I stopped carrying a 4 iron quite a while ago, I now use a 913H 24*.  I like the versatility of the hybrid, plus the ease of getting the ball up from most types of lies.  It also works great for chipping when you want to get the ball going on the green with a long rollout to the pin.

I dropped my 4i a long time ago.  I found that when I did hit it well, it was very rewarding, but that was maybe a 1 in 10 occurrence. I have more confidence with the hybrid, because I have a higher success rate.

So, last spring, when I ordered my 714 AP2s, I didn't bother to order the 4i.  Instead, I put a 913H 24° in the bag.  Zero regrets.

--
Kevin 

While I still carry a four, even a three, I would recommend what others have said with a hybrid. It would simply depend on what you can hit and what you cannot to your preferred distance. 

I never use my 4 iron on the course.  Just too inconsistent.  But I like 24 degree hybrid, always hit it pure.  Of course same for the 3 iron.  

I as well have taken my 4 iron out of my bag as it's to inconsistent for me. I put a titles 913 24 degree hybrid with a stiff flex 75 gram shafts. I like it alot.

I am a HUGE fan of the hybrids.  If you haven't hit the 915H yet, give it a shot.  It is a great club from all lies.  I have already hit it out of the fairway, thick rough, wet rough, sand and even used it for a few bump and runs and it truly is my go to club.  Dump that 4 iron and get a hybrid.  It is such a versatile tool!  Good luck and hit em straight!!!

I carry a 762 - 2 iron rather than a hybrid.  I have found that hybrid, while easy to hit, are hook machines.  I can hit a 2 with as much consistency.  Maybe because I am so old I learned to play back when there were no hybrids.  I just wish I could find a 2 iron in the 912's I play now.

I use to love hitting long irons.  I even carried a one iron for a number of years.  I resisted the hybrids for awhile, but once I gave one a try, I haven't looked back.  I've replaced both my 5 wood/3 iron and my 4 iron with hybrids.  For me, they are much easier to hit and much more consistent.  My only regret is I didn't make the switch sooner.

Go with a hybrid. The fly high and land soft. I used to carry a 2 iron. I hit it low and it would land hot. Great for a driving iron, but use into longer par 3's or long shots into greens from fairway and it would run out. Replaced it with a hybrid and never looked back. Ditched the 3 iron, too. Still carry a 4, but as I get older I can see me with another hybrid in a few years.

I've been carrying a 909H 19* and it's been a great club. Recently went through a club fitting in Fort Worth at the McClean Center with Kyle Cronkright and will be replacing it with a 915H 18*. I told Kyle that the hybrid was almost like cheating. It's so easy to hit. Only problem I've had is the 909 had too much spin and ballooned a bit on me, causing loss in distance. The fitting and new 915 will cure that. There's no reason why most people should carry any iron longer than a 5 iron.

Paul, it depends on two things. (1) what is your current ball flight?   (2) what do you want to do with the longer clubs?   I personally rotate in and out ....U712 3IRON,  AP1 4IRON,  19* 910H  and 21* 910H.. I rotate them in two at a time depending on weather , the course i'm playing and what shots are needed for that course.   if it's wet and windy i'll use the  IRONS  because i will hit more STINGER type shots.. The 19* is great as a driving club when its dry out , windy or calm..  The 21* great for long  par 3s (210-230)yds  and hitting to long par4s , I can go on but you get what i'm saying. Anyway don't give up on the  4Iron  just learn to use it productively..

914h 24* all the way. I have literally left the macho world although my 5 iron till P wedge are still blades (fg62s). The hybrid supersedes both 4 iron and the driving iron. You will get most benefit from the hybrid. Best of luck!

I play 714 AP1's and took the 4 iron out and replaced it with the 915h 24 degree. I found the main issue I had with the 4 iron is that I hit it about the same distance as my 5 iron on many shots. The hybrid is easier to hit and I get better distance on a consistent basis. The 915h us a great choice if you are going to make the switch.