Golf Discount’s 2016 Fairway Woods Guide
By Bob Gomavitz
Being an absolute equipment junkie, I was approached by GolfDiscount.com to write reviews and share my findings with you. Having been chosen to write a number of Taylormade product reviews for GolfWRX.com I felt that this would be an excellent opportunity to put my knowledge to use.
Much like the current crop of drivers, many Fairway Woods offer adjustability in weighting, lofts and lies. Often a great alternative to the driver on a narrow hole or when the driver just isn’t cutting it off the tee, the smaller footprint of a fairway wood makes them much easier to control. And, while some players traditionally have a tough time elevating 3- and 4-woods off of the deck, the designs of the new offerings from manufacturers will help players elevate the ball with greater consistency and forgiveness.
This year I have included the target handicap range each club is best suited towards. This range is a benchmark for who manufacturers designed the club for and are marketing it to. It is to only give players an idea which offerings will give them the best chance to play well based on their skill level. These ranges are not to discourage you from trying out any of the following clubs. I encourage you to make your own judgements through your own testing, your hands and eyes will ultimately know best.
Testing was done at Newcastle Golf Course, along with Maplewood Golf Course, which is my home track.
Enjoy the Guide and I look forward to your thoughts, comments and/or questions, and thank you for taking the time to read my reviews.
Big Bertha Alpha 816
- Cup Face Technology
- Adjustable weight positions
- Target Handicap: + to 9
Read The Review
Cobra King F6
- Front & back CG adjustments
- Speed Channel Technology
- Target Handicap: + to 36
Read The Review
Srixon Z-355
- Ultra-high Balanced Pt. Shaft
- HT1770 maraging steel face
- Target Handicap: 12 to 36
Read The Review
Srixon Z F45
- Dual Speed Technology
- HT1770 maraging steel face
- Target Handicap: 12 to 36
Read The Review
TaylorMade M2
- Multi-material construction
- Speed Pocket technology
- Target Handicap: + to 36
Read The Review
Bridgestone JGR Fairway Wood Review
Club Tested: JGR 3-Wood Shaft: Aldila NV 2KXV Orange Fairway 75; Flex: Stiff; Loft: 15°
The Takeaway
Much like the JGR Driver the fairway woods feature F.A.S.T. Crown design with speeDARC technology, an improved Milled Face and an Ultra-Thin Face design. The adjustable weight allows for user defined trajectory and weight profile.
Who’s It For?
This fairway wood will cover the majority of players except those looking for hosel adjustability since the JGR is fixed.
Final Take
Same great looks as the driver but I found this sat more square at address. To me, the head size and face depth are dead in the middle of the fairway wood pack, not too small, nor too big. The ball flight was mid to mid-high and fairly penetrating. What stood out the most was the sound, I felt like I was at a high scoring college baseball game. Some will like it and some may not.
Shop Bridgestone JGR Fairway Woods at GolfDiscount.comCallaway Big Bertha Alpha 816 Fairway Wood Review
Club Tested: 3-Wood Shaft: Aldila Rogue Silver Rip I/O 70; Flex: Stiff; Loft: 14°
The Takeaway
Callaway’s Cup Face Technology generates high ball speeds on center hits and off-center shots. Tour preferred CG positions are achieved by positioning the 3g and 16g weights front or back to lower spin or improve forgiveness. The weights can also be positioned for a longer option off the tee or more playable for approach shots into greens. A slightly larger modern shape and sole design to this head provides more MOI than you would expect out of an elite, players fairway wood. The sole design gives players control from a variety of lies. The matte black finish provides an uncluttered look at address.
Who’s It For?
The Big Bertha Alpha 816 is suited towards stronger players and players with higher club head speeds who want the ability to maximize adjustability through face and lie adjustments as well as weight positioning that can produce a desired shot shape.
Final Take
Classic Callaway appearance from this fairway wood. The matte colorway is clean and simple with a very square look at address. The ball flight with the heavier weight forward produced a flatter, more penetrating ball flight. I found the head felt very solid and the strike provided enough feedback to the hands to know where on the face you hit your shot, with great workability too.
Shop Callaway Big Bertha Alpha 816 Fairway Woods at GolfDiscount.comCallaway Great Big Bertha Fairway Wood Review
Club Tested: 3-Wood Shaft: Mitsubishi Kura Kage TiNi 50; Flex: Stiff; Loft: 15°
The Takeaway
Callaway’s new GBB Fairway models produces higher ball speeds from their Forged Cup Face Technology. The Hyper Speed Face Cup produces high speeds on center hits and off-center hits. The head is larger than most fairways which creates more surface area and a higher MOI resulting in extra forgiveness. The sole plate offers players the ability to use these woods from all sorts of lies with a mid-launching trajectory. The OptiFit offers simple but effective hosel adjustments to help dial in the head.
Who’s It For?
The new GBB Fairway models are designed for players that love to use their Fairway woods often. The addition of the Heavenwood (20 degrees of loft) and the Divine Nine (24 degrees of loft) gives players who struggle with hybrids the perfect option from a fairway model. It fits really well for those that have issues elevating the ball as the shallow face design produces a lower center of gravity to help increase launch angles.
Final Take
Off the Deck, I had zero issues elevating the GBB with its low center of gravity off the deck, even from a nice tight fairway lie. With its shallow face off the tee I made sure to tee the ball up fairly low and it produced a nice tight, medium penetrating ball flight. This year’s model was definitely a lower ball flight than last year’s version for me. With the larger head size, I would stick with the higher lofted heads for the majority of lies in the rough, unless your ball is sitting up nicely. The larger area tends to grab the grass more which could produce a loss of control and a very low launch angle.
I found the flat black crown quite appealing and this head was very easy to hit with surprisingly less spin than the past offering. Even with its lower center of gravity and shallow face I was able to produce a nice mid-high penetrating ball flight. Only a few off-center hits produced some high spin, high launch “powder puffers”. Off the tee and off the deck I had zero issues elevating the 15 degree head. Like the driver the feel was very solid and somewhat muted in sound. I found the club was very light in feel to me with the 50 gram shaft but I did not lose as much control as I would have thought.
Shop Callaway Great Big Bertha Fairway Woods at GolfDiscount.comCallaway XR16 Fairway Wood Review
Club Tested: 3-Wood Shaft: Fujikura Speeder Evolution 565 FW; Flex: Stiff; Loft: 15°
The Takeaway
With a bigger head shape, higher MOI, lower CG, and highest COR the new XR16 fairway wood will look easy to hit because it is. The Forged Hyper Speed Face Cup is now hotter and thinner and the cambered sole makes this larger head highly versatile and playable out of all lies. And an improved aerodynamics increases head speed through impact for ultimate ball speeds.
Who’s It For?
The larger more forgiving XR16 fairway woods will be a great fit for mid to higher handicap players who have issues getting the ball airborne from tighter fairway lies or deep lies in the rough. Slower swing speeds will also benefit from the very light shafts.
Final Take
The XR16 fairway wood is matte black and has a larger footprint than I personally prefer at address. However, the crown graphics do a great job framing the head to appear smaller than it really is. The ball flight was high, as expected from a slightly shallower face size and lighter stock shaft. The face looked slightly closed at address and my dispersion definitely confirmed this. While this wasn’t the best fit for me, golfers with slower swing speeds should enjoy the playability from these woods and possibly gain some distance at the same time.
Shop Callaway XR16 Fairway Woods at GolfDiscount.comCallaway XR16 Pro Fairway Wood Review
The Takeaway
Callaway designed the XR16 Pro with a compact, aerodynamic head shape for high speeds at impact. The thin crown produces a higher MOI and allows weight to be moved to suit low-handicap players. And, the forged Hyper Face Cup produces a hotter, thinner, lower spinning face for even more speed.
Who’s It For?
Low handicap players will love the compact looks, lower spin rates and plenty of forgiveness of the XR16 Pro version. It is a great option off the tee when you need a bit of extra control or going for it in two on Par 5’s.
Final Take
The XR16 Pro fits right in line with past Callaway fairway wood offerings. It produces a compact, piercing ball flight, lower spin, excellent distance from a clean, simple looking flat black head. The head provides a super solid feel at impact, great forgiveness on mishits, and a very hot sounding click off the face. One big plus is the XR16 comes with one of the better stock fairway shafts. The XR has always been a top notch fairway wood and the new XR16 does not disappoint.
Shop Callaway XR16 Pro Fairway Woods at GolfDiscount.comCobra King LTD Fairway Wood Review
Club Tested: 3-4 Wood Shaft: Aldila Rogue Black 70; Flex: Stiff; Loft: 14.5°
The Takeaway
The new King LTD Fairway Wood offers a compact head shape with Zero CG. The Zero CG allows for higher launch, less spin and more ball speed. Cobra does this by featuring the Spaceport, a 16 gram weight designed to create an extremely low and deep CG with high MOI. It is a perfect combination of ultimate distance without sacrificing forgiveness. As it is in the LTD Driver, the fairway wood has a Speed Channel, which is an engineered trench that minimizes thickness around the perimeter of the face. Other advancements include Crown Tech, a Carbon Fiber Crown that is 20% lighter than regular Carbon Fiber. In turn, this allows for more weight to be repositioned lower and deeper in the head. And, if you are looking for adjustability, the LTD has 8 different settings with the MyFly Smartpad.
Who’s It For?
The slightly more compact head size is typically preferred by better players, but taking all the technology and different adjustment settings via MyFly the King LTD Fairway can pretty much be played by mostly any type of player.
Final Take
Like the driver, I found the checkerboard or diamond design from the Carbon Fiber visually stunning to look at when the lighting was correct. The face depth was a touch on the shallow side, but that allows for greater playability from deeper lies. This fairway wood definitely seemed to elevate the ball quickly out of the tough spots. All in all, the feel and sound was not as muted as the driver, the ball flight had good penetration, and I was able to work the ball quite well.
Shop Cobra King LTD Fairway Wood at GolfDiscount.comCobra King F6 Fairway Wood Review
Club Tested: 3-4 Wood Shaft: Matrix Red Tie 65Q4; Flex: Stiff; Loft: 14.5°; Weight: Rear Position
The Takeaway
The King F6 is Cobra’s first fairway wood to offer front and back CG adjustment settings. If you want a more penetrating ball flight and roll out, adjusting the weight to the front position will be the ticket. The back or rear position will produce a much higher, more towering shot flight with more forgiveness, much like the driver. The Speed Channel around the perimeter of the face minimizes thickness and increases ball speeds across the entire face for greater distance. The MyFly with Smartpad allows you to dial in the loft that fits your needs or changing needs.
Who’s It For?
The King F6 is a fairway wood that all players can use. Most players want forgiveness and higher launch angles from their fairways and will find those characteristics when the weight is in a rear position. Those who tend to hit the ball high already will enjoy having the weight in the forward position reducing the height of the ball flight and increase roll out.
Final Take
The King F6 offers players a very simple, clean, neutral-shaped fairway wood with a classic look at address. The slight curves to the face and sole increase forgiveness on mishits and from tougher lies. I tested this head with the weight in the rear position and did not see any ballooning or high spin. Some players might have an issue elevating the head in the lower settings with the weight moved forward. The club has more of a click feel to it than the muted sound of the F6 driver. Offered in two colorways, a black or blue crown with a Black face and Sole. Both look really good, but I prefer the Black head.
Shop Cobra King F6 Fairway Wood at GolfDiscount.comMizuno JPX EZ Fairway Wood Review
Club Tested: JPX EZ 3 Wood Shaft: Fujikura Fairway SIX XLR8; Flex: Stiff; Loft: 15°
The Takeaway
The Shock Wave Sole expands the COR area, especially lower on the clubface to deliver increased ball speeds and greater distance. The sole extends from the center of the sole to both the toe and heel. This adds weight to increase the MOI and lower the center of gravity and gives the club more forgiveness in a high, easy ball flight. An increase of mass in the head also lowers the center of gravity helping to maintain high ball speeds directly off the turf. The extended footprint design and increased head size is present across the full JPX EZ Woods series.
Who’s It For?
This fairway wood will be good for players looking for a larger, confidence-inspiring club that is on the lighter side. Heavier shafts can be custom ordered but I would suggest the JPX 850 since the heavier shaft comes standard.
Final Take
Just like the driver, the gray crown really looks sharp and stands out on the larger, flatter-shaped head. Also like the driver, I had issues hitting to the left side of the range even though the face sat pretty square. The ball flight was not as high as I would have thought from the shape of this head, though it did produce a good feel and feedback from the strikes.
Shop Mizuno JPX EZ Fairway Wood at GolfDiscount.comNike Vapor Fly Fairway Wood Review
Club Tested: Vapor Fly Fairway Wood Shaft: Tensei CK Blue 65; Flex: Stiff; Loft: 15°
The Takeaway
Nike introduces the new Hyperlite Face that creates extreme ball speeds across the face, and a re-engineered Compression Channel that amplifies performance on mishits. The Covert Cavity Back Design spreads weight to the heel and toe for maximum forgiveness. And, the FlyBeam structure stabilizes the body and channels more energy into the face, the Athlete Authentic Tour shape provides forgiveness and workability while the FlexLoft offers six settings for the unique ability to adjust loft and lie angle independently.
Who’s It For?
The Nike Vapor Fly Fairway Wood is designed to fit a good range of players. Two different shaft offerings will help define the launch angle that the player is looking for.
Final Take
The Vapor Fly Fairway Wood has a more traditional shape that mid to lower handicap players prefer. The ball flight was a little on the low side, which surprised me based on the shaft that I chose for testing. The feel was like the Vapor Fly Driver, though maybe a little less muted. Like the driver, this head offers a brushed steel face colorway. My dispersion pattern had a slight draw bias to it, which might have changed if I had adjusted the FlexLoft settings.
Shop Nike Vapor Fly Fairway Wood at GolfDiscount.comPing G Series Fairway Wood Review
Club Tested: G Series Shaft: Alta 65; Flex: Stiff; Loft: 14.5°
The Takeaway
The new Ping G Series Fairway Woods incorporate Thin Crown Technology which saves weight and lowers the CG, MOI and makes it easy to get the ball airborne even when struck low on the face. A lower leading edge slides the face under the ball so impact occurs higher on the face. The Carpenter 445 steel face is more than twice as strong as cast 17–4 stainless which allows a thinner, variable-thickness, precision-machine face that increases flexing for faster ball speeds, higher launch in greater distance. A unique process adds roughness to the face to reduce spin.
Who’s It For?
The Ping G Series will fit the masses they’re looking for an easy to elevate, simple, clean but effective fairway to play off the turf or the tee.
Final Take
Like past Ping fairway versions, the G Series is a very clean, lower profile head that is very easy to play off the tee or deck. Elevating his head was very easy to do and produce a very nice Mid Height to your trajectory. Great feedback, simple looks and solid distance make for a great club.
Shop Ping G Series Fairway Wood at GolfDiscount.comPing G SF Tec Fairway Wood Review
Club Tested: G SF Tec Shaft: Alta 65; Flex: Stiff; Loft: 16°
The Takeaway
The SF Tec Fairway Wood, like the driver features the weight closer to the heel, a lighter swing weight and higher lofts for the player whose typical miss is to the right. This could also replace all the great features from the neutral G Series, but will help produce a more right-to-left shot bend.
Who’s It For?
The lighter weight, slightly larger head size, additional loft with a slightly closed face should help mid-high, very high handicappers and beginners who suffer from too much of a fade to a minor slice. Those that hook the ball need to look at the neutral G Series head.
Final Take
Like the SF Tec Driver, the fairway wood produced higher hard drawing shot for my golf swing. The lighter weight, slightly closed head should will help those that suffer from a fade or minor slice shot shape.
Shop Ping G SF Tec Fairway Wood at GolfDiscount.comSrixon Z 355 Fairway Wood Review
Club Tested: Z 355 3 Wood Shaft: Miyazaki Jinsoku; Flex: Stiff; Loft: 15°
The Takeaway
Engineered with added head mass and an ultra-high balance point shaft helps increase ball speeds while promoting a more consistent, stable swing. The fast and powerful HT1770 maraging steel face creates an even larger sweet spot. Bigger sweet spot means increased consistency and distance off the tee. The 3 wood features cup face design supported by a 40 gram inner floating bar for higher launch, lower spin trajectory and maximum face flexibility.
Who’s It For?
Players of all abilities will find this a playable fairway wood, but it is mostly for the mid-low to higher handicap players that need help elevating the ball off the deck.
Final Take
The Z 355 fairway wood has a much flatter, larger look at address compared to the Z F45 version. This makes it look very easy to hit. The shallower face, light shaft combo produced increased launch angles that I did not see with the Z F45. The face sat slightly closed at address to my eye and produced a nice natural draw from my swing. At times, it was a bit too much, but that was mainly due to increased spin. While the overall distance for me was good it was not as good as the bomber Z F45 model.
Shop Srixon Z 355 Fairway Wood at GolfDiscount.comSrixon Z F45 Fairway Wood Review
Club Tested: Z F45 3 Wood Shaft: Mitsubishi Kuro Kage Black HBP 60; Flex: Stiff; Loft: 15°
The Takeaway
Like the driver, the Fairway woods offers Dual Speed Technology, which maximizes a player’s rotational efficiency, delivering more kinetic energy at impact. The steel cup face made of an ultra-hot HT1770 Maraging Steel raised the COR by 15 points for maximum ball speed. A thinner heel and toe profile has created a larger sweet spot in all Srixon Z series woods, up to 35% larger than the previous generation.
Who’s It For?
The Z F45 fairway wood will fit the needs of a wide range of players. Though, I find it more on the player’s side than the higher handicap side.
Final Take
The Z F45 head shape is rounded and on the smaller side, but with a larger face area from heel to toe. With the pronounced forward CG, the 15 degree head produces shots with stunning distance, so much so that seemed more like 13 degrees of launch. Players that have any issues getting the ball up might opt for a higher loft and play it as your 3 wood. This fairway wood definitely surprised me, it might be one of the lowest launching 3 woods that I have ever tested, and longest too!
Shop Srixon Z F45 Fairway Wood at GolfDiscount.comTaylorMade M1 Fairway Wood Review
Club Tested: M1 Fairway Wood Shaft: Fujikura Speeder 70; Flex: Stiff; Loft: 15°
The Takeaway
TaylorMade has incorporated carbon fiber into the head, like they did with the M1 Driver, to lower the CG for a higher launch with less spin. The One Track System includes two 15 gram weights (5 grams more than the R15) that can be positioned to create various setups. There is the Neutral position (weights together in the center of the face), the Max Fade position (both weights together on the toe side of the face), the Max Draw position (both weights together on the heel side of the face), the Stabilizing position (one weight each in the Fade and Draw parts of the face) and any other combination in between settings to tailor the club to produce less of a draw or fade bias. The sliding weights have a “recessed design”, which TaylorMade says will improve turf interaction.
Who’s It For?
The new M1 fairway metals will appeal to the majority of golfers out there who are looking for max adjustability, excellent launch, lower spin rate numbers, with superior looks and feel.
Final Take
A few things stood out for me during the testing. The most important one was the feel. The M1 is the most solid feeling fairway head I have tested to date! The other thing that stood out is a possible fade bias, which some people are looking for from their fairway metal, especially off the tee. With a multitude of face angle settings, even with a slight fade bias players can fine tune this head to play as they please. The stunning looks, the incredible feel and the playability will make this high on any player’s must try list.
Shop TaylorMade M1 Fairway Wood at GolfDiscount.comTaylorMade M2 Fairway Wood Review
Club Tested: 3 Wood Shaft: Reax 65; Flex: Stiff; Loft: 15°
The Takeaway
Like the driver, the new M2 Fairway Woods incorporate multi-material construction, a shallower head design, Speed Pocket technology and introduces the addition of a new longer, fluted hosel design. This design removes weight and actually acts as a damping tool to enhance the sound and feel produced by the larger, more flexible Speed Pocket.
Who’s It For?
Everyone! The shallower face design help players who struggle with elevating the ball with their fairway woods. It even looks easier to hit since the face seems to be more under the top line of the ball.
Final Take
While writing this, the M2 fairway woods are in hot demand out on the tours for good reason. This club is very hot, with a super penetrating ball flight that produces great distance off the deck and when teed up. I felt the sound was 100% different from the driver and different from my RBZ Tour head. The reduction of weight from the crown and hosel allowed the weight to be put into the spots that really make this club go. If you want a more towering shot from your fairways woods, more drop and stop with the addition of hosel adjustments, I would suggest the M1 over the M2.
Shop TaylorMade M2 Fairway Wood at GolfDiscount.com
Bob Gomavitz
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182 Comments
Great information for the amateur golfer. Will definitely help me decide on which fairway to purchase.
I prolly missed it, but no Titleist?
Very informative great article love the cobra f6. I think I’m going to buy the f6 fairway 3w 4w very soon thanks Mike A Rhode Island
Great reviews — only issue was on the Taylor Made M1 Fairway wood — link did not work
Great reviews. Enjoyed reading and very informative. Think I will try the new Callaway Great Big Berha fairways. thank you and keep up the goodvwork!
great article with realistic results from new clubs. right on time im shopping for a new 3 wood now,
This guide will be a great help in my selection of new clubs.
Great article
Good information, but the formatting needs some work.
– All the “Read the Review” links don’t work (XR Pro)
– The review gets cut off if you are viewing it via a phone
Thanks for letting us know Derek! We have already fixed these issues.
Thanks for such detailed info…
Great reviews! Personally I’m biased to Cobra woods. Years ago I was all TM, but the rate at which they put out new products left m feeling like I always had yesterday’s tech. May have to test drive that KING!
I second that!!! I am a big fan of the cobra woods the last few years and their prices cant be beat. Havent tried the new King model but looking forward to it.
I was very impressed with the detailed reviews which allows your customers to make better informed choices.
Thanks for doing the reviews, great job.
The driver technology of today is amazing. Players can hit the ball further and straighter than ever before. It still boils down to getting fitted for the best driver for you and your game and a better swing will still hit the ball well no matter which driver you hit. Thanks Golfdiscount.com
Great Review
Thanks for the informative reviews. I am in the market for a fairway wood and this helps.
Wouldn’t it make more sense to test a regular flex shaft vice stiff? Aren’t most players, particularly those with high handicaps, playing a regular flex?
Excellent reviews, interested in the m2 now. Thanks
I play the ping G , its great in the fairway and the ruff.
XR 16 and XR16 pro both look like clubs that might help my game. I struggle with my current 3 wood.
Without “hands on” testing, only reading your reviews it is very difficult to rate one model over another. Having said that, and having read all the reviews, if the price were not an obstacle then I would go with the TM M1 followed by the Ping G.
Will have to go try the M2, sounds like it would fit my game.
Thanks Gom, sounds like the Srixon Z F45 really surprised with its distance, might be worth checking out.
This is a great guide. It helps figure out what you want and what you need to improve your game.
Good reviews very helpful for me as I am looking for new fairway woods.
Thanks
Nice concise yet informative reviews of these drivers!! Good stuff!!
I’ll take technological changes any day to help improve my golf game.
such a comprehensive review is so quite involved. TaylorMade seems to rise to the preference in my opinion. Where are the Titleist entries ??
Excellent review. I have been considering a new 3 wood and this will make my testing more efficient.
Thanks Gom,I Hit my fairway wood at lease 5 to 6 times a round and reading and checking out all your reviews and comments it is going to help me in my decision of the next fairway wood I’m going to buy. I’m leaning towards the Taylor made I’m going to the next demo days in the area. To ck them out. I hit a slight fade a really like the sound of a solid hit. Thanks.
Great guide….and very useful information for all golfers
Great article… I’ve been thinking about what kind of fairway woods to buy and this definitely helped.
Great read- I purchased the XR 16 4 wood this year and love it out of the fairway. Haven’t had much success out of the rough yet. I agree it looks a little larger at address than I would prefer, but it allows me to slow my swing down in the fairway and take low risk long shots.
The M2 sounds like it’s worth trying out. Good read.
Reviews were good to read just a shame I want be trading mine in till next years models come out.
I sure wish I could hit a fairway wood off the deck, it looks like I might have to try the “Nike Vapor Fly Fairway Wood “
will help when i go looking for new woods
Great look to the Nike Vapor Fly. Plays even better than it looks. Distance and ease of play are great.
It seems like Cobra continues to build successful 3 woods year after year. I have owned 3 different Cobra Fairway woods and have never been disappointed. Keep up the good work.
Really great info provided at many levels. I myself am a beginner, but found the info to be helpful as far as choosing which might be the best for myself! Thanks!
I’ll give the Ping G fairway a try.
Great to see the comparison between the M1 and M2. I really meet to just go try them for my self. BTW if I win a shirt I wear a Med.
I have the Callaway XR 16s in 3 and 5 they are not quit as hot as the pro version but easy to hit and a little more forgiving in my opinion and I like the look to so they get the thumbs up from me.
Just bought the Big Bertha Alpha 816 and couldn’t be happier with the playability and feel of the club. I’ve played about 6 rounds with it and as a player with a 12 handicap, it gives me confidence on the fairway!
I’m currently using Nike SQ driver and 5 (fairway( wood. I really like the feel, weight, sound and size of SQ. What club is most similar? Thx
Great read! Thanks, much needed info to help me upgrade.
Nicely done! Your detail is great for narrowing down my best choices.
Very informative guide on fairway woods. Will definitely help with the selection of new woods here in the near future. Thanks, Gom!
Thanks Gom, the nice review of the Srixon model tested has me rethinking their line. I’ll have to take a closer look.
I enjoyed the read and review. It has allowed me to narrow the pack.
brad
Callaway is the way to go
Wow, I thought the my Taylormade RBZ 3 wood was the hottest face around until I hit my friends M-2 ! Lets just say I’m saving up and going to put this weapon in my bag as soon as possible !
Great guide, and read a few things that I did not know. Thanks for the great information!
I have an older(1 yr) Mizuno fairway wood that I bought through Golf Discount and I LOVE IT!!!
I couldn’t agree more with you on the Callaway Big Bertha 816. I love mine! The comments on “who’s it for” are exactly why I bought it.
Great information. Very informative and like that target handicap ranges were used for each club. I bag last years PING G30 3 & 5 woods. They are hands down the best fairway woods I’ve ever bagged.
Very insightful. Good to know most of these woods fit my game (20+ handicap) and to know which to not purchase until I lower my scores. Thanks Gom!!!
Very in depth review.
found this very helpful…now I have a better idea of which ones to try and why, when I get to the store.
For me and my swing, it would be the Ping “G” series. Simple, Carpenter face for a higher launch, and a low profile which is what I like in a fairway wood!
nice review, though, you left out the Club Tested line for the XR16 Pro
Thanks Gom, awesome reviews with a lot of thought put into each one. Takes the pressure off me to try so many, puts it into a more manageable few!
Currently using a taylormade R-9 three wood. I have just purchased an M-1 4 hybrid which I really like will probably look at the M-1 three wood
A difficult choice, I would take either the Callaway’s or the Cobra’s
Love the reviews definitely gonna help me when I upgrade my woods again.
While reading all the reviews can be helpful. It can also be confusing, i.e. many novice or even players who’ve played for some time are still very inconsistent with ways they hit the ball. Therefore it’s very difficult to narrow club choice to just one or two things. Best thing is to work with a club/fitting professional to narrow the choices down. Noticed that most had a very wide range of handicaps each particular club might work for.
I love the annalist of the site !!!!
Just started playing Cobra F6 irons and driver which I love. Was looking at upgrading fairway wood so review really helped so I think I’ll be F6 all the way
Good reviews,I like the cobra woods.
a go to guide for fairway clubs.
Thanks Bob, I really like that the guide was broken up into a quick look section and a detailed section. The handicap range was helpful for me.
Great listing of all the fairway woods. I play a 5 and 3 Great Big Bertha and I love them.
Great reviews. Like how you proposed handicap categories. The trajectory and slight path and dispersion details were awesome. The M1 and King LTD are definitely going to get a test run
Thanks Gom, you helped me from totally unsure down to a doable 2 or 3 possible choices.
This was very helpful. I particularly like the handicap information.
I love my ping i-25 3 wood, but I going to have to checkout m series for sure.
Very informative as was the Driver version and it keeps me up on the technology improvements in the new year clubs.
nice info, looking for one next year!
Great information! I personally have been a fan of the Cobra models because of the weight of the head. Most other clubs seem to be going lighter but i like the heavier feel so that the weight takes the club through the ball.
I personally have the Nike fly vapor fairway wood but this list might just make me change my mind about that. Thanks you for making a list like this
Callaway XR Fairway’s are really easy to hit, and explode off the face.
Great Guide for newer clubs
Good reviews, would have liked to seen review of the tour edge exotics?
I really enjoy your guides. The best feature is the “Who’s it for?” section. That is unique to your reviews and not seen in most other magazines/columns/newsletters. I look forward to all the reviews as they really help me is narrowing down my choices.
good stuff, will save me time when buying a new club.
The reviews are gonna help me choose my next wood
Very concise summary for all levels of golfers
A little info on your game. Whether your ball flight is normally high or low might help. Overall I found the reviews very helpful. Im usually in search of a little more distance so thoughts on which ones tended to be a little longer would be nice.
Callaway produces great fairway woods with right sound and feel.
Thanks for the info. Will be testing the xr pro and m2 this week
Great info. I have a problem with low trajectory and this guide just may help me find a fairway wood suited to help with that problem.
Would like to see Tour Edge Exotics reviewed too, please.
XR16 may be my next purchase.
Nice review. I was undecided between the M1 and M2, but hearing about the M1 fade bias helped push me to the M2.
Thanks for the info. Confirmed I have ordered the right 3 and 5 woods for my game. Working on dialing them in.
Great reviews, I feel there are a lot of good options out there. Started with cobra when I was younger, got the AMP set a few years back, great clubs
Excellent review, short and packed with quality information. Prices not too shabby either.
Very well written reviews about the fairway woods. Definitely lean on a lot of review information and also how they feel when I get to demo a club. Why was there not any Wilson Staff clubs reviewed? Just checking, I use a Wilson Staff FG Tour M3 3-wood and it performs outstanding
I’ll definitely try out the Callaway XR. Thanks for the analysis.
Information overload. Almost too much to digest, but that’s a good thing.
Appreciate the breakdown. Helpful since I am looking for new woods
Interesting article. Great detail on fairway woods. Plan to use analysis to look for next fairway woods.
So many choices. This helps narrow it down. Thanks
Great list! Thanks for all the info, it’s nice to get educated before going to test/purchase.
Great reviews, love the reviews of the 2 Taylor Made woods and the Calloway XR and the Ping look super clean!
I never thought I’d use Ping clubs but I went to a fitting and theG series fairway woods were unbelievable
I score in the 90s and my driver swing speed is around 90 mph. There was no reason for me to carry a 3 or 4 wood. Then I went for a fitting last month and got the launch, spin and distance numbers that allowed me to add a 3/4 wood to the bag. Thanks to Callaway 816 Alpha! More than enough forgiveness for high handicappers with the distance to gap clubs properly. I see no reason for the upper end of handicap to be limited to 9. Not coming out of my bag for years to come.
I like the reviews and always try out the new clubs that are high recommended. Based on some of the reviews, I purchased a new Calloway 4 wood as well as a new driver. Was not disappointed.
How many people actually still have a 3 wood in their bags? Hybrids all the way!
Great comparative information grouped conveniently together helped me target the perfect solution that I have sought–the Callaway XR16.
Been a ping guy but really like the big Bertha alpha 816. Good reviews, lots of info.
Great review for any golfer What a job you have getting paid to play
Great review for any golfer What a job you have getting paid to play
Thank you for the article – this is the most informative I have seen information on fairway woods in 1 article ever and I have read a lot of them over the years – now I just need to test a few out myself to see what is the best match.
Was hoping to see the the new Titleist 917 but that looks like a fall release. Titleist or bust!
I am a high handicap so appreciate the info on which clubs help that. Getting the ball in the air on the fairway is difficult for me at times. A couple of these clubs might be worth a try.
Thanks Gom, I appreciate the reviews found them to be helpful for my higher handicap.
Great job with the reviews Bob! This a great starting point for a lot of people. I have always had trouble with 3 woods. Very inconsistent with them. Have a M2 in the bag now. Long when I hit it, though! Thanks again for the hard work and reviews.
I actually enjoy reading the reviews on these clubs. My question is if I bought a similar club last year is the new one going to be better. With new clubs coming out every year it would be nice to see a review comparing the new clubs with the clubs from the past couple of years.
Great information to make my final decision on which fairway wood to purchase.
The timing of this info. was great. My son recently encouraged me to pick up the clubs again. This will help tremendously as I am looking for a good fairway wood. Thanks….
Looks like Callaway xr is for me,thanks for the review
Great information for the new golfer and veteran alike
Awesome reviews. I tested a bunch of 3 woods a couple weeks ago and I felt the M2 was by far the best. Great feel and it sure does fly.
Perfect timing for this review. I’ve been looking to upgrade my 3-wood. Great information to have before I head out to test a few of these. Thanks.
The reviews included all the information needed to choose my new fairway wood
Calloway xr may be the hottest thing I’ve hit ! Great reviews on all clubs.
Good info. Enjoyed the the article , now the problem is which one for me. Tnx and keep up the info.
Would like to try the call away fairway metals
Excelent guide Gom, helped me a lot to know exactly what kind of fairway wood will improve my long game. I have an old 3 fairway wood and it is time to renew it.
Regards
Great information if you are looking for a new fairway wood. The reviews make it easier to pick the right club for your handicap and/or game. Thank you.
Great reviews. Very in depth. I’m in the market for a new driver and 3 wood. This is going to be very helpful!
Nice information
Great way to narrow down your choices before going to your pro shop. Gives you a good idea of what might work for you.
100% satisfied with this selection
Good Read.
It’s the only brand I will play!!
Thank you! that will help
Great information!
Great info on the wood selection, handicap range is helpful, all are good products- just need to find the right shaft and feel. Did Wilson Staff not make your list to review? Great products as well
Great information …..helps making a decision easy when you are buying
Great info on all classes, styles and handicaps of woods. Just have find the right feel and shaft by demo-ing different brands. Did Wilson Staff woods not make your review list??
Excellent review as I am looking to purchase a new fairway metal in the near future. Thanks!
Nice review, but I t’s almost impossible to decide on which one suits you best until you get fitted for the right shaft.
Great reviews! Love the way the M1 looks.
I play last year’s Great Big Burtha and I love it. Have to check out the new one.
Thanks for such detailed reviews of all these clubs. Super interesting in swinging the Srixon & Mizunos fairway woods now.
Great info to help decide what fairway wood will fit my game!
Great reviews! Its great to compare similar models from different companies.
Great reviews. I like the M2 and most of the Callaway lineup.
I currently have the XR16 driver, XR 3 wood , XR 5 wood, and the hybrid 4. I played these same clubs from Taylor Made and can honestly say that was the smartest move I have made in club selection in a long time to switch to Callaway . The feel of the ball coming off the club head is something I have not experienced in a while. I now have so much more confidence when I put one of these clubs in my hand.
I actually switched all my clubs to Callaway to include the XR irons.
best idea on the internet in a few years you made me a believer and follower in your company’s internet
Great reviews bought a set of m1irons from golf discount love them. Will have to get the m1 fairway wood.
Great information on all these woods. Thinking about ordering the JPX 3 wood, I love the 5 wood that I got a few weeks ago. This was definitely the most in depth reviews of 3 woods I’ve seen
Great review, I have been in the market for a new 5 wood and the M-1 sounds good.
Like the fact up matching up handicaps for club selection. Definitely will consider other manufactures after looking over reviews!
Great guide. Thanks for the info.
Very informative guide. Really appreciate it.
I also appreciate your comments Adam….Thank You
Nice review. Did not, however, see anything that would prompt me to switch from Titleist.
Nothing wrong with that Bill….great clubs. what about the driver?
Great information ! I think I’m going to look into the TM M2 , thanks again!
There still hot In the WTB pages of Golf Forums, out on the Tours and in the Retail outlets. Good choice and thank you Scott.
I HAVE TRIED A FEW OF THESE CLUBS, AND THEY ARE REALLY GOOD, BUT I CURRENTLY PLAY WITH CUSTOM SET OF MIZUNO JPX IRONS, AND MY DRIVER AND 3 AND 5 WOODS, ALONG WITH 3 AND 4 HYBRIDS ARE MADE BY CRANK GOLF, AND MY GAME HAS NEVER BEEN BETTER. ALSO BOUGHT A SCOTTY CAMERON PUTTER AND THOUGH A LITTLE PRICEY, IT WAS WELL WORTH THE INVESTMENT. ALL OF THESE CLUBS ARE VERY HIGH QUALITY, AND MY SCORE REFLECTS IT!!!! THANKS!!
Great reviews you hit the nail right on the head about the taylormade fairway woods
Thanks Jimmy…..I take it that your tried both M series models? Which one did you go with? I went M2
Lots of great useful information which I feel really break it down to the average golfer. I read the Golf Digest Hotl List and the information you have provided is right up there!
Thank you so much for the compliments Carlos. Glad to hear that you enjoyed the reviews.
Excellent review…very helpful
Prefer the Taylormade M2 line myself.
Great review – really appreciate the effort to distinguish those fairway woods that will get the ball up quickly as this is the main issue that my junior is having – super resource for decision making
Matthew,
Better watch out…..those darn kids get the hang of things pretty quickly.
Glad I could help the youngster
Impressed with your comments on the Taylor made fairway woods. Do you know if Taylor made still makes a 7 wood or has it been replaced by hybrids??
Insightful reviews, enjoyed the comments on how certain clubs sound when striking the ball.
Thanks T.C.
Sound is hard to describe at times and can vary from person to person.
Wow, all these new fairway woods are slick! Thanks for clearing up the key features of all this new tech. I think I’m leaning towards the Bridgestone.
Good review, good info.
Thanks,
Never liked the looks or the sound of the Ping clubs. Read your review and thought I’d give the G series a try. I wanted to like the Taylor made, but I kept coming back to the Ping. Had it fitted and it’s become a weapon.
Good to hear Andrew….thanks
I like the information. Using the same criteria creates a relatively even playing field when trying to pick a club.