Anybody use a LONG iron from a set as their driving/utility IRON?

[1221]

Alot of game improvement 4 or even 5 irons are pretty strong So has anyone used them as a 3/utility/driving iron and how did it compare to your normal utility iron?

[PEI_Golfer]

I'm a bit confused, are you calling a set 3/4i a DI or utility?  Are you trying to give it another name? Why would you not just call it what it is and just play it?

[cardoustie]

Thinking of a ZX4 long iron ... a 4 ... to go with my zx7 in 5-PW

[Puttersaurus Rex]

Plenty of threads already out there with this topic.  Yes.

[1221]

40 minutes ago, PEI_Golfer said:

I'm a bit confused, are you calling a set 3/4i a DI or utility?  Are you trying to give it another name? Why would you not just call it what it is and just play it?

No just comparing it!

[MtlJeff]

I've done this many times, usually with a Ping G series iron. 

 

Maybe my favorite alltime was the Callaway Steelhead XR 3 iron at 19 degrees. I liked it so much i literally almost bought the entire set

[14max]

4 hours ago, 1221 said:

Alot of game improvement 4 or even 5 irons are pretty strong So has anyone used them as a 3/utility/driving iron and how did it compare to your normal utility iron?

It's interesting that you posted this topic because I've found myself in this situation by accident. My G400 long/mid irons don't have matching serial numbers (6 & 7 irons serial numbers match but the serial number on the 5 is different).  So, the 5 is getting a graphite shaft and I get a utility iron...

Edited March 13, 2021 by 14max

[peepee]

I use a z565 5i bent to 22 as a DI.

[Nixhex524]

I have been using a Mizuno MP-h4 3i head on an Aldila NVS 85 hyb shaft as a DI, it's actually been awesome.  I also have a PXG 0311x DI, and the Mizuno is far better for me.  The MP-h5 looks better but the h4 has been very good, no complaints.

[driveandputtmachine]

6 hours ago, cardoustie said:

Thinking of a ZX4 long iron ... a 4 ... to go with my zx7 in 5-PW

I have already ordered one and it is on it's way.   I also have a ZX5 5 iron to try out coming as well.

[lefthack]

I have been thinking about getting the set 2i and putting a graphite shaft in it for that purpose, but I haven't yet. Yet.

 

<edit> made an offer that's pretty low, but I have bought 6 club heads off him in the last few days, so he might take it. 

Edited March 14, 2021 by lefthack

[golfer1964]

Ping g 710   4 iron    220 yards

 

Edited March 14, 2021 by golfer1964

[Ephemerlol]

I've got a Rogue Pro 3 iron with a kbs tgi 100 in it. I can't say enough good things about it.

[Rapidcat]

7 hours ago, peepee said:

I use a z565 5i bent to 22 as a DI.

I use a z565 3i (standard 20 deg loft) - plays long with heaps of forgiveness so I haven't needed to go down the DI/UI route (yet).

 

I can flight my 3i easily enough, too.

[1221]

The title says it all. What head did you use?Did you bend it weak/strong.Also did you use the same shaft as your iron set or did you go with something different?Thinking about doing this but do not know How to go about it!

[jvincent]

I'm using a Cobra Forged Tec 3i as my driving iron.

 

My 4i is a Srixon Z785 and last year I played the Cobra at 3i length wrt to the 4i. The 3i came with a Modus 105 that I tried for a while but didn't like and I switched it out for a Modus 120 which is what is in my irons and liked it much better.

 

Because I like to tinker I have switched shafts for this season, which hasn't started yet, to a Ventus Blue hybrid shaft and I'm playing it at 2i length. Based on some simulator play I've had to adjust the lie to be flatter.

 

We'll see how it goes once the season starts.

[jvincent]

I'm using a Cobra Forged Tec 3i as my driving iron.

 

My 4i is a Srixon Z785 and last year I played the Cobra at 3i length wrt to the 4i. The 3i came with a Modus 105 that I tried for a while but didn't like and I switched it out for a Modus 120 which is what is in my irons and liked it much better.

 

Because I like to tinker I have switched shafts for this season, which hasn't started yet, to a Ventus Blue hybrid shaft and I'm playing it at 2i length. Based on some simulator play I've had to adjust the lie to be flatter.

 

We'll see how it goes once the season starts.

[manima1]

I have a 545 4i and it is very hot, it might take the U45 18 outta the bag and I'll get a hybrid in that spot, cause I can use it off the tee with pretty similar distance to the U45. Was very surprised it seems to have at least 10 extra yards over the 745 4i i had in the same loft. 5 series Srixons heads are definitely hot off the face 

[ChipNRun]

More or less...

 

My CB Pro Tungsten irons have KBS Tour 90 shafts (R-flex, ~100 grams).

 

I had the CB 4i refit with a SteelFiber HLS hybrid shaft (R-flex, 75 grams). I use it as a driving iron, or for shots off the fairway - especially if into the wind. Lighter shaft really helps with launch.

[tanker44]

I use the Ping Crossover 4i Utility which is awesome.

 

Edited March 15, 2021 by tanker44

[MattM97]

My Srixon 585 4i is pretty much used as a driving iron off the tee I like it cause I can keep it low or hit a more towering shot. I don't play it a ton off the deck or rough but that just depends on the lie and distance. A 3i might be another option but I'd have to stick something lighter in there to keep that swing speed up. 

[Rbsiedsc]

Had a pxg 2i, now use my OG 02114i if needed an iron off the tee. Otherwise I go super hybrid

[LeoLeo99]

I was using a TM Speedblade 5i with graphite shaft as a utility iron.  At 23° with a light graphite shaft it was very easy to hit out off all sorts of lies and off the tee, too.  

[hartrick11]

Just picked up an i500 3 iron (19*) on the BST. Shafted with the MMT 125tx...can't get here soon enough. My GAPR lo is feeling the pressure now that there is action in the bullpen!

[James the Hogan Fan]

I found a Wilson C100 4 iron head in the trash of my club's range, with half a broken graphite shaft sticking out. Drilled that out and threw in a basic FST 125 X-flex component shaft. (I'm playing Project X 6.5's otherwise)

 

I don't have a purpose built DI, though, so I can't compare, but this club has proven long and low spin. If I need the ball to roll out it's a good option. 

[tannyhoban]

I'm going with i210 4 iron at 22 shafted with VS Proto 70R to go with 5-P J36. 
 

It fits the gap up top for me but I rarely use a long iron for drives.

 

Long iron is bit of a misnomer for me, lol.

[Valtiel]

I've experimented with the 2016 M2 Tour long irons, Srixon 585, Callaway Mavrik Pro, and the Mizuno MP-H4. The M2 Tours are super cool and very long. The Srixon is probably the best combo of having a very thin, players appearance at address but with the chunkier sole. If you like more offset then the GI/SGI long iron is often the way to go. For me though I found no real compelling reason to use them over a dedicated DI, and I prefer hollow bodies for hotmelting. 

[joostin]

I haven't had any recent hollow DIs to compare, but have these "older" set irons without bending:

- Srixon Z 545 3I (20°), same as set steel shaft... in the bag currently 

- Wilson C200 3I (19°), Aldila RIP shaft

- Dynacraft Prophet CB 3I (17°), Aldila RIP shaft

 

All good tee clubs, all very long (that cheap Dynacraft is longest, then Wilson, then Srixon). I ended the quest for distance, as I felt better off with a 5 wood's versatility.  Ended up liking the iron that was most in control, same shaft as my other irons, "long enough", felt and looked the best to me - similar to an extension of my irons... In fact I'd be happy with a matching set 3 iron.  Sorry no DI input, but probably can get along with any that fit the same subjective criteria of looks and feel.

[Russ757]

This beauty continues to beat out everything its gone against. 

[jgreer1421]

Srixon ZX utility 4 iron. So easy to hit as my “set” 4 iron, but very easy off the tee as well. Play an mmt105 in it vs mmt125’s in the rest of my set