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Great drive on that par-5! You have a green-light distance to go for it in two. Which club are you using? For most golfers, it is a fairway wood. Which one is right for you to give you a chance at eagle? Is it the one in your bag or something else?
| Product | Overall Score |
|
|---|---|---|
| Wilson Dynapower Fairway Wood Check Price | 97.46 |
| TaylorMade Stealth 2 HD Fairway Wood Check Price | 96.68 |
| PING G430 LST Fairway Wood Check Price | 95.77 |
| COBRA LTDx Fairway Wood Check Price | 95.00 |
| TaylorMade Stealth 2 Fairway Wood Check Price | 93.17 |
 | TItleist TSR1 Fairway Wood Check Price | 90.04 |
 | Callaway Paradym Fairway Wood Check Price | 89.35 |
 | Callaway Paradym X Fairway Wood Check Price | 88.26 |
 | Srixon ZX Mk II Fairway Wood Check Price | 87.73 |
 | PING G430 Max Fairway Wood Check Price | 87.65 |
 | PING G430 SFT Fairway Wood Check Price | 87.50 |
 | Tour Edge Exotics E723 Fairway Wood Check Price | 86.85 |
 | COBRA AeroJet Max Fairway Wood Check Price | 85.42 |
 | Titleist TSR3 Fairway Wood Check Price | 84.91 |
 | NEXGEN NS210 Fairway Wood Check Price | 84.39 |
 | Callaway Big Bertha 2023 Fairway Wood Check Price | 84.17 |
 | Tour Edge Exotics C723 Fairway Wood Check Price | 84.00 |
 | Callaway Paradym Triple Diamond Fairway Wood Check Price | 83.91 |
 | Titleist TSR2 Fairway Wood Check Price | 81.03 |
 | PXG 0311 XF Gen6 Fairway Wood Check Price | 80.22 |
 | COBRA AeroJet LS Fairway Wood Check Price | 79.31 |
 | Adams Idea Fairway Wood Check Price | 78.48 |
 | Titleist TSR2+ Fairway Wood Check Price | 78.32 |
 | TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus Fairway Wood Check Price | 74.67 |
 | PXG 0311 Gen6 Fairway Wood Check Price | 74.47 |
 | COBRA AeroJet Fairway Wood Check Price | 73.78 |
 | Mizuno ST-Z 230 Fairway Wood Check Price | 72.50 |
Our overall rankings are a compilation of accuracy, distance and forgiveness. Each scoring category is weighted to achieve the overall score. Fairway woods are multi-purposeful. For this category, accuracy and distance are weighted more heavily than forgiveness.
Accuracy plays a vital role in overall performance. Our Accuracy score is strictly based on one metric:
Forgiveness is a measure of consistency. As such, our Forgiveness metrics seek to identify the clubs that provide the most consistent result. Please note: “Consistent” doesn’t always mean “consistently good.” Our Forgiveness metrics include:
Our Distance metrics are simple:
Performance should be your primary concern when buying a fairway wood but there are some additional things you may want to think about before you make your decision.
Shaft selection is a key ingredient to any golf club purchase. Graphite shafts dominate the fairway wood space but not all graphite shafts are the same. Just like steel shafts, each offers varying performance attributes. Some can add height and spin to your shots. Others assist with lowering ball flight and spin. As well, matching the appropriate golf shaft with your fairway wood of choice is important. Go through a professional fitting to determine what your needs are when considering a fairway wood.
Fairway woods are made with distance in mind. We know everyone loves distance in golf. It will always be a heavily weighted ingredient in golfers’ purchasing decisions. There are two main purposes for fairway woods – longer approach shots or tee shots. Choosing the fairway wood that offers optimal distance and accuracy for your needs is the best approach.
The average cost for a fairway wood in this year’s test is $325.17. The price point on fairway woods continues to climb with no end in sight. Consider the TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus and PING G430 LST fairway woods: $449.99 and $549.99 respectively. We are talking about “driver”-like price points.
To determine this year’s best fairway woods, 20 testers hit a total of 8,100 shots. Each tester hit 15 shots with each participating fairway wood model.
We limit variables by collecting data using Titleist Pro V1 as our official testing golf ball and Foresight GCQuad as our official ball launch monitor.
Q: How often should I buy a new fairway wood?
A: While on rare occasions there are quantifiable year-over-year breakthroughs, typically it takes three to five years for manufacturers to make any significant performance gains. Our recommendation is to buy a new fairway wood only when it appreciably outperforms what is already in your bag. Of course, if you want a new fairway wood because you want a new fairway wood, that’s fine, too.
Q: How do I determine the right fairway wood for me?
A: A proper club fitting with a professional will help determine what fairway wood will suit your unique game. However, you can assess your own needs by determining what kind of shots you need to hit with your fairway wood. Do you hit the 3-wood primarily off the tee or off the turf? If you primarily use the fairway wood off the tee, a deeper face can help promote solid contact on the tee. Conversely, shallower-faced, slightly elongated fairway woods can help with turf interaction, allowing you the best chance at solid contact off the fairway or out of the rough. Make sure to fully evaluate your game in advance of a professional fitting to help the fitter understand what you’re looking for in a fairway wood.
Q: Does the shaft matter?
A: Absolutely. The appropriate golf shaft primarily helps with tighter dispersion, which leads to better accuracy and consistency. Furthermore, different shaft profiles can assist with hitting desired launch conditions by producing better launch and spin numbers.
Q: What should I look for when testing fairway woods?
A: While golfers have been conditioned to consider distance to the exclusion of nearly everything else, we recommended looking at the little numbers and looking for small circles. When comparing metrics like distance and ball speed, be sure to look at your standard deviations (the small numbers usually found under the big ones on the data screen). Smaller numbers mean better consistency which will usually mean more than an extra yard or two on the golf course. Similarly, look for tighter dispersion ellipses (small circles). We can’t overstate the importance of consistency with fairway woods.
Q: How are the fairway woods in the test fitted to each golfer?
A: We use a fitting process that we call fit from stock. Fairway woods are fitted to each tester using the stock, no up-charge options from each manufacturer. Our Best Fairway Woods 2023 test included fairway woods with stamped lofts ranging from 14.5 to 16 degrees. We also included the Titleist TSR2+, which is 13 degrees. Some offer adjustability features (loft and CG) and we make use of all available adjustability options to optimize trajectory. Furthermore, we fit to flex for each tester in the pool. Occasionally, manufacturers will send multiple sets with different stock shafts that we can utilize to improve launch conditions.
Q: How is the “Best Fairway Wood” determined?
A: To determine the Best Fairway Wood 2023, we collect performance metrics with Foresight GCQuad Launch Monitors. To determine our overall rankings, we don’t just focus on averages. Instead, through proprietary methodologies, we determine the winner based on three key metrics: accuracy, distance and forgiveness.
Q: How is the “Longest Fairway Wood” determined?
A: To determine the Longest Fairway Wood, we look at two key metrics: carry distance and total distance.
Q: How is the “Best for Forgiveness” determined?
A: To determine the “Best for Forgiveness”, we focus on a narrower set of metrics that includes:
Q: How much does subjective feedback like looks, sound and feel factor into your rankings?
A: ZERO. Our rankings are based purely on launch monitor data and quantifiable performance metrics.
Wilson Dynapower fairway wood is the best fairway wood for 2023. For accuracy, the Dynapower fairway wood finishes 2nd overall, which helps propel it to 1st overall in the test. It also finishes in the top 25% for distance. The Dynapower fairway wood is accurate and long, which makes for a phenomenal combination. The results are undeniable. Go check out the Wilson Dynapower fairway wood today!
Wilson Dynapower fairway wood excels with accuracy, which should be a top priority for golfers. Its distance ranking is exceptional as well. Our testing pool also thinks highly of it by rating it well for feel, sound, looks, and likelihood of purchase.
The worst performance attribute of the Wilson Dynapower fairway wood is forgiveness. For this scoring category, it is slightly below average relative to the field.
Introducing the Wilson Dynapower Fairway Wood, a game-changing club that combines cutting-edge technology with exceptional performance on the golf course. Designed with the utmost precision and innovation, this fairway wood is crafted to deliver unrivaled distance and accuracy, making it a must-have for golfers of all skill levels. Featuring rear weighting and variable face thickness, powered by Dynapower AI, the Dynapower Fairway Wood is engineered to maximize ball speeds across the entire face, ensuring explosive distance and consistent results on every swing. With its adjustable design, golfers can fine-tune their launch conditions and optimize their trajectory for enhanced playability and control.
| OVERVIEW | PERFORMANCE | RANKING | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Accuracy evaluates if a player’s shots with each club are above or below what’s expected based on that player’s skill level. |
|
2nd |
|
Our distance scoring is a metric ultimately telling you the total yards achieved by the club |
|
7th |
|
Forgiveness measures how well a club corrects for hits that are center or off center off the face of the club. |
|
17th |
|
Ball speed measures how fast the ball is traveling off the face of the club. |
|
7th |
TaylorMade Stealth 2 HD fairway wood ranks 2nd overall for our best fairway woods 2023. Stealth 2 HD fairway wood places 3rd overall for accuracy, which is its best performance metric. It also ranks well for forgiveness and distance by acheiving above average scores for each scoring category.
Overall, TaylorMade Stealth 2 HD is one of the most consistent fairway woods for accuracy, forgiveness, and distance. Our testing pool also rates it well for looks, feel, and sound.
TaylorMade Stealth 2 HD fairway wood performs well and doesn't leave room for criticism. However, if you're a high swing speed golfer, this may not be the best option for you. There is potential for too much spin with the design properties of this fairway wood.
The TaylorMade Stealth 2 Fairway Wood is a revolutionary departure from traditional fairway woods, specifically the Stealth 2 High Draw variant. This eye-catching club features a high MOI (Moment of Inertia) design, ensuring exceptional performance and visual appeal on the course. With a low CG (Center of Gravity) projection and ultra-high MOI, this fairway wood delivers outstanding playability and forgiveness. The 200cc head boasts a low-profile design, instilling confidence in every swing. TaylorMade has incorporated their Advanced Inverted Cone Technology into this club, optimizing ball speed and playability across the face. This ensures maximum distance and accuracy, even on off-center hits.
| OVERVIEW | PERFORMANCE | RANKING | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Accuracy evaluates if a player’s shots with each club are above or below what’s expected based on that player’s skill level. |
|
3rd |
|
Our distance scoring is a metric ultimately telling you the total yards achieved by the club |
|
13th |
|
Forgiveness measures how well a club corrects for hits that are center or off center off the face of the club. |
|
8th |
|
Ball speed measures how fast the ball is traveling off the face of the club. |
|
11th |
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PING G430 LST fairway wood finishes 3rd in our best fairway woods 2023. It ranks in the top 7 for accuracy, distance, and forgiveness. Its highest placement is distance where it ranks 6th. Overall, it is one of the best fairway woods.
Despite being a low spin fairway wood, PING G430 LST offers a tremendous balance of distance, forgiveness, and accuracy for golfers. Our testers also rank it well for feel, looks, and likelihood of purchase. As a low spin model, it isn't for everyone theoretically. Go through a fitting if you're considering the PING G430 LST fairway wood.
There isn't much to knock about the PING G430 LST. However, it may not be for every golfer due to its design properties. It is also one of the most expensive fairway wood on the market. Our testers also rank it poorly for sound.
Introducing the PING G430 LST Fairway Wood – a game-changing club that combines precision engineering and advanced technology to enhance your golf performance. PING G430 LST fairway wood is a low-spin fairway wood option. It acheives this with a plethora of features: multi-material design, a 2041 Beta-Ti face, Ti 8-1-1 body, and 80-gram tungsten sole plate, strategically positioning the center of gravity low and back for faster ball speed.
| OVERVIEW | PERFORMANCE | RANKING | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Accuracy evaluates if a player’s shots with each club are above or below what’s expected based on that player’s skill level. |
|
7th |
|
Our distance scoring is a metric ultimately telling you the total yards achieved by the club |
|
6th |
|
Forgiveness measures how well a club corrects for hits that are center or off center off the face of the club. |
|
7th |
|
Ball speed measures how fast the ball is traveling off the face of the club. |
|
5th |
COBRA LTDx fairway wood finishes 4th overall in our best fairway woods 2023. COBRA LTDx finished 1st overall in our 2022 test. Once again, it performs. It posts above average scores across all three scoring categories - accuracy, forgiveness, and distance. For accuracy, its highest score, COBRA LTDx fairway wood ranks 4th overall.
To date, the COBRA LTDx fairway wood is one of the best on the market. It is propelled by its accuracy performance and can fit into a plethora of golfers' bags due to its forgiveness and distance scores as well. It also ranks well for subjective feedback - looks, sound, and feel.
From a performance standpoint, there is little to critize for the COBRA LTDx fairway wood. Since the AeroJet lineup of fairway woods is available now, it may be difficult to get your hands on a COBRA LTDx fairway wood.
The Cobra LTDx Fairway Wood is a game-changing club designed to enhance your performance on the golf course. With cutting-edge technology and innovative features, this fairway wood is sure to take your game to the next level. The LTDx Fairway Wood features PWR-Bridge Weighting, which strategically places weight around the perimeter of the clubhead for increased stability and forgiveness. The PWRSHELL face insert delivers explosive ball speeds and maximum distance, while the adjustable weighting allows you to fine-tune your shot shape and trajectory. The carbon fiber crown reduces weight for optimal launch conditions, and the personalized performance options ensure a custom fit for every golfer.
| OVERVIEW | PERFORMANCE | RANKING | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Accuracy evaluates if a player’s shots with each club are above or below what’s expected based on that player’s skill level. |
|
4th |
|
Our distance scoring is a metric ultimately telling you the total yards achieved by the club |
|
10th |
|
Forgiveness measures how well a club corrects for hits that are center or off center off the face of the club. |
|
12th |
|
Ball speed measures how fast the ball is traveling off the face of the club. |
|
23rd |
TaylorMade Stealth 2 fairway finishes 5th overall for our best fairway woods 2023. From the beginning, Stealth 2 fairway wood proved to be one of the longest fairway woods. Ultimately, after crunching all of the data, it is the best fairway wood for distance for 2023. TaylorMade Stealth 2 fairway wood is also rated as the best for feel and likelihood of purchase according to our testers' feedback.
TaylorMade Stealth 2 fairway wood is the best for distance, best for feel, and best for likelihood of purchase. It is easy to say, Stealth 2 fairway wood needs to be at the top of your demo list going forward.
Although it is the best for distance, TaylorMade Stealth 2 falls just below average for forgiveness and slightly more for accuracy.
Introducing the TaylorMade Stealth 2 Fairway Wood, a remarkable addition to TaylorMade’s lineup of golf clubs. These fairway woods have undergone significant enhancements based on feedback from tour stars, making them one of the best fairway woods in the market. The Stealth 2 series comprises three models: Stealth 2 Plus, Stealth 2, and Stealth 2 HD. These fairway woods incorporate cutting-edge technologies such as V-Steel Sole, Thru-Slot Speed Pocket, Advanced laser Alignment, 3D carbon fiber crown, and Inverted Cone Tech with TwistFace. This ensures exceptional performance, forgiveness, and playability. With their versatile designs and moveable weight technologies, the Stealth 2 fairway woods offer optimal playability for golfers of all skill levels. Whether you’re seeking versatility or forgiveness, the Stealth 2 series has you covered. These fairway woods are part of a larger range of TaylorMade products, including drivers, rescues, and irons, that are designed to elevate your game on the golf course.
| OVERVIEW | PERFORMANCE | RANKING | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Accuracy evaluates if a player’s shots with each club are above or below what’s expected based on that player’s skill level. |
|
18th |
|
Our distance scoring is a metric ultimately telling you the total yards achieved by the club |
|
1st |
|
Forgiveness measures how well a club corrects for hits that are center or off center off the face of the club. |
|
14th |
|
Ball speed measures how fast the ball is traveling off the face of the club. |
|
3rd |
Choose a club category and pick two options to compare head-to-head. We'll show the stats from our testing side-by-side to see which ranks highest on the aspects that matter to you most. May the best club win!
See Head-to-HeadAccuracy plays a vital role in overall performance. Our Accuracy score is strictly based on one metric:
To determine the Best Fairway Wood for Distance, we look at two key metrics: carry distance and total distance.
Our forgiveness category analyzes four key metrics:
Everything we do and say is based on cold, hard data. We challenge any and every claim with scientific measurement and analysis. If a product performs well, you'll hear about it. We'll tell you the truth and list the shortcomings if it doesn't.
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Everything we do and say is based on cold, hard data. We challenge any and every claim with scientific measurement and analysis. If a product performs well, you'll hear about it. We'll tell you the truth and list the shortcomings if it doesn't.
Looking for more detailed information on fairway woods?
Looking for more detailed information on fairway woods?
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| Driver Ping G30 | Hybrids PXG 0317 |
| 3/4 IRON PXG 0311XF | 5-GW Srixon Z 565 |
| SW PXG 0317 | LW PXG 0311 |
| Putter EVNROLL |
9 months ago
What are the charactoristics of the 20 testers? Age? Handicap? Swing speed? Are there differences based on these that would change the rankings?
9 months ago
You didn’t test the Cleveland Halo fairway woods. They are far better then any of these.
2 months ago
Said no one. Ever.
9 months ago
I always find these interesting because my fitting put me in the Paradym X. Both distance and dispersion were far superior to anything else. It was not even close.
That said, super neat to see these results. Cannot wait for the ball test info too!! Anyway, keep up the great work!!
9 months ago
Wilson makes great products. They just need to get their marketing team inline. I got an add were they spelled their own product name wrong..
9 months ago
Love to see it out of Wilson. That makes 4 clubs ranked in the top 3 this year I believe.
9 months ago
Congrats to Wilson for producing a product that performs better than its counterparts for $100 less. I’d rather play an extra couple rounds of golf than give my $100 to the big guys’ marketing budget. And since I’m in the market for a new fairway wood, this is a likely purchase for me after some testing.
9 months ago
You guys need a new category – Best Driver Replacement. TSR2+, Stealth 2+ 13.5, etc can all go in that category for those of us who can’t stop spinning the driver in the mid to high 3k’s. Just saying.
9 months ago
As we continue to expand our testing bandwidth, I love the idea of a “driver replacement” category of fairway woods….my other thought is that if you can’t get driver spin down below mid/high 3ks, it might not be an equipment issue :)
Titleist ProV1 Golf Balls
Scott
8 months ago
For me I found Callaway Big Bertha fairway woods to be the most accurate and the easiest to hit off the turf. If you’re buying a 3-5-7 fairway woods you should demo them first. Hitting off a mat all woods are easy to hit but grass is a totally different animal .