9 Iron Vs. 5 Hybrid Comparison Overview
If you’re a new player or are struggling with accuracy and distance then you might want to consider hybrid irons. Hybrid irons will give you the distance of traditional irons but with more forgiveness and flight control.
However, there are some irons that you will want to avoid replacing with a hybrid. The shorter irons offer more acute control and will help make your putts easier. In the following article, we’re going to be taking a brief look at the 9 iron and 5 hybrid clubs.
9 Iron Overview
Your 9 iron is a valuable club that you should take the time to learn because it will help make short approaches easier and give you the most control over ball placement on the green.
The 9 iron is known for providing high-arcing shots that land dead on the green. Strong loft is what you’re going to want on short approaches so you don’t sent the ball sailing over the green. The 9 iron is perfect in situations like this.
Comparing a 9 iron and a 5 hybrid is sort of like comparing apples and oranges – they are good in different situations. Your 9 iron works best on short approaches while the 5 hybrid is used for longer approaches from the fairway.
Again, you could replace a 9 iron with a 9 hybrid but you would be giving up a decent amount of control.
5 Hybrid Overview
The 5 hybrid is a great replacement for a 4 or 5 iron because it is much more wieldy than these longer irons.
The 5 hybrid is a viable option for golfers of any skill level. In fact, you can see many 5 hybrids being used on the PGA Tour. However, they are most beneficial for high handicap players because they are much more forgiving than a 5 iron.
5 hybrids are good to use from about 170 yards from the pin. With this average distance you are pretty much relegated from shots off the deck but the 5 hybrid performs well in the rough as well. A 5 hybrid will also have a larger head than a 5 iron which may be more comforting for high handicap players.
It would be a good idea for most golfers to have both of these clubs in the bag. The 5 hybrid may be superfluous for skilled players but the 9 iron is essential for all.
9 Iron Overview & First Impressions
When we tested a 9 iron against a 7 iron we were disoriented because we tested the 7 first. The shorter shaft and altered stance takes some getting used to.
When you need a higher loft than a 7 or 8 iron and on approaches within 120 yards, the 9 iron is an excellent.
If you’ve tried a 9 iron before without much success, it may have been a forged, players irons but don’t worry, the 9 iron also comes in a game improvement form which is focused on allowing beginners and high handicappers more forgiveness and consistency.
It’s also not surprising to see a pros ball land on the green and then spin off in a different direction as the better player has been able to add considerable spin to the ball thanks to the generous loft.
Because the 9 iron has a sharper leading edge, it can cut through the rough easily and is excellent if you do find yourself in trouble.
However, if you want easier putts, you will need to get familiar with the 9 iron. It offers robust spin control – just get used to the typically heavier head.
One Iron Down – 8 Iron
An 8 iron will cover an average of 130 yards and might not get used too often depending on what your swing speed is like.
One Iron Down – Pitching Wedge
The pitching wedge is even more generously lofted, workable and is used for distances just around the ground. Better players will be able to send the ball straight up into the sky.
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 Iron Selling Points
- Good control
- Good feedback
- Good for hilly courses
- Very precise
- Good from rough or bunker
- Promotes accuracy
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 9 Irons For?
Speaking objectively, 9 irons will be more useful to advanced players who can cover most of the fairway in one or two strokes on shorter par 5’s.
They are most helpful on short approaches and can really help out when you’re facing down a hilly or particularly fast green
Again though, no matter what your skill set as a golfer currently is, this is a club you will need to learn.
A 9 Iron to Check Out – Taylormade SIM2
We really liked the forgiveness of this 9 iron. It has a lot of pop too which is really what you want from your 9 iron.
Distance: 94/100
Accuracy: 96/100
Feel & Control: 95/100
Forgiveness: 92/100
Overall Score: 96/100
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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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