4 hybrid Vs 5 Hybrid Comparison Overview
It’s hard not to notice the rapid rise in popularity of Hybrid clubs in recent years and for good reason, they offer consistently straight, long and high launching strokes and the 4 and 5 are two of the most popular.
What’s the difference between say, a 4 hybrid and 5 hybrid? Is a 4 hybrid or a 5 hybrid better to have in your bag?
The truth is that these clubs are very similar and are often both carried in unison and have also become very popular in most beginner sets these days.
4 Hybrid Overview
The 4 hybrid is mainly used on long approach shots or to get out of a difficult lie, due to it’s sharp leading edge. It offers possibly the best combination of distance and loft of any hybrid club.
In terms of distance, we’re talking an average of about 180 yards. In terms of loft, you can expect most 4 hybrids to be about 22 degrees. That’s just enough to make it viable for plays out of the rough if you end up in the long stuff off the tee and for long approaches on par 4’s and 5’s.
A 4 hybrid may not be better than a 4 iron if you are a low handicap player because it isn’t as precise or workable. In fact, hard statistical data proves that.
However, if you are a mid to high handicapper who wants more accuracy around the green and help with consistency, you would do well with a 4 hybrid.
5 Hybrid Overview
The 5 hybrid will naturally play shorter than a 4 hybrid; but other than that you get very similar accuracy from a 5 hybrid.
The difference between a 4 hybrid and 5 hybrid is much less noticeable than between a 4 hybrid and 3 hybrid. The 5 hybrid will offer similar distance control and accuracy as a 4 hybrid.
The 5 hybrid is going to be easier to get in the air although a positive characteristic of hybrid clubs are how well they interact with the turf and get the ball in the air effortlessly.
Of course, this can be amended with a shaft but the more natural club for a wider swath of players would be the 4 hybrid. A 5 hybrid will have an average loft of about 25 degrees giving it higher launch than a 4 hybrid – if you can sweep the ball up.
From a distance and usability standpoint, the 10 yards distance between the clubs makes it perfect to carry both as a replacement for long irons which many players may struggle with but even professional players are using hybrids these days.
4 Hybrid Quick Facts
Category – Long Hybrid
When To Use: Fairway, Light To Heavy Rough
Average Distance: 180
Longer Hitter: 195
Shorter Hitter: 160
Typical Loft: 22 Degrees
Club Importance: 94/100
5 Hybrid Quick Facts
Category – Long/Mid Hybrid
When To Use: Fairway, Light To Heavy Rough
Average Distance: 170
Longer Hitter: 180
Shorter Hitter: 165
Typical Loft: 25 Degrees
Club Importance: 94/100
4 Hybrid First Impressions
a 4 Hybrid is an alternative to a long iron which many beginners struggle to hit.
As the name suggests the Hybrid mixes the large head of the fairway wood with the undercut and large face of the iron and the result is consistently straight, long and high shots which are high arching.
The 4 Hybrid is incredibly popular these days and it’s even solid off the tee if you could believe it, it’s extremely versatile and exceptional and getting the ball out of the rough consistently.
the 4 Hybrid very forgiving overall due to it’s large sweet spot 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.
One Hybrid Down – 5 Hybrid
The 5 hybrid is also very popular as part of beginner sets and with pros alike. It has a shorter and higher flight than the 4 hybrid.
5 Hybrid First Impressions
The 5 Hybrid has a large head, large face and a huge undercut to cut the turf and long grass easily to produce high and long shots.
The 5 hybrid is usually excellent for getting to the green in 2 on par 4’s or 5’s holes. You get great distance control from 5 hybrids which also makes them very handy on particularly long par 4’s.
The best part about the 5 hybrid is the consistency. It’s like training wheels on a bike compared to an iron but it does sacrifice some of the precision of the mid range irons.
Versatile and easy to use club that is also excellent from the rough.
The only problem with these types of clubs is that they launch very high so in windy conditions, they are not the best option.
One Hybrid Up – 6 Hybrid
A hybrid 6 club can essentially be used as a rescue club when you find yourself in the rough. You should treat your 6 hybrid as a cross between an iron and a wood. The 6 is less popular but it is useful for higher launching, shorter strokes.
One Club Down – 4 Hybrid
The 4 hybrid will produce a lower and longer flight than the 5 but because there is about 10 yards between the clubs, the 4 and 5 are a good option to be carried in unison.
Benefits of Using a 4 Hybrid
- Long and forgiving club
- Better distance control
- Consistently straight shots
- High launch angles
- Can be used from the tee
- Good distance
Benefits of Using a 5 Hybrid
- Better for long fairway shots
- They can be used for getting on the green
- Good launch angles
- More forgiving than a 5 iron
- Good ball contact
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.
The 4 hybrid is also great if you are someone that tens to end up in the rough off the tee due to the sharp edge’s ability to get you out of trouble effortlessly.
In general, 4 hybrids play a few 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: 94/100
Accuracy: 92/100
Feel and Control: 91/100
Forgiveness: 93/100
Overall Rating: 92/100
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Who are 5 Hybrids Good for?
Traditionally, 5 hybrids have been a favorite among junior players, senior players and lady golfers although getting more common with pros these days too.
The 5 hybrid offers a higher degree of forgiveness and is the perfect club for long approaches on par 5’s and long par 4’s.
They are also fairly effective as rescue clubs from the rough. Our only real gripe with this type of hybrid is that it is really unstable in windy conditions.
A Good 5 Hybrid to Check Out – Callaway Epic Super 5 Hybrid
The Callaway Epic Super 5 hybrid features Jailbreak bracing bars for added stability. There is even an adjustable hosel to get the kind of launch you need for every shot.
We really liked the versatility of this 5 hybrid. The perimeter weighting also makes it plenty forgiving.
Distance: 94/100
Accuracy: 92/100
Feel and Control: 91/100
Forgiveness: 95/100
Overall Rating: 94/100
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