With all the posts about how many think hybrids are the greatest thing since sliced bread and one or two here and there about who has used a 21 fairway....
If you're one of those that think a 7 wood is the greatest thing since sliced bread, this post is for you.
First, before I lead in, I use a 5H or lofted wood and a 34H in place of the 5-7 irons because they are much less work. The hybrids I carry in my bag are a Sumo SQ 5/26 and 7/34 and I don't miss with them and hit plenty of par 3 greens between 140-170 yards. I have a Louisville Niblick Even Stripe persimmon 10 wood (28.5* loft, 58* lie angle and 40" length) that I played for a year before getting the Sumo; I could hit it 165 or so and it would drop the ball on a dime.
I also have a persimmon 34H that I actually hit 10 yards farther than the Sumo 34H but the latter is much easier to control distance.
Those of us that have been playing golf since the 1970s remember that 5 woods were pretty much 21 degree loft until the early days of metal woods (might add we also remember some companies, most notably Northwestern, made lofted persimmon woods; we, as kids thought that only old men hit lofted woods).
Along that line, in my caddie days (1972) I remember some of the golfers at the country club were ranting and raving about a 6 wood instead of a 3 iron. I currently have a Burner 2007 7 wood in my golf bag and absolutely annihilate it.
Also, I have a Louisville Niblick Vanguard persimmon 5/21 (41" shaft, 57* lie angle) that I actually used for 6 months in 2010 (with a 980F 3 wood and the 10W) that I occasionally take out to the range.
I found out in 2006 (when taking up golf again) that I fared better with a 7 wood vs a 3H and that a 4H was of little value since there was only 5 yd diff between it and a 5H or lofted wood.
I have carried an Orlimar Trimetal and Titleist 975F (both with DG R300 steel shafts), a Warbird Heavenwood (20*), the Louisville 5/21 and Burner 7W in succession.
If you look at the specs of the 910H 17H (41" shaft and 57.75* lie angle) you'll find a typical 7 wood (41.5" shaft and 58.5* lie angle) is not much different in setting up to the ball.
I find a 7 wood works just about on any lie and there is almost no difference in distance between it and a 5 wood. I also know I am pretty capable of hitting over 200 yards with a 7W if I really let one rip. It is also very workable and what I do for the shot in between it and a 5H is hit a choke or stinger shot with success.
That is my input.