4 Hybrid Vs. 3 Hybrid Comparison Overview
Most golfers know that a hybrid club will be more forgiving than an iron. But when you start comparing hybrids with other hybrids, the lines tend to get blurry. This is especially true when you compare hybrids close to each other in size and loft like the 4 hybrid and the 3 hybrid.
While hybrids aren’t necessarily the new kids on the golf block anymore, a lot of beginner golfers still have a lot of questions about them. In the following comparison, we will be helping you answer the question, “is a 4 hybrid or a 3 hybrid better for my game?”
3 Hybrid Overview
Naturally, the 3 hybrid will create a lower-arcing shot but will generally produce more distance than a 4 hybrid.
In fact, you can expect an average of about 190 yards out of a 3 hybrid. However, compare that to an average of 180 yards from a 4 hybrid and the differences seems almost negligible. Still, this is a viable club to use off the tee at the range or on short holes.
When we tested a 3 hybrid and 4 hybrid side-by-side though, we ran into a problem. Obviously the 4 hybrid would have a shorter length but the 3 hybrid felt almost unwieldy in the hands – especially when were working it off the deck.
Still, the 3 hybrid is handy to have in case your find yourself in some tall rough. Here, it will help you cut through but won’t do much to get you over hazards.
4 Hybrid Overview
The 4 hybrid was generally the more versatile and useful hybrid club. While loft angles are similar, the 4 hybrid will do a better job of getting you over trees and stopping dead on greens.
Keep in mind that the average loft of a 4 hybrid will be between 24 and 28 degrees while the average loft of a 3 hybrid will be between 21 and 24 degrees. Still, the difference seems larger once you actually have a 4 hybrid in your hand.
Part of the reason is the shorter shaft. The 4 hybrid will be more comfortable for high to mid handicappers.
Overall, we like the 4 hybrid better than the 3 hybrid not only for beginners; but intermediate and advanced players as well. It has the best combination of launch angle and distance so it’s more useful overall.
4 Hybrid Quick Facts
Average Distance: 180 yards
On the Upper End: 195 yards
On the Lower End: 160 yards
Average Loft: 22 degrees
Overall Rating: 89/100
3 Hybrid Quick Facts
Category – Longer Club – Fairway Wood/Long Iron Mix
When To Use: From Fairway, Tee Or Light To Heavy Rough
Average Distance: 185
Longer Hitter: 200
Shorter Hitter: 175
Typical Loft: 19 Degrees
Club Importance: 94/100
4 Hybrid First Impressions
We were understandably intimidated by the 4 hybrid because at the end of the day, it’s just an alternative to the unwieldy 4 iron.
However, our fears were pretty quickly off the tee if you could believe it. Most of the members of our testing party were getting an average of 10 extra yards off the tee with the 4 hybrid.
It was very forgiving overall and produced very high launch angles.
One Hybrid Down – 3 Hybrid
The 3 hybrid will be a good club to have for long fairway shots. The generous loft will also make it easier to stay on fast greens. A 3 iron can also be useful off the tee on shorter holes.
3 Hybrid Overview & First Impressions
A Hybrid as the name suggests is a mix between a fairway wood with is large, round head and an iron with is large sweet spot and excellent turf interaction.
The 3 Hybrid is one of the most popular in the collection and the 3 & 4 Hybrids are usually found in most sets these days. While they used to be predominantly used by beginners and high handicappers they are now also seen in most pros bags too.
The clubs are incredibly versatile but as with most clubs they will enjoy there best performance from a nice lie on the fairway.
The large sweet spots ensure consistently straight shots and the decent loft and turf interaction ensure a high ball flight although they are slightly less workable than their iron counter parts.
The sharp leading edge is also ideal for the rough, giving the clubs it’s ‘Rescue club’ title.
The 3 Hybrid is a great for most players around the 190 mark on average from any lie and the club is great for hitting the green consistently.
A 3 hybrid can really add consistency to your game especially if you struggle with your longer irons, it will often replace a 3 or 4 iron these days.
One Club Up – 2 Hybrid
The 2 hybrid is a very similar club to the 3 except it has a stronger loft and thus hits the ball further but on a lower trajectory and with less roll out.
One Club Down – 4 Hybrid
The 4 hybrid is often coupled with the 3 in many beginner sets and will hit the ball 5 to 10 yards less than the 3 Hybrid with a higher loft that can cut through the rough more easily.
Benefits of Using a 4 Hybrid
- More forgiving
- Better distance control
- High launch angles
- Can be used from the tee
- More distance
3 Hybrid Selling Points
- Consistently Straight Shots
- Easy To Get Into Air With A Good Launch
- Excellent Turf Interaction
- Great From The Rough
- Excellent Potential Replacement For Long Irons
Who are 4 Hybrids Good for?
If you are looking for a club to use strictly for long fairway shots and approaches, you may want to consider a 4 hybrid. In general, 4 hybrids play about 2 yards longer than 4 irons on approaches whether you are a low or high handicap player.
Better players will also get good performance from this type of hybrid from the tee.
A Good 4 Hybrid to Check Out – Cleveland Launcher XL Halo 4 Hybrid
What we liked right off the bat about this 4 hybrid was the massive head. You get the look and feel of a driver with the forgiveness and launch of a hybrid.
The Launcher XL Halo 4 Hybrid also features 3 bottom rails that help stabilize the head when your chopping through gritty rough so it made for a pretty good rescue hybrid as well.
Distance: 91/100
Accuracy: 90/100
Feel and Control: 87/100
Forgiveness: 89/100
Overall Rating: 90/100
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Who Are 3 Hybrids For?
While 3 Hybrids started out as a club best utlized by beginners and handicappers, that is certainly not the cases now as Hybrids are also ominpresent in the bags of elite golfers around the world.
For it’s usefulness from the rough alone, the ‘Rescue club’ has become a vital component in almost every bag while the consistent straight and high shots are another reason why Hybrids are included in almost all golf sets these days.
For long shots from any lie, consider trying out a 3 hybrid.
Our Favorite 3 Hybrid – The Taylormade Sim Max
When you go with Taylormade, you know you are getting the best quality and since the Sim Max is not the newest model, it packs nearly all of the same tech at a lower price point.
The club is long, consistent and forgiving with a massive sweet spot, exceptional turf interaction and market leading forgiveness.
The Sim 3 Hybrid will be more suitable for the better players too.
Distance: 94/100
Accuracy: 96/100
Forgiveness: 95/100
Feel and Control: 92/100
Overall Score: 94/100
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