First Look: AFO Air Foil Black Fairway

20 SECOND INTRO

Model: Air Foil Black Fairway
Lofts: 3 wood (15*) & 5 wood (19*)
Adjustability: None
Left-handed Availability: None
Stock Shaft: Fujikura
Price: $149
Availability: Immediate
Defining Technology: Dual-slot technology with Nitrogen reinforced 17-4 Stainless Steel Face

2 > 1

Slot technology is ubiquitous. But dual-slot technology? That’s a bit less common. Air Force One’s latest fairway model – the Air Foil Black – is engineered with two slots, which combine to produce an accordion effect, the result of which, according to Air Force One, is higher MOI, faster ball speeds and optimal launch/spin conditions.

Specifically, at impact, the thin face flexes, which initiates the build-up of compressed nitrogen. As the face rebounds, the trampoline effect (often referred to COR or CT)  is maximized, resulting in top end ball speeds across a greater percentage of the club-face. While this sweet spot is expanded, let’s be realistic about expectations. Shots hit more than a few centimeters off center will still show a significant loss in ball speed and directional accuracy. That’s just how it is…with everything.

INFORMERCIAL MUMBO JUMBO?

Thin faces are fantastic for producing fast ball speeds, but they’re neither durable nor do they feel particularly solid at impact. This is where Air Force One’s technology shines. The company uses strategically placed compressed Nitrogen to reinforce the club face, which gives the thin face the structural integrity it needs and a quality feel at impact . The largest upside to nitrogen is that it’s weightless and weight is a precious commodity when it comes to club design. If this technology had a theme song it would be “Money for Nothing” by Dire Straits.

To some, a Nitrogen infused clubhead sounds more like science fiction or an idea cast off to the parking lot during an R&D brainstorming session. But the reality is, the technology works and AFO drivers, which also leverage Nitrogen technology,  have routinely out-performed higher priced competitors in MGS testing.

It’s only reasonable to expect comparable performance from a fairway wood with similar technology. We’re not talking 10-15  yard guarantees over competitors, but for the player who could benefit a shallower-faced, easy to elevate fairway, I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see appreciable gains.

NOT EVERYONE WILL BE SERVED

Left-handed players are once again left out and with only five shaft options (two of which are women’s specific) we can’t guarantee there’s a shaft for everyone. That said, the target population for this club is the player who fits into a 60-70 gm shaft with medium to soft tip section. If so, either the Fujikura or Graphite Design G series should work well.

I hesitate to describe the aesthetics of the Air Foil as non-traditional, however, with two deep slots and a triangular look at address, it certainly stands out a bit, but not in an “OMG I couldn’t ever bag that club” way.

WALK-OFF:

The Air Foil Black is a budget-friendly fairway wood which has a penchant for behaving  more like a hybrid in that it is engineered to launch easier and fly higher than a traditional fairway wood. The added forgiveness is a nice bonus and this club certainly provides further validation that Nitrogen-infused technology is entirely legit.

For more information on the Air Foil Black Fairway, visit the Air Force One Golf website.