These reasons are NOT just marketing hype. This is the reason to get a hybrid - flexibility and being able to use your iron swing thoughts. When you do, you get control, distance, and height off this club that can't be rivaled by a fairway wood. A controlled long precise swing is required. When you you look at it, it seems like a wood however, if swing it like a wood (which a lot my friends do), then you will be punished badly. Hogan's have less off-set than even the TM's tour preferred, which is the version pros use. If you have a baseball swing or bad slice, then skip this club and get the Taylormade's.
I have given my 1h to couple of friends who practices at least 3 times a wk and some had major problem with it. This is a strange club in that it's a hybrid that's reserved for a good striker (almost a contradiction in terms). I assure you that most pros are using a hybrid because they are much easier to hit, no doubt about it! You cannot go wrong with this club, and you can get it cheaper than some of the other main hybrids. If you are not playing this club or something like it, you are at a disadvantage! I follow the PGA tour quite a bit, as I volunteer at the Bell South Classic every year. I can hit this club as high as a 6 iron, but as far as a 4 iron. It feels like an iron in your hands, and coming off the clubface, except for the trajectory. With this CFT 4H, you can work the ball as there is no offset (offset starts with 5H). I have not tried any other hybrids, but I have always played hogan irons as they are the best feeling clubs for me. I may go to the 3H to get more distance, but with only 14 clubs I hate to give up my 5 wood.
I hit it 190-205 depending on conditions and how hard I swing. I am currently using the 4H now, which is 24 degrees loft. I play this between my 5 iron (26 degree) and my 5 wood 18 degree. I am naturally a low ball hitter with long irons, as I have a flat swing, but this club gets it up in the air for me nicely. A game changing club for me! This club re-introduced me to the 200 yard shot.