Short/heavy "Iron Replacement" hybrids

[ode]

On 3/1/2021 at 12:18 AM, DaveGoodrich said:

I just built 23* and 26* Adams Pro Mini hybrids using the same shafts as my irons (RIP Tour 115).  I set them up at the same lengths and swingweights as the 4 and 5 irons they are replacing. So far, I like it.  

 

It's funny, a 38.5" 4-iron feels long and hard to hit.  But a 38.5" 4-hybrid feels short, almost like I'm hitting an 8-iron.   These are small, low-launch hybrids. But set up like this, they launch and spin like my mid-irons, but my distances don't drop off like they do with the 5 and 4 irons. 

 

Anybody else do something like this?  I wonder if more folks set up their hybrids like this (shorter and heavier), whether they would have fewer struggles the "hybrid hooks." 

 

 

Been saying it for years.  For those that struggle with hybrids or consider them hook machines, should try them as an extension of their iron set.  Very few, if any OEM,s even offer this as an option!

Edited March 5, 2021 by ode

[DaveGoodrich]

After a few rounds, I love the 4 (23*) and 5 (26*) Pro Mini hybrids that I built with the same shafts and at the same length progression as my irons.   They let me maintain good height and gapping all the way through the 4-iron spot.   

 

But I found that the 20* Pro Mini with an iron-length shaft just doesn't go "enough further" than the 23* to make it worth carrying.  To maintain good gapping, I need a little more speed and launch assistance with my 3 hybrid (i.e. longer, lighter shaft, more rearward CG).   So I'll be going back to a more "fairway wood" style hybrid in that spot. 

 

For reference, I have a low-90's driver swing, so that may give others an idea of where the "cut off" is for iron-replacement hybrids.  Faster swingers may get along well with short/heavy hybrids all the way down to 2-iron lofts.  The 16* Pro Mini would probably be a pretty awesome "driving iron" for guys with the requisite speed.