Just wanted some opinons on this topic. I recently tried to hit a hybrid at the range and I just couldn't keep the ball straight. It went all over the place. However, my 3 wood is relatively consistent and straight.

I need a club to use within the 180-200m range. I would rather use a wood/hybrid instead of hitting a long iron. In seeing that my 3 wood goes a little over 200 I thought a hybrid was the answer. However in my case it is not. I was thinking of perhaps a 5 wood.

What are your thoughts with regards to my problem? And secondly, your thoughts on hybrids vs woods?

I've recently started using a 17° Hogan hybrid and I've found it much easier to hit off the deck and a very straight replacement for my 5 wood

I have both. I don't see the hybrid as being a replacement for the 3 wood, only for the long irons.

yeah I carry an 18 deg hybrid and 21deg hybrid...3 wood is 13 deg...dnt need a 5 wood...can shape the ball more easily with a hybrid

that said i can only hit about 180 with 18 deg hybrid...my 3 wood goes 210...so theres a gap but its a gap that doesnt really matter too much

sometimes having less choices in the bag is a good thing

In addtion to the equipment question, do you guys position the hybrid forward in your stance (near your front foot)? Or perhaps further back?

I carry a 3 wood, 5 wood and a hybrid instead of 3 iron. I hit the 5 wood longer and higher than the 3 hybrid. There is no doubt, however, that the hybrid is easier to hit and it's probably just a matter of time before the 5 wood gets tossed out of the bag. The only reason it's still in is for one particular shot on my home course.

I've really wanted to love hybrids, I really, really have - but for some reason I just can't hit them. I keep a Precept ECU in the bag purely for recovery shots out of the woods, because the heavy head cuts through the crap well, and occasionally I'll use it with a putting stroke just off the green, but I just can't hit it off the fairway or tee.

On the other hand...

I picked up a cheap Precept 5-wood on special one day to have a bit of a muck around with. I never expected to be much good with it, because I can't hit a 3-wood to save myself, but first trip to the course saw me smacking it out of the middle nearly every time, off the tee, fairway and rough. I've since picked up a Srixon 7-wood as well, and between the two of them I'm a lot more confident 150+ metres out from the green.

Col

I find the shorter shaft of the hybrid vs wood more forgiving for a chopper like me.

Maybe try a 7 wood (if the ego allows).

I actually play both a 5 wood and a #4 hybrid (22°). I had similar problems with the #3 hybrid and so replaced it with a 5-wood (problem fixed). The I staqrted having problems with the #4 hybrid (everything was going hard left). My clubfitter changed the shaft on the #4 to a steel hybrid shaft and Voila, no more hook, goes dead straight with better trajectory then the stock shaft...

To cut a long story short - it may be part club, part shaft or part swing or a bit of all three - get an expert (decent fitter or pro) to take a look...

I play 3 wood (or sometimes 4 wood), 7 wood, 24 degree hybrid (then 5 iron thru PW etc). Long irons are for tour players and/or wankers. Dont get hybrids that are too strong lofted - start at 24 or 25 degrees and build up your confidence with those before moving into lower lofts.

Jack.

Like others in this thread, i have also struggled with the hybrid thing. Got the 2 iron instead and use that on shorter par 4's, etc off the tee. Also hit it fine off the deck, but i grew up with a 1 iron in my bag...so for me its quite natural.

Love the 3 wood off the deck also. I guess i need to look at the hybrid again...just feels weird

QUOTE: mrdenn1s @ Mar 16 2007, 07:07 PM

...just feels weird

thats because you are an idiot...

I prefer a hybrid, as it is more accurate for me than a fairway wood.