Best Fairway Woods: Our Top Choices
Discover 2024's top fairway woods: perfect for every golfer. Boost your game with our expert picks!
by Jake Tingey & Judd Lyon · Updated: 1/7/24
Fairway woods are a vital component in the bag of golfers at any level, bridging the distance between the driver and longer irons. Known for their versatility, fairway woods can be used off the tee, from the fairway, or even from light rough when a long but controlled shot is required. They come with various head sizes and loft angles to suit different playing styles and preferences. The design of the clubhead, often smaller than a driver yet larger than an iron, provides a mix of forgiveness and control that many players seek, particularly on long par-5s or when trying to reach a par-4 in one less shot.
Selecting the right fairway wood is essential in improving a golfer’s long game. A key factor to consider is the loft as it directly influences the trajectory and distance; generally, a lower loft equates to longer, lower shots, whereas higher lofts provide more elevation and shorter distances. The shaft flex and material also contribute significantly to the club’s performance, affecting the speed and accuracy of the swing. Modern fairway woods often include adjustable features, allowing golfers to fine-tune the club to their liking.
When in the market for the best fairway woods, individuals should be mindful of their skill level. Beginners might benefit from woods with more forgiveness and a larger sweet spot, while experienced players may opt for clubs that offer more control and less spin. Additionally, the build quality, brand reputation, and customer reviews can offer valuable insights into the performance and durability of the club.
With these considerations in mind, we undertake rigorous testing and analysis to determine the best fairway woods that can cater to a wide range of golfers. Whether you're looking to improve distance, accuracy, or overall playability, we've put in the hours so you can enhance your game with confidence.
Our Top Fairway Woods Selections
We've researched extensively to bring you the fairway woods that stand out this year. Our criteria included factors like ease of hit, design quality, and versatility for players at different skill levels. These woods are designed to enhance your performance on the course, offering a blend of distance, forgiveness, and control. Whether you're looking to improve your long game or seeking a reliable option off the tee, our picks cater to a wide range of golfers' needs.
LAZRUS Premium 3 Wood
If you're on the hunt for a reliable fairway wood without breaking the bank, this offering from LAZRUS checks all the boxes.
Pros
- Exceptionally forgiving across the face
- Premium look and feel despite its affordable price
- Included headcover adds value and protection
Cons
- Limited adjustability compared to higher-priced models
- Some players may prefer a stiffer shaft option
- Only 30 reviews may not reflect a wide range of golfers' experiences
We recently tested the LAZRUS Premium 3 Wood out on the course, and it was a notable performer. The ball jumps off the clubface, providing that satisfying feel you want when you connect with the perfect shot. We also noticed the forgiveness this club offers; even on off-center hits, the ball still made decent progress down the fairway—a feature we admire for golfers working on their consistency.
Our day on the links showed us that this fairway wood can stand up to more expensive brands in terms of playability. The sleek, black finish gave us the impression of a club that should cost much more, and it seemed to impress our playing partners as well. Plus, with the included headcover, it felt like LAZRUS thought of everything to make this club a complete package.
The midsize grip felt comfortable and gave us good control, which was proven as we were able to shape our shots with relative ease. We took on tight fairways and aimed for small landing areas, and more often than not, the LAZRUS 3 Wood delivered. For those of us looking to optimize their gear without excessive spending, it has emerged as the go-to fairway wood.
One area the LAZRUS could improve is offering a greater variety in shaft stiffness. Some of the heavy hitters in our group mentioned they would've preferred a stiffer shaft for better control at higher swing speeds. Also, while the LAZRUS has a commendable 4.5-star rating, with a total of 30 reviews, it's still gaining traction. Long-term performance is yet to be fully seen, but initial reactions suggest this club could become a staple in many golf bags.
Cobra Air X Fairway
If you're seeking a lightweight and forgiving fairway wood, the Cobra Air X is an excellent choice.
Pros
- Enhances swing speed due to its lighter overall weight
- Increased draw bias aids in correcting a slice
- Offset design boosts confidence at address
Cons
- The pronounced offset might not appeal to all golfers
- May take some time to adjust to the different ball flight
- Lighter feel could affect accuracy for seasoned players used to heavier clubs
Out on the course, we immediately noticed the Air X's lightweight design—the club practically glides through the air. Crafting shots in tight fairways became less intimidating with the club's forgiving nature on off-center hits. Even with a slightly misaligned swing, the ball finds a way to correct its path, and we attribute this to the clever back-heel weighting.
The carbon crown and its weight savings have, without doubt, contributed to the excellent feedback we receive after each drive. Playing with the Air X, we perceive a significant difference, especially in getting that satisfying high launch—effortlessly, it seems. The ball gets airborne with ease, rendering long par 5s more conquerable.
Even though we're mostly pleased, it's worth pointing out to potential buyers that the lighter club does lead to a bit of an adjustment period. If the exquisite craftsmanship of a Cobra Golf wood intrigues you, keep in mind the club’s offset and lighter weight are things you'd need to grow accustomed to. Overall, the Cobra Air X fairway wood manages to impress with its design, catering especially to those looking to improve their launch and minimize slicing.
Big Bertha B21
We highly recommend the Big Bertha B21 for its forgiving launch and distance-boosting technology; it's a game-changer for golfers striving for consistency.
Pros
- Exceptionally easy to launch
- Reduces slices and enhances draw
- Promotes higher ball speeds
Cons
- Heavier feel may not suit all golfers
- Premium pricing
- May come without a headcover
Over the green, the Big Bertha B21 fairway wood from Callaway impressed us with its ease of launch. We noticed less struggle with contact, even off the turf, which speaks volumes about its user-friendly design. If you often find yourself battling to get your fairway wood airborne, this club should be on your radar.
To our delight, the introduction of an offset not only minimized our slices, it also encouraged a draw bias that helped gain those extra yards. The draw-enhancing design appeared to unlock new possibilities for our game, significantly impacting our approach shots.
Another aspect where the B21 really shone was in its ball speed. Thanks to the Flash Face SS21 with Jailbreak technology, our shots consistently had that extra zip, contributing to impressive distance without compromising control. On days when accuracy was paramount, the Big Bertha B21 was steadfast, contributing to straighter flights and ultimately, more enjoyable rounds.
Cleveland XL Halo Fairway Wood
After taking the Cleveland XL Halo Fairway Wood out on the course, we're convinced it should be at the top of your list for its impeccable balance and impressive forgiveness.
Pros
- Remarkable turf interaction due to Gliderail technology
- Enhanced forgiveness from the oversized head and low center of gravity
- Impressive distance and ball speed thanks to the Rebound Frame
Cons
- Some players might find the head size too large
- Counterbalance may take time to get used to
- Oversized design not favored by all players for visual appeal at address
The course felt different with the Cleveland XL Halo Fairway Wood in our hands—shots off the deck were significantly improved. The sizable clubhead proved to be a confidence booster, imbuing each swing with the assurance of forgiveness on mishits. We noticed that the Rebound Frame technology truly enhanced the energy transfer to the ball, adding yards we didn't know we had in us.
The Gliderail technology was a game-changer; those intimidating lies in the rough seemed less so. The way the clubhead glided through the turf left us in awe, and the flight of the ball was consistently straighter and higher than we'd experienced with other woods.
With the ACTION MASS CB feature fine-tuning the balance, the club indeed felt light yet powerful. Initially, the counterbalanced grip felt a bit unusual, but once accustomed, it delivered a smooth, controlled swing with less effort. This feature was particularly noticeable in maintaining a consistent swing path, helping us steer clear of that dreaded slice.
While no club is perfect, the Cleveland XL Halo did make us feel like we had an edge. However, those with a preference for a more traditional, compact head design might find the XL size to be a little off-putting. That said, the trade-off for ease of use and the distance gains made it a non-issue for our game.
TaylorMade SiM 2 Max Fairway
We think this fairway wood is an invaluable asset for golfers seeking to improve distance and accuracy from the fairway or the tee.
Pros
- Exceptional distance with a large sweet spot
- Advanced technology promotes straighter shots
- Notable forgiveness in playability
Cons
- Premium pricing may be prohibitive for some
- Specific shaft and loft options not suited for all players
- The modern design may not appeal to traditionalists
In our latest round with the TaylorMade SiM 2 Max, we were impressed by the solid contact and sound at impact. The multi-material construction blends power and forgiveness seamlessly. Even when our swing wasn't perfect, this club demonstrated considerable forgiveness, allowing us to maintain distance and trajectory.
The updated V Steel design was put to the test as we navigated various lies on the course. The club's interaction with the turf was smooth, and it offered versatility from a range of conditions. Its strategic center of gravity placement seemed to work wonders on our launch, giving us confidence with every strike.
Handling the TaylorMade SiM 2 Max felt intuitive thanks to the Twist Face and Thru-Slot Speed Pocket technology. Shots that typically would veer off-course stayed closer to target lines, supporting consistent play throughout the round. Indeed, it's built to combat common mishits, which we found particularly beneficial on longer holes.
Buying Guide
Key Considerations
When selecting fairway woods, we focus on several key features to ensure we make the best choice:
- Clubhead Size: Smaller heads offer more control, while larger heads provide greater forgiveness on off-center hits.
- Loft: The loft of the fairway wood affects trajectory and distance. More loft generally means higher shots and can be easier to hit for some golfers.
- Shaft Material: Steel shafts are heavier and offer more accuracy, whereas graphite shafts are lighter and increase swing speed.
Shaft Flex
Understanding the right shaft flex is crucial to our golf game. It influences the accuracy, trajectory, and distance of our shots.
- Extra Stiff (X): Best for golfers with very high swing speeds.
- Stiff (S): Suitable for golfers with above-average swing speeds.
- Regular (R): Ideal for most average swing speed golfers.
- Senior (A): For golfers with a reduced swing speed.
- Ladies (L): Generally the lightest and most flexible option available.
Adjustability
Fairway woods with adjustable features allow us to fine-tune:
- Loft: Adjusting loft can help manage trajectory.
- Lie: Lie adjustments can enhance our shot shaping and accuracy.
- Weight: Movable weights can tweak the center of gravity, affecting ball flight and stability.
By considering these features and options, we can select fairway woods that best match our skill level and playing style without committing to a specific brand or model prematurely.
Frequently Asked Questions
In this section, we provide clear and straightforward answers to common queries about fairway woods, focusing on current selections, performance, and technical features that cater to different skill levels.
What are the top choices for fairway woods for high handicappers in the current year?
For high handicappers in 2024, our top choices include models designed for ease of use and maximum forgiveness. These often feature larger sweet spots and are weighted to help get the ball airborne more easily.
How do the latest Ping fairway woods perform for amateur golfers?
The latest Ping fairway woods offer a great balance between forgiveness and control, making them a solid choice for amateur golfers. They typically come with innovations like aerodynamic heads and flexible faces that aid in achieving longer distances.
Which fairway woods are considered best for mid-handicappers as of 2023?
In 2023, the best fairway woods for mid-handicappers were those providing a blend of playability and forgiveness, such as the TaylorMade M4 and the Callaway Rogue. Models like these cater to those looking to improve their game without sacrificing control.
What features make a fairway wood forgiving and which models best embody these characteristics?
A forgiving fairway wood usually features a large head, low center of gravity, and flexible face to maximize distance and reduce mishits. The TaylorMade SIM Max and the Cobra Speedzone are prime examples that embody these forgiving elements.
Can you compare the playability and differences between a standard 3 wood and a 3HL wood?
A standard 3 wood is typically set at a loft of 15 degrees, suitable for low, piercing ball flights. A 3HL ("High Launch") wood has a slightly higher loft, often around 17 degrees, which helps get the ball airborne more readily, useful for those struggling with launch.
What factors contribute to the difficulty some golfers experience when hitting fairway woods?
Several factors can cause difficulties when hitting fairway woods: improper club fitting, a steep angle of attack, and a lack of clubhead speed. Selecting the right shaft flex and weight, along with consistent practice, can mitigate these issues.