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 Golf 2022 Rogue ST Pro Hybrid (Right Hand, Graphite Shaft, Regular Flex, 3 Hybrid)

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. 2

Callaway X HOT 3 Hybrid Stiff Flex

Long distance, fast ball speeds & a forgiving head shape
An easier alternative to longer irons

Promotes fast ball peed all across the face

SaleBestseller No. 3

Callaway Golf 2022 Rogue ST Max Hybrid (Right Hand, Graphite Shaft, Stiff Flex, 3 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.

SaleBestseller No. 4

Wilson Staff D9 Hybrid 3 Golf Club - Men's Right Hand, Standard Length Stiff Flex, 19 Degree Loft

A FAST, FORGIVING FACE : Variable Face Technology virtually guarantees high ball speeds and high launch angles, even on off-center hits.  Milled from premium Carpenter Custom 455 steel, the face is thin, hot and optimized to deliver more feel and more distance performance.

DESIGNED ALONGSIDE THE GAME'S VERY BEST : The Wilson Labs team worked closely with our Advisory Staff members to develop a precise head shape that both optimizes weight and swings fast for effortless increases in club head and ball speed.
CONFIDENCE ON ANY COURSE: D9 hybrids feature a progressive head shape and are perfectly weighted to sit square at address and provide easy-launching confidence all around the golf course.

Bestseller No. 5

Callaway Golf 2022 Rogue ST Max OS Hybrid (Left Hand, Graphite Shaft, Stiff Flex, 3 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. 6

Cobra Golf 2019 F-Max Superlite 3 Hybrid Black-Red (Men's, Left Hand, Graphite, Stiff Flex, 19.0)

Lighter overall weight-19 grams of weight saving performance is achieved through a 7 gram lighter clubhead, a 7 gram lighter grip, and a 5 gram lighter shaft
Forged 455 steel face INSERT-A shallow face design is forged using high strength stainless steel to create higher dynamic launch and faster ball speeds
Back/heel weighting-an ultra-forgiving construction features an internal weight pad positioned low, back and heel ward that promotes higher launch and straighter ball flights

Crown alignment feature-a subtle crown alignment design assists with a square setup at address and provides a visually pleasing detail with it being distracting to the Eye
Offset design-an Offset hosel helps deliver a square face at impact to optimize launch and distance, while promoting straighter, more accurate ball flights

Bestseller No. 7

Callaway Big Bertha B21 Hybrid (Right, 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. 8

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

Apex 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 every 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.
We’ve implemented a massive amount of tungsten weighting into each loft offering. By doing this, our R&D team can precisely position the Center of Gravity lower to promote high launch, and to provide more forgiveness on off-center shots.
Apex Hybrids come with an adjustable hosel to help optimize your loft, trajectory and control for even more versatility.

Bestseller No. 9

Callaway Golf 2020 Mavrik Hybrid (Right Hand, Graphite, Regular, 3 Hybrid)

For the MAVRIK Hybrids, we used A. I. to design a specialized face for each loft of every model to optimize ball speed performance in all MAVRIK hybrids.
The Flash Face SS20 constructed from a high-strength steel face works with proven Jailbreak technology and our renowned Face Cup Technology to promote exceptionally high ball speed.
From a square-toed shape to a cambered fairway-wood shape, this complete hybrid lineup gives players a great choice between an easier launch or more penetrating ball flight.

Ideal combination of speed, stability and CG placement to promote easy launch, long carry and soft landings – exactly how a hybrid is expected to perform.
Included Components: Hybrid and Headcover

Bestseller No. 10

Callaway Golf 2020 Mavrik Max Hybrid (Left Hand, Graphite, Stiff, 3 Hybrid)

For the MAVRIK MAX Hybrids, we used A.I. to design a specialized face for each loft of every model to optimize ball speed performance, and a high MOI for enhanced launch.

The Flash Face SS20 constructed from a high-strength steel face works with proven Jailbreak technology and our renowned Face Cup Technology to promote exceptionally high ball speed.
From a square-toed shape to a cambered fairway-wood shape, this complete hybrid lineup gives
Ideal combination of speed, stability and CG placement to promote easy launch, long carry and soft landings – exactly how a hybrid is expected to perform.

Included Components: Hybrid And Headcover

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 X HOT 5 Hybrid, Regular Flex

Package length: 10.16 cm
Package width: 10.16 cm
Package height: 106.68 cm

Product Type: GOLF CLUB

SaleBestseller No. 2

TaylorMade SIM MAX Hybrid, #5, 25 Degree Loft, Right Hand, Regular Flex

V Steel Sole Design: Designed to improve turf interaction through reduced friction and provides additional versatility when playing from tight or difficult lies
Twist Face: Uses corrective face angles designed to overcome inherent golfer tendencies on mis-hits and to produce straighter shots

C300 Ultra-Strong Steel Face: High-strength C300 steel allows for a stronger, faster face for explosive speed performance
Speed Pocket: Allows for increased sole flexibility engineered for additional ball speed and forgiveness on low-face mis-hits

Bestseller No. 3

Callaway Golf 2022 Rogue ST Max OS Hybrid (Right Hand, Graphite Shaft, Stiff 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.

SaleBestseller No. 4

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. 5

Cobra Golf 2022 Air X Hybrid (Men's, Right Hand, Cobra Ultralite 50, Reg Flex, 5h-25), Grey-Red, Regular RH Stock Graphite Graphite 5 Hybrid

Lightweight Design-Using a lighter head, shaft (48g) and grip (41g) makes the club feel significantly lighter and easier to swing compared to a traditional fairway

Forged Face Insert-A thin forged face insert enhances ball speed for smoother tempo swings
Back-Heel Weighting-Weight is localized in the back and heel to create stability on off center hits with draw bias for those that need it
Offset Design-In addition to more heel weighting, a new hosel design with 20% more offset helps to further eliminate a golfers' slice so they can find more fairways

Bestseller No. 6

Callaway Golf 2020 Mavrik Hybrid (Right Hand, Graphite, Stiff, 5 Hybrid)

For the MAVRIK Hybrids, we used A. I. to design a specialized face for each loft of every model to optimize ball speed performance in all MAVRIK hybrids.
The Flash Face SS20 constructed from a high-strength steel face works with proven Jailbreak technology and our renowned Face Cup Technology to promote exceptionally high ball speed.
From a square-toed shape to a cambered fairway-wood shape, this complete hybrid lineup gives players a great choice between an easier launch or more penetrating ball flight.

Ideal combination of speed, stability and CG placement to promote easy launch, long carry and soft landings – exactly how a hybrid is expected to perform.
Included Components: Hybrid And Headcover

Bestseller No. 7

Callaway Golf 2022 Rogue ST Max Hybrid (Left 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.

SaleBestseller No. 8

Callaway Apex 21 5 Hybrid (Right-Handed, Regular)

Apex 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 every 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.

We’ve implemented a massive amount of tungsten weighting into each loft offering. By doing this, our R&D team can precisely position the Center of Gravity lower to promote high launch, and to provide more forgiveness on off-center shots.
Apex Hybrids come with an adjustable hosel to help optimize your loft, trajectory and control for even more versatility.

SaleBestseller No. 9

Callaway Golf 2020 Mavrik Max Hybrid (Right Hand, Graphite, Light, 5 Hybrid)

For the MAVRIK MAX Hybrids, we used A. I. to design a specialized face for each loft of every model to optimize ball speed performance, and a high MOI for enhanced launch.

The Flash Face SS20 constructed from a high-strength steel face works with proven Jailbreak technology and our renowned Face Cup Technology to promote exceptionally high ball speed.
From a square-toed shape to a cambered fairway-wood shape, this complete hybrid lineup gives
Ideal combination of speed, stability and CG placement to promote easy launch, long carry and soft landings – exactly how a hybrid is expected to perform.

Included Components: Hybrid And Headcover

Bestseller No. 10

Callaway Big Bertha REVA Women's Hybrid (Right , Graphite , Ladies, 5 Hybrid)

Big Bertha REVA Hybrids are designed for women to unlock your inner distance.
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 your swing speed.

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 2023-05-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API