Long Irons / Driving Irons

Alex1975

Alex1975

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Long Irons / Driving Irons... For better players right?! Hybrids for the lesser players, easier to hit right?!

Well, I have had mine a few weeks now and honestly its epic. I am a mid handicap with a driver swing speed of around 95-97mph. My 2 iron (18*) has a 128.5 gram shaft in it and the thing is a revelation. All this nonsense we have herd about hybrids being easier and that's why they are so popular. Trust me, that is rot!

I am knocking it off the tee on a couple of narrow holes that have been an issue for me. I was concerned that it was going to be too short but it really is not. I guess its all out at 220/230 and for one of the holes its hard right at that point and on the other its nicely back from the obstructions.

Great flight, pretty high off a peg but best of all, its crazy fun to hit.

These things are very popular on WRX and lots of those guys are putting graphite in them but I really like the weight as I am going to get quick at times.

Anyone else having fun and results with these things. I see a rise in popularity with them. Anyone considering one and think they are not up to it?
 
My opinions on hybrids are well documented on here. IN fact Brendy and I share similar views.

I'm considering something in the 18° bracket but will have to demo alongside my 5 wood to see if it's actually worth it.

I've never liked hybrids, ever.
 
I dropped my hybrid for another wedge, never sure where it was going to go apart from left

just picked up a fly hi #2 in 18 deg

wowsers, what a machine, loving it
 
I'm considering getting one- it's been pretty windy lately and I hit a really high ball, so struggle into the wind... I'm thinking it would also make a great fairway finder on some of the tighter tee shots, given how wild I can be with a driver! Does anyone have any experiences with the 712u? Biggest problem is how hard they seem to be to come by to demo...

I also have never hit a hybrid that I don't hook
 
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Mcleodc2000 said:
I'm considering getting one- it's been pretty windy lately and I hit a really high ball, so struggle into the wind... I'm thinking it would also make a great fairway finder on some of the tighter tee shots, given how wild I can be with a driver! Does anyone have any experiences with the 712u? Biggest problem is how hard they seem to be to come by to demo...
Click to expand...

I'd echo this. One may be of use in the wind, but I'd like a bit of offset for a hacker like me. Never had an issue hitting a hybrid, although into the wind mine does balloon a little.
 
Mcleodc2000 said:
I'm considering getting one- it's been pretty windy lately and I hit a really high ball, so struggle into the wind... I'm thinking it would also make a great fairway finder on some of the tighter tee shots, given how wild I can be with a driver! Does anyone have any experiences with the 712u? Biggest problem is how hard they seem to be to come by to demo...

I also have never hit a hybrid that I don't hook
Click to expand...


I understand the 712u is a very special bit of kit. Thinner sole and top line perhaps than some of the others.
 
I've mentioned it before here, I have a Titleist T-MB 2 iron.

I bought it because I have the 4 iron and get on well with it, so I fell in love with the idea of an accurate 220 with a low flight. I'm struggling to make decent contact with the 2 iron though.

Having said that, I'm struggling in general at the minute so will give it another try when I'm playing well.
 
I recently bought the Taylormade JetSpeed hybrid. A

Admittedly I did not try it before I bought it but I can normally hit most clubs. It suits my eye lovely but just cannot seem to hit a single thing with it.

Considering buying a 2 iron but not sure which one yet - need to have a look around!
 
I have not really found my flight any lower but it is straight. No bulge and roll on the club head like a wood or hybrid.
 
1/2 irons are terrific when you're timing it well but I'm not good enough to have the required quality of strike all the time. Especially as I might go to an alternative like this if not quite hitting my woods perfectly. Wouldn't trade my 2 hybrid for anything as it's long, workable and forgiving. Horses for courses though and it's always a treat to see a long iron rifled down the fairway.
 
Spear-Chucker said:
1/2 irons are terrific when you're timing it well but I'm not good enough to have the required quality of strike all the time. Especially as I might go to an alternative like this if not quite hitting my woods perfectly. Wouldn't trade my 2 hybrid for anything as it's long, workable and forgiving. Horses for courses though and it's always a treat to see a long iron rifled down the fairway.
Click to expand...

I am of the same view. I still have a Mizuno 1 and Ping Zing 2 iron in my spares bag but they are so much more difficult to hit consistently than the hybrid I use. Mine is a Ping i25 #2 and it is the only hybrid I have ever been able to really get along with. Most fly too high with my swing but this is different. A great trajectory and really long. It also looks great when it is stay behind the ball and not much more bulky to the eye than my i25 3 iron.

I am keen to have a go with the 22 degree version with a view to replacing my 4 iron but am reasonably sure that this will fly too high. Not good at my new club.
 
Having played a ping eye 1 iron, and having 2 up in my iron set for over 20 years, I'm now delighted with hybrids and fairway woods...
For me they are easier to hit (with any shot).

However, when I first got one it was a nightmare (TM R7) and I simply couldn't hit it to save my life.

So I understand it when people talk about their problems with them - but it's not because they are harder to use.

As ever, use what works for you, or go and see a pro.
 
Spear-Chucker said:
1/2 irons are terrific when you're timing it well but I'm not good enough to have the required quality of strike all the time. Especially as I might go to an alternative like this if not quite hitting my woods perfectly. Wouldn't trade my 2 hybrid for anything as it's long, workable and forgiving. Horses for courses though and it's always a treat to see a long iron rifled down the fairway.
Click to expand...


I think with the new crop of hollow long irons its a little different on the strike front. These things are pretty forgiving.
 
Alex1975 said:
I think with the new crop of hollow long irons its a little different on the strike front. These things are pretty forgiving.
Click to expand...

That's a good point Alex and I'm yet to try one of the newer generation long irons. Would take a significant development in the technology to force me to shift but the proof is always in the pudding right?!!
 
Snelly said:
I am of the same view. I still have a Mizuno 1 and Ping Zing 2 iron in my spares bag but they are so much more difficult to hit consistently than the hybrid I use. Mine is a Ping i25 #2 and it is the only hybrid I have ever been able to really get along with. Most fly too high with my swing but this is different. A great trajectory and really long. It also looks great when it is stay behind the ball and not much more bulky to the eye than my i25 3 iron.

I am keen to have a go with the 22 degree version with a view to replacing my 4 iron but am reasonably sure that this will fly too high. Not good at my new club.
Click to expand...

Sounds like we're in a similar situation - I've a sumptuous Hogan 2 iron collecting dust as it just asks too much of me. My little 915FD hybrid is amazingly versatile (within limits, I don't pay the bills via golf) and couldn't ask more of it. It was a toss up between that and a Ping which also had a really powerful flight.
 
Spear-Chucker said:
That's a good point Alex and I'm yet to try one of the newer generation long irons. Would take a significant development in the technology to force me to shift but the proof is always in the pudding right?!!
Click to expand...


Oh for sure. Its not my intent to be pushing it as such anyhow, its just an interesting and fun club that I am enjoying. Maybe just cos its new and I am hitting it well this month :D
 
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