Fairway woods vs. hybrid irons

I'm a high handicap (22) golfer, shooting between 95 and 100. For me, is there a significant difference between the 5/7/9 fairway woods and 3/4/5 hybrid irons? I hear that both are easy to swing, good from the rough, etc. I don't have the ability to sample all of them. I need to replace my regular 3/4/5 irons.

Thanks.

First and best advice: Demo, demo, demo.

Since you've already indicated that you can't, then my suggestion is the hybrids. They're heavier than FW's, and shorter, too. This generally means more on-center contact, and an easier time in trouble lies (the heavier head helps cut through rough).

Speaking as another high handicapper, I've found the hybrids much easier to use than comparably lofted fairway woods. I think both things that LowPost42 mentioned are helpful: somewhat shorter shaft and heavier head. I carry a regular 5 iron and a 5 hybrid, because I can hit the hybrid about 10 yards farther. But I don't carry any iron longer than the 5.

I use a hybrid 1 iron. it's 15%. I find I can hit this the same distances as my 3 wood.

So in effect, one could actually use hybrids to replace all woods except the driver? I have a driver, 4 wood and a 4H. I always wonder if there's a huge gap between the driver and 4 wood, and if I should get a club to fill up that gap. Would there be an appropriate hybrid for this?

Don't look for the hybrid to cure all your fairway woes. If you are misshitting the fairway woods and expect to buy a hybrid and you will instantly be hitting great shots, it's not going to happen.

I have used both and although, I think the hybrid might be the tiniest easier to hit, in the final analysis, you need to work on shotmaking to make it happen.

Just my 2 cents worth...

Chessbum...

You can actually buy entire sets (3-PW) in hybrid design. Revolutionary for the beginning golfer, I say.

Get yourself a taylor made 2 iron hybrid,
you can pick em up cheap on ebay these days , and are well worth the money,they will get the ball airbourne ,give you carry.
But most of all will gve you confidence. good luck.

If you are struggling with fairwaywoods, because of the length of the club then go a hybrid, they are much shorter and this is what makes them easier to hit.

From the original post, I think if the idea is to replace the 3-5 irons, then hybrid would probably be a closer option than fairway woods. Personally, if I am on the fairway and I have a good lie, I would actually prefer to use a fairway wood. No doubt it's longer, but it's also lighter. However if you are going to replace your irons meaning u might need to use the clubs for awkward lies and rough etc, then hybrids are the more obvious choice.