Equipment
‘5-iron vs 5-hybrid showdown…it wasn’t close’ – GolfWRXers discuss
In our forums, our members have been responding to a recent post that faced off a 5-iron against a 5-hybrid. WRXer Uglande kicked off the thread saying:
“Over the past couple of seasons, I have incorporated a 7 wood into my bag but have still shied away from hybrids. But after seeing so many lofted fairways and hybrids in some good players’ bags (e.g., I just noticed John Daly goes plays 17-19-22-26 degree Ping hybrids), I decided to put my T100 5 iron (26 degrees) to the test against a TSr2 24 hybrid, set at 25.
It was a blowout.
High, low, draw, fade, punchouts, bad lies … there wasn’t a single shot scenario I could create in which the hybrid did not beat the 5 iron, and usually by a long shot. But the most impressive was the incredible forgiveness on missed strikes. The 5 iron drop-off was dramatically worse. No big surprise, I know, but the magnitude of the separation is what struck me.
Normally, the equalizer would be the big-left miss with the hybrid, but I wasn’t getting any of that.”
Uglande added “What are your experiences with higher lofted hybrids, or what keeps you from bagging them?”, and our members have been getting involved with their takes 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.
- POKeefe: “I ran the same test with Z785 5i, ZX5 5i, and ZX 5H head-to-head. It also wasn’t close. The only advantage the irons had was a lower ball flight, which I prefer. However, the consistency was much better with the hybrid. My driver swing speed is 107, so I’m not exactly slow either. My hunch is most people would be better off pulling 3-5i out of their bag in favor of woods and hybrids.”
- CDLgolf: “I use a 4, 5, and 6 hybrid and for me they are so much better than long irons or higher lofted fairway woods.”
- 1puttTuT: “Over time I’ve realized I hate hybrids. I struggle with a two way miss and they also want to balloon up at that loft. I really like my set 5 iron, but I do go to a utility iron instead of a normal 4 iron or hybrid. My hybrid issue is probably shaft related, but I don’t need the added forgiveness or launch benefit of the hybrid so why chase the correct shaft when the iron is plug and play for the most part.”
Entire Thread: “‘5 Iron v. 5 Hybrid Showdown … It Wasn’t Close’ – GolfWRXers discuss”
Equipment
Tour Edge unveils all-new Exotics mini driver
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.
Equipment
Srixon ZXi combo or TaylorMade P7CB/770 combo? – GolfWRXers discuss
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”
Equipment
From the GolfWRX Classifieds: 2024 Wilson Staff CB/Blade combo
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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CrashTestDummy
Jan 15, 2024 at 12:18 am
Hybrid distances generally go quite longer from the same iron number they replace. Hybrids are very versatile clubs that can be hit from many different lies, but much harder to stop on greens than irons. Still not gonna give up my long irons. One of the best feelings in golf is just pure-ing long irons.
J
Jan 12, 2024 at 2:17 pm
Sure, but it my experience dispersion is much worse (at least for me) with a hybrid despite extra height and distance.
Darryl’s brother Darryl
Jan 9, 2024 at 7:05 pm
I hit 4-9 hybrids and I’m amazing
OldJoe
Jan 5, 2024 at 4:39 pm
Can’t keep the Adams peanut 5h (25*) out of the bag, but it replaced my 4 iron. PRGR Nabla ID Tour forged 5 iron full 12 yards shorter than 5h.
Bob Jones
Jan 5, 2024 at 3:00 pm
I used to be able to hit a 4-iron pretty darn well, but when I tried the equivalent hybrid I got the same results so much easier I made the switch.
Birdman
Jan 4, 2024 at 10:50 am
I thinknwe can file this one under “Uhhhhhh…..no $hit Sherlock”
Barry W Pagano
Jan 4, 2024 at 10:00 am
I have the series of 4 thru 8 hybrids ..Im so pleased I made the change …when I do hit them right , the feel is amazing and they’re much more forgiving.
Rich
Jan 3, 2024 at 2:31 pm
The hybrid is a no-brainer for those who paddycake the ball, yes. Much depends on swing speed and strike quality. Those of us who can still swing the driver at say 105 and higher and hit the ss 95% of the time will take the 5 iron for better dispersion.
Erik Ugland
Jan 10, 2024 at 3:16 pm
I’m the original poster and I swing driver at 110+. Your comment is exactly what I would have said prior to doing my testing. But with my 5 iron (T100 bent 1 strong to 26 degrees), I was getting carry of 205 at about a 44 land angle. With hybrid (TSr2 set at 25), I was getting the same carry distance but with a 46-47 land angle (stopping power without ballooning) and significantly better consistence and dispersion. But, of course, YMMV. (Also, I was playing a AD DI 9x shaft, tipped 1 in., in the hybrid, FWIW).
Ace
Jan 3, 2024 at 1:05 pm
People just figured this out! Wow
Joe
Jan 3, 2024 at 10:54 am
I use a 2 hybrid and I have no problem hitting low shots like one person claimed.
The 2 hybrid replaced my 3 wood since it was only 5 yards shorter but much easier to hit.
My next hybrid is a cobra one length 4 hybrid which for my swing speed bridges the gap easily and it being only 7 iron length makes it the best club in my bag and my go to club.
Long irons are no contest against hybrids.