Help on iron to hybrid equivalent distance

[Potch]

Never really seriously considered hybrids in the past given my tendency to hook them whenever I tried them out. However, the more I read about some of today’s flatter lie angle, anti-hook hybrids the more inclined I am to pick up one to test out. Quick question though - trying to figure out lofts to get equivalent distance. I’d be looking to replace my 718 AP2 4 iron. Stock 24*, hit it 200. I’m guessing with modern hybrids it’s probably a 25-26* I would hit the same distance? Or do I need less loft because it launches higher, spins more, etc. Thinking of trying a G410, just need to figure out which one. Thanks!

[schneck1977]

In my opinion and from my experience the biggest thing to be looking at is shaft weight and length.  If I build a hybrid with the same shaft, at the same length, same SW, as the iron I am trying to replace, you get the point.  They will be very close in how they perform.  Just my $.02.

Edited December 12, 2020 by schneck1977

[ChipNRun]

5 hours ago, Potch said:

However, the more I read about some of today’s flatter lie angle, anti-hook hybrids the more inclined I am to pick up one to test out.

The hook machine image of hybrids comes from their early days. The standard hybrid of circa 2006 often had quite a bit of offset. Idea: offset would make it easier to square clubface, a problem for many with long irons they were trying to replace.

 

The pro or tour heads have always had a fairly square face angle; only trouble was these hybrid heads often came with S-flex shafts; R-flex was a special order.

 

5 hours ago, Potch said:

Quick question though - trying to figure out lofts to get equivalent distance.

Another tidbit: Are you referring to traditional hybrids (yes, were there already!) vs. iron-replacement hybrids?

 

Traditional hybrids often had shaft lengths between fairway woods and irons with similar numberings. Thus, in traditional a 3H would often fly longer than a 3i because of longer shaft, and the fact the head's lower center of gravity provided better launch.

 

I have ended up with traditionals, and found that a 3H and a 7W flew about the same distance. Others find that a 3H and a 5W fly about the same.

 

Iron-replacement hybrids are paired during design with a particular iron model or family. Normally, the shaft length and loft of the IR hybrid will be about the same as the numbered iron it can replace.

 

Even with IR hybrids, you need to test them out along with the parallel iron model. In your case, I think you're on the right track. A 4H is often 22* loft, a 5H is often 25* loft. And, adjustable hybrids can be loft-tweaked to smooth out yardage gaps. How long would the hybrid shafts be in comparison to your 4i? Your AP2 718 4i has a stock shaft length of 38.5".

Edited December 12, 2020 by ChipNRun

[Potch]

11 minutes ago, ChipNRun said:

Even with IR hybrids, you need to test them out along with the parallel iron model. In your case, I think you're on the right track. A 4H is often 22* loft, a 5H is often 25* loft. And, adjustable hybrids can be loft-tweaked to smooth out yardage gaps. How long would the hybrid shafts be in comparison to your 4i? Your AP2 718 4i has a stock shaft length of 38.5".

Thanks for this - think we’re on the same page. The G410 26* I’m looking at has a 39.25” shaft. It would also weight 85g versus the 120g steel shaft in my iron. So that’s worth something. For sure I would adjust it flat. Might also loft down to 25* to open up the face a bit (have always done that on my fairways - everything looks closed to me). Put that all together, feels like it should be same ballpark distance-wise as my 4-iron?

[B.W.]

I really like the Titleist u500 and 510 as an alternative to a hybrid. Might be worth checking out. I’ll probably pick up a 510 2 or 3 iron at some point to swap out with my 5 wood sometimes. 

[ChipNRun]

2 hours ago, Potch said:

Thanks for this - think we’re on the same page. The G410 26* I’m looking at has a 39.25” shaft. It would also weight 85g versus the 120g steel shaft in my iron. So that’s worth something. For sure I would adjust it flat. Might also loft down to 25* ...

Being the hybrid shaft is 3/4" longer than the iron shaft, this should make the "feel" of the two clubs closer together. Just make sure you hit the hybrid, of course, before you buy.