Assuming you are struggling with the 4 iron from the fairway/rough I would probably say look into getting fitted for a hybrid as they are normally a bit easier to hit than a wood. I would not know which are more forgiving but an experienced fitter will be able to guide you in the right direction based on your swing mechanics.

The problem with 'keeping going' with your long irons is there will be no timeframe for how quickly you will improve. If its costing you shots and you aren't comfortable hitting them then they will have a negative affect on your game. Best to get equipment you can trust and play your best with on course. You can always practice with the 4 iron on the range and get it to a point where you feel better with it then maybe put it back in the bag.

The market offers hybrids, fairways, and driving irons to replace 3-5 irons. The reason being we are (mostly) unique in our swings.
Most commonly, the skill to hit a 3 or 4 iron is diminished compared to a 7 iron. We can share what works for us, but that may not apply to you. A fitter can check your stats with a 7, 5, and 4 iron and offer a couple of alternatives and see which works best for you. If your launch and descent angles are dropping enough from your 5/7 irons, it will be unlikely you will get better success over time. There are proponents for either fairways or hybrids. You’ll need to find your best alternative

Given your handicap, I think you would be better off with a hybrid and a higher launching shaft. Good luck.

Thanks all - I’m going to get a fitting and test out the hybrids compared to my irons and see what works best.

Thanks all - I’m going to get a fitting and test out the hybrids compared to my irons and see what works best.

I would suggest going to a fitter and hitting both and seeing what you are comfortable with and where in your gapping a wood or hybrid makes the most sense. I carry both hybrids and woods and am very happy with my bag setup

Driver
3 Wood
5 Wood
3 Hybrid
4 Hybrid
6 Iron
7 Iron
8 Iron
9 Iron
Pitching Wedge
Gap Wedge
54 Degree Wedge
58 Degree Wedge
Putter

I have a 9 wood in my bag.

Driver
5W
7W
9W
27H
34H
8 iron
44-49-54-57-60-62 wedges

What one sees in my thumbnail works well. I find it easier to hit a 9 wood vs 21 or 23 hybrid. In reserve for a Sunday bag, have a 910F 7 wood and it was my primary fairway wood between 2015-2017 and 2019-early 2024. I had a 910H 27 hybrid in my possession between 2012-2022 that I would alternate with my 816H1 hybrids. I've had an 816H1 27 hybrid since 2018. Tried TS2 and TSR1 but found the 816H1 hits better. The Sumo2 SQ 34 is a recent re-addition (found one with a stiff shaft) and I carried one between 2012-2015. Between 2010-2012 I played Louisville Golf persimmon 28 fairway and 34 hybrid; unfortunately broke the heads.