11 Wood Vs. 5 Hybrid – Which Club Is Better To Carry?

11 wood Vs. 5 Hybrid – Which Club is Better to Carry?

There is a lot to be said about choosing your golf clubs wisely. When it comes to a large variety of hybrids, irons, and woods, you have to be able to narrow it down so you can be within the 14 club standards on any course.

If you’re trying to determine whether you should choose a 11 wood or a 5 hybrid to fill your bag, we have a lot of great info here for you to check out. This quick video is also a good resource that shows a side-by-side comparison of the 11 wood, 5 hybrid, and even a 4 iron.

11 wood and 5 Hybrid Overview

In order to make an informed decision, you should get to know these clubs individually. You might decide that you will want both of them and end up tossing out another club elsewhere to make that happen.

What you should first understand is while these clubs are often viewed as interchangeable, they are still unique in their own ways.

The 11 wood, while not incredibly common, has a nice, large head that is well-weighted.

It can hit for distance but is more often used for shorter distances that need a lot of height behind them. They are great for rough or making your way through obstacles. They typically have a loft angle of about 26 degrees.

The 5 hybrid is designed to be a mix between a wood and an iron. The design is more similar to an iron but the nature is more similar to a wood. The 5 hybrid can be great for shooting low shots with distance and going under things like trees. It’s a controlled and easy club to use.

11 wood Vs. 5 Hybrid: Key Differences

On average, the 11 wood does not hit as much distance as the 5 hybrid, they do produce higher shots and more stopping power. These clubs are actually made quite differently. Where the loft angles are very similar, the distance they are designed to hit is not the same.

For example, a 11 wood traditionally will hit around 180 yards, on average. A full 200 yards or over takes a substantial hit. On the other hand, a 5 hybrid is known for distances, exceeding 200 yards on average but not by a whole lot.

The loft angle of the 11 wood can vary but typically is about 29 degrees. The 5 hybrid club can also vary but typically is in the range of 25-28 degrees so the lofts are pretty similar between the two.

The most noteworthy difference we want to talk about is that 11 woods are typically used for height, when you have an obstacle to go over. 5 hybrids are typically used when there are trees and you need to keep your shot low.

They both work great for getting you past your obstacles, but they do so in completely different ways.

What’s Better Off the Deck?

Keep in mind that the 11 wood is great on the fairway but is better at a shorter distance. If you’re looking to make it over the trees, you should go ahead and work with your 11 wood.

However, if you are looking to hit some good distance or you need to stay under some trees, you should stick with the 5 hybrid. It might serve you well to know your course ahead of time so you can plan your clubs according to the needs of the course as well.

What’s Better From The Rough?

 The good news is that both of these clubs work relatively well in the rough if you have a good lie or the ball is sitting up nicely.

There is a reason that Hybrids are also called ‘Rescue Clubs’ however, they are excellent at getting you out of trouble in the rough. One of the key reasons that hybrids have become so popular in recent years.

Consider the type of rough you are in and how you will need to get out of the rough as well. For example, are there low trees that you need to keep your ball underneath? If that is the case, stick with the hybrid.

The 11 wood is considered to be a fairway wood so it really is better on the fairway, but the steady design of the head and the loft angle also can help you out when you land in the rough.

This club will give you height but it also is far more forgiving than many other clubs out there.

Which Club Is More Accurate?

Both the 11 wood and the 5 hybrid have a surprising amount of accuracy and forgiveness. The 11 wood is often viewed as being a beginner’s club but what I have found is that it can work to any player’s advantage if they are willing to use it.

If accuracy is what you are after, you really can’t go wrong with either of these. However, while both can be accurate, On the Golf Green tells us that research has shown fairway woods to be slightly more accurate than hybrids, particularly for distance shots.

Which Club Is More Versatile?

When it comes to versatility, you are probably going to find more versatility with the hybrid club. This is because the club is made to be flexible so it offers you a lot of room for maneuverability.

Both of these clubs leave you room for error but when it comes to the accomplishments and capabilities, the 5 hybrid will give you some additional flexibility as opposed to the 11 wood.

You can easily get a harder hit and further distance but you can adjust your shot as well with the hybrid.

Which Club Is Better For High Handicappers?

On average, according to Golfweek, high handicappers are ranked as 36 for men and 40 for women. However, it is also notated that anything above 20 can be a high handicap on the course.

If you have a high handicap and you’re trying to choose between the 11 wood and the 5 hybrid, I recommend using a 11 wood.

The club is very forgiving and very easy to use and work with. This is one of the reasons it’s a favorite among beginners and easy-medium skill levels.

However, this is a classic case in which you might decide you want a 11 wood and a 5 hybrid both in your bag.

What’s The Perfect Mix Of Hybrids, Irons, & Woods?

You will find that the perfect mix can really vary depending on the golfer and the skill level of the golfer as well.

This guide from My Golf Spy does a really great job of breaking out the different handicap ranges with a recommendation for clubs that fit the skills of the handicap.

You should plan to carry a good range of clubs that cater to your skills. You certainly will want a driver, a fairway wood, a couple of hybrids and a couple of irons, a wedge or two, and a putter.

Set your base clubs according to your skills and then fill in the holes with selections that are suitable for the course you will be playing.

A typical beginner set is likely to have a Driver, 3 Wood, 5 Wood, 3 Hybrid, 4 Hybrid, 6 – 9 Irons, PW, SW, Putter.

Conclusion

In closing, the 11 wood and the 5 hybrid are both really great clubs that can bring you some improved game play. If you’re on the fairway and need to get over some potential rough ground, the 11 wood is there for you.

If you need distance with a lower shot, the 5 hybrid is perfect! Both of these clubs are versatile and unique and both of them are incredibly forgiving and easy to use!

Are you going to choose just one, or do you plan to pack your bag with both?