In our forums, one user is asking about the benefits of embracing the bag of a “young old man,” relying on hybrids and more easily launching clubs as long iron replacements.

@stratgolf asked:

“Hey Guys – hope you are well. I recently got fit into a QI35 4 Hybrid, and it’s got me quite hybrid curious about potentially moving to a 5 hybrid as well. Niemann a bit of inspiration here.

Just wondering if anyone has much experience dropping the 4 iron, and whether you liked the move? I’ve currently got a P770 in the 4 iron slot and often wonder if moving to a hybrid would be that much of a difference anyway. I’m only 26, so a bit fearful of taking on too many head covers and an old man’s bag, but I’ve never loved 4 Iron.

Some of my fitting data (4 Hybrid) in case it’s of interest:

91.1 MPH Clubhead Speed

132.4 MPH Ball Speed

1.45 Smash Factor

-2.1 attack angle

“3590 RPM

27.6m Height

189.2m Carry

208.8m Total

When I’m swinging it well, more like 96-97mph clubhead speed but that doesn’t always translate to on course. I had a really bad angle of attack (-5 and beyond) which the LA golf shaft I got fit into was actually really helpful to fix a bit).”

Our members in the forum shared their thoughts on building a bag that checks both functionality and aesthetic boxes. 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: “My longest iron is a 6 and I could hit the 5 just fine. It’s simply not as consistent as the 5 hybrid. I’m a big fan of the small headed hybrids that can be play like irons and not balloon.”
• RacineBoxer: “Two thoughts:1. Some people just like either irons, hybrid or fairways and there is nothing wrong with that. 7 wood vs 4 iron is kind of the extreme options with hybrid fitting in the middle. I like fairway woods. I don’t like 4 iron. I’ve learned to like hybrid (taken me some time). People have different swings and different strengths and weaknesses, don’t be afraid to just go with what works for YOU. There are people who are good long iron players and don’t get along with fairway woods, and vice versa.2. Find a place where you can practice and compare your current 4i vs 4h (yes they might go ~15 yards difference, that’s a little irrelevant for now). I tend to do this on course, late in the evening when no one is around. Find the right distance, say 200 yards, hit 5 with hybrid and 5 with your longest iron and then compare the results, focusing on dispersion. Maybe go to the next hole and do it again. If that’s not an option for you, you can also do this on the range or do it on a launch monitor. If the hybrid is winning out, it’s probably a safe assumption that a 5h would also win out. I do like maintaining look & feel when possible so a hybrid that matches your current 4h would probably slide right in seamlessly.”
• KnoxvilleReb: “I went the 5 hybrid route this year. G440 5 hybrid to replace my 5 iron. I really like it. 6 iron goes ~165, with 170 off a tee (normally where I use it). Best part about the hybrid is I find I can easily vary the distances and trajectory I hit it, which allows me to keep carrying 5 wedges at the bottom of my bag which is the best part of my game (44-48-52-56-60). Stock shot goes 180-185, I can lay off a little with a high cut and hit it 175-180, and then I can step of it and get it up to 185-190, all with playable ball flights, which wasn’t the case with the 5 iron. The 5H is a really useful club as a kind of wide-yardage bridge between 6 iron and 7 (really an 8 at 22.5 stated loft) wood.”

Entire Thread: “5 Hybrid — Young Old Man Bag”