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:

Bestseller No. 1

TaylorMade Golf 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. 2

Cobra Golf DARKSPEED Hybrid

Refined aerodynamic design
Tour inspired shaping

Larger PWRShell with A.I. designed H.O.T. face
Faster ball speed
Max Workability with added forgiveness

SaleBestseller No. 3

TaylorMade Golf Qi10 Rescue #3 19 Degree Stiff Right Handed

This 270° crown construction optimizes the club's MOI by redistributing mass to the perimeter, ensuring forgiveness and stability. - Inverted Cone Technology (ICT) is individualized for each club, optimizing COR across the entire face.
Weight placement at the club's edges increases MOI, preserving top-notch ball speed and ensuring forgiveness..
Combined with Speed Pocket technology, it enhances ball speed and improves spin on low face shots. Weight placement at the club's edges increases MOI, preserving top-notch ball speed and ensuring forgiveness..

Inverted Cone Technology (ICT) is individualized for each club, optimizing COR across the entire face. Combined with Speed Pocket technology, it enhances ball speed and improves spin on low face shots.

Bestseller No. 4

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 (Men, RHB #3)

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. 5

Callaway Golf Paradym AI Smoke Hybrid (Right Hand, Cypher 70G, 3 Hybrid, Stiff)

A Breakthrough in Hybrid Performance Powered by AI SMART FACE
Contemporary Hybrid Shaping for Modern Golfers
Exceptional Distance From The Tungsten Speed Cartridge

Bestseller No. 6

Callaway Golf Elyte X Hybrid (3 Hybrid, Regular, Denali 60 Gram, Right)

Our Most Adjustable Hybrid. The Elyte X hybrids feature adjustable heel-toe weights for customized shot shape. 13g tungsten and 3g aluminum weights can be swapped to toggle between a neutral and draw ball flight. The new weighting system combined with the new Optifit 4 hosel system provides up to 13 yards of shot shape adjustability.* *Shot shaping measurement based on player testing results with weights interchanged and lie angles adjusted to respective extremes.
Dial in the Perfect Gapping with OptiFit 4. The new OptiFit 4 hosel system provides 7 unique loft and lie combinations, allowing you to find the perfect gapping between clubs. For golfers looking to minimize a slice, OptiFit 4 can adjust lie angle two degrees upright, promoting a better start line to neutralize a right miss.
Ai 10X Face Provides Optimal Distance, Control, and Launch. The new Ai10x Face delivers 10x more control points than the Ai Smart Face. With more precise Ai, the Ai10x Face produces exceptionally fast ball speeds, tight dispersion, and optimized launch across the face.

Elyte X Delivers Fast Ball Speeds and Maximum Forgiveness. The Elyte X model is best suited for golfers looking for distance, forgiveness, and a semi-draw ball flight. This slightly oversized option pairs perfectly with the Elyte X irons.

SaleBestseller No. 7

Callaway Golf 2022 Rogue ST Pro Hybrid (Left Hand, Graphite Shaft, Stiff Flex, 3 Hybrid), Silver

These hybrids feature anew A.I.-designed Jailbreak system that has been completely redesigned for speed and stability. The two Jailbreak frames are pushed to the perimeter, providing stiffness while allowing the face to flex for high speeds.
From Callaway’s high strength 455 Face Cup, they’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 enhanced sole camber promotes better turf interaction and versatility. The fairway wood shaping, shallower face and neutral CG are built to enhance workability for better players.

Bestseller No. 8

Callaway Golf Elyte Hybrid (3 Hybrid, Stiff, Denali 70 Gram, Right)

Our Most Adjustable Hybrid. The Elyte hybrids feature adjustable heel-toe weights for customized shot shape. 13g tungsten and 3g aluminum weights can be swapped to toggle between a neutral and draw ball flight. The new weighting system combined with the new Optifit 4 hosel system provides up to 13 yards of shot shape adjustability.* *Shot shaping measurement based on player testing results with weights interchanged and lie angles adjusted to respective extremes.

Dial in the Perfect Gapping with OptiFit 4. The new OptiFit 4 hosel system provides 7 unique loft and lie combinations, allowing you to find the perfect gapping between clubs. For golfers looking to take the left miss out of play, OptiFit 4 can adjust lie angle two degrees flat, promoting a better start line to neutralize a left miss.
Ai 10X Face Provides Optimal Distance, Control, and Launch. The new Ai10x Face delivers 10x more control points than the Ai Smart Face. With more precise Ai, the Ai10x Face produces exceptionally fast ball speeds, tight dispersion, and optimized launch across the face.
Elyte Delivers Fast Ball Speeds and Consistency. The Elyte model is best suited for golfers looking for distance, consistency, and a neutral ball flight. This option pairs perfectly with the Elyte and Elyte HL irons.

Bestseller No. 9

Callaway WD RH MAVRIK 22 HY 4H GR STF

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

Imported

Bestseller No. 10

PGF Men's Gold Tour Precision Hybrid Golf Club [RH][Reg] [# 3]

[Ultimate Forgiveness]Crafted with advanced perimeter weighting and a low center of gravity (CG), the Gold TP Hybrid ensures ultimate forgiveness and adaptability. Its easy-to-hit design encourages higher launches and longer carry distances, giving you confidence on every shot.
[Tour-Focused Design]Featuring a sleek, player-focused compact profile, this hybrid delivers iron-like precision with enhanced shot-shaping control. It blends the forgiveness of a hybrid with the finesse needed for more strategic play.

[Forged Carbon Steel Face]Crafted with precision, the forged carbon steel face incorporates a higher toe, paired with strategic internal heel-toe weighting for optimal balance. The face is engineered with a thinner center and perimeter, reinforced by a thicker outer layer to boost ball speed and improve durability across the entire hitting area.
[The Perfect Iron Alternative]With a range of 9 loft options (#3-PW), this club offers exceptional versatility to suit various player preferences and bag setups, ensuring peak performance in any situation. Whether you're seeking distance off the tee, playability from the fairway, or versatility from the rough and bunkers, this is the ideal solution to replace challenging long and mid irons.

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:

Bestseller No. 1

Callaway WD RH MAVRIK 22 HY 5H GR REG

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

Premium Components
Imported

Bestseller No. 2

Cobra Golf DARKSPEED Hybrid

Refined aerodynamic design

Tour inspired shaping
Larger PWRShell with A.I. designed H.O.T. face
Faster ball speed

Max Workability with added forgiveness

Bestseller No. 3

TaylorMade Golf 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. 4

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

These hybrids feature a new A.I.-designed Jailbreak system that’s been completely redesigned for 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, Callaway has 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.
They’ve implemented a larger clubhead design for easy launch, more draw bias and confidence over the ball. The sole construction promotes better turf interaction and versatility.

Bestseller No. 5

Wilson Dynapower Men's Hybrid Golf Club - Right Hand, Senior, 5

Wilson Dynapower Men's Hybrid Golf Club - Right Hand, Senior, 5
DYNAPOWER AI: Dynapower AI analyzed thousands of permutations to find the perfect thickness for each section of the club face, resulting in the fastest ball speeds and maximum forgiveness.
ADVANCED, TOUR-INSPIRED HEAD SHAPE: Tour player testing with Dynapower Fairway Woods and Hybrids resulted in a flatter profile for a clean set up behind the ball.

HIGH LAUNCH, HIGH MOI HEAD DESIGN: Dynapower hybrids feature rear weighting that delivers higher launch angles and a forgiving club face.

SaleBestseller No. 6

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.

SaleBestseller No. 7

Callaway Golf Paradym AI Smoke Hybrid (Right Hand, Cypher 60G, 4 hybrid, Regular)

A Breakthrough in Hybrid Performance Powered by AI SMART FACE
Contemporary Hybrid Shaping for Modern Golfers
Exceptional Distance From The Tungsten Speed Cartridge

SaleBestseller No. 8

TaylorMade Golf Qi10 Rescue #5 25 Degree Regular Right Handed

This 270° crown construction optimizes the club's MOI by redistributing mass to the perimeter, ensuring forgiveness and stability. - Inverted Cone Technology (ICT) is individualized for each club, optimizing COR across the entire face.
Weight placement at the club's edges increases MOI, preserving top-notch ball speed and ensuring forgiveness..
Combined with Speed Pocket technology, it enhances ball speed and improves spin on low face shots. Weight placement at the club's edges increases MOI, preserving top-notch ball speed and ensuring forgiveness..

Inverted Cone Technology (ICT) is individualized for each club, optimizing COR across the entire face. Combined with Speed Pocket technology, it enhances ball speed and improves spin on low face shots.

Bestseller No. 9

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

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. 10

Callaway Golf Great Big Bertha Golf Hybrid (Right Hand,Regular Flex,5 Hybrid)

Legendary Great Big Bertha Distance from an Innovative, Lightweight Design

Forged Carbon Sole & Triaxial Carbon Crown Increase MOI
High Ball Speeds from Jailbreak Speed Frame
Lower Spin from an A.I. Designed Flash Face

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 2025-04-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API