Are long irons making a come back ?

[mrbluu]

I am of the opinion that you need a decent action to be able to hit a long iron. You can get away with more sloppy swings with a hybrid. Just an opinion based on my observations! Sure there is exceptions to the rules when talking about professionals using hybrids but for the average weekend warrior most can’t hit a 7 iron let alone a 2 iron.

Totally agree, I struggle to hit a 7iron, but go ok with a 2iron with a 7iron shaft.

[990B Luva]

I recently put a 2i back in the bag. I was hitting my hybrid too far.

[Coldtopper]

Totally agree, I struggle to hit a 7iron, but go ok with a 2iron with a 7iron shaft.

but you are an exception. You flush your irons

[Matt 3 Jab]

From the tee, 2 irons can be great for low running shots which don't need to carry much or to keep it out of the wind.

Hybrids can launch high and be a lot better for coming into greens.

It depends what type of shot you need and what you hit more

I've found a good balance with an iron like hybrid. High flight when needed into a green but can hit it low as well.

Hard to get a 2 iron to hold a green when landing on the full unless you can bring rain with it

Hard to hit a low rubber with a hybrid if it launches high

All depends on what you need it to do

[AusOdy]

Totally agree, I struggle to hit a 7iron, but go ok with a 2iron with a 7iron shaft.

you series? thats what u used at st micks?

[mrbluu]

you series? thats what u used at st micks?

Yep....

[FuzzyJuzzy]

MrBluu has done a number on my 962 DCI 2-iron, cutting the shaft down to 7-iron length and adjusting lie according. I've only taken it on in practice a few times as I'm not sure how it fits with my regular bag set up, but it normally its cracking stingers - mostly only maybe 5m off the ground and running out like the clappers. I've hit a couple that have had more of a hybrid-ey flight as well.
I've been on the prowl for a 712U, but instead today settled for a 712MB 3-iron to deck out the set my 712MB set. For me, with the distances hybrids go these days, I'm seeing my hybrid more so replace my 3W than my longer irons. I hit my long irons relatively okay, but even when I pipe one, distance-wise it's usually well behind a well struck hybrid. My distance gap from hybrid to 3W is a fair bit less than from hybrid to 4-iron.

[BUSHY]

Great ideas in this thread.
I never did well with hybrids. Not sure why but we don't get along. Have been playing 3 iron for a long time now and just picked up a 712U 2 iron to go in between the 3w and 3i. Not sure if it will work out but I find I have more confidence with the long irons than hybrids and woods. I'm not sure what kind of height I'll get out of it but I'm a high ball hitter naturally. Seeing as I am still out of the game, might not find out for a while.

[Coldtopper]

From the tee, 2 irons can be great for low running shots which don't need to carry much or to keep it out of the wind.

Hybrids can launch high and be a lot better for coming into greens.

It depends what type of shot you need and what you hit more

I've found a good balance with an iron like hybrid. High flight when needed into a green but can hit it low as well.

Hard to get a 2 iron to hold a green when landing on the full unless you can bring rain with it

Hard to hit a low rubber with a hybrid if it launches high

All depends on what you need it to do

Never had a issue with hitting greens with long irons just need to shape the ball accordingly and play at reasonable courses that are receptive to good shots holding the greens. I play slightly softer shafts in my long irons that gives the confidence needed to work the ball both ways and a higher flight.

[Matt 3 Jab]

Never had a issue with hitting greens with long irons just need to shape the ball accordingly and play at reasonable courses that are receptive to good shots holding the greens. I play slightly softer shafts in my long irons that gives the confidence needed to work the ball both ways and a higher flight.

Most of the shots coming in to the greens from this distance (200-230) are either par 5's or long par 4's where the green is designed to take the longer shot. However when it all firms up, no amount of 'reasonable' is going to keep a ball on the green unless you land it short or bring it from a great height.

Whatever shot you are going to hit most (from the tee or into a green) is going to be a good guide as to which you want or like better.

If you are hitting hybrids / long irons from 160-175 then the higher flight from a hybrid is usually going to work more.

[virge666]

it doesnt matter how you word it... long irons are awful when compared to properly fit hybrid. What driver would you rather use ? the 200cc from the mid 90's or a current model with all the COG back and low with much lower weight. Long irons are dinosaurs, especially on a modern golf course.

And yes - I have hit a few great long iron shots in my time... but i have hit a lot more bad ones than good ones.

[razaar]

Agree Virge. A mate who is returning to golf on a plus h' cap was amazed with the latest hybrids. He can adjust his new Titty 3 hybrid to carry 210 with 20 mettes run or 225 m carry with 5-10 metres roll.