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What GolfWRXers are saying about the process behind replacing irons with hybrids

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In our forums, our members have been discussing the strategy and methodology of replacing irons with hybrids. WRXer ‘Lefty_3Jack’ was recently fit for a 4-hybrid to replace his 3-iron and asks fellow members whether the natural replacement for his 4-iron would, therefore, be a 5-hybrid.

Per ‘Lefty_3Jack’:

“My current setup is:

  • Driver
  • 18° 5W
  • 22° 4Hy
  • 5-PW
  • 49°-54°-59°

I was fit 5 years ago for my woods, so I’ll admit I need to go get fit, but in the midst of this lockdown, I thought I’d get some opinions. When I was fit, they gave me the 4 Hybrid to replace the 3i. So now that I’m thinking about replacing the 4i, I was wondering if I should go to a 5 hybrid?

Do you normally replace a 4i with a 4hy? I’m guessing the fitter thought with the longer, graphite shaft and hotter face of the hybrid that the number on it didn’t mean anything.

I don’t love the idea of having four headcovers, but I just want to shoot the lowest scores I possibly can. Truth be told I’d probably be better off with a setup that had a 3W, 5W, two hybrids, 5-PW and two then maybe like a 52/58.”

Our members have been sharing their thoughts on the issue in our forum.

Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.

  • rufus mangler: “I can only speak for myself, but I replaced my 4 iron with a 24º 5 hybrid. MUCH easier to hit to my 4 iron yardage.”
  • Boognish: “All hybrids aren’t created equal either for a given loft or iron number stamped on the sole. Shaft lengths will affect actual carry distances, so be careful to choose a hybrid that fits your desired distance range. I actually carry 4i and 4h. Iron for lower flight and punch shots. Hybrid for flexibility from the rough and for high launching shots.”
  • BobV56: “When I carry a hybrid, I get one that has the same loft as the iron it replaces. It still usually goes a little further than the iron but close enough that it doesn’t really cause any gap issues.”
  • juststeve: “I carry a 23-degree hybrid which goes a little further and a lot higher than a four iron. Go after it hard and its more like a three iron. Very useful club.”
  • JohnKHawk: “Most 4 hybrids will go further than 4 irons due to the hybrid being a longer length. The general rule of thumb is when substituting a hybrid for an iron I always go with a higher number hybrid compared to iron I’m replacing. That is probably why they replaced your 3 iron with a 4 hybrid when you were fit. Makes sense to then replace your 4 iron with a 5 hybrid. All this depends on your iron lofts & gaping you want to achieve. I have a strong lofted iron set that I actually go from a Cobra F9 5 hybrid at 24 degrees to a 6 iron which is 26.5 degrees. For me, gaping is pretty good. Hybrid goes 195ish while 6 iron goes 180ish.”

Entire Thread: “Replacing irons with hybrids”

Gianni is the Managing Editor at GolfWRX. He can be contacted at gianni@golfwrx.com

1 Comment

1 Comment

  1. Mike

    Apr 15, 2020 at 1:55 pm

    If you’re anything higher than a real 14 index, good luck with those long irons. You’re so costing yourself strokes. Especially now since the long irons in all sets have ridiculously lower lofts. A 20° 4 iron? Good luck with the average Joe hitting that.

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Equipment

Tour Edge unveils all-new Exotics mini driver

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Tour Edge Golf has today introduced the all-new Exotics mini driver, engineered to deliver a powerful combination of speed, control, and versatility in the long game. 

The Exotics Mini combines a titanium face with a stainless-steel body in design to balance ball speed with stability and control, creating a versatile option at the top end of the bag. 

At the core of the design is Tour Edge’s proprietary Combo Brazing technology, a high-precision thermal bonding process that seamlessly fuses a titanium cup face to a stainless-steel body into a single, continuous structure. By eliminating energy loss found in traditional multi-piece constructions, Combo Brazing is designed to deliver faster face response, more efficient energy transfer, and a uniquely powerful yet controlled feel.

The multi-material construction also allows mass to be positioned lower and deeper in the head in a bid to increase stability, while the thin titanium face is engineered to maintain ball speed across a wider impact area.

“While the initial goal was to enhance control and versatility in the long game, Combo Brazing ultimately drove measurable gains in ball speed and distance within the mini driver category. In robot testing, we’ve documented higher ball speeds, higher launch, reduced spin, and increased carry and total distance compared to leading models.” – Vice President of R&D Matt Neeley

In addition to distance performance, the Exotics mini emphasizes forgiveness through a heavier stainless-steel body that shifts mass toward the perimeter. This configuration increases MOI relative to traditional all-titanium mini drivers, helping preserve ball speed and directional stability on off-center strikes. Paired with Pyramid Face Technology from the Exotics metalwood line, the design is intended to support consistent speed across the face.

To further enhance MOI, a lightweight carbon fiber crown frees additional mass that is strategically repositioned low and deep in the head in design to improve stability and promote optimal launch with controlled spin.

“We designed the Mini to be about five millimeters shallower than other mini drivers on the market. That change improves playability off the deck. From a clean fairway lie, it can function as a strong 3-wood alternative while still providing control off the tee.” – Tour Edge CEO David Glod

An adjustable hosel system allows for loft and lie tuning to dial in trajectory and shot shape, while a fixed 13-gram rear weight helps stabilize the head through impact to improve dispersion consistency. The Exotics Mini Driver is available in 11.5 and 13.5-degree lofts in right-handed models.

Pricing & Availability

The Exotics Mini Driver is available for pre-order beginning today for $399.99 USD at touredge.com, and will be available for purchase at retail outlets worldwide on May 22, 2026. 

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Equipment

Srixon ZXi combo or TaylorMade P7CB/770 combo? – GolfWRXers discuss

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In our forums, our members have been pitting a Srixon ZXi combo against a TaylorMade P7CB/770 combo. WRXer ‘edutch22’ is on the hunt for a new set of irons and kicks off the thread saying:

“Looking at picking up a new set of irons and think I’ve narrowed it down to Srixon ZXi combo or Taylormade P7CB/770 combo. I am currently a 5 cap and allbeit I feel irons are my weakness. My miss is a little to the toe side. I am decently steep at 4-5 down. Always thought I am high spin but recently on trackman my 7 was spinning at 5800 roughly. 

My question or looking for thoughts on which one would benefit me more from a forgiveness standpoint? Or is there another iron is should be looking at entirely? I only get to play about once or twice a week, if I am not playing a 2-3 day event. Thanks in advance.”

And our members have been sharing their thoughts and suggestions in response.

Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.

  • manima1: “You just can’t go wrong with Srixon ZXi7.”
  • MattM97: “You have to hit them to know, the V-Sole on the Srixon can be make or break for many.”
  • dmeeksDC: “P7CB is more forgiving for me than ZXi7 because my main miss is low middle and the P7CB still flies and spins great on that miss. These are both really nice irons but I like the P7CB more than the Zxi7 and the P770 (or P790) more than the Zxi5. The Srixons are larger so if that gives you confidence that is the way to go. I don’t feel like I get any benefit from the V-sole and the P7CBs live up to their high Maltby forgiveness rating so the TaylorMades have been great for me.”

Entire Thread: “Srixon ZXi combo or TaylorMade P7CB/770 combo? – GolfWRXers discuss”

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Equipment

From the GolfWRX Classifieds: 2024 Wilson Staff CB/Blade combo

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At GolfWRX, we are a community of like-minded individuals who all experience and express our enjoyment of the game in many ways.

It’s that sense of community that drives day-to-day interactions in the forums on topics that range from best driver to what marker you use to mark your ball. It even allows us to share another thing we all love – buying and selling equipment.

Currently, in our GolfWRX buy/sell/trade (BST) forum, @pianoman0123 has a 2024 Wilson Staff CB/Blade combo up for grabs.

From the listing: “2024 Wilson Staff CB/Blade Combo.  4-8 irons are CB’s and the 9,PW are Blades.  5-PW have Project X 6.0 Shafts and the 4 Iron has a Steelfiber CW110 Stiff Shaft.   Standard Length, Lie and Lofts.  These are in very good condition the shafts just don’t work for me.  Like new Lamkin Grips on the 5-PW and a stock Golf Pride on the 4 Iron. $525 OBO.”

To check out the full listing in our BST forum, head through the link. If you are curious about the rules to participate in the BST Forum, you can learn more here: GolfWRX BST Rules

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