4 irons

 

A hybrid or utility is more versatile in pretty much every way.

[moodogg98]

I’m still gaming the original TM rescue.

[dmeeksDC]

I’m still gaming the original TM rescue.

 

I played one of the old TM gold/bronzish Rescues. Remember it fondly. To me the M3 hybrid is similar and the most like an iron. I think it’s a great choice for a hybrid to escape heavy rough. I like the M3 and M4, and also the Titleist 819 H2, but the M3 is probably the one I would go with for the widest range of possibilities. Much easier than the M1 hybrid it updated.

[GolfChannel]

Hybrid more than any other club, sans the Driver, has to have the perfect shaft. I have found considerable success with an Accra 182h shaft. Tight dispersion, great confidence inspiring load/feel, and it NEVER goes left.

 

I know for me I like the heft of an adjustable hosel, so head or brand really doesn’t matter given most brands make a decent adjustable hosel (Epic, 816H1, and G400). For me, any of these went long and straight with tight dispersion (though the Epic was the longest and most forgiving).

 

If it was me I would do a fitting just for that club, it would be well worth it for your handicap and potentially your wallet.

[bear87]

I always am drawn to the Callaway UT's, but never hit them as good as they look. I really like my Rogue 4 Hybrid--doesn't look as good in the bag as the UT, but I hit it much more consistently--high and tight draw.

[moodogg98]

I’m still gaming the original TM rescue.

 

I played one of the old TM gold/bronzish Rescues. Remember it fondly. To me the M3 hybrid is similar and the most like an iron. I think it’s a great choice for a hybrid to escape heavy rough. I like the M3 and M4, and also the Titleist 819 H2, but the M3 is probably the one I would go with for the widest range of possibilities. Much easier than the M1 hybrid it updated.

 

Thanks for the tip! Perhaps it’s time for a refresh after a decade with the Same rescue.

[ReidThompson]

These were all very helpful for me. I got a 20* Adams pro and going to put a 3 iron kbs steel from set where I’m saying goodbye to 3 iron. I may under thinking it but I like the idea of same shaft in that as irons as I really like the way it plays. Doing that in my gap wedge has been a huge benefit.

[bvanlieu]

OP, I am similar in handicap and distance to you. I happen to game the epic hybrids but have had a better time with them then it sounds like you have.

 

My P770 4 iron got benched last year for the 4H.

 

As already mentioned, if the hybrid is not your thing I would look into a meatier hollow players iron: so many good ones out there and if I were to put the 4i back in play it would be a P790 for me as its more forgiving and inspires more confidence then the 770 at that end of the bag.

 

Me personally, I love my rinky dink and would kick the 2H out to keep both a 4i and 4H in the bag :)

 

- b

[bigmoneyp]

If you don't find a hybrid you like I'd consider putting a Rogue 5 iron in its place. It says "5" but its 23* so it will fill your current 4 iron gap well.

[rkelso184]

Maybe try a softer shaft in the 4 iron and even look at graphite and making it a tad shorter to help with the swing.

[ChipNRun]

> @zubby01 said:

> I play X-forged irons 4-PW. I'm having a hard time hitting the 4 iron. It mainly goes low and left. I have 4,3,2 Epic hybrids. I can hit my hybrids OK but, they are just not very accurate - that's why I replaced my 4h w/ a 4i.

 

I was in a similar situation with my Tour Edge irons (see below). My 22* 4i was solid off the tee, but iffy off the fairway. Solution: I put a hybrid shaft in the 4i. It improved launch off tee, and delivers solid hits from (smooth) fairway lies.

 

In your case, first, check the specs on the 4i. Make sure it's not 22* rather than 23*, or more upright lie contributing to low and left. If that's not the problem, **consider reshafting what you have.**

 

In your X.Forged irons, do you have the stock PX 5.5 or 6.0 shafts? If so, look at the PX LZ shafts. These give higher launch than standard PX. Look at the weight comparisons. You might also want to softstep the LZs to get better launch.

 

Also consider the Dynamic Golf AMT and AMT Tour shafts. The long-iron shafts are comparative lighter than short-iron, and enhance height of launch. The KBS Tour FLT shafts (flighted) would also enhance launch in longer irons. Also consider softstepping for these DG and KBS shafts.

 

**Also,** what is the accuracy problem with your hybrids? (Need more info to comment on Hy alternative)

[j.a.]

I tried a Callaway Rogue 7W last week that was love at first sight, so easy to hit, accurate and long. I ordered it and will replace my 4i.