There are variables to the situation, but generally speaking, no, a 16* 2 iron will not go as far as a well-struck, 16* 3 wood. The added shaft length alone will make a big difference, as will the designs of the heads, not to mention the ability and swing speed of the guy hitting the ball. But if you hit your 2 iron better and have more confidence standing over the ball, then maybe that's the best way to go for you if you only want to carry one of the two.

For me, a 2 iron out of light rough will not come close to the distance I can hit a 3W from the same reasonable lie. And from a bit deeper rough, neither works that well. That's why I carry a 20* TSi3 hybrid and a (bent to) 21 degree U500 4i. Off a tee or from the fairway, I can hit either well, with the hybrid maybe 10 yards longer. But, when the lies get more questionable, it's nice to have options to make the best contact for the most yardage.

A lot depends on what you need it for, what flight window you are trying to hit, and the conditions of the course you most often play. In most cases, a 16 degree driving iron will launch lower, will have less spin, and will have a shallower angle of descent than a fairway wood of the same loft. So, if you're trying to stop a ball on a firm green of a par 5... good luck holding the green.

Many tour players swap out a high lofted fairway for a driving iron depending on the course and playing conditions. They are quite different tools and two different ways to cover similar distances. My advice is to evaluate your needs and choose the one that best suits your situation.

The Utility Iron won’t go as far as a 3 Wood. The shaft is longer in a 3 Wood and there is more mass in the club head (you know E=1/2 x mass x (velocity squared). The 3 Wood will be more forgiving and will probably generate more ball speed on mishits.

Yes, of course...who didn't know that?

(you know E=1/2 x mass x (velocity squared)

I wouldn't attempt to compare the two strictly based on distance of carry. Generally the needs for a 2iron vs a 3 wood are different and or with the 2 iron you are trying to fill a yardage gap. I carry both a 3w and 2i. On short par 4s the 2iron is great off the tee !!

I have debated this myself for years...basically you need to consider a few variables: loft, length of club, and launch angle of club (ie...does the club hit high and land soft or low and run a mile). Those components are the science, now comes the art ...which do you prefer? I decided to add a T300 four iron to my bag this year vs. my TSi2 hybrid and fairway metal TSi2....think outside the box when going through the motions plus keep in mind the shaft is a big factor in this for each club.

Cheers, Chris

Thank you for all of the replies! I ended up going with the U505 1-iron at 16°! I cannot wait for it to arrive. I went the untraditional route and will not have a 3 wood or wood/hybrid in my bag. Will be playing a Driver, 1U, 3U, 4-P, 50/54/58!