Replace 4i with what?

[jubilee_links]

Been through the options myself and have stuck with a titleist TMB 4 iron with a modus 105.
Played around with an M6 4 hybrid which went higher and longer but I tended to bail out on it quite a lot leading to push slices/blocks. Felt with TMB I still had to commit fully to the shot resulting in better outcomes. 

 

Again - bad strikes are punished but 25 yards short right on my course is often better than pin high 20 yards right -TMB stays in play more on bad shots

[SwingMan]

This is a tough issue to resolve... After 5 wd and before 5i.

 

I have a PXG 22 Gen 1 hybrid - I prefer its look over Gen 2. 

 

I'd prefer to hit a 4i but finding one that works off the deck with my abbreviated speed is tough.

 

I ordered a SIM Max 22 Hy because ... the PXG is 5 yr old ... lol. We will see. I also have a TEE EXS220 4H that I will start testing now that it has a decent shaft.

 

I'd love a driving iron in that spot but wonder how they are off the deck and do they have enough spin. 

Edited December 24, 2020 by SwingMan

[joekelli]

I was having the same thought. Just purchased a Exotics 22* CBX Ironwood for a great price! Supposed to arrive today and I have a sim round booked for Saturday, so we will see how it goes.

 

Here is a nice review of them...

http://drivingrangeheroes.com/tour-edge-exotics-cbx-iron-wood-review/

Edited December 24, 2020 by joekelli

[MattGolfs]

I’m looking for the same thing. I have a GI 3 iron strictly for off the tee that I love but need something more versatile between my 5 wood and 5 Iron. I’ve narrowed it down to the titleist hybrids and the G410 hybrid. from my experience in testing, the G410 4 hybrid (22°) Is a bit too long even lofted up all the way to fill the gap so i’m looking to test out the 5 hybrid lofted down to fill the gap. 

 

I think the 818H2 23° lofted up 2 ° would work as well. But from my expierience hybrids tend to be half a club to a full club longer loft to loft compared to an iron

[NorthStar7]

Welcome to my rabbit hole. I play a 13.5 degree 917 f2 3W and Ping i210 5-U. The 5I is 26 degrees. 

 

I have 816 H2s in 19 and 21.  My 21 is one of my favorite clubs and it may not come out of my bag for a very long time. I couldn't hit the 19 well so the 19 and 21 blended together. So, I started on a journey to find a reliable 220 club for me. 

 

Before last year, I bought an 818 H1 at 23 degrees and a 917 f2 at 18 degrees on eBay and had a TrackMan bake off with them and my existing clubs. I settled on the 917 f2 18 (set at 18.75) and kept my trusty 816 H2 21 (set at 22).  I weakened the 21 to 22 to manage the gap off my 5 iron. 

 

This setup served me well but I wanted a little more control off the tee so toward the end of the year I bought a Sub 70 699 U Pro at 19 3 iron utility (with a 5 iron shaft). I liked hitting it on short par 4s so I am trying to figure out how to keep it in. I then bought a TS2 fairway at 16.5 degrees.  I only played one frigid round with it, but I liked it a lot. 

 

My current thinking is I will ditch my 13.5 and 18 fairways for the 16.5 so I can keep the 3 iron and the 21 hybrid. That gives me lots of options for tee versus rough, wind, etc. 

 

In my testing, I hit the 21 degree hybrid set to 22 better than the 23 set to 22, or just straight up at 23...and 22 degrees gapped the best. 

 

My guess is you need a 22 or 23 in something. Whether you go iron, hybrid or fairway depends on what fits best for you, the gapping, and whether you want different options off the fairway, tee, etc.

 

I had abundant access to TrackMan and found mint clubs on eBay for $50-$120 so i just experimented myself.  It probably would have been easier going somewhere to get fit...but I wanted to take my time and tinker. Plus, I still have lots of different options if I want to switch it up. 

[MattGolfs]

@NorthStar7 Sounds like you’ve landed on the same set up as I’m moving towards! Driver, 5 Wood, 3 Iron, Hybrid replacing 4 iron, 5-PW. 

 

I think this gives the absolute most versatility, 5 wood and hybrid can be used off the tee and into par 5s and having a driving iron for very tight tee shots. Love it!

[Mcfly]

I pull out the 4 iron in winter and put in a 23* Ping G20.  Feels more like an iron than any hybrid I’ve used.  

[Warrick]

F9 5H, best addition to my bag in 2 years

[SwingMan]

22 hours ago, MattGolfs said:

I’m looking for the same thing. I have a GI 3 iron strictly for off the tee that I love but need something more versatile between my 5 wood and 5 Iron. I’ve narrowed it down to the titleist hybrids and the G410 hybrid. from my experience in testing, the G410 4 hybrid (22°) Is a bit too long even lofted up all the way to fill the gap so i’m looking to test out the 5 hybrid lofted down to fill the gap. 

 

I think the 818H2 23° lofted up 2 ° would work as well. But from my expierience hybrids tend to be half a club to a full club longer loft to loft compared to an iron

 

You could cut the G410 4 Hy from the butt to get it close to 4i shaft length - a less expensive experiment. Might have to add a weight or lead tape for swing weight.

[5baytjd]

19 hours ago, NorthStar7 said:

Welcome to my rabbit hole. I play a 13.5 degree 917 f2 3W and Ping i210 5-U. The 5I is 26 degrees. 

 

I have 816 H2s in 19 and 21.  My 21 is one of my favorite clubs and it may not come out of my bag for a very long time. I couldn't hit the 19 well so the 19 and 21 blended together. So, I started on a journey to find a reliable 220 club for me. 

 

Before last year, I bought an 818 H1 at 23 degrees and a 917 f2 at 18 degrees on eBay and had a TrackMan bake off with them and my existing clubs. I settled on the 917 f2 18 (set at 18.75) and kept my trusty 816 H2 21 (set at 22).  I weakened the 21 to 22 to manage the gap off my 5 iron. 

 

This setup served me well but I wanted a little more control off the tee so toward the end of the year I bought a Sub 70 699 U Pro at 19 3 iron utility (with a 5 iron shaft). I liked hitting it on short par 4s so I am trying to figure out how to keep it in. I then bought a TS2 fairway at 16.5 degrees.  I only played one frigid round with it, but I liked it a lot. 

 

My current thinking is I will ditch my 13.5 and 18 fairways for the 16.5 so I can keep the 3 iron and the 21 hybrid. That gives me lots of options for tee versus rough, wind, etc. 

 

In my testing, I hit the 21 degree hybrid set to 22 better than the 23 set to 22, or just straight up at 23...and 22 degrees gapped the best. 

 

My guess is you need a 22 or 23 in something. Whether you go iron, hybrid or fairway depends on what fits best for you, the gapping, and whether you want different options off the fairway, tee, etc.

 

I had abundant access to TrackMan and found mint clubs on eBay for $50-$120 so i just experimented myself.  It probably would have been easier going somewhere to get fit...but I wanted to take my time and tinker. Plus, I still have lots of different options if I want to switch it up. 

Spoken like a fellow genuine WRX club ho - why would we want to get fit if we can dial it in ourselves with enough options purchased from the bay (and then eventually re-sell what turn out to not be workable options).  Cheers

[karstens_ghost]

770 or 790, with a 110-120g shaft. If you want something different, a stock i210 4-iron is my choice, and I use it more than just the yardage slot. It's the "bang it out there tight" iron, and the deep in the poo iron. Also suggest you stick to a Modus shaft.

 

I find it redundant to have two hybrids, even with the distance gap correct. I also think if you're playing 7mc, all the nonsense about playing an SGI… you'll hate having a fatty.

 

My only warning about it is to consider carefully whether you want a hollow like the 790… it won't be the distance control you'll expect.

 

GLWP.

[BlueDragonKorea]

I got a Callaway Apex 23 degree with a Modus 120 stiff. However, the swingweight feels a lot heavier than my irons and 3 hybrid, what can I do to make the club feel lighter? I’ve been looking for a lighter weight in the bottom but I can’t find any.

[NorthStar7]

4 hours ago, 5baytjd said:

Spoken like a fellow genuine WRX club ho - why would we want to get fit if we can dial it in ourselves with enough options purchased from the bay (and then eventually re-sell what turn out to not be workable options).  Cheers

 

Exactly!  I practically have a Titleist fairway and hybrid fitting cart in my basement. Those 6 clubs are nothing compared to my OG Ping Glide cart though.  😄

 

My only "problem" is that I forget to sell any of them. 

[NorthStar7]

21 hours ago, MattGolfs said:

@NorthStar7 Sounds like you’ve landed on the same set up as I’m moving towards! Driver, 5 Wood, 3 Iron, Hybrid replacing 4 iron, 5-PW. 

 

I think this gives the absolute most versatility, 5 wood and hybrid can be used off the tee and into par 5s and having a driving iron for very tight tee shots. Love it!

 

Yep, though I think the 16.5 would technically be a 4W. 

 

For me, it's all about trying to keep 4 wedges (45, 50, 54, 58) in the bag. I considered taking the 50 and 54 out for a 52, but going 45 to 52 isn't appealing to me. Having autopilot numbers at flags is more important to me than having tons of options around 210 - 240.

[barony19]

I’ve had this conundrum for years, trying to fit a single club between 5w (215ish) and 5 iron (185ish). Tried the set 4 iron, too low, too unforgiving (Z-forged). Then I tried several utility irons. Didn’t like the chunk or the offset. Brutal out of the toe. Then went hybrid (Mizuno CLK & Titleist 818H2). Truth is I just don’t get on with hybrids. Both great clubs, just not for me. Love my 5w though, so in desperation decided to try 7w. This is by far and away the best option for me. Can push it to 205ish or take some off and fly 195ish, so it gaps perfectly between 5w and 5i and I feel much more comfortable with it than hybrid. Mine is Cobra SZ with 75g Even Flow white. Shaft is no upcharge custom order. Really hard to find 7w in anything but a senior shaft if you’re just looking to try one out used for cheap. 

[doctorgriffo]

I love my cobra f9 24deg (they call it a 5, but it is the same loft as my old 4 hybrids...). I also had the 4h, but gap testing showed they carry exactly the same distance, with the 24deg flying higher and spinning more - I can land it soft from anywhere from 190ish to 210, and it is so easy to hit (it feels really short in your hands, but that really helps to control it).  It sucks in the wind, so I sub it out for a 24deg x-forged UT if I play on the coast (or carry both and leave out a wedge). My next club is a 6 iron, but is a 28deg mp20 mmc, and the gapping is perfect. 

[Jason_saslaw]

I’ve never been able to hit a hybrid all I do is hook em left (I’m right handed) I’ve been through the fitting process a few times. My new holy grail is a 7 wood for some reason the head shape and build of it just is the perfect substitute for me

[pQQa]

My suggestion is either the Callaway XR pro 4 hybrid (23*) https://golfpartnerusa.com/products/callaway-hybrid-xr-pro-hy-20-stiff-ns-pro-950gh?variant=32545310539836&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=Google Shopping&gclid=CjwKCAiA25v_BRBNEiwAZb4-ZT8lhxWOw19mc6q85yU9UK4ZgyLHtcMxmH3P1tLOmnNmSQJP8CgSWhoCaXAQAvD_BwE

 

Or the slightly more forgiving, but still smaller profile than most hybrids... Callaway Apex 4 hybrid (23*) 

https://www.rockbottomgolf.com/golf-clubs/hybrids/callaway-golf-apex-19-hybrid/?sku=14CAL19APXHMRHREGGR02201&utm_source=googleshopping&utm_medium=cse&utm_term=14CAL19APXHMRHREGGR02201

 

I have both and use the XR-pro with my PING BP's and the Apex with my Apex Pro's (2014) or PING S-55's.  I like the smaller profile of both of these hybrids.  I think either would fit in with your current irons.

[Shushwap]

On 12/25/2020 at 6:23 AM, Warrick said:

F9 5H, best addition to my bag in 2 years

Hands down !!!!!

I love mine.. thinking of putting In a 7 wood this year 

[Bob M]

On 12/24/2020 at 11:48 PM, NorthStar7 said:

This setup served me well but I wanted a little more control off the tee so toward the end of the year I bought a Sub 70 699 U Pro at 19 3 iron utility (with a 5 iron shaft). I liked hitting it on short par 4s so I am trying to figure out how to keep it in. I then bought a TS2 fairway at 16.5 degrees.  I only played one frigid round with it, but I liked it a lot. 

 

Northstar7 - I'm interested in your Sub 70 699U 3i. Specifically, in order to get "a 5-iron shaft", did you request that it be made an inch shorter than standard or something else?

 

I was fitted for and recently received Ping G710s (7-UW) and a Glide 3.0 56* Eye-2 grind. So the bottom of my bag is set. The top end includes a Ping G400 driver and Cally Heavenwood (both keepers), so I'm working on the gap between the HW and 7-iron. I am strongly considering ordering the G710 6-iron and have several Hybrid choices, including Titleist 816 H1 in 23* and 25*. I like the idea of getting a driving iron for short, tight par-4s (of which there are two on my home course), hence my question.

[J. Breeze]

dont overlook the Srixon u85

 

superb feel and forgiveness, pretty sweet off the tee too. 

 

 

[Drivingrangehero]

I have an Adams DHY super 9031 at 24* with a Modus 105x in it, but it’s collecting dust because I ended up with a Super 9031 hybrid at 23* instead. I Also have a Modus 120 stiff shaft uncut for it. I was sent accidentally, so they said keep it and sent me the 105x later. 
 

 

[orbless]

If you can find one, the Ping Anser hybrid is still a great club, easy to hit, doesn't go left (for me at least) and should be able to find fairly cheaply now. I also have a Titleist 712u 4 iron that plays great. Can hit it high or low and is good off the tee or out of rough.

[drscott266]

On 12/24/2020 at 10:54 AM, tgoodspe1991 said:

Personally, I would go the hybrid route and stay away from anything UDI/driving iron related. Others might have different experiences, but I've found irons in that category to be too low spinning to be practical in most situations. Nice off the tee, sure, but not great in most other conditions compared to hybrids.

 

YMMV. 

This has been my experience, I love the idea of DI club at the top of the bag, but have a hard time hitting it any better than a 4 iron. For reference I play T200 which are plenty forgiving, but at 21* for a 4 iron it can be struggle to always flush it. For whatever reason I usually make a good move on the 5 iron. Back to the point... I have always had a 21* Titleist hybrid, and figured it fit. Started to realize I reached for it more often than the 4 iron, so I think it will take its spot and I will add an 18* 5 wood. I then have a 3 wood and driver obviously. I like in theory how this will setup, too cold to try it.  From driving range testing the hybrid seems to not go as far as when I was younger, as well as the T200 5 iron being 23* the gaps on paper fits. 

[EvanS_ToroMower]

11 hours ago, J. Breeze said:

dont overlook the Srixon u85

 

superb feel and forgiveness, pretty sweet off the tee too. 

 

 

+1 for this. I took out my 4 iron for a zu85 23°. Love it.

[Shushwap]

I love my 5 wood and plan to be fit for a 7 wood in the spring 

[Thrummyfox]

On 12/25/2020 at 1:41 PM, Mcfly said:

I pull out the 4 iron in winter and put in a 23* Ping G20.  Feels more like an iron than any hybrid I’ve used.  

I’m very similar.  Through summer use Ping G Crossovers at 21 and 24, through wetter months use G15 Hybrids at 20 and 23*.  If it’s really windy and dry will get Ping Rapture DI in the mix too.
 

[NorthStar7]

On 1/20/2021 at 9:33 AM, Bob Merrill said:

 

Northstar7 - I'm interested in your Sub 70 699U 3i. Specifically, in order to get "a 5-iron shaft", did you request that it be made an inch shorter than standard or something else?

 

I was fitted for and recently received Ping G710s (7-UW) and a Glide 3.0 56* Eye-2 grind. So the bottom of my bag is set. The top end includes a Ping G400 driver and Cally Heavenwood (both keepers), so I'm working on the gap between the HW and 7-iron. I am strongly considering ordering the G710 6-iron and have several Hybrid choices, including Titleist 816 H1 in 23* and 25*. I like the idea of getting a driving iron for short, tight par-4s (of which there are two on my home course), hence my question.

 

Sub 70 was great to work with. I just called them and explained what I wanted. I play Ping i210s 5-UW.  I wanted to match the length of my 5 iron so I ordered a 38" Modus 120S, exactly what I have in the 5 iron.  I also requested a D2 swing weight, which is stock for i210.  I think they used some tungsten powder to make that happen, but I'm not sure. 

 

The result is what I was looking for, though it does feel heavy (compared to a graphite shaft typical for driving iron). I was looking for control off the tee and blending with my set, not max swing speed, so it works for me. 

 

[Bob M]

NS7 - Thanks for the detail. I've heard that Sub70 is really good to work with elsewhere, so appreciate your endorsement as a further data point.

[B-Nads]

Another 7 wood vote here. It may not be as sexy as a driving iron, but it's tough to argue with effortless straight 200 yard darts over and over.