To 4i or not to 4i, that is THE question.....

[RGDave]

Sorry if this is dull, but I just can't make up my mind.

I've changed irons to Mizuno MX950 5-PW from MacGregor 565 V-foil 4-PW. I LOVE the V-foils, but I was struggling to get a proper trajectory (which my pro spotted at a lesson) so they are going to a fellow club member, or being sold on here.

Trouble is, the new irons are a tad weaker loft and now I have a whooping gap from 5i (28 degree) to #3h (Callaway 20 degree.)

I have a silly 9 wood which is 24 degrees, which is 100% staying in the bag for white tee games to get over some nasty trees on 3 or 4 holes that "offer" only a big draw/hook as an option off the tee. I used it today, and made good scores having to hit the green from about 50 yards further away compared to yellow tees.

So, if I don't put this club in my bag, I'm thinking about getting a regular 4i. The reason why I don't use it (the 9 wood) off the fairway is the quite crazy inconsistency in distance. Off the tee it goes about 175, but that's teed up a few mm, off the fairway it's a pain in the proverbial.

So.....should I get a regular 4i (anything forgiving please!)
Should I go with a Mizuno MP fli hi type (supposedly to get higher shots/softer landings)
or, invest in another rescue.

I've been offered a demo AP1.....hmmm.....
"Another" shop (actually found on ebay, in my home town) has an MP fli hi (£65) or some "old" Benross V5s rescues at just a tenner (I could take the pair).

I can't see it getting a whole lot of use.....if so, I'd just buy a Callaway #4h to match my #3h...


Pros and cons?

Before anyone suggests trying some out, I will, of course, but I'm keen to hear opinions. As someone who has been a bit critical of the 2-rescue plan, I'd like to chuck round some thoughts and see where it goes.

PS....I can actually hit a 4i.....just not very high.....hence keeping the 9 wood special for those pesky tees.
T.I.A.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I think it has to be an option as the gap does seem substantial especially if you don't carry the 9W for every game. My only concern would be a) can you get one to match your set and b) how does it limit you in terms of choices on some of the holes or does it actually give you more options.

For my 2p's worth I'd have to have a matching club as I think I'd just feel to uncertain with it in my hand oterwise. I think I'd get one and rather have the conundrum about what to add/remove from my bag than not have the option at all

 

[HTL]

Mizuno MP Fli Hi 4 iron.

Have you tried one of these? If I can hit it well you will love it playing off 12.

I love the rescue club off the fairways (rough usually) but struggle with it off the tee, odd I know.

 

[RGDave]

For my 2p's worth I'd have to have a matching club as I think I'd just feel to uncertain with it in my hand otherwise. I think I'd get one and rather have the conundrum about what to add/remove from my bag than not have the option at all

Cheers Homer.....yes, the MP fli hi is getting BIG love around here (see the other thread) but I want something in-between the 5i (170?) and the 3r (190?)....a few months back the hybrid was way shorter, but (thanks to advice on here) I've become quite good with it (other than the odd push).

Dunno.....maybe a second hand #4h Callaway is the easiest option.....trouble is......needles and haystacks and the evil bay.......

 

[CrapHacker]

(anything forgiving please!)

Pros and cons?

If you want forgiving, and are happy with your 3h, then it has to be another hybrid.

Simples.

A 4 iron is like a 5I, only harder. A 4h is like a 3h, only easier.

 

[RGDave]

A 4 iron is like a 5I, only harder. A 4h is like a 3h, only easier.

That is the coolest bit-of-logic "thinking" I've heard in a while......put that way, there's no contest!!!!

 

[RGDave]

Mizuno MP Fli Hi 4 iron.

Have you tried one of these? If I can hit it well you will love it playing off 12.

I love the rescue club off the fairways (rough usually) but struggle with it off the tee, odd I know.

Not odd at all......most players are straighter with an iron off the tee, it seems to me. I used to play with a 2i......back in the day.

I suspect the MP will just go too far.....from what everyone says. I can try it with real balls on the "other" club's range on Tuesday......perhaps I'll turn up with my 5i and 3h and see what happens.

t.b.h. I'd be quite happy to play with any old thing as long as it gives me the distance.....

 

[Paul2009]

i'd go for the callaway if i were you, because you are familiar with it because of your 3 iron.

 

[M1tch]

Mizuno MP Fli Hi 4 iron for sure !

 

[RGDave]

Wow.....thanks, lots of replies to my q?

I guess it's a simple challenge. Forgeting tee shots, take out the MP f-h 4 and a couple of hybrids and see which one works best.

Trouble is, I can probably answer the critical question without even spending an hour at the golf club....for consistency (of distance) it's got to be a rescue. For out and out accuracy, probably the 4 iron.

I guess if I played off less (was really accurate) and had a decent (fast) swing speed, the 4i option would probably win.......

 

[mono217]

I was using it off the tee today my 4 iron for the first time in some time. It was quality.

 

[RGDave]

Well, I took a selection out for a bit of a test. My existing 5 iron, my "scary" 9 wood, my 20 degree Callaway and borrowed a #4 utility and real 4 iron (MX-25 from a set). I couldn't use the MP fli-hi as it was still shrink wrapped.....

Totally inconclusive........

The 5i (not such a low loft as most these days) is good for about 165-170 yards off turf. The 4i can get up to 180, but to be honest, if I had 175 to the green, I think I'd just use my #3 rescue, even though it max's out at about 185-190.
The problem is with me (you don't say, Dave?).....I think I'm just so "leisurely" through the ball, the lower loft club distances are simply down to how sweet the strike is. I think it's just such a lottery. I wasn't keen on the #4 rescue at all (V5 benross model)....it was noticeably shorter than the Callaway #3, but half-way between my 5i at 28 degrees and rescue at 20 degrees....no, not really....

So, I think I'll just not use a club in between for now, for regular games.

Off the turf (not the tee)

80-170 yards.......iron range SW-5i
175-190......#3 rescue
190-205.....5 wood

 

[RGDave]

After messing around for a few games with #4 hybrid (24)/9 wood (25) and a real 4i (24), the answer was really quite predictable.
The iron wins!
More accurate than either a wood/rescue, but obviously not quite as good out the fluffy stuff....but hey, how often am I off the fairway
Picked up an old Big Bertha off ebay, from Ireland.
Not the purest of clubs, but with an MPF of over 1,000 I think I will get on with it.

- - - - - - - -

ebay's a pain really, I found lots of odds and ends and getting an answer on a q? is almost impossible.

 

[RGDave]

All's well that ends well.

My 4 iron arrived! Only had to wait the best part of three weeks, mostly thanks to Paypal....

It's one of these, except a 4

t.b.h. it might as well be a rescue, the size of the sole!

What a corking club...already tested and approved!

Could have bought a Mizuno one, buy hey, everything *above* my 5 iron is Callaway (other than the Wilson Spine driver)...