Long Irons vs. Hybrids: Which should you have in your bag?

Let’s take a trip down memory lane—30 years ago, golf equipment was a different beast. Drivers had heads the size of walnuts, iron lofts could practically scrape the sky, and Arccos? Well, it wasn’t even a twinkle in a data scientist’s eye. Fast forward to today, and golf is a tech wonderland with one big game-changer: the hybrid.

Let’s not mince words—hybrids are the quite great. Whether you're trying to keep it in play off the tee, making a bold run at a par 5 in two, or looking to retire your long irons to a life of leisure, hybrids are the go-to. But maybe you’re wondering, “Should I really swap out my trusty long iron for one of these hybrids?” Here’s some food for thought.

Hybrids vs. Irons: The Showdown

First off, let’s talk design. Hybrids have larger, deeper heads and a face that’s forgiving. This extra size doesn’t just make it easier to make contact; it also moves the centre of gravity lower and backwards—a perfect recipe for helping launch your ball higher into the air.

And that higher launch? It’s your secret weapon for sticking greens. Just how powerful is it? Arccos data shows that golfers with handicaps from 0 to 25 are more likely to hit the green with a hybrid than with the equivalent iron. This might make you consider using a hybrid. 

Hybrids: Winning Over Amateurs and Pros Alike

But it’s not just the weekend warriors who are riding the hybrid wave. Take a peek at the LPGA Tour—34 of the top 50 players worldwide bagged hybrids last year, and only 15 carried anything lower than a 5-iron. In fact, 4 players have kissed their 5-irons goodbye, and just 1 brave soul in the top 50 still totes a 3-iron. (Don’t even mention 2-irons or 1-irons—they’ve gone the way of the dodo.)

The benefits of hybrids don’t stop at more greens in regulation.

Remember the blogs we wrote a couple of years ago about the comparison between a 4-hybrid and a 4-iron, and the 3-hybrid vs the 3-iron? Well, time flies, but the data hasn’t budged—hybrids are still leading the charge in approach distances too. Golfers tend to not just hit more greens but also hit it longer with hybrids in hand when off the deck.

However, to really know if you benefit from a hybrid or long iron, be sure to track your data as not all golfers are the same.

Your Personal Data Doesn’t Lie

Look no further than your own stats. Arccos’ Strokes Gained Per Club feature is like your personal golf whisperer, giving you all the data you need to make confident club selections. So next time you’re on the hunt for new clubs, make sure each one earns its place in your bag.