3 Hybrid vs. 5 Hybrid: Which One is the Best?

If you’re an avid golfer, you know how important it is to have the right clubs in your bag. And if you’re struggling with those long shots from the fairway, you might be considering adding a hybrid club to your arsenal.

But with so many options out there, how do you choose between a 3 hybrid and a 5 hybrid?

The main difference between a 3 hybrid and a 5 hybrid is that a 3 hybrid is better for hitting from tight lies and a 5 hybrid is better for hitting approach shots into greens or from the rough. Both hybrids are versatile and provide more forgiveness and easier launch than traditional long irons.

Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to the individual golfer’s playing style and needs.

Hybrids are golf clubs that are designed to combine the best features of irons and woods. They have a larger clubhead than irons, making them easier to hit and more forgiving. Plus, hybrids are super versatile and easier to launch than fairway woods.

The 3 hybrid has a loft angle of around 19 degrees, while the 5 hybrid has a loft angle of around 25 degrees. Hybrid clubs were first introduced in the early 2000s and have since become a popular alternative to long irons and fairway woods.

In this blog, I’ll explore the differences between these two clubs and help you determine which one is right for you. Let’s take a closer look.

Is a 3 Hybrid or 5 Hybrid Club for You?

If you struggle with hitting long irons, a hybrid club can be a great addition to your bag. Both the 3 and 5 hybrid clubs are designed to provide more forgiveness and easier launch than traditional long iron.

The 3 hybrid is a good choice if you’re looking for a club that can replace your 3 or 4 iron. It’s also a good option for hitting long shots from the fairway or rough.

The 5 hybrid, on the other hand, is ideal for golfers who struggle with their 5 or 6 iron. It’s also a great club for hitting approach shots into greens or for shots from the rough.

If you’re a beginner golfer, then these clubs can be an excellent choice for you. You might face a bit of struggle initially, but their forgiving design can help you develop a consistent swing and improve your game.

When it comes to budget, both options fall into the middle range. They are not exactly budget-friendly, but they are also not the most expensive club on the market. They are an excellent investment for those who want to improve their game without breaking the bank.

What I Like About 3 Hybrid Clubs

Let’s talk about 3 hybrid clubs and what makes them great for some golfers but not so much for others. If you’re new to the game or have a high handicap, you might find that 3 hybrids are easier to hit than long irons.

Plus, their shorter shafts make them more manageable if you don’t have the fastest swing speed. And if it’s windy out on the course, you’ll appreciate the lower ball flight that 3 hybrids can produce.

Here is a list of the bestselling 3 Hybrids on Amazon:

SaleBestseller No. 1

Callaway WD RH MAVRIK 22 HY 3H GR STF

Flash Face for Exceptional Ball Speed and Unconventional Forgiveness
Jailbreak Technology + Face Cup for Fast Ball Speeds
Premium Components

SaleBestseller No. 2

TaylorMade SIM 2 Max Rescue Mens Right Hand Graphite Stiff Rescue 3-19 Degree

New V Steel Design. An updated V Steel design redistributes weight to enhance forgiveness while maintaining low CG properties. A depressed heel and toe minimize sole area, adding to V Steel's turf interaction and versatility benefits.
C300 Steel Twist Face. High-strength C300 steel allows for a strong fast face engineered for explosive ball speeds, paired with Twist Face technology to overcome inherent golfer tendencies on miss-hits for straighter shots.
Tour Validated Performance. Drafting off the success of the original SIM Max Rescue the SIM2 Max Rescue provides a towering flight and great workability for all skill levels.

Thru-Slot Speed Pocket. Thru-Slot Speed Pocket provides increased face flexibility, preservation of ball speed and distance, especially on low face strikes.

Bestseller No. 3

LAZRUS GOLF Premium Hybrid Golf Clubs for Men - 2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,PW Right Hand & Left Hand Single Club, Graphite Shafts, Regular Flex (Black Right Hand, 3, RH, Black Single)

GOLF HYBRIDS SOLD AS SINGLES: Thousands of Lazrus Golf clubs sold worldwide! Please choose right or left hand above. All skill levels!
SPECS: Graphite shafts – (2 hybrid/15 degree/41 length) – (3 hybrid/18 degree/40.5 length) – (4 hybrid/21 degree/40 length) – (5 hybrid/24 degree/39.5 length) – (6 hybrid/27 degree/39 length) – (7 hybrid/32 degree/38.75 length) – (8 hybrid/36 degree/39.25 length) – (9 hybrid/40 degree/37.75 length) – (PW hybrid/45 degree/37.25 length)

HANDS DOWN THE BEST QUALITY: Lazrus golf hybrids are made in the same place as some of today's "top" golf clubs - For 1/4 the price!
PRO QUALITY WITHOUT THE PRICE: Our premium hybrids for golf were created for normal everyday golfers like you, weekend warriors or scratch golfers but without the crazy price tag. Truly amazing golf clubs that will shave strokes at an amazing price.
BUY WITH CONFIDENCE: Absolute 100% risk free purchase. Don't LOVE it? Simply return it! A deal that cannot be beat anywhere in the golf industry!

SaleBestseller No. 4

Callaway Apex Pro 21 3 Hybrid (Right-Handed, Stiff),Black

Apex Pro Hybrids feature Jailbreak A.I. Velocity Blades that are engineered to increase vertical stiffness near the sole of the club, creating more speed low on the face where players often mishit their hybrids.
These blades allow the Face Cup to flex on the crown to promote better spin rate consistency, and the bars are spread to enhance torsional stiffness, leading to more forgiveness all across the face.
Every model and face in our Apex hybrids are uniquely designed using advanced A.I. This proven ball speed design puts an even greater emphasis on center and off-center ball speeds.

The Forged 455 Steel provides outstanding strength and flexibility while the Face Cup provides speed and spin consistency across the face.
With its fixed hosel, Apex Pro offers the look of an iron at address that highly skilled players prefer to see from their hybrids.

Bestseller No. 5

Callaway Golf 2019 Apex Hybrid, 3 Hybrid, Right Hand, Stiff Flex, Black

Apex 19 delivers Jailbreak performance in a players hybrid.

It creates a controlled ball flight and workability from precision shaping, and it transitions perfectly from your irons.
Our Jailbreak Technology places more impact load on the face to promote fast ball speed and distance. And the Forged Face Cup is designed for increased ball speed at every location.
The beautiful Apex shape features a classic dark PVD finish and premium components, including a Temper Catalyst Shaft and Golf Pride Tour Velvet 360 Grip.

Bestseller No. 6

Taylormade Golf Stealth Rescue Righthanded

Providing vital contrast between face and crown, the laser etched alignment aid is designed to highlight directional alignment for boosted confidence and accurate aim.
Refined weight distribution for enhanced forgiveness while maintaining optimal launch properties. It stays true to its heritage by improving turf interaction and versatility.
High-strength C300 steel allows for a strong, fast face engineered for explosive ball speeds. The proven Twist Face design helps golfers overcome inherent mis-hit tendencies for straighter shots.

Our most flexible Speed Pocket design is engineered to maximize ball speeds and produce additional forgiveness on low-face strikes.

SaleBestseller No. 7

Pinemeadow Golf Men's Excel EGI Hybrid Club, Graphite, 19-Degree, 3, Regular, Right Hand

CLUB/LOFT: 3 Hybrid/19°, 4 Hybrid/22°, 5 Hybrid/25°, 6 Hybrid/28°, 7 Hybrid/32°, 8 Hybrid/36°, 9 Hybrid/40° & PW Hybrid/45°
HYBRID MOVEMENT: More and more players are trading in their traditional irons and replacing them with hybrids. The EGI hybrids allow you to do this for every iron in your bag. Join the movement and expect an improvement in your game

BIGGER SWEET SPOT: All hybrids feature a nice balance of weight throughout the entire club head that increases and widens the sweet spot. The shape of the club head allows you to use these clubs from various lies, good or bad
GRAPHITE SHAFT: Hybrids are equipped with a Pinemeadow Graphite shaft. The hybrid shaft paired with the stainless steel clubhead gives you the best combination you need in a hybrid
HEADCOVER: All hybrids come with a headcover to protect your club while it is being transported in your golf bag

Bestseller No. 8

Cobra Golf 2022 LTDX One Length Hybrid Gloss Peacoat-Red (Men's, Right Hand, KBS PGI 75, Reg Flex, 3h-19)

Pwr-Cor Technology-Multi material weighting system positions mass low and forward to combine low spin with faster ball speed for enhanced distance
HOT Face-Highly Optimized Technology uses Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning to design 15 HOT Zones to increase ball speed and smash factor across the face
PwrShell Face Cup Design-A forged face cup is designed to increase flex across the face and the sole for faster ball speed and higher launch

Baffler Rails-Two Baffler sole rails allow the club to glide effortlessly out of the tight lies, thick rough and even bunkers
One Length Reduces as many variables as possible by promoting one consistent setup, ball position and swing through the set; The result is more accuracy, more consistency and improved distance

Bestseller No. 9

Callaway Big Bertha B21 Hybrid (Left , Graphite, Regular, 3 Hybrid) , Silver

Big Bertha B-21 Hybrids are built for distance any way you swing it.

They create fast ball speeds across an expansive area in each model and loft, with our advanced A.I.-designed Flash Face.
We’ve added more offset to help reduce your slice or big miss. This increased offset helps to promote a straighter ball flight for more distance.
Fast ball speed also comes from two internal Jailbreak bars that connect the sole and crown, so the face can take on more of the load at impact.

Features a completely new RCH shaft, designed by Callaway to specifically enhance the Big Bertha offering, with an Active Tip Flag section for easy launch.

SaleBestseller No. 10

TaylorMade Golf Stealth2 Plus Rescue 3-19.5/Right Hand Stiff

Variable face thickness is engineered to maximize ball speed across the face while maintaining playability and performance in a Tour-inspired shape. A combination of the lightweight titanium body, carbon crown and heavy steel weight delivers optimal weight distribution and premier performance.
A combination of the lightweight titanium body, carbon crown and heavy steel weight delivers optimal weight distribution and premier performance. Providing visual contrast between face and crown, the laser etched aid is designed to highlight directional alignment for boosted confidence and accurate aim.

Providing visual contrast between face and crown, the laser etched aid is designed to highlight directional alignment for boosted confidence and accurate aim. Our flexible Speed Pocket design is engineered to maximize ball speeds and produce additional forgiveness on low-face strikes..
Our flexible Speed Pocket design is engineered to maximize ball speeds and produce additional forgiveness on low-face strikes..

What I Don’t Like About 3 Hybrid Clubs

However, 3 hybrids might not be the best choice for golfers with faster swing speeds. They just may not generate the distance you’re looking for. And while 3 hybrids can be forgiving, they’re not quite as forgiving as 5 hybrids due to their smaller clubheads.

So, as with any club, it’s important to find the one that works best for you and your playing style.

What I Like About 5 Hybrid Clubs

Personally, I think there are some great things about these clubs. For one, their larger clubheads make them more forgiving than 3 hybrids. Plus, they’re great for getting a high ball flight, which can be super helpful if you’re trying to land the ball softly on the green.

And if you’re someone with a faster swing speed, you’ll definitely appreciate the longer shaft and the extra distance it can generate.

Here is a list of the bestselling 5 Hybrids on Amazon:

SaleBestseller No. 1

Callaway WD RH MAVRIK 22 HY 3H GR STF

Flash Face for Exceptional Ball Speed and Unconventional Forgiveness
Jailbreak Technology + Face Cup for Fast Ball Speeds

Premium Components

Bestseller No. 2

Callaway Big Bertha B21 Hybrid (Right, Graphite, Regular, 5 Hybrid) , Silver

Big Bertha B-21 Hybrids are built for distance any way you swing it.
They create fast ball speeds across an expansive area in each model and loft, with our advanced A.I.-designed Flash Face.

We’ve added more offset to help reduce your slice or big miss. This increased offset helps to promote a straighter ball flight for more distance.
Fast ball speed also comes from two internal Jailbreak bars that connect the sole and crown, so the face can take on more of the load at impact.
Features a completely new RCH shaft, designed by Callaway to specifically enhance the Big Bertha offering, with an Active Tip Flag section for easy launch.

Bestseller No. 3

LAZRUS GOLF Premium Hybrid Golf Clubs for Men - 2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,PW Right Hand & Left Hand Single Club, Graphite Shafts, Regular Flex (Black Right Hand, 2, RH, Black Single)

GOLF HYBRIDS SOLD AS SINGLES: Thousands of Lazrus Golf clubs sold worldwide! Please choose right or left hand above. All skill levels!
SPECS: Graphite shafts – (2 hybrid/15 degree/41 length) – (3 hybrid/18 degree/40.5 length) – (4 hybrid/21 degree/40 length) – (5 hybrid/24 degree/39.5 length) – (6 hybrid/27 degree/39 length) – (7 hybrid/32 degree/38.75 length) – (8 hybrid/36 degree/39.25 length) – (9 hybrid/40 degree/37.75 length) – (PW hybrid/45 degree/37.25 length)
HANDS DOWN THE BEST QUALITY: Lazrus golf hybrids are made in the same place as some of today's "top" golf clubs - For 1/4 the price!

PRO QUALITY WITHOUT THE PRICE: Our premium hybrids for golf were created for normal everyday golfers like you, weekend warriors or scratch golfers but without the crazy price tag. Truly amazing golf clubs that will shave strokes at an amazing price.
BUY WITH CONFIDENCE: Absolute 100% risk free purchase. Don't LOVE it? Simply return it! A deal that cannot be beat anywhere in the golf industry!

Bestseller No. 4

KING TEC Hybrid Right / 5 / Stiff

See below for description

SaleBestseller No. 5

TaylorMade SiM 2 Max Rescue Mens Right Hand Graphite Regular Rescue 5-25 Degree , Black/White

New V Steel Design. An updated V Steel design redistributes weight to enhance forgiveness while maintaining low CG properties. A depressed heel and toe minimize sole area, adding to V Steel's turf interaction and versatility benefits.
C300 Steel Twist Face. High-strength C300 steel allows for a strong fast face engineered for explosive ball speeds, paired with Twist Face technology to overcome inherent golfer tendencies on miss-hits for straighter shots.
Tour Validated Performance. Drafting off the success of the original SIM Max Rescue the SIM2 Max Rescue provides a towering flight and great workability for all skill levels.

Thru-Slot Speed Pocket. Thru-Slot Speed Pocket provides increased face flexibility, preservation of ball speed and distance, especially on low face strikes.

Bestseller No. 6

TaylorMade Stealth #5 Hybrid, HZRDUS Smoke Black RDX 6.0 80g

Right Handed
Stealth #5 Hybrid Stiff flex

NonMatching head cover included, no tool

Bestseller No. 7

Wilson Staff Launch Pad 2 Hybrid 5 Golf Club - Men's Right Handed, Graphite, Regular Flex, 25.5 Loft

Wilson Staff 2022 Launch Pad Hybrid 5 Golf Club - Men's Right Handed, Graphite, Regular Flex, 25.5 Loft
SOLVE THE SLICE: Many aspects of this club design are aimed at promoting a draw bias, including face angle and geometry, a moderate offset, the head shape and a center of gravity positioned forward and heelward.

THIN IN THE FACE: A high-strength and super thin Carpenter Custom face delivers great feel and higher ball speeds.
OPTIONS FOR EVERY PLAYER: Perfectly positioned between fairways and irons, the Launch Pad hybrids add the option of a 4 and 5 hybrid, ensuring proper gapping for every player.

SaleBestseller No. 8

Callaway Golf 2022 Rogue ST Max Hybrid (Right Hand, Graphite Shaft, Stiff Flex, 5 Hybrid)

Featuring an allnew A.I.-designed Jailbreak system that’s been completely redesigned to promote speed and stability. The two Jailbreak frames are pushed to the perimeter, providing stiffness while allowing the face to flex for high speeds.

From their high strength 455 Face Cup, we’ve applied an all new A.I. face optimization to include speed, launch and spin. This unique face pattern is customized for each model and loft in the hybrid lineup.
Up to 24g of precision tungsten allows for precise Center of Gravity (CG) locations, delivering optimal launch with even more ball speed.
The Rogue ST MAX model features iron-like shaping, with a refined sole for better turf interaction. The slightly stronger lofts and wide range of models are perfect for the game-improvement golfer looking for breakthrough hybrid performance.

Bestseller No. 9

Pinemeadow Golf Men's Excel EGI Hybrid Club, Graphite, 25-Degree, 5, Regular, Right Hand

CLUB/LOFT: 3 Hybrid/19°, 4 Hybrid/22°, 5 Hybrid/25°, 6 Hybrid/28°, 7 Hybrid/32°, 8 Hybrid/36°, 9 Hybrid/40° & PW Hybrid/45°
HYBRID MOVEMENT: More and more players are trading in their traditional irons and replacing them with hybrids. The EGI hybrids allow you to do this for every iron in your bag. Join the movement and expect an improvement in your game
BIGGER SWEET SPOT: All hybrids feature a nice balance of weight throughout the entire club head that increases and widens the sweet spot. The shape of the club head allows you to use these clubs from various lies, good or bad

GRAPHITE SHAFT: Hybrids are equipped with a Pinemeadow Graphite shaft. The hybrid shaft paired with the stainless steel clubhead gives you the best combination you need in a hybrid
HEADCOVER: All hybrids come with a headcover to protect your club while it is being transported in your golf bag

SaleBestseller No. 10

TaylorMade Golf Stealth2 Plus Rescue 3-19.5/Right Hand Stiff

Variable face thickness is engineered to maximize ball speed across the face while maintaining playability and performance in a Tour-inspired shape. A combination of the lightweight titanium body, carbon crown and heavy steel weight delivers optimal weight distribution and premier performance.

A combination of the lightweight titanium body, carbon crown and heavy steel weight delivers optimal weight distribution and premier performance. Providing visual contrast between face and crown, the laser etched aid is designed to highlight directional alignment for boosted confidence and accurate aim.
Providing visual contrast between face and crown, the laser etched aid is designed to highlight directional alignment for boosted confidence and accurate aim. Our flexible Speed Pocket design is engineered to maximize ball speeds and produce additional forgiveness on low-face strikes..
Our flexible Speed Pocket design is engineered to maximize ball speeds and produce additional forgiveness on low-face strikes..

What I Don’t Like About 5 Hybrid Clubs

That being said, 5 hybrids might not be the best choice for everyone. If you’re a beginner or have a high handicap, you might struggle a bit with the longer shafts and have a harder time controlling your shots.

And keep in mind that the high ball flight can work against you if you’re trying to play in windy conditions and need to keep the ball low.

Pros and Cons

3 Hybrid

Pros	Cons
Better for hitting from tight lies	Not as forgiving as a 5 hybrid
Easier to control trajectory	More difficult to hit from the rough,
More versatile than a 3 iron	Less effective for high approach shots.

5 Hybrid

Pros	Cons
More forgiving than a 3 hybrid	More difficult to control trajectory
Easier to hit from the rough	Less versatile than a 3 hybrid
Better for high approach shots	Not as effective from tight lies.

What’s Included?

When you purchase any of these hybrid club, you can expect to receive the following items:

The hybrid club itself
Headcover
Instruction manual

In terms of extras or accessories, there are no other items included in the package.

Overall, I’m quite satisfied with the contents of the package. However, it would have been nice to see some extra accessories or tools included, such as a club cleaning brush or a divot repair tool.

Features

The primary features of the hybrid clubs are as follows:

3 Hybrid Club Features

Can replace your 3 or 4 iron
Ideal for hitting long shots from the fairway or rough
Provides more forgiveness and easier launch compared to traditional long irons

Typically has a loft angle of 19-22 degrees

In my opinion, the features of the 3 Hybrid Club are excellent. Its ability to replace your 3 or 4 iron and provide more forgiveness and easier launch make it a must-have for any golfer struggling with their long irons.

Its loft angle range is also ideal for hitting long shots from the fairway or rough. The only potential weakness of this club is that experienced golfers who already have a consistent swing may not find it as useful.

5 Hybrid Club Features

Ideal for golfers struggling with their 5 or 6 iron
Great for hitting approach shots into greens or from the rough
Provides more forgiveness and easier launch compared to traditional long irons

Typically has a loft angle of 25-28 degrees

The features of the 5 Hybrid Club are also impressive. Its ability to help golfers struggling with their 5 or 6 iron and its loft angle range make it great for hitting approach shots into greens or from the rough.

Like the 3 Hybrid Club, it provides more forgiveness and easier launch compared to traditional long irons. However, experienced golfers who already have a consistent swing may not find it as useful, and it may not be the best option for hitting long shots from the fairway or rough.

Final Breakdown

I give both the 3 hybrid and 5 hybrid a score of 9 out of 10.They both offer excellent performance and are a great addition to any golfer’s bag.

If you’re looking for a versatile club that can handle a variety of shots and lies, then the 3 hybrid is the way to go. However, if you struggle with hitting from the rough or need help getting the ball in the air, then the 5 hybrid may be the better choice.

Overall, I would definitely recommend these clubs to anyone looking to upgrade their game. They are well-made, perform great on the course, and offer excellent value for the price.

Last update on 2024-03-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API