7 wood vs 5 wood vs 4 iron

[PhillipG78]

I'm considering some changes to my bag, Im currently gaming a 15* hybrid it's currently my 240-250 club, then Im playing a 18* 5W and a  22* 4I. My 5w goes about 230 and my 4i goes about 220. Im consideirng swapping out the 5W for a 7W or the 4I or maybe scrap both for a 7W. Would love to get input on this. 

[Mark_Tha_Tinkerer]

This is not really an equipment issue.  You need to gain more distance by increasing the size of your forearms and biceps and then gaining more flexibility.  For the forearms and biceps, I recommend lots of canned spinach.  Sorry I can't help with any suggestions about flexibility.  

[Jeri6gt]

I’m using all 3 of these. Minus a 3 wood left off my bag.

I just made the change so tbd on how it actually looks in reality.

 

edit:  I love this combo wish I adopted a 7 wood when I was younger.

Edited September 23, 2023 by Jeri6gt

[mosesgolf]

7wd is the most versatile club I have ever played.  Fantastic off the tee, fairway, and rough.  I've had one in the bag for over 20 years.  No comparison between a 7 wood and long iron.  

[sir_mike]

I play a 3HL at 16.5 degrees and a Heavenwood at 20 degrees, then a hybrid at 22 degrees.  Really like this setup!

 

As mentioned above the 7wd is fantastic and I too have played one for a really long time!  I don't hit it as far as I used to but still can get it anywhere from 170 to 180 or so!

 

 

[Dr.Potat]

What’s the issue with the current setup? 10yd gapping at the top of the bag looks pretty great to me. 
 

If you aren’t consistent with the 4i or need something to land softer, I would look at replacing with a 7w. Depending on the 7w loft though, this could bunch up your gapping even more. 

[mosesgolf]

I'd consider putting in a 9 wood over the 4 iron.  I've hit some shots with a 9 iwood out of rough that no 4 iron could ever duplicate.  It's a cheat code out of rough.  

Edited September 9, 2023 by mosesgolf

[black bnr32]

4i (21 degree) and 7w (21 degree) are both about 210 yard clubs for me.  I carry both because I don’t really care about carrying 14 clubs.  4i off the tee, 7w off the turf.  The 4i is straighter, say about 10 yards less dispersion side to side.  I’d recommend asking yourself if you’re willing to give up side to side dispersion for extra stopping power and thin performance.

[ChipNRun]

13 hours ago, Dr.Potat said:

What’s the issue with the current setup?

As per Dr.P, I'm not sure what issue you're addressing...

 

A 7W could give more separation between 15*H. As for 4i, why is it problematic?

 

If you had 7W - a very versatile club - you could keep 4i for lower, control shots. If 4i has launch problems, consider going with lighter shaft of, if Yonexs are steel shafted, a graphite or hybrid shaft.

 

Me? I've been playing some combo of 4W + 7W (models changed a couple of times) since 2011. With my pre-Mavrik setup, I carried 4H and 4i. The 4i was refit with a hybrid shaft and mainly a driving iron. But Mavs are hotter, 5i goes about as long as old 4i. Plus, I learned how to hit a stinger with a 4H for when I want control and rollout, vs. 7W for control and stop.

 

BTW Phil, have you dropped your 3i? 

 

[Mikey_HACKilroy]

I don't think there's anything wrong given the stated information unless you just want to buy more golf clubs. 😄

[BHI 99]

The spot between 3W and 4i is no man’s land. Anything goes. 

[Rbsiedsc]

I go 4 clubs for the three spots depending what I need. 
 

16.5° wood, 18° DI, 21° Uw, 22° 4i. Right now the 4i is benched as it overlaps with my 5i. Will see what happens next year as my swing overhaul should be more natural by then. 

[Albatross Dreamer]

I play 3w, 5w, 7w, 4i. Use them all as my 7w goes longer than my 4i. Based on your numbers I don't see why you'd replace the 5w with a 7w given you already only have a 10 yard gap. Just curious, what's the "problem" you're trying to solve? Or are you just wanting a change?

[zengineer]

I've settled on 5 Iron, 5 Hybrid, 5 Wood under 3 Wood and Driver.

[BHI 99]

I’m currently D, 3W, 2H, 4H, 5i….FWIW. 

[SofaKingPure]

So many options at the top of the bag. I’m playing a 41.5 5 wood and it’s so good. Still 230+ but amazing control and contact 

[Mobert19]

I’m in the same boat OP. My gappings are (carry/total)

3W 235-240

5W 215- 225

3H 205-215

4i 200-205

5i 195-200

 

Can’t decide which to go with between 5W and 3H. I think it may just have to be a course length decision and keep the 5W for the 7000+ yardages that typically have longer par 3s and par 5s and maybe sub in the hybrid when playing courses 6700-6800. 
 

I don’t know what to do either. Lol 

Edited September 12, 2023 by Mobert19

[Mobert19]

On 9/11/2023 at 8:19 PM, Mobert19 said:

I’m in the same boat OP. My gappings are (carry/total)

3W 235-240

5W 215- 225

3H 205-215

4i 200-205

5i 195-200

 

Can’t decide which to go with between 5W and 3H. I think it may just have to be a course length decision and keep the 5W for the 7000+ yardages that typically have longer par 3s and par 5s and maybe sub in the hybrid when playing courses 6700-6800. 
 

I don’t know what to do either. Lol 

Edit: spent the last few days nailing down these numbers both on range and on course. 
 

3W and 5W are basically the same 235-245 with an odd 3W 250-260 but not reliable. 
 

3H  205-220 

4i 205-215

5i 190-200

 

i was still all over the place both front and back and left right dispersion with the 3H. The 5W was far and away the most reliable and straight of the woods. So I’ve decided to play the Sim Ti 5W (turned down to 17.5 - closer to an 4 wood and an 42.5” shaft) and just ordered a TSR2 7 wood and will bench both Stealth Plus 3W and G425 3H. 

the hybrid is a G425 and have had strings of really good play, but as a whole, have lost confidence with it. 
 

Never played a 7 wood so interested to see how this works out. 

[Rbsiedsc]

On 9/14/2023 at 7:00 PM, Mobert19 said:

Edit: spent the last few days nailing down these numbers both on range and on course. 
 

3W and 5W are basically the same 235-245 with an odd 3W 250-260 but not reliable. 
 

3H  205-220 

4i 205-215

5i 190-200

 

i was still all over the place both front and back and left right dispersion with the 3H. The 5W was far and away the most reliable and straight of the woods. So I’ve decided to play the Sim Ti 5W (turned down to 17.5 - closer to an 4 wood and an 42.5” shaft) and just ordered a TSR2 7 wood and will bench both Stealth Plus 3W and G425 3H. 

the hybrid is a G425 and have had strings of really good play, but as a whole, have lost confidence with it. 
 

Never played a 7 wood so interested to see how this works out. 

This is the way. I did the same and also likely will swap a DI in for my 4i (or 7w depending on conditions). 

[jdotmill]

On 9/8/2023 at 10:19 PM, mosesgolf said:

I'd consider putting in a 9 wood over the 4 iron.  I've hit some shots with a 9 iwood out of rough that no 4 iron could ever duplicate.  It's a cheat code out of rough.  

I carry a 3 iron (21 degrees) then took out the 4 and replaced it with a 9 wood. The club is ridiculous. Goes higher than my PW and no fairway bunker lip is too high to get out of, plus great out of the rough. I have a 7 wood as well, but I prefer the 3 iron because I like to use it off the tee and it goes lower so I can pierce the wind better

[Mobert19]

6 hours ago, Rbsiedsc said:

This is the way. I did the same and also likely will swap a DI in for my 4i (or 7w depending on conditions). 

Ironically, the 3H was spot on today. Unbelievable. I really focused on a couple little things and it was back. Now I’m stuck with what to do with this 7W on the way. 
 

 

[Rbsiedsc]

12 minutes ago, Mobert19 said:

Ironically, the 3H was spot on today. Unbelievable. I really focused on a couple little things and it was back. Now I’m stuck with what to do with this 7W on the way. 
 

 

So is golf

[Jayjay_theweim_guy]

On 9/9/2023 at 2:15 PM, BHI 99 said:

The spot between 3W and 4i is no man’s land. Anything goes. 

Jeez, ain't this the truth.  Assuming you should even be using a 3W, as many of us shouldn't be.

 

Currently, I've a 2H, 3.5H (lol), in-between, and I'm still dialing it in.  So it goes.

[BHI 99]

Yeah, I’m starting to the 3W is from yesteryear. What the world needs is a “3W” that’s 460cc 15* @43”. 
 

I’ll be first in line. 

[Rbsiedsc]

16 hours ago, BHI 99 said:

Yeah, I’m starting to the 3W is from yesteryear. What the world needs is a “3W” that’s 460cc 15* @43”. 
 

I’ll be first in line. 

Why not get a 12° head. Shaft it with a 70g shaft. Cut it down and put a ton of hot melt or lead tape low to lower cg? Gonna be hard to hit off the deck but should be a steady short driver. 

[BHI 99]

11 minutes ago, Rbsiedsc said:

Why not get a 12° head. Shaft it with a 70g shaft. Cut it down and put a ton of hot melt or lead tape low to lower cg? Gonna be hard to hit off the deck but should be a steady short driver. 

Already two steps ahead of you my man. 😉

[Albatross85]

I go 5w(255 carry) > 7w (230) > 4i (225 but runs to 245 b/c its flat). I no longer carry a 3w b/c i never am in a situation where im further than 250 from a green at my club. 

[PhillipG78]

On 9/9/2023 at 9:24 AM, ChipNRun said:

As per Dr.P, I'm not sure what issue you're addressing...

 

A 7W could give more separation between 15*H. As for 4i, why is it problematic?

 

If you had 7W - a very versatile club - you could keep 4i for lower, control shots. If 4i has launch problems, consider going with lighter shaft of, if Yonexs are steel shafted, a graphite or hybrid shaft.

 

Me? I've been playing some combo of 4W + 7W (models changed a couple of times) since 2011. With my pre-Mavrik setup, I carried 4H and 4i. The 4i was refit with a hybrid shaft and mainly a driving iron. But Mavs are hotter, 5i goes about as long as old 4i. Plus, I learned how to hit a stinger with a 4H for when I want control and rollout, vs. 7W for control and stop.

 

BTW Phil, have you dropped your 3i? 

 

Nothing wrong with the 4 per say I don’t have the 3 because I don’t have room in the bag for it.