Golf Forums - Hybrids - what do you think?

Hybrids - what do you think? Options
#1 Posted : Monday, August 23, 2010 6:38:39 PM
Carol Bellis
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I've decided that the time has come to ditch my ping i3's (mens, steel shaft, blades, stiff  -  in case anyone wants to buy 'em!), and go for something very different. Over the last few weeks I've tried loads of clubs, with varying results, and at the weekend I tried a set of hybrid irons. I found them easy to use, very accurate and pretty consistent. But - could this just be the honeymoon period? Has anyone out there gone over to hybrids? Do you still like them or did the novelty wear off? Any advice would be appreciated!
#2 Posted : Tuesday, August 24, 2010 11:56:49 AM
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Hybrids are a great replacement for the long irons but I've never seen someone with a complete set of hybrid irons.  Would you not just replace your irons with something that works for you (get your swing speed measured and try a few different clubs in a controlled environment - Haywards Heath Golf Club have a very nice club fitting setup) and then perhaps replace say the 3 & 4 iron with easyier to hit hybrids? 
#3 Posted : Tuesday, August 24, 2010 5:43:36 PM
Carol Bellis
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Thanks for the reply Pete - maybe I've misunderstood then.........they're advertised as 'full set of hybrid irons' - and I have to say that they don't look like the conventional irons. I have tried the 'controlled environment' without much success. Perhaps I'm overcome with the urge to hit everything a lot harder than usual, but inside 10 mins I start to shank everything and I can practically see the pro thinking 'oh my god........'
#4 Posted : Tuesday, August 24, 2010 7:00:33 PM
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 Don't get me wrong, they do make (and sell) complete sets of hybrids ie to replace the entire set of irons, but they don't seem to sell many (as evidence by the fact that I've not seen anyone with a complete set of hybrids). I don't know why that is. Perhaps someone more knowledgeable than me can answer?

RE you comment about the 10 minute limit before the green man in you comes out and you feel the need to smash the spots off the ball - perhaps try clubs on the range (with the radar swing speed, direction, distance tracking thing a me) in 8 minute sessions? (as a good 12 handicapper me thinks a proper set of irons is for you, just which ones...)
#5 Posted : Thursday, July 7, 2011 2:37:37 PM
Justin Anderson
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I have to agree with Pete, why not get traditional irons and replace the 3 and 4 irons with hybrids. I got a set of Nike Ignite 3's 4-PW from Direct Golf and then got a John Letters 3 Hybrid a week or so later. Now I'm considering getting the 2 Hybrid to match.

I find the hybrids so much easier to hit than I ever did my long irons.
#6 Posted : Friday, July 8, 2011 3:20:04 PM
Steve 'The Powe...
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Hybrids, a good question, I started my collection with a 4 Hybrid (22degree loft) just because I liked the look of it.  I soon added 2,3,5,6 hybrids, which work well for me, but still retained 8iron down to wedges.  So whilst not quite a full set, I have replaced long and mid irons with a set of Hybrids... (I chose Forgan sticks as they work for me).  I find I can play nice high and soft landing shots and low drilled shots with just a modicum of set-up change... difference is noticeable.  The only thing I struggle with is digging out of sticky rough, s I have to reduce my expectations accordingly.

I was OK with mid and long irons as well, but just find a little more consistency with the hybrids... and the illusion of control helps...

I do find the 2 hybrid a bit of a beast though, interesting of the fairway/semi-rough, but reasonably good off the tee.   So no need for fairway woods/metals either (but I still have them)...

#7 Posted : Saturday, July 9, 2011 10:10:51 AM
Ian Mullins
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I swear by my Hybrids....

Like Stephen, I started with one, two years ago - a 3 Hybrid Cobra Baffler Rail (£110 - I think) - but then added the 4 & 5 soon after. Initailly, I dropped from 18 to 14 handicap within 6 months (!),  alas that consistency has now been reversed and back to 19 but its not the clubs.

Stephen, how you getting on with the 6, I was thinking about adding this to the bag but was concerned i might be taking it too far.....

Ian
#8 Posted : Saturday, July 9, 2011 1:18:40 PM
Graeme McKendry
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My irons came with hybrids 3&4.

I'd had a 24 degree hybrid that I'd added to my previous set so I'd been used to them but now I don't think I could do without them.

One thing I find is that the ball really flies from the semi-rough.So for example if I were the distance from the hole on the fairway where I'd take the three, from the semi-rough I'd use the four to compensate.
#9 Posted : Saturday, July 9, 2011 8:02:58 PM
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My Wilson Deep Red set came with 3 and 4 hybrids, I was a bit  nervous about using them as my previous set of John Letters was 3-sw. I then ditched the hybrids and bought 3 and 4 Wilson C19 irons. I was fading my drivesand after a chat with various people, I decided to use my 3 hybrid instead of my driver and am now driving straight down the middle of the fairway. I still use my 4 iron but have not used my driver for the last 3 weeks.
#10 Posted : Monday, July 11, 2011 8:32:52 PM
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Just to confirm, that the 6 Hybrid is one of my favourite sticks, serves as a 6 and/or 7 iron, allows me to float a ball in the air and/or hit it lower.  Also I have a nice line in knock-down shots (essentially long-chip shots) and the 6 is pretty good at getting to 100 yards (keeping quite low) with just about zero effort.  I would recommend trying the 6 (if they had an 8 I would have a look at it as well).  I think it would be the last one to leave my bag if I had to dispose of hybrids. 

I have a 2 (scarey beast) which does the job of a 3 wood and has at times been my choice for driving... but also allows me to hit a 'looonnggg' chip shot keeping under the trees and through the gaps...and getting a good 150 yards (just about half-swing as well).  OK I guess if if game strategy is to get the ball low and running as soon as possible... 

Hm I wonder if there is a hybrid PW (I know Slazeber did a range of near hybrid irons a while back - Ernie Els was advertising them, but they seem to have died the death).

Anyway - short answer - love the 6 hybrid, favourite stick (after Driver and Putter)...

And you can never have enough hybrids... the consistency anomalies - I have encountered them as well, but it's just becasue the sticks are versatile... slightly more disciplned approach to their use, I have 3 basic hybrid setups, the Tiger stinger (club delofted -  hands forward), a Floater, standard set up and the long chip shot... I can usually get close with one of those 3... 

Always looking for new options though...

Rgds
#11 Posted : Tuesday, July 12, 2011 4:54:19 PM
Ian Mullins
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Hmmmm......somehow I knew you were going to say that.......right off to the cobra website now to check it out!

Cheers
#12 Posted : Tuesday, July 12, 2011 6:57:56 PM
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 Here's something to rock the boat,I am all for making the game easier for myself and others on the course,I do love to see fellow golfers playing well.
However,I do think that these hybrid clubs take a certain amount of skill out of the game,they are easier to use to get the ball in the air and get greater distances,and also getting out of the rough a walk in the park.
I carry a 3 and 4 iron and get great satisfaction when I hit them well.
Especially if you have to shape the shot with a draw or fade,I am not that good that I can do it to order,but do love the challenge,and get a good feeling if it comes off.
I may be old fashioned but I think I prefer long irons to Hybrids any day of the week.
Thats my  choice I know,I have spent many hours practicing to change now
Jack
#13 Posted : Wednesday, July 13, 2011 11:49:37 AM
Graeme McKendry
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With all due respect Jack, you have a single figure handicap

Some of us need all the help we can get
#14 Posted : Wednesday, July 13, 2011 11:39:57 PM
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I thought this point would come up,I have a low handicap agreed I achieved this with countless ours of practice,and dedication.
I did not use a hybrid club in all the hours I put in to my game,it was a personal choice and they was not about years ago,I stuck with the traditional way.
I do understand the argument of making the game easier for yourself,but in my book there is nothing more sweeter than hitting a well struck 3 or 4 iron to the heart of the green. Or playing a low runner below the wind with these clubs.
Its the skill aspect that I admire,but when it goes wrong you do feel a bit of a fool.
Everybody plays this game different so its down to a matter of personal choice and how much you want to achieve
Happy golfing
Jack 
#15 Posted : Friday, July 15, 2011 3:23:05 PM
Steve 'The Powe...
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Hi Jack

I have nothing but admiration for the results of the obvious dedication some low handicappers have put in over the years.  However technology moves on on all sports and the struggle for improvement continues.  I had some fun in a competition ages ago, with old wooden shafts and persimmon woods.  I would say that everything has its place and we all have choices.  I am a relatively late starter in the golfing world, so all I know is what was around at the time... and I can still hit long irons well enough to appreciate the sensation of a well-struck shot... Perhaps in a few years there will be some other 'next best thing' and we may have to review current choices. 

Anyway I've seen you play, and the evidence of dedication is obvious, not bad at all for an old boy.  Perhaps I'll be allowed to join you on one of your future golfing days out.   

Best regards

Jack Shelton wrote:
I thought this point would come up,I have a low handicap agreed I achieved this with countless ours of practice,and dedication.
I did not use a hybrid club in all the hours I put in to my game,it was a personal choice and they was not about years ago,I stuck with the traditional way.
I do understand the argument of making the game easier for yourself,but in my book there is nothing more sweeter than hitting a well struck 3 or 4 iron to the heart of the green. Or playing a low runner below the wind with these clubs.
Its the skill aspect that I admire,but when it goes wrong you do feel a bit of a fool.
Everybody plays this game different so its down to a matter of personal choice and how much you want to achieve
Happy golfing
Jack 
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