Longest Versus Shortest Fairway Wood (2025)

We tested 22 fairway woods in 2025, capturing 6,600 shots to evaluate ball speed, carry distance, total distance, launch characteristics and consistency. Because fairway woods are used both off the tee and off the deck, knowing which models are the longest and which are the shortest can dramatically influence how you build the top end of your bag.

In our 2025 fairway wood test, the TaylorMade Qi35 produced the longest total distance while the Cleveland Halo XL Lite was the shortest.

Here’s a breakdown of what separates the longest from the shortest fairway woods of 2025.

What do these fairway woods have in common?

At first glance, the TaylorMade Qi35 and Cleveland Halo XL Lite could not be more different. The Qi35 sits firmly in the “speed first” category—producing the highest ball speed (134.05 mph) and the longest carry distance (213.53 yards) in the entire 2025 test. The Halo XL Lite, on the other hand, is engineered for launch, forgiveness and ease of use.

Both come with clear trade-offs.

The Qi35’s exceptional speed comes with higher spin variability, a steeper offline average and a wider shot area. Golfers get maximum distance but need a fitter to help maximize accuracy. The Halo XL Lite, by contrast, delivers predictable contact, higher launch and reliable shot height but its softer face and higher backspin limit overall distance potential.

How much longer is the TaylorMade Qi35?

Based on our 2025 fairway wood test data, the TaylorMade Qi35 carried the ball 15.9 yards farther than the Cleveland Halo XL Lite (213.53 yards versus 197.63). That gap is driven by higher ball speed, lower spin and a flatter, more penetrating launch that produces additional rollout.

For golfers who rely on a fairway wood as a secondary tee club or want more reach into par-5s, gaining 15 to 16 yards of carry is a meaningful upgrade.

Which fairway wood is right for you?

Both fairway woods deliver exactly what they were designed to do but they’re built for very different golfers. Choosing between them comes down to whether you prioritize pure speed and distance or easy launch and dependable control.

Choose the TaylorMade Qi35 if you want:

• Maximum ball speed and the longest carry numbers in the test
• A fairway wood you can use as a driver alternative off the tee
• A lower-spin, more penetrating ball flight that adds rollout

Choose the Cleveland Halo XL Lite if you want:

• Higher launch from fairway lies
• Consistency in your fairway wood shots
• A confidence-boosting shape that favors ease of use over raw speed

Don’t see what you are looking for?

If neither of these fairway woods fits your golf game or your budget, check out the complete results here: Best Fairway Woods 2025.