Replacing 3i with 3h ?

[00bolt]

Thinking about replacing my TMB 3 iron with a hybrid. When I hit the 3 iron good, it’s one of my favorite clubs in my bag. Off the tee I can hit some great low runners when playing in the wind. But I don’t hit it as well off the fairway. So I often find myself choosing between my 3 wood or 4 iron. So I have a good 20-30 yard gap there when hitting off fairways. Or even off tee if I’m not feeling confident with the 3 iron (one of my least used clubs)

 

So my question is. I haven’t hit a hybrid in years. In fact only hybrid I ever had was the original RBZ years ago. So if I was to get a 3 hybrid nowadays. What would be the best choice? I’ll go up to store and hit a few, but I hate hitting off mats in bays. Never seems to be a true representation of the real course play.

 

I was looking at the Mizuno CLK, Ping G400 or maybe the Cobra F8. But I’m completely open to any suggestions.

 

Ideally something that’s good looking down at, easy to hit off tee box or the fairway that would hit nicely in between my 4 iron and my 3 wood

[geochitown]

I'd recommend a TEE CBX 22 hybrid.

 

I've had success with the 913h in a 21* as well, and you get an adjustable hosel to play with shafts as well (a dangerous proposition).

 

You could go 913hd for a smaller head as well.

[geochitown]

i realized I'm not sure of the T-MB 3 iron loft (just checked, it's 20*)

 

there is a also 19 and 20* version of the Tour Edge CBX

 

21* 913h and a 20* 913hd, I think...

[ac49801]

I alternate between my TMB 3 iron and my Mizuno CLK 19*, depending on the course and conditions.

[Zigzog]

I carry a 3 iron and also a 2 iron always have.

 

For me any sort of wood/hybrid club brings danger into play. I know 100% that I will never hit an iron that far off target, with a wood/hybrid I would just simply not have that confidence.

 

Is all in the mind of course, but that is biggest part of the game for me.

 

Have a look at the Srixon U series of driving irons, I carry one and love it - easier to hit than a normal iron. I would put the TMB in the normal iron category compared to some of the newer driving irons.

[Z4Z3R]

Have you considered a 5-7 wood. If you like the way you hit the 3w, it may be a good option also. A lot of guys on tour are opting for 5w's vs hybrids. Personally I tend to overhook hybrids and made the switch to a 5w last year and it works great!

[Tree Levino]

I'd guess that most amateurs don't have the clubhead speed or ability to hit the sweetspot on driving irons consistently enough to warrant using them over a hybrid. Mixed opinions on Mark Crossfield on here but he's a very good golfer and has amateur like speed. He doesn't carry even a 4 iron. Opts for 3 and 4 hybrids. Now that isn't for everybody but I dropped my long irons for a 5 wood and hybrid and my scores improved drastically.

[Dustin_J]

A lot of the Adams hybrids can be had dirt cheap on ebay ($30-40) and still stack up well with what's out there now if you just want to try something out.

[BC33]

If you're looking for a 3 iron replacement, distance wise you may want to go to a 23 degree hybrid as the distances should be relatively close due to higher ballflight, graphite shaft versus steel and spin.

 

I took my T MB 3 iron out and will hit 23 degree Adams about the same distance,

[geochitown]

Loft compression?

 

Or maybe not

 

20* iron vs a 23* hybrid

 

Iron should go further, no?

 

Op, another option would be a tour edge Cb proh 21*

 

Hollow iron with a wider sole and can be had for 50-75 on the bay

[gripandrip]

I alternate between my TMB 3 iron and my Mizuno CLK 19*, depending on the course and conditions.

 

Ah the CLK. Don't see many of the older ones around anymore. I also pull out the occasional CLK on certain courses and weather.

[Jut]

Lots of great options (and cheap too) if you want to get back into the hybrid game or at least give it another look since it's been a while. Callaway Apex, any of the Pings (i20, Anser, i25, even G25), TEE EX9 Tour - those and many others can be found pretty easily on eBay. I would also second the CB Pro H from Tour Edge.

[tobiasjd]

I prefer a 5 wood.

[ChipNRun]

Thinking about replacing my TMB 3 iron with a hybrid. ...

 

So my question is. I haven’t hit a hybrid in years. In fact only hybrid I ever had was the original RBZ years ago. So if I was to get a 3 hybrid nowadays. What would be the best choice? I’ll go up to store and hit a few, but I hate hitting off mats in bays. Never seems to be a true representation of the real course play.

 

A couple of things to consider. First, forget about the original RBZ hybrids - not the best club TM ever made.

 

To stay close to home, you might reshaft your 3i in graphite. This would help with launch and make it more user-friendly.

 

Hybrids: Try the Tour Edge CBX hybrids https://www.touredge.com/products/cbxhybrid.asp. TE rep Dave Jacobs says these are left-proof, and good reports have come in from both reviewers and fellow bloggers. CBX are fixed loft, and come in 16°, 17°, 18°, 19°, 20° and 22°. Model stock shafts include PX Hz and Kuro Kage Silver.

 

As for hitting off mats, any chance you can hold off until spring demo days?

[Springsteennut]

I picked up a Cobra F8 during the summer. It is longer and higher the RBZ I had been using for years. The rails really seem to work

[kiwihacker]

I'd guess that most amateurs don't have the clubhead speed or ability to hit the sweetspot on driving irons consistently enough to warrant using them over a hybrid. Mixed opinions on Mark Crossfield on here but he's a very good golfer and has amateur like speed. He doesn't carry even a 4 iron. Opts for 3 and 4 hybrids. Now that isn't for everybody but I dropped my long irons for a 5 wood and hybrid and my scores improved drastically.

 

The only thing I would say about Crossfield is that he is good enough to hit 'rinky' (23° hybrid) whatever distance he needs and whatever shape shot he requires. I'm not good enough to do that so have to carry a 24° 4 iron as well as a 23° hybrid. Totally different distance and shot for me. :)

[aussieb]

All three that you mentioned would be good picks, along with the Apex. Something 19-20* should fit in nicely and keep the spin/flight where you need it for Texas conditions. I really like my G400 hybrid, but try out the Tour shaft over the Alta as well as a few others if you're not sure. They took out the draw bias in the 17* & 19* models for the better players.

Another option that would possibly suit, would be a Srixon U85/U65 driving iron that would get you some extra length for that gap in the bag and easy elevation when you want it. The 3i loft would be plenty in your case.

[kcd38]

I had a CLK 19 degree, but traded it in for a G400 and it has been awesome. I get more height and a more consistent flight with it.

 

I alternate between having the 3 hybrid and a p790 UDI in the bag depending on the course and conditions. I went to a 3 hybrid for a similar reason. I now feel more comfortable hitting shots from 210-230 from the rough or the fairway.

[buckrogers71]

I went to hybrids YEARS ago (dropped the 3 and 4 irons and have never looked back). That being said, as someone noted, the Adams series can be had dirt cheap. I have the Adams A12 Pro with the Aldila RIP VS 20 and 23*. I can hit it high, low, fade or draw. For the price on ebay it could be a worth while experiment.

[00bolt]

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. I really like my 4 irons. Believe it or not it’s one of my best clubs in my bag. I hit it really well, so it’s not going anywhere. But the 3 iron is a different story. I hit it well also, just not as consistently.

 

I’m really drawn to the minion clk for some reason. But would like it hit it a little more.

[GSDriver]

While I played my X Hot Pros for years, upgrading to Epic hybrid was a great move, at least for me. Being able to tweak via adjustable hosel is nice, and not a hook machine as some hybrids can be.

[hrjensen17]

I recently made the switch from a Tmb to a G400 hybrid and have never been happier. I used to have the same issue with hitting my Tmb off the fairways and ever since I picked up the hybrid it’s been a complete game changer for my game. We all know how big of a deal it is to have confidence in our clubs and the G400 definitely gives me that.

[evansmar004]

I have bounced back and forth between long irons and hybrids. Even just bought a TM P790 3 iron. After a few rounds realized how much more versatile the hybrids are. Not only that, but mishits are so much better off of the hybrids. I play a three and four hybrid. Both Titleist. 913 four hybrid and 915 three hybrid. Love them both but going to sell my P790 3 iron and get some updated hybrids!

[animalgolfs]

It's all about carry distance, height & stopping power{spin}

 

I need all 3

[00bolt]

Well I went up to Pga superstore and hit darn near every hybrid they had. Tried to be unbiased and go with one that just felt the best and performed the best and ended up walking away with Titleist 818 H1 with Tensei stiff shaft. I really wanted the Mizuno CLK but the H1 really was just best for me. So replacing TMB 3 iron with H1 3 hybrid. Now time to see what happens on the course.

[hrjensen17]

Congrats hit it well!

[Tree Levino]

Well I went up to Pga superstore and hit darn near every hybrid they had. Tried to be unbiased and go with one that just felt the best and performed the best and ended up walking away with Titleist 818 H1 with Tensei stiff shaft. I really wanted the Mizuno CLK but the H1 really was just best for me. So replacing TMB 3 iron with H1 3 hybrid. Now time to see what happens on the course.

 

I hit a lot of hybrids as well at our local big box demo stock blowout and nothing could touch my 816 H1. They are ridiculously easy to hit and very shapable. Great clubs IMO.

[JCM96]

Went through this same dilemma. If you really like looking at the CLK, I would go that route and find a shaft that works with it.

[Golfjack]

I'd guess that most amateurs don't have the clubhead speed or ability to hit the sweetspot on driving irons consistently enough to warrant using them over a hybrid. Mixed opinions on Mark Crossfield on here but he's a very good golfer and has amateur like speed. He doesn't carry even a 4 iron. Opts for 3 and 4 hybrids. Now that isn't for everybody but I dropped my long irons for a 5 wood and hybrid and my scores improved drastically.

 

Crossfield at amateur like speeds? He's 106 driver clubhead speed. While he looks like a regular joe, he still hits it a good distance (yeah not long for a pro so he's definitely lower end pro and top end amateur, with some amateurs going faster but not as skilled). Most amateurs would be excited with his distance (and actually consistency throughout the bag).

[Yuck]

If you play a course where you have lots of trees or wind, the 3 hybrid may not make sense. Using a "tree" iron to keep the ball low for 50 or 60 yards is much easier than doing that shot with a hybrid. If you do switch to a hybrid, a 21 degree would be a good match distance wise with the TMB 3 iron. Just make sure the hybrid shaft is not significantly longer than your TMB.