The 3 Iron clubs have been used widely in the past. However, we don’t see it much these days because of the popularity of hybrids like the 3 Hybrid club.
Back in 2019, a panel of Golf Digest writers even proclaimed, “the 3 Iron is dead”. While their declaration seems right from the outside, is it really so? How does it fare against the 3 Hybrid clubs? As both of these clubs are capable of hitting 180 yards balls (on average), they’re in direct competition for a place in your golf bag.
In this article, we will be doing a direct 3 iron vs 3 hybrid comparison to find out the answers. So, put your club in the bag and read on!
Quick Facts
3 Iron Golf Club Quick Facts
- Category – Long Iron
- When To Use: From Fairway, Light-Mid Rough, Tee
- 3 Iron Distance (avg): 180
- For Longer Hitter: 200
- For Shorter Hitter: 165
- Typical Club Loft: 21 Degrees
- Club Importance: 91/100
3 Hybrid Golf Club Quick Facts
- Category – Hybrid (Long Iron + Fairway Wood)
- When To Use: From Fairway, Light-heavy Rough, Tee
- 3 Hybrid distance (Avg): 180-185
- For Longer Hitter: 206
- For Shorter Hitter: 175
- Typical Loft: 19 Degrees
- Club Importance: 94/100
3 Hybrid Vs 3 Iron – An Overview
3 Iron Details
The 3 Iron gold clubs have long slender heads. They come in different styles – from distance irons to game improvement and player irons. Players who want a fade, make a precise shot, or work the ball with a draw usually prefer 3 iron clubs.
Professional golfers also use 3 iron on par 3s, to look for the green from 180 yards, to get a shot from the fairway as well as light to mid rough. As its flight path is comparatively low, it can be an excellent option for windy weather conditions.
Nowadays, experienced golfers and those with low handicaps prefer 3 Irons. This is because of two reasons. First, golf clubs with such a thin face can be quite difficult to hit well for beginners. Second, they require a fair amount of swing speed in order to get the best results.
3 Iron Club Advantages
- Great precision
- Good distance, low ball flight
- An excellent option for windy locations
- Excellent off the tee on a par
- Capable of adding a Draw or a Fade
3 Iron Club Disadvantages
- Heavy
- Low loft and thin face make a 3 iron golf club harder to hit
- Not suitable for high handicappers
Our Top 3 Best 3-Iron Golf Clubs
3-Iron Golf Clubs | Callaway Golf Rogue ST MAX | TaylorMade SiM UDI Iron #3 | Srixon Golf SRX ZX UTI |
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Picture | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
Color | Silver | Titanium | Silver |
FORGIVENESS | High | High | High |
Feature List | 1. Callaway’s longest iron ever 2. High strength 450 steel with A.I. designed Flash Face Cup 3. A.I. Face Optimization for Rogue ST MAX. It’s unique for each model and loft to create spin rate consistency across the face. 4. New precision tungsten weighting features up to 62g of high-density tungsten, a 260% increase over MAVRIK. | 1. Tour Validated Shape with a refined leading edge, thinner topline, and a moderate sole for improved turf interaction 2. Ultra-light urethane foam injected inside the head engineered to push the design limits of face speed while improving the feel 3. Hollow Body Construction4. Forged C300 Face With ICT | 1. A milled pattern on the backside of ZX Utility’s face maximizes COR for more ball speed and more distance on every shot; 2. HOLLOW DESIGN adds distance, control, and a high launch off the tee or from the fairway 3. MULTI-PIECE CONSTRUCTION Tungsten in the base of each ZX Utility lowers its center of gravity for a higher launch 4. A forged SUP10 face enhances speed and distance, while a forged 1020 Carbon Steel body absorbs vibrations for an extremely soft feel |
Golf Club Flex | Regular | Stiff | Stiff |
Golf Club Loft | 18.5 Degrees | 20 Degrees | 23 Degrees |
HEADSHAPE | MODERATE | MODERATE | MODERATE |
HIGH STRENGTH 450 A.I. FACE CUP | ✓ | X | X |
LAUNCH | HIGH | HIGH | HIGH |
Model Name | ROGUE ST MAX | SiMUDI | ZX Utility |
SOLE WIDTH | MODERATE | MODERATE | |
Shaft Material | Alloy Steel | Graphite | Graphite |
Warranty Description | 2-year manufacturer | 2-year manufacturer | 1-year manufacturer |
3 Hybrid Details
Hybrids are most popular these days. In particular, 3 & 4 hybrids are primarily found in sets today. A hybrid club, as the name tells, is a mix between fairway wood and iron. The large round head is fairway, while the iron provides turf interaction and that large sweet spot.
These clubs come with large sweet spots, which makes them exceptionally versatile. The sharp leading edge makes them ideal for the rough. Moreover, their decent loft and turf interaction ensures high ball flight. On the flip side, it makes them slightly less workable in comparison with 3 iron clubs.
Therefore, 3 Iron Hybrid is an excellent choice for most players for consistently hitting the greens around the 190 mark. It adds consistency to the game, particularly if you struggle with long irons. It can easily replace 3 or even 4 iron clubs.
Our Top 3 Picks for the Best 3 Hybrid Clubs
3 Hybrid Clubs | TaylorMade M4 Hybrid (3-19, Stiff Flex, Left Hand) | Callaway Golf 2020 Mavrik Hybrid | Cobra Golf 2021 Radspeed Fairway |
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Picture | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
Color | Gray | Gray | Matte Peacoat-Red |
Feature List | 1. Two internally split mass pads increase inertia to deliver more ball speed across the face. 2. Two-tone crown cosmetic in a low profile shape provides a confidence-inspiring look 3. Improved speed pocket that increases flexibility 4. Low-face strikes get rewarded with improvement in speed pocket | 1. AI-designed specialized face for each loft that optimizes ball speed performance 2. A high-strength steel face works with proven Jailbreak technology and Face Cup Technology to promote exceptionally high ball speed 3. An ideal combination of speed, stability, and CG placement promotes easy launch, long carry, and soft landings | 1. Radial Weighting Technology-Radial Weighting to optimize speed, forgiveness, and flight direction 2. CNC Milled Infinity Face-An infinity edge face 3. Thin-Ply Carbon Crown that creates another 6 grams of discretionary weight 4. Hollow rails in the front create 70 percent more flex from heel to toe for higher launch, and faster speed |
Golf Club Flex | Stiff | Stiff | Stiff |
Golf Club Loft | 19 Degrees | 18 Degrees | 14.5 Degrees |
Hand Orientation | Left | Right | Right |
Included Components | Golf Hyrbid | Hybrid and Headcover | Fairway, Headcover, 2 |
Item Dimensions LxWxH | 4.92 x 4.92 x 45.47 inches | 4.92 x 4.92 x 45.47 inches | 48 x 6 x 6 inches |
Manufacturer | Taylormade-Adidas Golf Company | Callaway | Cobra Golf |
Material | Graphite | Graphite | Stainless Steel |
Model Name | MWR-M4 3-19/Lh S | Mavrik | Radspeed Fairway |
Shaft Material | Graphite | Graphite | Fujikura Motore XF3 |
Warranty Description | Limited 2 Year manufacturer | 2-year manufacturer | Limited 2-year manufacturer |
Size | Standard | Midsize | Standard |
3 Hybrid Advantages
- Easy to hit & offers great consistency
- Good launch, can easily get into the air
- Great turf interaction
- Excellent from the Rough
- Can replace Long Irons
3 Hybrid Disadvantages
- Less workable than 3 Iron clubs
3 Iron Vs 3 Hybrid – Which Club to Use and When?
Because of an increase in the 3 iron club lofts, yesterday’s 3 iron club has essentially turned into today’s 4 iron club. Still, 3 iron clubs have a place in the game for pro players. Especially those who can hit them well because of faster swing speed.
On the other hand, 3 hybrid is a beginner’s dream club. It offers consistently high, long, and straight shots with a much lower spin rate than iron or wooden clubs. Because of this effectiveness, hybrid gold clubs have replaced long irons.
3 Irons come in various styles, offering players a nice blend of distance, workability, and forgiveness. It’s a very precise club. Therefore, players can use it for hunting the pin on the course. After all, what’s a better feeling than hitting the 3 iron flush?
3 Iron Hybrid can hit 180 degrees on average. Moreover, its sharp leading edge can expertly cut through the rough and deliver a great launch. They have large sweet spots but aren’t as workable due to a larger head profile.
Overall, 3 Iron is more precise, whereas 3 hybrid offers more consistent shots. So, the choice between the two boils down to everyone’s personal preference. For me, as I can hit a 3 iron well, the choice is easy. However, if you cannot hit the club well, 3 hybrid will be a better option.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does a 3 hybrid replace a 3 Iron?
Well, yes, you can replace a 3 Iron with a 3 hybrid if you are struggling with the shot. It all comes down to what you like. Usually, 3 Iron is for more experienced golfers who value precision over distance.
Will a 3 Hybrid go further than a 3 Iron?
Yes, typical golfers are able to hit the ball farther with the 3 Hybrid than a 3 Iron of the same size.
Is a 3 Hybrid easier to hit than a 3 Iron?
Yes, a 3-Hybrid is easier to hit than a 3 Iron. This is because of the modern club design and a longer carry.