Bag Full of Hybrids

[mannlygolf123]

Hey, since this is the forum for the more seasoned golfers, I was wondering if any of you have gone to the more lofted hybrids, like up to the 7 iron loft? I assemble my own clubs and decided to try a bag full of hybrids (sort of), like the 3 thru 7. Then my regular 8 thru pitch. I was never very long even in my prime, but now at 63 it's just embarrassing. So, if you've gained some distance with them, let me know. Thank, Mike

[scomac2002]

I've got a Cobra Baffler TWS/6R that I've experimented with a bit this year. It launches higher than my equivalent lofted 6i, but the total distance is the same. The hybrid is a touch straighter, but the trade-off is that the ball is more easily knocked down in windy conditions due to the higher launch angle. For me it's a push, but YMMV.

[honketyhank]

The only irons in my bag are a 9i and 4 wedges. At the higher lofts especially, avoid thinking the number on the clubhead indicates the iron it replaces. I had to do a fair amount of experimentation and I ended up with a 28* ("6h") replacing my 6i. Then started experimenting on 7i replacement and ended with a Cobra 32* (labelled "6h" also), Used those two for a while, then worked on replacing my 8i. Ended up with a Nike 7h (34*, IIRC).

The experimention at each step proved necessary as the gaps between were nothing like what I as used to with my irons. In one case I couldn't see any diffence between the one I was test and the next lower loft. Not too expensive - shopped for used lady's hybrids on ebay. My intent was to change the shafts, but discovered that my old man's swing suited the L flex (and vise versa).

I am very happy with my setup. BTW, the reason for all this: I am a sweeper and my swing is becoming less consistent as I age (now 67). The hybrids are much more foregiving for a slightly fat shot if you are sweeper. They won't help if you are laying sod over the ball. I may be approaching that if my swing continues to age faster than I do.

[badbrad108]

I play with a guy from Al in Northwest Georgia senior group that has all hybrids down to PW. Has very good graphite shafts in them and he is about a 3 hdc. Makes me think about it all the time.

[Shambles]

Some people actually reccomend the hybrid bag for slower swingers and I must admit to being well on my way in that direction. There are even ready made sets of these, though I've only seen them as component sets. I sometimes play with an older man who bags a set of these and regularly kicks my a** with them.

Personally speaking I am fighting the change because I feel the irons are more useful under more difficult conditions than hybrids.


Shambles

[Blade Junkie]

I recall someone posting on this forum that they were going to try a whole set of Louisville Niblick woods. Having hit some of these, they do seem to mimic Hybrid characteristics of high trajectory, soft landing., at least they did for me! Nice clubs.

So that might be another option to consider, money permitting!

Available in 1W, 2W, 3W, 4W, 5W, 7W, 9W, 11W, 13W and 15W with either steel or graphite shafts. They market these as replacing irons up to 8 iron.

https://www.louisvillegolf.com/ProductDetail/tabid/83/rvdsfpid/niblick-fairway-wood-set-of-9-steel-shaft-40/rvdsfcatid/niblick-fairway-woods-9/Default.aspx
https://www.louisvillegolf.com/ProductDetail/tabid/83/rvdsfpid/niblick-fairway-wood-set-of-9-graphite-shaft-41/rvdsfcatid/niblick-fairway-woods-9/Default.aspx

[Shambles]

[quote name='Blade Junkie' timestamp='1378283001' post='7794913']
I recall someone posting on this forum that they were going to try a whole set of Louisville Niblick woods. Having hit some of these, they do seem to mimic Hybrid characteristics of high trajectory, soft landing., at least they did for me! Nice clubs.

So that might be another option to consider, money permitting!

Available in 1W, 2W, 3W, 4W, 5W, 7W, 9W, 11W, 13W and 15W with either steel or graphite shafts. They market these as replacing irons up to 8 iron.

[url="https://www.louisvillegolf.com/ProductDetail/tabid/83/rvdsfpid/niblick-fairway-wood-set-of-9-steel-shaft-40/rvdsfcatid/niblick-fairway-woods-9/Default.aspx"]https://www.louisvil...-9/Default.aspx[/url]
[url="https://www.louisvillegolf.com/ProductDetail/tabid/83/rvdsfpid/niblick-fairway-wood-set-of-9-graphite-shaft-41/rvdsfcatid/niblick-fairway-woods-9/Default.aspx"]https://www.louisvil...-9/Default.aspx[/url]
[/quote]


Fairways have a way of coming to the shape that hybrids have but lack the head weight and are fitted with longer and softer tip shafts. The shafts are more often lighter too. Refardless, you can approach the performance of the hybrid somewhat by choking down a bit and I do admit having proselitized in this direction. These days I carry both because they really are different regardless of similar loft and looks. They also have different uses, depending on the conditions you encounter. This was very much a surprise to me because I really wanted to maintain my long irons. However, it only took me a few months of bagging them side by side to see the differences.


Shambles

[mannlygolf123]

Thanx for the insight guys..........."cover me, I'm going in" Mike

[dbuck47]

I added a couple of hybrids to one of my bags a couple of years ago. I never really "got it" with hybrids--until I actually tried them. I am in my mid fifties and still carry Driver, 3w, and 1-sw in my vintage bag and do find a use for the 1 iron off some tees. I can hit my 20* 3hybrid though about as long as my 1 iron and definitely longer than my 2 iron with a lot less fuss.