5 Hybrid Vs. 9 Wood Comparison Overview

The shorter woods are where you are going to start seeing some overlap with the mid-hybrids. However, before you start swapping clubs out, you should know about some key differences between seemingly comparable clubs.

Today we are going to be taking a look at 5 hybrids and 9 woods and see how they stack up to one another and when you would most likely need to use them.

5 Hybrid Overview

The 5 hybrid provides an excellent mix of loft and compression which is why it is one of the most common hybrid clubs used in casual and professional settings.

The 5 hybrid is typically used to replace an 11 wood or 5 iron but in some cases, players use it to replace a 9 wood. That’s because, like a 9 wood, a 5 hybrid is very easy to hit out of the rough. The loft is also comparable to a 9 wood as well – about 28 degrees.

This makes the 5 hybrid an excellent choice for when you have to land the ball softly on a fast green or one that is guarded with slopes. In general, people tend to find the 5 hybrid easier to hit than a 9 wood. So if you’re in need of forgiveness, the 5 hybrid may be the better choice.

9 Wood Overview

People usually swap out a 9 wood for a 4 hybrid but there are a lot of similarities in this hybrid/wood range.

The first thing you should know is that a 9 wood will play shorter than a 5 hybrid for high to mid handicap players. With a 9 wood, you’re looking at about 120 yards while the 5 hybrid is meant to cover distances of about 170 yards.

Since loft is almost the same between a 9 wood and 5 hybrid, they are both good for getting the ball high in the air. However, a 9 wood may be heavier and less wieldy than a 5 hybrid. The main drawback to using a 9 wood in place of a 5 hybrid is the loss of distance.

In the end, it really comes down to your preferences as a player and the course you are playing. Some people simply like the feel of woods more than hybrids.

Some need the extra forgiveness you get from hybrids. The difference between these clubs is so negligible that your personal preferences will be the determining factor.

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

9 Wood Quick Facts

Category – High Lofted Wood

When To Use: From Fairway Or Light To Mid-Heavy Rough

Average Distance: 120

Longer Hitter: 150

Shorter Hitter: 100

Typical Loft: 26 Degrees

Club Importance: 87/100

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.

9 Wood First Impressions

9 woods look congenial to the play style of beginners and high handicappers with their large heads, generous lofts and sharp leading edge.

From the rough or when you want a bigger, more generous head than your mid irons and it offers an easy launch, distance and will consistently get you moving in the direction of the green

Even though they are pretty rare, it’s surprising that more high handicappers aren’t using this club, especially those with slower swing speeds who tend to hit their other fairway woods well.

Better players can benefit too, with the ability to work the ball with a draw or fade and the club is excellent from the fairway and light to mid rough.

While it’s comparable to a hybrid, the hybrid is likely to be more consistently straight, shorter but less workable.

One Club Up – 7 Wood

A club that came into the spotlight recently due to Dustin Johnson and Tommy Fleetwood carrying it in their bags. A lower, longer flight path with more rollout and actually a great option for slower swing speeds who could skip out on carrying a 3 Wood.

One Club Down – 11 Wood

A pretty rare club that is likely to balloon the ball off the tee but can be excellent for slower swing speeds with it’s easy launch and sharp angle of descent with less rollout too, making green targeting easier.

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

Benefits of a 9 Wood

  • Large head
  • Forgiving
  • Produces high-arcing shots
  • Will be ideal for slower swing speeds
  • Great for rescue situations
  • Good for short distances

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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Who are 9 Woods for?

9 woods should be used by high handicap players as an alternative to 4 or 5 irons and those who don’t like hybrids. They can also be very useful if you find yourself in the rough often.

Better players will also find use because of the ability to draw and fade the ball on tougher courses.

Just remember that you will lose out on some distance if you choose to replace 9 wood with a hybrid or iron.

This club is ideal for slower swing speeds who hit woods well and it’s shorter shaft makes it more wieldable for manageable distance for many.

A Good 9 Wood to Check Out – Taylormade M6

The M6 will help a bit with distance thanks to the extreme rear weighting. The M6 also has the Twist Face technology which imparts a slight curve to the face to help produce straight shots away from the sweet spot.

Distance: 94/100

Accuracy: 92/100

Feel & Control: 89/100

Forgiveness: 93/100

Overall Rating: 93/100

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