Great analysis ... Unlike Mark, I can’t hit the 4 iron. I carry a hybrid for the 4 iron and the 5 wood. Playing to a 6 at 72 years old

I'm 51 I started playing golf in the 70s so I've always used 2 iron - sand wedge and 3wood driver tried hybrids can't hit them as accurate so I stick to my irons which I've always hit well

Great video. I have used a 3 iron forever. Bought a hybrid a couple of years ago. I practice with it but the 3iron out performs it and is more consistent.

Great feedback! I can't tell you guys how accurate and invaluable these discoveries are for a new golfer like myself. I have been enjoying the 790's so much as a high handicapper currently a 27 H.I however I've only played 4 maybe 5 rounds since committing to a consistent golf game. I've been an athlete and played sports all my life. I have enjoyed seeing the progress, sometimes quickly, sometimes slowly, but I do improve. And thank you! You're both amazing at ⛳.

I love my Ping 5 wood! I also have Ping 3 & 4 hybrids which replaced my long irons some years ago. I am much more consistent with all 3 and particularly from semi rough or dodgy lies.

I have a 3 iron and 4 hybrid that go similar distances with quite different flights. Type of lie and amount of wind often dictates which I would use for second shot on a par 5. I’m a 24 handicap so also some days irons work well and some days they don’t, so it’s great to have both options. Considering adding a 5 wood into the mix!

Fascinating video. My handicap is 24 and I use of 3 hybrid due to its versatility - especially playing out of the rough!

Great blog, interesting outcome. I think that to make a fully informed decision, it needs some on course testing. 200yds out of the rough, some 3/4 shots, maybe even around the green. I use a 3 hybrid (between my 4 iron and HL 3 wood) as I find it more versatile for all the shots mentioned above. FYI 12 handicaper. 👍

I got myself a cobra f9 21deg stiff one length hybrid......its helped me out a lot

Hi James I am a lapsed 12 handicap I used to have 3 and 4 iron in the bag along with the 5 wood...sadly lost confidence with the long irons started not to strike them as i used too also age I think was starting catch me up lol (61) ...so have gone over to a 19 and 22 degree hybrids this is still work in progress...love the content thanks

Love these videos. As a mid handicapper all these videos give me things to think about. Wouldn’t never think to get a 5 wood rather than a hybrid. Maybe worth hunting one down

8.5 handicap. I play with a lot of hybrides and woods... Just easy to launch and more forgiving... Golf is hard enough and I need all the help I can get... 😅😅😅

I game a 18 degree hybrid which I love, I have had bad experiences with a 5w but it was never fitted for it so maybe. The last time I hit a 3i must be over 20 years ago. Handicap 12. Great video James and mark

Always great content 👍 I do enjoy the mid handicap golfer stuff

I play a 5 wood and am a 5.5 handicap. Great swings, Mark! Looks like you're more comfortable hitting your irons; you seem to have more of a full turn with the 3 iron versus a 5 wood or hybrid.

I really appreciate these mid handicapper tests videos. My only beef and it's very minor........I hit ALL these clubs really good off a mat, but when I get on the course this is where I see differences. The 3 iron basically is for off the tee, perfect lies or chipping out from under a tree (most likely) The hybrid and fairway woods are so much more versatile for me. Other than that keep up the good work fellas and Thanks.

Great video, however... hitting these clubs off a mat indoors is not the best test. Each of these clubs shine in different spots, i.e. from the tee, fairway, or rough. The hybrid is arguably the most versatile club in the bag! I've only been playing golf for two and a half years and bought and iron/hybrid combo early on and game a 3H and 4H. I was pretty inconsistent with them for the longest time until I realized you can't swing the same as a wood. I have to consciously think about striking down like a typical iron which has greatly improved my strike and consistently.

Definitely a surprise, most tests give very positive views on the hybrid. I’ve still got a 3 and 4 iron but there are a few too many not hit sweet. I’ll just have to buy a used hybrid and take it on the course.

Mr Robinson. Thank you very much for these inspiring vids. You taught me so many stuff through your vids. I started my own channel because of you!!!!!!!!! Meerkat Golfer

8 handicap and mine is a GAPR LO that I got fitted for a couple of months a go and it is awesome Can I just say those first 6 shots by Mark were outstanding 👏👏 nice one Mark 👌

I recently swapped my Wilson irons for Taylormade RBZ's and didn't get a 4 iron which is my favourite club I like to hit 4 iron rather than a hybrid as I think you need to keep skill level up for long irons. The content in this video answers what I've been wondering for quite a while.

19 degree hybrid. I’ve generally just carried it around for a year or so but lately I’ve been trying to practice with it & get more confidence so can get it in play a bit more. Always been a fan of a long iron Play off 14.

Exactly - more clubs more choice ie driver, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8 Hybrids 1,2,3,4,5 iron 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9, wedges PW 50,55,60,64 and mallet putter 💪💪💪👊👊👊🙂🙂🙂 wedges might go to 50 54 58 62🙂🙂🙂

hi James, i'm nearly 69 and have been using an old Ping Eye 1 Iron for 25 years and it works really well as long as i don't try and hit it too hard, (off the deck) . i have a Taylormade RBZ 19 deg. rescue but it is only used as decoration for the bag. The old Ping will still get me between 200 and 220 yds, but if you miss hit it, fingers will tell you. trusty old 3 wood is the other preferred weapon of choice.

I have a Frankenstein wood...7 wood head in 5 wood shaft. 7 hcp

Using hybrids and 5 woods is fine on mats or flat fairways/tee box. In the rough with overhanging branches or fairway bunkers you want an iron, partic for stingers..

4 & 5 hybrid for me, I love the versatility and help I get compared to the irons

I’m 15 handicap and love the m6 5 wood

Quit playing golf 8 years ago at a +2hc and I played a 5 wood then... Started playing again this year and use the cobra f7 3 wood and 3-4 hybrid... Played 8 rounds this year 84,76,73,73,74,71,74,72... I'm loving the hybrid because I can use it for so many different things.. Stingers, punch shots out of trouble, off the tee, chipping/putting

I prefer look of iron to hybrid or fw however i went for driving iron and came out with hybrid as it helps my bad shots out

I used to hit a 3-iron but switched to a 3-hybrid and haven't looked back. I find it's my go-to club for a lot of shots. I've had a lot of success with it so the confidence is quite high with it. Very versatile it in capabilities. Don't think I'll be changing that any time soon. Actually thinking of replacing the 4-iron with a hybrid. Remains to be seen yet.

I use to always be a 3 iron but just recently changed to the Titleist 818 H2 hybrid. I'm definitely hitting the ball better with the hybrid.

I think it also comes down to where you will be playing from. A rescue club like a hybrid three can be used from out of trouble more than a three iron in my opinion. The ball trajectory is a big point also but I tend to hold greens on approach with the higher flight with a hybrid than a 3 iron. I have a 3 hybrid and am a 10.6 hcp currently.

Nice video. Myself switched replaced. My hybrids and have 5 wood in the bag. We dont get the high winds here in usa in summer so its a easy choice for that. That g410 is money

Is it the shaft. Mine is a ping zing 2, 2 iron with 20g lead tape low in cavity. About 245 fly. +4 hcp at best. Now retired through injury. Back went, too much stress. Can't even swing now. Son is following in my steps. He and your videos make me happy.

Good review Mark and James, quite handy video

I've been playing about 6 years. I'm 62 handicap is 20. I've experimented with several clubs, different styles of hybrids, etc. I've settled on a 15.5* - Ping 3 wood, 18* - Cobra 5 wood, 22* - Ping Hybrid, then 5 iron etc. This has produce the best and most consistent results for me. A side note, the style of club, shape etc. made a difference for me. I found the Ping G30 fairway and hybrids were excellent for me, but the Cobra T-Rail Baffler just can't be moved out of my bag. It's plain stupid easy to hit, and works great for getting out of the trees, bushes etc. when I need a low punch out from under the branches. Choke down, put a putter swing on it and the ball is back in play.

13 handicap hit 2 hybrid and a 2 iron. I just can’t hit fairway woods but interchange the 2’s in the bag.......like them both immensely!

Hello James, Appreciate your work from here in the states! I carry a 3-hybrid as well as a 4-hybrid and play off a 3 HC. Just can’t get past how easy it is to hit the hybrids over the long irons for me personally. Cheers!

Beginner/high handicap player here. I just switched from a hybrid which everyone said I should be using. To a 5 Wood when previously I didn’t hit fairway woods well. That was probably the best club switch I’ve made honestly.

Evening James’s great review as always,I play of 12 & have tried 3 iron,hybrid & have now gone to 4 iron & 5 wood,4 iron is roughly 180 yards & 5 wood is 185/195 yard,just struggling of the tee & weather to tee it up or of the ground,would love bit of advice,one small negative 4 adds in a 14 minute vlog/review thanks

I just recently put a 5 wood back in the bag over my hybrid. I like the height of 5 and it’s heavier weight makes it easier out of rough. 13 handicap

Great video. Marks ball striking is getting better and better. I have a massive gap in my bag. Driver...hybrid...5 iron. I'm currently looking for a 2nd hand 3 wood and 3/4 irons to see how we go and try and fill that gap. With a bit of luck santa will bring me them and I can get practising with them and nd see what's best for me.

Hi James when I started to play golf I used a 1 iron and 3 iron handicap 22 until down too 8 . In three years. In 12 months 118 to 11 then down to 7

Use whatever they are comfortable with no matter what the handicap.......enjoy golf. I have a 5 and 7 wood 4 hybid that said am high handicapper but I'm happy with it

I have an 18 degree 2 iron in the bag. But it is a driving iron. And I love it

In my 20s I used to game a D, 3W, 1i, then 2i-SW and played off 6. Now, 40 yrs later it's D, 3W, 3 iron bent to 17 degrees and with a 1/2 inch longer shaft, then 4i-PW, AW, SW and LW. I'm a 13-15 handicapper.

12hcp, I have King Snake 5W ($3.23 used). Its my favorite club in my bag, had it 20+ years. I also have hybrid but its 29 degs. No 3i, 5i and below.

My 5 wood, 3 hybrid and 4 iron had comparable lofts. I took the 5W and 4i out and just use the 3 hybrid. 18 handicap.

My lowest irons are 2&3 MP20 HMB of course😃,I have two titleist hybrids 19&22 as I play 90% on my home course and it’s windy here also then in competition days I’ll swap clubs over depending on the weather and how I feel. Handicap just gone up too 7 absolutely hate it but I played in comps when my mind was all over the place for very personal reasons, so I’ll be determined too get back too my 5 handicap next season that’s my goal and I will achieve it!!! Well done Mark not easy going on camera with a 3 iron but it proved it can and will go in your bag next year. It’s the feeling of hitting a long iron which when hit correctly the hybrid and 5 wood just don’t give you, mind I’m old school and used too long irons as we had no choice back then 😂lol.

Really interesting. I've just ditched my 3 Hybrid after years of being super inconsistent with it (when hit well, it's amazing, but I just don't trust it). I've always been scared of Fairway woods, no idea why as I haven't really used them. Randomly tried a beaten up old rental Taylormade 5 wood at my local driving range the other week, and it was glorious, on every single shot. Easiest club I'd ever hit. Was telling a mate, who then pulled out one of his old ones, and gave it to me. Went back to the driving range with it, and same thing, totally consistent. Just gutted it's taken me this long to figure it out. Ironically my 3 Hybrid is the only club in my bag I've been fitted for, and it gets used the least by a long shot.

Nice video, I have trouble with the hybrid, I'll try the 5 wood

Think the ping crossover should have been included in the test as well. I use the G 19 degree crossover. Have tried a hybrid but always seem to send it left 👍

I have a Cobra Bio Cell 5 - 7 wood (17-20°), an Adams DHY Pro 3 Hybrid (21°) and my Callaway XR Pro 4 iron is 21.5° loft. This gives me quite a variation to choose from although I must say I seem to hit better and more consistent shots with the 4 iron.

good video. off 25 currently next club after driver is a 19 degree hybrid. Going for a fitting soon to see if a fairway wood could go in my bag. Sort of expecting one will and hopefully get some more distance out of it. Waiting for my pro to get hands on a benross delta, I would like to avoid spending silly money for a change. 😊

I still carry a three Iron in my bag but honestly I don't know why as I prefer my hybrid and really never use the three Iron. After seeing Mark maybe I will have a practice session with it.

Perfect timing! I'm at this point and I'm a mid handicapper. I hit my 5 wood 250 yrd. I hit my hybrid 225 yrd. And my 2 Iron 200 yrd. All averages. 5 wood is the only one that flies straight. I'm a 14.5 handicap.

Hybrid for me all day long, once out on the course playing out from the 1st cut of rough the hybrid is a much better option than a 3 iron.

Good question addressed. Interested that you didn’t review (and factor in) the lateral variations. There were material differences. I would definitely factor that into a choice myself. And there is a case for both 5W and 3i in the bag depending on course and weather etc?

3 hybrid 11 handicap. Don't carry a 3 wood since I only hit it about five yards further and can't hit it consistently.

TM M2 3 hybrid and I love it, but I also love my Apex CF16 4 iron

I'm 43 years old, play to 5 handicap, live in San Antonio TX (so somewhat windy). I play a hybrid for courses with long par 3's, and a Mizuno MP18 Fli-hi 3iron for tighter courses or really windy days (driving iron). 5-woods launch too high, and spin too much, though I've had one in my bag on occasion. then there will be periods where I can't hit one or the other, so play the one I can hit until a range session sorts it out.

I use the 3 iron in windy conditions and the 5 wood to get over a front placed bunker or on a calm wind day. My 5 wood is the easiest to hit.

Handicap is 12. I’ve got the Srixon U65 2 & 3 driving iron. These replace my 18 degree 5 wood. I play a links style course so always looking for a lower ball flight. 😎

I always hit a long iron till 3 shoulder surgeries, now I go with a 5 wood and also a hybrid !!

Im currently playing off of 15.. I have at the moment and to be honest I've always had a 5 wood in the bag, I do have a 3 iron but it's never been in the bag and lives in my loft 😂... looking for a new set of irons for next year and a hybrid is something I'm 100% going to consider

Driver, 4 wood and a 4 hybrid 10hcp Great videos

18 deg hybrid, 818H 1 my longest “non” wood! 14 hcp. Maybe Mark should have i210 3 iron vs G410 hybrid?🤔 NOT related but James, you asked for an update, got the Phantom X8.5 putter today!! LOVE it, 😍surprised how solid it feels! I had a Futura X5.5 and the Phantom is miles better! Going straight in the bag after a bit of green time!❤️

Got a 17 degree hybrid in the bag, it’s one of my most reliable clubs. I’m a high handicapper but a good ball striker so it’s a weird one

I’ve just bought a 3 iron mizuno mp20 HMB. So easy to hit considering getting the 2 iron

Currently a 3 handicap and using a GAPR Mid 3i that’s cranked down to 17° X stiff stock KBS tour shaft, chose the mid over the low for the simple fact that it goes higher off the deck for par 5’s and I can work it just as easily as a 2 iron.

taken out the hybrids and gone to the driving irons, ya baby that is working for me

Thanks for this. It finally made clear why I've always liked my long irons and been reluctant to give them up for newer technology: It's the lower flight! Playing most of my golf in Scotland and Ireland where it's more often windy than calm, a 3 iron makes more sense...…..simples!

I was getting fitted for a hybrid and after the 4th club I realized that I cannot hit a hybrid. The fitter brought out a 5 wood and after 2 shots he said I need the 5 wood in the bag. Now that's my favorite club I have. I'm a 17 hcp.

I love my 2 and 3-iron, hate my fairway woods and/or hybrids.

Very informative!

20 handicapper (1 year back playing) - 5 iron, hybrid, 5 wood (per my fitting). The spacing works for me as of now; as my game continues to improve, I might look at some changes (4 iron?).

5 wood is my fav club so 5 wood for me 👍 Used it from 10-28 handicaps and all in between

👍🏻very informative thank you

I'm a 13-handicapper. I ditched my 5-wood for 3-hybrid which gives me better shot consistencies. Still have 3-iron in my golf bag for those low shots especially during windy conditions.

12 Hcp I have a 19 degree 3H. Love the versatility and hit it really smooth both tee’d up and off the fairway. I also game a 22 degree 4H. But that’s just because I suck at hitting long irons. Whatever you choose just make sure it works for you. Don’t think it matters so long as you are confident over the ball.

Currently go driver, 3 wood, 5 wood, 4 hybrid... had a ping crossover 3 but not forgiving enough for my ball striking

Longest club in my bag is a 2i. I am a 5 hcp. It would also depend on how comfortable someone is with each. I have been playing golf for about 4 years now, and right from the start I have hit long irons very well. I cannot hit hybrids at all. they have a massive draw that I cant control. So i stick with my 2 and 3 iron. I dont carry a LW so it allows me to carry a 2i. My set goes driver, 3w, 2i-SW

I love my 4 iron, ( Taylormade Burner Plus) and I dont have a 3 iron but hit my 5 wood (Callaway X) very seldom I will try and use it some more today and see how i go with it. and maybe investigate getting a 3 iron fitted. I am a high handicapper.

I play between a 718 TMB 2 iron and a 17* M3 2 iron rescue, depending on the course 👍

Nie im Leben hat der Bursche ein Hcp von über 10.Dafür ist der Schwung zu gut.Ansonsten solltest Du Ihm besser das kurze Spiel beibringen ;-) Natürlich wie immer gut gemachtes Video. Vielen Dank !

Great video, loved the content 😀

4 handicap, just put a 21 degree fairway in the bag. Replaced the hybrid because couldn’t get the height I needed.

I'm a 12 handicapper, my go to club is my 5 wood, it's half inch shorter than standard, I know my miss with it is a lot less then my old 3 iron. Tried a hybrid the only 1 I could hit was the cobra f8 one length but I found it was going no further than my 5 iron, but not stopping as quick.

Got a 5 wood and a 3 iron in my bag.. tight tree lined course means keeping the 3 iron is a necessary answer. 17 hc.

I play with a 3 iron and hybrid, play links golf the majority of the year so hybrid comes out if I’m in the rough or low wind! Handicap isn’t sorted yet as I don’t have a club, just a St. Andrews links ticket

I use a 20 Ping G25 hybrid, playing 19hcp at the moment. Longest iron is 5i JPX900, cheers.

I use a GAPR Lo 2, love it

19° hybrid 816 Titleist can hit lots of shots with it especially off crappy turf

I think hybrid shafts are way too long, I think the hybrid needs to be the length of the iron it is replacing. A 17 degree 2 iron and a 17 degree hybrid with same shaft length will go the same distance but then the hybrid will be easier to hit. I use to have a 17 degree hybrid and off the tee would be around 260, my GAPR 17 degree is the same distance but I dont get the massive draw with my GAPR. I also replaced the graphite shaft in the GAPR to a steel 105 and it plays like an iron. Maybe try that with the hybrid with Mark, cut the hybrid to 3i length, re swing weight it and give it another go. Great video.

The three iron is a good windy day club. I have a 4 and a 3 rescue which I don’t like. They have a draw bias and we’re bought on impulse. One of my all time favourite clubs is my 5 wood. It has a larger confidence giving head so despite the longer shaft is easier for me to hit than the rescues. Right now I would buy a game improver 3 iron, no question. Last official h/c was 21.

My longest iron is a 5i, I carry a 19 degree hybrid and a 5w (turned down a degree to 17 degrees so more of a 4w). For me each club has to do a different job: 5w is a tee club (225-30 yards) and second shot on long par 5s (210-15 yards); 3H is a much lower flight, great off tee on long par 3s (210-215 yards) and second shots into long par 4s (200-210 yards)

4I 5W 3W. 19 HCP. I have tried 3I (not great) but haven't tried Hybid. I do love my 5W though.

I'm 51 and started playing late, after college. I'm currently about a 15 handicap (plus or minus depending on the day) and only play irons to the 5, then have 2 hybrids, then 3W.

I can still hit my 3 and 4 irons relatively well, but have pulled them out because I am not consistent with them. I now have a Driver, 2 hybrid (17*) and 4 hybrid (21*) before I move to my irons, starting with a 5