We tested 29 fairway woods in 2024, analyzing their performance in distance, accuracy and forgiveness. The Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond is the best overall fairway wood and the XXIO 13 is the worst. If you’re curious about the differences we discovered and which fairway woods might be the better fit for your game, you’ve come to the right place.
Distance
When we tested golf clubs in 2024, one of the most common takeaways was that distance does not always equate to better performance and scoring. Many of the best golf clubs of 2024 have average distance performance but impressive accuracy and forgiveness.
That’s what makes the Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond unique. It took home top honors for the best fairway wood of 2024 and also the best for distance.
XXIO was near the bottom for distance performance. With 29 fairway woods tested, it ranked 26th for distance.
Accuracy
Accuracy in the best fairway woods is measured using one specific metric: Strokes Gained. How well do these fairway woods get you close to your target so you can save strokes in your round?
The Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond took second place for accuracy. That one-two punch of distance and accuracy is what helped the Callaway become the best fairway wood of 2024.
The XXIO 13 ranked 24th overall for accuracy. If you are looking for a long fairway wood to hit close to your target, the Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond is the better choice.
Forgiveness
Forgiveness is the weakest category for the Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond. Unfortunately, the XXIO 13 was also not a good choice for forgiveness.
When we measure forgiveness, we look at consistency of performance. How often can you hit a ball straight or far, etc.? Having a repeatable shot outcome is important. The forgiveness of the Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond is about average, finishing 14th out of 29 fairway woods.
The XXIO finished 24th. If forgiveness is your main concern, the most forgiving fairway wood of 2024 is the Haywood Golf Fairway.
Value
The Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond is about $50 less expensive than the XXIO 13. Not much more to say here!
Bottom line
If you are looking for a clear winner, the 2024 best fairway wood test proved that it’s easily the Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond. It’s less expensive and offers more distance, accuracy and forgiveness than the XXIO 13.
It’s worth noting that XXIO is aimed more towards the golfer with slower swing speeds who wants a premium club designed specifically for them.
Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond versus XXIO 13: Which is right for you?
Who’s it For?
✅ Someone looking for more distance. The longest fairway wood of 2024.
✅ The golfer who values accuracy. A second-place finish for accuracy and first-place finish for distance is a rare combination not seen in any other fairway wood for 2024.
Who’s it not for?
❌ If you need maximum forgiveness.
❌ Golfers on a budget. (Cheaper than the XXIO 13 but still not an inexpensive fairway wood.)
Who’s it For?
✅ Someone looking for lightweight feel. It is designed to benefit golfers who like a lightweight club.
✅ The golfer with lower swing speeds. The XXIO 13 specifically aims to help golfers who struggle to generate speed in their golf game.
Who’s it not for?
❌ Golfers who need forgiveness and accuracy.
❌ Anyone who is looking for extra distance from their fairway wood.
WoodieB
2 years ago
The metric is who spent the most ad dollars on MGS, most to least😄