Fairway Woods/Hybrids

Key Feature: Is it a fairway wood or a hybrid? According to Adams, it’s both. Made for players who want the playability of a Boxer hybrid with the distance of a fairway wood.
What We Like: The sole design does wonders for minimizing turf drag, which then leads to faster ball speed and ultimately, higher and farther shots. The offset model is great for slicers.
Who It’s For: Depending on what model you pick, there’s a club for everyone. Better players will like the versatile Pro version.
Clubhead: Stainless steel _â” Clubface: Same Custom Options: Yes _â” Lofts: 13, 15, 18 Shafts: Aldila DVS graphite (X, S, R, A)
adamsgolf.com | $199

Key Feature: The unique shape utilizes a forged Maraging Steel face insert that helps move weight low and deep in the clubhead. The result is more spin and a higher trajectory.
What We Like: The mix of new club geometry and old-fashioned good looks make the Player Series a great pick for most golfers. We like the old-school knit headcovers as well.
Who It’s For: Players who want a higher trajectory and more carry (and hence more distance).
Clubhead: Maraging steel _â” Clubface: Same Custom Options: Yes _â” Lofts: 13, 15, 17, 19 Shafts: Graphite Design JS graphite (X, S, R)
bobbyjonesgolf.net | $200

Key Feature: Traditionally shaped for better players, the J33 fairway woods feature an elastomer insert within the clubhead to reduce vibration for a greater transfer of energy at impact. They have a real tour-inspired look too.
What We Like: The classic good looks make the J33 a popular choice among players who like to work the ball from the fairway.
Who It’s For: Better players with moderate to fast swings who want trajectory control and distance when used off the tee.
Clubhead: Stainless steel _â” Clubface: Same Custom Options: Yes _â” Lofts: 15, 18, 21 Shafts: Aldila NV graphite (X, S, R)
bridgestonegolf.com | $179

Key Feature: Using Callaway’s Fusion technology, the FTs have a stainless-steel face and body, with a tungsten-infused sole. Translation? Callaway really tinkered with its weight.
What We Like: The OptiFit system enables golfers to choose from a draw-, neutral- or fade-producing CG. There’s also a cool Tour version.
Who It’s For: Players who want to take advantage of their natural ballflight and move the ball. Clubhead: Stainless steel, tungsten blend Clubface: Stainless steel _â” Lofts: 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23 _â” Custom Options: Yes _â” Shafts: Fujikura Fit-On E-160 graphite (S, R, A); Fujikura Fit-On E370 graphite (FT Tour) (X, S, R)
callawaygolf.com | $249

Key Feature: Borrowing from the square-shaped Ft-i Driver, the Squareways are the most forgiving Callaway woods ever. The carbon crown and stainless-steel design helps make hitting from the fairway as much fun as hitting from the tee. What’s next, square irons?
What We Like: The square shape is easy to align. The ball seems to fly a mile!
Who It’s For: Golfers who want maximum MOI (distance and accuracy) from a fairway wood.
Clubhead: Stainless steel, carbon _â” Clubface: Stainless steel _â” Custom Options: Yes Lofts: 15, 18, 21 _â” Shafts: Fujikura Fit-On M graphite (S, R, A)
callawaygolf.com | $299

Key Feature: The biggest new wood from Callaway packs a driver-sized punch.
What We Like: The leading edge hugs the ground—a must considering the bigger size of the head. The 44-inch shaft makes the X a venerable alternative to the driver.
Who It’s For: Distance-hungry golfers who want a fairway wood that’d pass as a driver a few years ago. There’s also a Tour version.
Clubhead: Stainless steel _â” Clubface: Same Custom Options: Yes _â” Lofts: 13, 15, 18, 21 Shafts: X Fairway 08 graphite (S, R, A, U); Fujikura Fit-On E-360 graphite (S, R); X Steel (S, R, A, U)
callawaygolf.com | $179-$219

Key Feature: The new HiBORE XLS is 24-percent bigger than the original HiBORE and also features a redesigned crown section with “stability foils” for enhanced alignment. The MOI of these fairway woods is also very high, making it a stable club from just about any kind of lie.
What We Like: It looks great, feels great and the two shaft options are, well, great.
Who It’s For: Every golfer who wants a club that lifts the ball off the ground in a hurry.
Clubhead: Stainless steel _â” Clubface: Same Lofts: 13, 15, 19, 22 _â” Custom Options: Yes Shafts: Fujikura Fit-On M (Gold: X, S, R, A) (Red: X, S, R)
clevelandgolf.com | $179

Key Feature: The extended profile from front to back means the CG is going to be placed low and deep, helping golfers get the highest trajectory possible.
What We Like: Each fairway wood has a draw bias, helping golfers not only hit it straighter, but farther as well. We like the several loft options.
Who It’s For: Players who tend to hit slices with their fairway woods but don’t want to resort to an offset design.
Clubhead: Stainless steel _â” Clubface: Same Lofts: 15.5, 17.5, 18, 20, 21, 23, 24, 26 Custom Options: Yes _â” Shafts: Speed Pro LD graphite (S, R, A, L); Nippon steel (S, R)
cobragolf.com | $129

Key Feature: The Hex2 fairway woods have a carbon crown that’s fused with a Maraging Steel clubface, all wrapped up in the HEX2’s unique hexagonal shape.
What We Like: The shape helps bolster the MOI, and even though it’s very different than any other fairway wood—we love the way it sets up.
Who It’s For: Golfers who want technology without the premium price.
Clubhead: Maraging steel, carbon _â” Clubface: Maraging steel _â” Lofts: 17, 21 _â” Custom Options: N/A _â” Shafts: Hippo CP4 proprietary graphite (S, R)
hippo-golf.com | $99

Key Feature: Using what KZG calls “Gravitational Force Technology,” the GF2 enables clubfitters to adjust among 49 different weight configurations.
What We Like: The stainless-steel body and sole are very strong, but the proprietary steel used in the clubface is what launches the ball at blazing speeds.
Who It’s For: All types of players who want to put the task of clubfitting in the hands of clubfitting professionals.
Clubhead: Stainless steel _â” Clubface: Same Lofts: 15, 19, 23 _â” Custom Options: Yes Shafts: KZG Novatech graphite (X, S, R, A, L)
kzgolf.com | Custom Order

Key Feature: Even though it’s a steel clubhead, the MT features a Cup Face design that creates an enormous sweetspot and added strength behind the ball at impact.
What We Like: The new direction MacGregor is taking in creating traditonal shapes designed for the discerning player. Also, the offset version is a good one for chronic slicers.
Who It’s For: Virtually all types of players who appreciate technology that’s hidden inside the clubhead.
Clubhead: Stainless steel _â” Clubface: Same Lofts: 13, 15, 16.5, 18 _â” Custom Options: Yes Shafts: MT proprietary graphite (X, S, R, A, L)
macgregorgolf.com | $199

Key Feature: Mizuno’s “Perimeter Weight Slot.” This feature distributes weight deep and toward the perimeter, raising the club’s MOI and COR.
What We Like: Its ultra-lightweight titanium crown. That feature, plus the lineup’s stainless-steel body and Perimeter Weight Slot, ensures that the F-60 lineup provides a high launch and forgiving overall experience.
Who It’s For: Golfers who crave forgiveness in their clubs and prefer a more traditionally shaped clubhead.
Clubhead: Titanium _â” Clubface: Stainless steel Lofts: 13.5, 15, 16.5, 18, 21 _â” Custom Options: Yes _â” Shafts: Exsar FS3 (S, R, A, L)
mizunousa.com | $200

Key Feature: Each 4DX fairway wood has a titanium crown that’s brazed with a stainless-steel body, resulting in added strength where it’s needed and less weight in the crown. Twin XW weights in the rear section of the clubhead bolster the MOI and deepen the CG.
What We Like: Smooth looks and the new Evolver technology makes shaft-swapping easier than ever before.
Who It’s For: All types of golfers.
Clubhead: Stainless steel, titanium _â” Clubface: Stainless steel _â” Lofts: 13, 15, 17, 19, 21 Custom Options: Yes _â” Shafts: UST SG3 graphite (X, S, R, A)
nickentgolf.com | $199

Key Feature: A square shape (that, because of its Powerbow weighting, doesn’t look it) jacks up its MOI. The result is a higher launch and greater overall distance.
What We Like: Nike’s repackaging of their popular, similarly shaped driver into a smaller package. It’s also fun to look at.
Who It’s For:Golfers who don’t scoff at interesting shapes and want to hit the ball straight as an arrow. (That includes us.)
Clubhead: Stainless steel _â” Clubface: Cryogenic steel _â” Lofts: 13, 15, 17, 19, 21 Custom Options: Yes _â” Shafts: Diamana graphite by Mitsubishi (X, S, R, A)
nikegolf.com | $230

Key Feature: The new SasQuatch 2 fairway woods employ a Monorail sole design for reduced turf drag, and the bulk of the club’s weight is placed toward the rear perimeter of the clubhead. This means a high MOI and deep CG, which equals higher and farther golf shots.
What We Like: The cryogenic steel face helps the golf ball pop right off the face.
Who It’s For: If it’s good enough for Tiger Woods, it’s good enough for everyone, right?
Clubhead: Stainless steel _â” Clubface: Cryogenic steel _â” Lofts: 13, 15, 17, 19, 21 Custom Options: Yes _â” Shafts: SQ Diamana by Mitsubishi Rayon (X, S, R, A, W)
nikegolf.com | $239

Key Feature: The crown and the sole meet in the back, which means the G10 fairway woods have a low profile and low CG for higher shots.
What We Like: The low leading edge makes it hard to miss the ball, and the playability this club has from just about anywhere on the course rivals anything we’ve tried.
Who It’s For: Ping has a loft and model for everyone, including those of you who need a club with some draw bias.
Clubhead: Stainless steel _â” Clubface: Same Custom Options: Yes _â” Lofts: 14, 15.5, 17, 18.5, 21.5, 24.5 _â” Shafts: PING TFC 129 graphite (X, S, R, A, L)
pinggolf.com | $219

Key Feature: Each Rapture has a plasma-welded titanium face that lightens the load up front and a weight pad directly below the CG to help promote a higher trajectory for more distance.
What We Like: The all-titanium design combined with discretionary weight toward the perimeter really seems to bolster the MOI, helping to make this fairway wood among the most forgiving you can buy.
Who It’s For: Anybody looking to reach more par-5s in two shots.
Clubhead: Titanium _â” Clubface: Same Lofts: 14, 17, 20 _â” Custom Options: Yes Shafts: PING TFC 909F graphite (X, S, R, A)
pinggolf.com | $299

Key Feature: Called Impact Power Body technology, the Z-Steel has varying degrees of thickness across the face, crown and backwall for the utmost in energy transfer upon impact. The tungsten nickel insert lowers the CG for a high launch and more stability.
What We Like: This club is designed to promote a high launch with low spin—in other words, just what touring pros want.
Who It’s For: Golfers who want the aforementioned characteristics and low spin.
Clubhead: Maraging steel _â” Clubface: Steel Lofts: 12.5, 14.5 18.5 _â” Custom Options: Yes Shafts: SV-305J graphite (S, SR)
srixon.com | $199

Key Feature: With an amazingly high MOI, the Burner is a must-have if you need stability and distance from both the tee and fairway.
What We Like: The low-profile design helps golfers get the ball airborne, virtually eliminating thin shots. The TP version is a great choice for better players, and the Draw option is a great one for slicers.
Who It’s For: Those who want to hit it straight and far. End of story.
Clubhead: Stainless steel _â” Clubface: Same Custom Options: Yes _â” Lofts: 15, 18, 21 Shafts: RE*AX graphite (X, S, R); Dynamic Gold Lite steel (X, S, R)
taylormadegolf.com | $199-$249

Key Feature: A triangular head shape that features three adjustable weight screws (totaling 18 grams) for the utmost in perimeter weighting and MOI.
What We Like: The adjustable weighting can affect a golfer’s ballflight by a whopping 22 yards. Just the thing for slicers who want to hit a draw, or vice versa.
Who It’s For: People who can’t seem to get the ball airborne and need its high MOI properties; golfers who don’t mind its triangular shape.
Clubhead: Titanium _â” Clubface: Same _â” Lofts: 15, 18, 21 _â” Custom Options: Yes _â” Shafts: RE*AX SF 45 graphite (X, S, R)
taylormadegolf.com | $300

Key Feature: A Titleist fairway wood for the rest of us? This club has a low profile, high MOI and exceptionally hot face, for a solid blend of both distance and forgiveness.
What We Like: The pear shape and low profile inspires more confidence, and we really like the boost in shot trajectory from the fairway.
Who It’s For: Better players who like their clubs square at setup; golfers who like its melding of tradition and technology.
Clubhead: Stainless steel _â” Clubface: 275 Carpenter steel _â” Lofts: 13.5, 15.5, 18.5 Custom Options: Yes _â” Shafts: Aldila VS Proto 80 (X, S, R); Graphite Design YS-6+ (X, S, R)
titleist.com | $200

Key Feature: Its titanium cupface. Trust us, you’ll notice the difference: faster ball speeds and an explosive launch. It’s a big 3-wood.
What We Like: How it’s put together. Its lightweight titanium crown and cupface are joined with a steel body, creating a low and deep CG. The ball gets airborne in a hurry as well.
Who It’s For: Better players who don’t mind the slightly open face at address and who wouldn’t mind a 3-wood that goes as far as most drivers.
Clubhead: Steel body, titanium crown Clubface: Titanium _â” Lofts: 13, 15, 16.5, 18, 21 Custom Options: Yes _â” Shafts: Aldila NV 65 (R, S, X)
touredge.com | $350

Golf industry experts say that for the first time ever, golfers are buying more hybrids than fairway woods this year. That phenomenon is happening for several reasons, the first being that manufacturers are mostly only making 3- and 5-woods, and some 7-woods, these days. When golfers play higher lofts, they typically seem to be opting for hybrids. “With fairway woods, the 15-degree is the most popular loft we sell,” says Mark Christensen, Cleveland Golf’s business unit leader of woods and hybrids. “The 19-degree wood still gets bought a lot, but we stopped the 22- and 25-degree models, due to lack of demand. Hybrids are eating up all of the higher loft sales.” Another reason for the shift: Now that people know all about hybrids, they want more performance from them, including high launch and trajectory, the ability to hit them off the tee, distance and more green-holding control. That’s why manufacturers have begun incorporating into woods and hybrids all of the same geometry and use of multiple materials that they’ve been building into drivers the past year, in an effort to lower the CG and increase the MOI. Because hybrids have shorter shafts than fairway woods, they’re easier to control. So this year, even more hybrids are bearing hybrid-specific shafts that are generally weighted accordingly and sport a tip section that balances flex and torque, producing the optimal trajectory and ball speed. Ultimately, choosing woods or hybrids comes down to having clubs that cover all distances at the long end of your set.

Although not square-shaped, the Boxer comes pretty close. Designed to help push the CG low and deep in the head and effectively boost the MOI, the Boxer is an easy-to-hit option from just about any lie. We especially like the cambered sole, and the stock Grafalloy ProLaunch Red shaft is a nice touch. So is the offset version for players who need to keep their slice at bay. All models are sneaky long, too.
Lofts: 16, 19, 22, 25
adamsgolf.com | $149

Designed for players who want both forgiveness and the ability to shape shots, the J36 Hybrids utilize a neat internal weighting structure to increase the MOI for resistance to twisting and loss of distance. Also innovative, the progressive leading edge design means the leading edge of the clubface gets sharper as loft goes up, making it a cinch to hit it solid. Better players will love the versatility of these clubs.
Lofts: 16, 19, 22, 25
bridgestonegolf.com | $179

The next gen hybrid from Callaway features Fusion technology that doesn’t use carbon—instead, it’s a fusion of a stainless steel face and body with a tungsten-infused sole. This means the weight in the sole can be strategically manipulated, and depending on the model of choice, golfers can choose between a draw, fade or neutral design. By the way, the CG is low and the MOI is high for super forgiveness.
Lofts: 18, 21, 24, 27
callawaygolf.com | $199

Designed with a sole similar to the X Fairway Woods, the X Hybrid is designed to minimize turf drag while still keeping the leading edge close to the ground for crisp, clean contact. The MOI on the X Hybrid is also high, meaning these hybrids will help golfers not only hit it straighter, but higher and farther as well. Other notable features include VFT face tech, S2H2 hosel design and TruBore shaft technology.
Lofts: 18, 21, 24, 27
<a href="http://golftipsmag.golfballs.com/PC1552/Callaway-Go

Fairway Woods Buyer’s Guide 2007

It doesn’t matter if it’s a long par-3, a short par-4 or a reachable par-5, making the right shot choice first depends on having the right clubs to choose from. Today, fairway woods have become longer, bigger and more powerful than ever, and hybrids, on the other hand, have become more specific, acting as either long-iron replacements or high-lofted fairway-wood replacements. The key is to begin analyzing your current set makeup in order to determine what’s missing. Need a club that goes 215 yards and stops on a dime? How about a 3-wood that flies almost as far as your driver, albeit a lot straighter? Maybe both? Discerning your needs is crucial to hitting better shots. And with today’s models, it’s hard to go wrong.

Sole Provider
The sole of a fairway wood or hybrid is especially important since it’s used off the grass in a sweeping motion, unlike a digging motion that an iron may have. Some FW models have fins to help minimize friction, while others may have smooth soles to help the club slide through the turf. Either way, the technology of most fairway woods and hybrids is on the inside, where much of the weight is placed low and deep on the sole to help lower the center of gravity. A lower CG promotes a high launch angle for higher shots. The deeper in the sole the CG is placed, the higher the MOI, which affects the clubhead’s forgiveness and loss of distance on off-center hits.

About Face
What’s in a face? It depends. In the case of the Tour Edge Exotics CB2, the face is a titanium “cupface” design, which means the entire front section of the clubhead and a portion of the sole and crown form a cup shape, which is then Combo-Brazed onto the rest of the club. This method helps not only strengthen the face, but adds strength where it’s needed and promotes a low and deep CG to promote a higher ballflight. As for COR, most fairway woods have CORs that challenge drivers in the category (reaching the 0.830 limit). When it comes to shape, note that shallow-faced models tend to have lower CGs than deep-faced models.

Choose The Right Clubs!
If there’s one thing for sure, it’s that fairway woods and hybrids don’t get the credit they so deserve. In fact, we think fairway woods and hybrids don’t get enough play, either, considering many amateurs still tend to hit driver off every tee and long irons from the fairway, despite there being other clubs that are a lot easier to hit. Therefore, let’s make 2007 the year we start playing smarter by choosing a fairway wood that gets the job done both off the tee and on the grass. Also, now is the time to drop those long irons from the bag in favor of a hybrid (or a few). Check out the following models, and pay attention to which clubs have the kind of performance benefits that will help your game the most. Trust us, the right fairway woods and hybrids will lower your score immediately.

Understanding Our Charts
Features: The primary design elements that make the wood noteworthy.
Advantages: How the primary design elements are meant to elevate the wood’s performance.
Benefits: A general recommendation as to which skill level or player type would be best served by the wood model in question.
What We Like: We have our preferences, too. A quick description of what impressed us in our review and testing.
Lineup: The other wood models available from the manufacturer.
Clubhead: The primary material from which the club is either forged or cast, usually a form of steel. There are titanium models, but steel dominates the wood market, as the smaller head size mandates the use of heavier materials.
Clubface: Indicates the material used for the strike area. Check out the prevalent use of maraging steel for the face.
Lofts: Lists all of the lofts available in the line and whether or not the wood models are available for lefties.
Shafts: These are the stock graphite shaft offerings from the manufacturer. Almost all fairway woods are available with custom shaft options, however. See the manufacturers’ Websites for details. The driver is the star of the golf club world, and as such, gets seemingly all the attention, all the kudos and all the technological advancements. As a result, for a lot of golfers fairway woods have become nothing more than afterthoughts that are needed simply to fill out their collection of clubs. This approach is a definite mistake, and one that should be immediately exchanged for one that views fairway clubs as critical members of every golfer’s arsenal.

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Adams Insight BUL adamsgolf.com (800) 622-0609 | $199 Built to be exceptionally forgiving, the Insight BUL is also very long. Features: The steel body of the Insight BUL is combined with a titanium face and crown section to effectively strengthen the hitting area, as well as lower the CG and elevate the club’s MOI. Advantages: The upside-down appearance (remember the ol’ Tight Lies?) makes it easier to sweep through the rough or hit from, you guessed it, tight lies. That doesn’t mean it’s not great for hitting off the tee as well, as the Insight BUL proves its worth as a solid driver alternative. Benefits: Players who like to hit it long from the turf. What We Like: The titanium crown and face really make for a solid feel and sound at impact. It also gets the ball airborne in a hurry. Lineup: Insight BUL, Insight BTY, Redline RPM, RPM Low Profile Clubhead: Stainless steel, Titanium Clubface: Titanium Lofts: 13_¡, 15_¡, 18_¡, 21_¡ Shafts: Adams 75g Speedline graphite by Aldila (X, S, R)	Bob Burns No Bananas bobburnsgolf.com (920) 991-9663 | $175 Slicers know that slices aren’t just limited to tee shots. The No Bananas is designed to help straighten out shots from both the tee and fairway. Features: By utilizing a subtle offset and a clubface angle that’s closed a couple degrees, the No Bananas fairway woods help not only correct slices, but also promote drawspin, which eventually leads to more distance. Advantages: The 3-wood model comes with adjustable weights to aid trajectory and fine-tune spin. The 5- and 7-wood are remarkably forgiving. Benefits: Obviously, the golfers who will get the most out of the No Bananas are slicers. The drawspin adds extra distance too. What We Like: We’re still in love with the logo! Nevertheless, the performance also speaks for itself. Lineup: No Bananas Clubhead: Stainless steel Clubface: Same Lofts: 15_¡, 19_¡, 24_¡ Shafts: Bob Burns graphite (S, R, A); Custom shafts available
Bobby Jones Player Series bobbyjonesgolf.net (866) 858-5522 | $230 Jesse Ortiz has taken his vast knowledge of both traditional and modern wood design to create a unique club with an elegant look. Features: An eye-catching shape and low-profile design that utilizes a forged maraging-steel crown insert to move more weight into low and deep areas of the clubhead for a low and deep CG. That means higher-flying shots. Advantages: Playability from the tee, fairway and rough, as well as higher launch angles and greater overall distance. Benefits: Higher overall trajectory for greater distance, forgiveness and accuracy is ideal for virtually every kind of player. What We Like: Unusual but classy look combined with modern performance. The Bobby Jones and Jesse Ortiz combo is a plus. Lineup: Players Series Clubhead: Maraging steel Clubface: Same Lofts: 13_¡, 15_¡, 17_¡, 19_¡ Shafts: Graphite Design JS graphite (X, S, R)	Callaway Big Bertha callawaygolf.com (800) 818-5117 | $199 The new Big Bertha fairway wood is bigger than the original Big Bertha driver! Features: This set of fairway woods feature wide soles and a wide width from head to toe, all the while maintaining a low profile. This design affords the club a low CG position and a strong MOI, for shots that fly high and straight. Advantages: Like the driver, the clubhead of each fairway wood rests on two areas of the sole, and the new white alignment aid along the leading edge of the clubface makes aligning the clubhead a breeze. Benefits: Those who want to bomb it from the fairway. What We Like: We couldn’t believe this club was actually bigger than the original BB. Not only that, but we think it’s longer as well. Clubhead: Stainless steel Clubface: Same Lofts: 16_¡, 19_¡, 22_¡, 25_¡ (16_¡, 19_¡ available LH) Shafts: Big Bertha Fairway Graphite (S, R, A); Custom shafts available
Callaway X Hot callawaygolf.com (800) 818-5117 | $229 Equipped with the kind of technology normally reserved for drivers, the new X Hot Fairway from Callaway begs golfers to go for more par-5s in two. Features: The new X Hot Fairway model has a 44-inch shaft, and like the Big Bertha fairway woods, is also bigger than the original Big Bertha driver. Only this time, the X Hot has an enhanced Carpenter steel clubface for increased ball speed. Advantages: The oversized design lends a high MOI and lowered CG, and the 44-inch Fujikura Banzai shaft makes this fairway wood driver-esque. Benefits: Players who want driver-like distance from the fairway. What We Like: Is this really a fairway wood? Or a driver? Lineup: Big Bertha, X Hot, X, Fusion Clubhead: Stainless steel Clubface: Carpenter steel Lofts: 15_¡ (available LH) Shafts: Fujikura Banzai (S, R, A)	Bridgestone J33 bridgestonegolf.com (800) 358-6319 | $179 Traditional profile designed for more accomplished players, but with the addition of modern technological advantages. Features: Constructed from responsive 17-4 stainless steel for increased ball speed, the J33 fairway woods also feature an elastomer compound insert within the clubhead for reduced vibration at impact and a more efficient energy transfer for greater distance. Tungsten weighting in the sole effectively lowers and deepens the CG location. Advantages: Penetrating trajectory with added distance and forgiveness. Benefits: Provides accuracy as well as shotmaking versatility, making it a wood for everyone. What We Like: The impressive blend of traditional looks and modern performance, and the Aldila NV shaft is a fantastic addition. Nice price, too. Lineup: J33 Clubhead: Stainless steel Clubface: Same Lofts: 15_¡, 18_¡, 21_¡ Shafts: Aldila NV 75 graphite (X, S, R)

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Cleveland HiBore Fairway clevelandgolf.com (800) 999-6263 | $219 Cleveland’s HiBore Fairway woods use Distance Driven Geometry and make hitting from the fairway a piece of cake. Features: Like the HiBore driver, the HiBore Fairway woods have an inverted crown design, which aids in effectively placing the sweet spot and the hot spot of every wood right in the center of the clubface. This helps golfers attain not only maximum ball speed, but also the optimal launch characteristic desired for each wood. Advantages: The large face area works to minimize any loss of distance on off-center hits. Benefits: This club will perform well with any kind of golfer. Better players can upgrade the shaft What We Like: The look inspires confidence, and they’re almost too easy to hit. Lineup: HiBore, Launcher Comp Clubhead: Stainless steel Clubface: Same Lofts: 13_¡, 15_¡, 19_¡, 22_¡ (15_¡, 19_¡ available LH) Shafts: Fujikura HiBore graphite (X, S, R, A); Custom shafts available	Cobra Speed LD cobragolf.com (800) 225-8500 | $225 M: F: Cobra’s latest entry in the fairway wood category includes a diverse collection of woods designed for maximum power and slice reduction. Features: The Speed LD fairway metals have an extended profile from front to back, as well as an increased slope in the crown section to further enhance the MOI as well as lower the CG. Translation: bigger and higher shots. Advantages: Each metal is designed to promote a draw, which not only eliminates slices, but also tacks on a few more yards of distance. Benefits: Recreational golfers will find these woods appealing; slicers will dig the offset version. What We Like: These woods look like drivers, but it’s pretty easy to get the ball airborne off the turf. Lineup: Speed LD: F, M Offset, M Offset Seniors, M Offset Women’s, Speed Pro Clubhead: Stainless steel Clubface: Same Lofts: 15.5_¡, 17.5_¡, 18_¡, 20_¡, 21_¡, 23_¡, 24_¡, 26_¡ (available LH) Shafts: Speed Pro LD graphite (S, R, A, L); Nippon steel (S, R)
KZG GF2 kzgolf.com (800) 200-8800 | Custom Order Movable-weight technology continues to be a valuable asset among more seasoned players seeking the utmost in fairway wood shotmaking. Features: The GF2 fairway woods feature what KZG called “Gravitational Force Technology,” which enables clubfitters the ability to adjust between 49 different weight configurations. This type of customization can either enhance or eliminate fades, slices, draws and hooks. Advantages: The stainless steel body and sole are very strong, but the proprietary steel used in the clubface is what launches the ball at blazing speeds. Benefits: All players who want a fairway wood that yields consistent results. What We Like: The no-nonsense good looks and the piercing trajectory. Lineup: Gemini, GF2, CH III, Cobalt Clubhead: Stainless steel Clubface: Proprietary maraging alloy Lofts: 15_¡, 19_¡, 23_¡ (15_¡, 19_¡ available LH) Shafts: KZG Novatech graphite (X, S, R, A, L); Custom shafts available	MacGregor NVG2 Draw macgregorgolf.com (800) 841-4358 | $199 With Greg Norman now a principal investor, MacGregor is even more hell-bent on helping golfers improve than ever before. Features: Designed with a draw-bias, MacGregror’s Cup-Face 360 technology and a Triple Action shaft, these fairway woods are bona fide slice removers. Advantages: The cup-face design really enhances the sweet spot, making it much more forgiving on off-center hits. The draw-bias weighting not only eliminates slices, but helps add distance as well by imparting drawspin for a more penetrating ballflight. Benefits: Slicers, but also those who want to hit it farther from the fairway. What We Like: No offset needed. The genius is inside” Lineup: NVG2, NVG2 Draw Clubhead: Stainless steel Clubface: Maraging steel Lofts: 13_¡, 15_¡, 18_¡, 21_¡ (15_¡, 18_¡ available LH) Shafts: Fujikura Triple Action graphite (X, S, R, A)
HiPPO ITX3 hippo-golf.com (800) 204-2807 | $99 The ITX3 fairway woods incorporate the same cool technology found in the ITX3 driver. Features: Of the few fairway wood models that incorporate carbon and steel, the ITX3 does it well by combining a carbon crown with a stainless steel face. The ensuing result is a low CG that produces a high initial launch angle. Advantages: Additional weight bars in the heel region promote a draw bias and reduce the effects of a slice. The radiused sole enables the clubhead to slip through the grass with ease. The ITX3 fairway woods also seem to fit as the perfect buffer between the ITX3 driver and ITX3 hybrids. Benefits: Players of all skill levels will appreciate the performance and great value of the ITX3. What We Like: A great performer and among the best clubs you can buy for the money. Lineup: ITX3, XXL, OS4 Clubhead: Stainless steel, Carbon Clubface: Stainless steel Lofts: 15_¡, 19_¡ Shafts: HiPPO proprietary graphite (S, R)	Mizuno F-50 mizunousa.com (800) 966-1211 | $200 Mizuno applies composite-crown technology to fairway-wood design. Features: A composite crown combines with a steel body to produce a low and deep CG. Speed Plate sole design and Mizuno’s own Exsar graphite shaft round out the features of this top-notch fairway wood line. Advantages: Carbon-composite crown technology moves weight away from the top of the club and toward the bottom, making it easier to get the ball airborne. A unique sole design reduces turf drag. Benefits: Golfers who want a technological advantage (and extra distance and accuracy) in their fairway woods. What We Like: Use of visible carbon-composite crown without taking away from the classy look. Lineup: F-50 Clubhead: Stainless steel, Carbon Clubface: Stainless steel Lofts: 13.5_¡, 15_¡, 16.5_¡, 18_¡, 21_¡ (15_¡, 18_¡ available LH) Shafts: Mizuno Exsar FS2 graphite (S, R); True Temper Dynamic Gold steel (S, R)

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Nike SasQuatch 2 nikegolf.com (888) 799-NIKE | $239 The latest club to enter Tiger’s bag, the SQ2 is already considered to be the best fairway wood ever from Nike. Features: Not to be confused with a Disneyland attraction, the Monorail sole design of the SQ2 slides through the turf with ease, resulting in less friction and greater clubhead speed at impact. In addition, the PowerBow to the rear helps to place weight farther back for a lowered CG and raised MOI. Advantages: The Cryo-Steel clubface is very strong, and despite being a member of the oddly shaped SQ line, the SQ2 fairway woods retain a classic look. Benefits: All players will reap the rewards of this club. Maybe not the same rewards Tiger does, but you get the idea. What We Like: The ballflight is high and penetrating. Lineup: SasQuatch 2, Ignite T60 Clubhead: Stainless steel Clubface: Same Lofts: 13_¡, 15_¡, 17_¡, 19_¡, 21_¡ (available LH) Shafts: SasQuatch Diamana graphite (X, S, R, A); True Temper Speed Step Light steel (X, S, R, A)	Perfect Club Collection theperfectclub.com (866) 843-0260 | $100 The original Perfect Club was designed to replace long irons. Now the company has developed an easy-to-hit alternative to almost every long iron and fairway wood in your bag. Features: The Perfect Club collection of woods is designed with shorter shaft lengths, which always means more control. Furthermore, each club features offset to help golfers make square contact more consistently and minimize sidespin. Advantages: The head has rear weighting for a deep and low CG, promoting a high trajectory and a lot of forgiveness. Benefits: High-handicappers will appreciate the extra help the Perfect Club delivers. What We Like: The ease of use. Lineup: Accuracy, Original, Plus, Spoon Clubhead: Stainless steel Clubface: Same Lofts: 15_¡ Spoon, 18_¡ Plus, 21_¡ Original, 24_¡ Accuracy (available LH) Shafts: Perfect Club graphite (S, R, A, L).
PING G5 pinggolf.com (800) 4-PING-FIT | $225 ($180 steel) PING continues its rise in the wood category with the new G5. Features: The G5 offers a larger head size than most traditional fairway woods, a welcome development for many golfers. The strength of the steel used in the clubface allows for a thinner, more powerful hitting area, while internal weight pads, which move progressively back in the head as the loft of the club increases, optimize CG location. Advantages: The large head size provides confidence and added forgiveness. The thin clubface enhances feel and ball speed and, as a result, distance. Benefits: Golfers who like to hit their 3-wood off the tee will like the larger size, as will those who opt for the 5- or 7-woods. What We Like: Unique alignment aid on the crown. Lineup: G5 Clubhead: Stainless steel Clubface: Same Lofts: 13__, 15__, 18__, 21__, 24__ (available LH) Shafts: PING TFC100, Aldila NV 75 or Grafalloy ProLaunch 75 graphite (X, S, R); PING JZ steel (X, S, R)	PING Rapture pinggolf.com (800) 4-PING-FIT | $299 The Rapture drivers are already wildly popular and successful. Will the same hold true for the fairway woods? (We think so.) Features: Each Rapture fairway wood has a plasma-welded titanium face that lightens the load up front and a weight pad located directly below the CG to produce a high initial launch angle and improved overall distance. Advantages: The all-titanium design of the Rapture afforded PING the luxury of placing weight farther around the perimeter, therefore enhancing the club’s MOI and forgiveness on off-center strikes. Benefits: All golfers will find the Rapture to be useful in reaching par-5s in two. What We Like: We like results, and the results are outstanding. Lineup: G5, Rapture Clubhead: Titanium Clubface: Same Lofts: 14_¡, 17_¡, 20_¡ (available LH) Shafts: PING TFC 909F graphite (X, S, R, A); Custom shafts available
Sonartec GS Tour sonartec.com (760) 930-2454 | $220 From the company who quietly became a fairway wood superpower comes a much louder entry into its fairway wood arsenal. Features: The GS Tour has a driving cavity located in the sole to effectively reduce drag and enhance the club’s natural sweet spot. Known for manufacturing fairway woods that cater to better players, the GS Tour this time has a lower CG and a higher launch angle for greater playability. Advantages: A refined leading edge makes crisp contact easy. Benefits: Moderate to better players who know that Sonartec makes great stuff. Let it be known, the GS Tour is even better than before. What We Like: It’s so long, you’ll wish you hadn’t spent $400 on a new driver. Lineup: GS Tour, SS-2.5, SS-3.5, LS-99 Clubhead: Stainless steel Clubface: Same Lofts: 13_¡, 14_¡, 15_¡, 18_¡ Shafts: Graphite Design Red Ice (X, S, R, A); Custom shafts available	TaylorMade r7 Fairway Steel taylormadegolf.com (800) 888-CLUB | $229 The steel version of the r7 fairway holds its own against the rest. Features: The r7 Steel fairway woods Fairway Woods Buyer’s Guide 2006 The driver is the star of the golf club world, and as such, gets seemingly all the attention, all the kudos and all the technological advancements. As a result, for a lot of golfers fairway woods have become nothing more than afterthoughts that are needed simply to fill out their collection of clubs. This approach is a definite mistake, and one that should be immediately exchanged for one that views fairway clubs as critical members of every golfer’s arsenal. In fact, modern fairway woods now feature many of the same technologies found in drivers, including movable weights, ultra-thin clubfaces, low CG placement, premium-quality, high-tech shafts, innovative materials and a wide variety of loft choices. If you’re the type of player who prefers to use your 3-wood as a driver alternative off the tee, you’ll be happy to find that many of today’s fairway woods perform like mini drivers, providing significantly greater ball speed, distance and forgiveness than ever before. And for those who like to use fairway woods to reach long par-4s and attack par-5s, the array of modern sole designs and loft choices will make your life, and your golf game, a lot easier. So don’t take your fairway woods for granted. Explore the choices that are now available, and experiment with a few different models. You’ll be surprised how great these clubs really are. Take a look at a sampling of premium-quality woods and you’ll notice a variety of sole rails, sizes, weights and geometries, all of which play a part in not only how the club performs when it’s in motion, but how it sits at address and, in the case of hybrids, how it might work on greenside chips. Of course, the best way to find out which of these design elements work best is to demo some different models and observe the results. Keep in mind that the type of courses you play should also be a consideration, as certain types of sole designs will work better in soft conditions and others on firm turf. Got Sole? When it comes to fairway wood design, the sole is a major point of focus, and for good reason. Obviously, a significant part of a fairway wood’s job is to be functional from the fairway and rough, and the design of the sole–and how it interacts with different lies and types of turf–is critical to its overall performance. Face The Facts When oversized titanium drivers began boasting high COR (trampoline effect) due largely to thin, strong, flexible titanium faces, most golfers eagerly anticipated the day when the same technology would be available in fairway woods. Unfortunately, due to the smaller size of fairway woods, that development didn’t come right away, and many players figured it never would. Well, the day is finally here, as club designers and engineers have found ways to raise the COR of fairway woods through the use of new steel alloys that can be made extremely thin and flexible. As a result, many strong-lofted 3-woods can now produce driver-like distance with ample forgiveness. Our Pro’s Take On: Woods You’ll find a good fairway wood to be very useful, especially in long-carry situations where extra loft or height is necessary. In general, the fairway wood has a lower CG than an iron, which helps it more easily produce higher loft. In addition, the basic fairway wood design allows the club to slide nicely through rough, making even the toughest lies a breeze. Remember that a fairway wood, when played from the ground, needs a slight descending blow–just like an iron. Play the ball a few inches inside the left heel. Your goal is to brush the grass firmly without allowing the club to dig or take a divot. –Jeff Ritter, PGA ASU/Karsten Learning Center, Tempe, Ariz. Tech Talk Au Revoir, Fairway Wood? By John B. Hoeflich Senior Vice President Nickent Golf Without a doubt, the current status of fairway woods is quite vulnerable. This state of flux is due to the rise in popularity of hybrid clubs. Many people are taking the more-lofted fairway woods out of the bag and replacing them with the hybrid clubs. That’s because most golfers–PGA Tour pros included–find hybrids much easier to hit from various lies than traditional fairway woods. Two or three years from now, I really think that there will be fewer fairway woods on the market and more hybrids out there. That’s going to influence what you’ll see from manufacturers. Look for 12- to 16-degree 3-woods that are designed to perform more like drivers. Understanding Our Charts Features: The primary design elements that make the wood noteworthy. Advantages: How the primary design elements are meant to elevate the wood’s performance. Benefits: A general recommendation as to which skill level or player type would best be served by the wood model in question. What We Like: We have our preferences, too. A quick description of what impressed us in our review and testing. Lineup: The other wood models available from the manufacturer. Clubhead: The primary material from which the club is either forged or cast, usually a form of steel. There are titanium models, but steel dominates the wood market, as the smaller head size mandates the use of heavier materials. Clubface: Indicates the material used for the strike area. Check out the prevalent use of maraging steel for the face. Loft(s): Lists all of the lofts available in the line as well as left-hand availability. Shaft(s): Stock graphite offerings as well as steel options. Custom models often available. Bobby Jones Player Series www.bobbyjonesgolf.net (866) 858-5522 | $230 Jess Ortiz takes his vast knowledge of both traditional and modern wood design and creates a unique club with an elegant look. Features: An eye-catching shape and low-profile design that utilizes a forged maraging-steel crown insert to move more weight into low and deep areas of the clubhead for a low and deep CG. That means higher-flying shots. Advantages: Playability from the tee, fairway and rough, as well as higher launch angles and greater overall distance. Benefits: Higher overall trajectory for greater distance, forgiveness and accuracy. What We Like: Unusual but classy look combined with modern performance. The Bobby Jones and Jesse Ortiz combo is a plus. Lineup: Player Series Clubhead: Maraging steel Clubface: Same Loft(s): 13_¡, 15_¡, 17_¡, 19_¡ (no LH) Shaft(s): Graphite Design JS graphite (X, S, R) Bridgestone J33 www.bridgestonegolf.com (800) 358-6319 | $249 Traditional profile designed for more accomplished players, but with the addition of some modern technological advantages. Features: Constructed from responsive 17-4 stainless steel for increased ball speed, the J33 fairway woods also feature an elastomer compound insert within the clubhead for reduced vibration at impact and a more efficient energy transfer for greater distance. Tungsten weighting in the sole effectively lowers and deepens the CG location. Advantages: Penetrating trajectory with added distance and forgiveness. Benefits: Provides accuracy as well as shotmaking versatility, making it a wood for everyone. What We Like: The impressive blend of traditional looks and modern performance. Lineup: J33 Clubhead: Stainless steel Clubface: Same Loft(s): 15_¡, 18_¡, 21_¡, (no LH) Shaft(s): Aldila NV 75 graphite (X, S, R) Callaway X www.callawaygolf.com (800) 818-5117 | $250 ($225 steel) Callaway has long been a stalwart in fairway-wood design, and the X is the company’s latest and possibly best yet. Features: A three-piece stainless-steel clubhead and dual-keel sole as well as strategically placed perimeter weighting create a high MOI and consistent trajectory and ballflight. Advantages: Unique sole design stabilizes the clubhead both at address and through contact. Benefits: Any golfer who ultimately needs forgiveness from a 3-wood, look no further. What We Like: Slightly smaller Tour models with stronger lofts. Lineup: Fusion, X, Big Bertha Titanium, Big Bertha Clubhead: Stainless steel Clubface: Same Loft(s): X–15__, 17__, 19__, 21__, 23__ (15__, 19__, 21__ available LH); X Tour–13__, 15__ (no LH) Shaft(s): Proprietary Fujikura graphite (X, S, R, A); Callaway steel (uniflex) Cleveland Launcher Steel www.clevelandgolf.com (800) 999-6263 | $200 Cleveland continues its run at the top with outstanding new steel woods. Features: The low-profile clubhead is built using Thin Crown Technology, which takes approximately 15% more weight out of the top so it can be redistributed to low and deep areas. A Carpenter-steel face increases effective hitting area. Advantages: The profile of the clubhead makes it easy to slide under the ball from a variety of lies, while the Carpenter-steel face adds ball speed. Benefits: Those who are looking for a hot-faced fairway wood with a traditional look. What We Like: Offset models are a nice touch. Lineup: Launcher Comp, Launcher Steel, Launcher Steel Offset Clubhead: Stainless steel Clubface: Carpenter steel Loft(s): 13__, 15__, 15__ o/s, 17__, 19__, 19__ o/s, 22__, 22__ o/s, 25__ (15__, 15__ o/s, 19__, 19__ o/s, 22__, 22__ o/s, 25__ available LH) Shaft(s): Cleveland Silver graphite (X, S, R, A) Golfworks Maltby KE4 www.golfworks.com (800) 848-8358 | $150 Maltby/Golfworks’ new fairway woods feature a unique weight-adjustment system. Features: A classic head shape and consistent face heights of 1.375 inches throughout the set provide a low and deep CG in the lower-lofted woods to promote a high ballflight. The higher-lofted models have face heights deep enough to provide solid performance from a variety of lies. Advantages: Golfworks’ Screw-Within-A-Screw adjustable-weight system (14 grams) allows golfers to self-customize feel and CG location without negatively affecting performance. Benefits: If you like to tinker with your fairway woods, the KE4s are a good option. What We Like: Maintaining consistent face heights throughout the set is an innovative idea. Lineup: KE4, CT250, Peak Velocity FST Clubhead: Stainless steel Clubface: Same Loft(s): 14_¡, 18_¡, 21_¡, 24_¡, 27_¡ (no LH) Shaft(s): KE4 Graphite (X, S, R) HiPPO XXL www.hippo-golf.com (800) 204-2807 | $99 This Euro-based company offers solid performance at attractive prices. Features: Unique energy cell system locates two polymer chambers in the back of the clubhead to lower and deepen the CG while also minimizing energy loss at impact. A deep-face design made of maraging steel and a power-channel soleplate round out the design features of this distance-oriented club. Advantages: Distance–HiPPO designers have geared this club to produce long, high shots for the average player. Benefits: A solid club for golfers who place a premium on distance, and those who favor their fairway woods off the tee. What We Like: A really long wood, like the XXL. Lineup: ITX2, XXL Clubhead: Stainless steel Clubface: Maraging steel Loft(s): 15_¡, 17_¡, 19_¡, (no LH) Shaft(s): HiPPO XXL graphite (S,R) MacGregor MACTEC NVG2 www.macgregorgolf.com (800) 841-4358 | $249 The NVG2 fairway wood is jam-packed with technology that makes a difference. Features: Cup Face 360_¡ design that plasma-welds high-quality beta-titanium to the clubhead for maximum rebound properties and distance. Quadra Tungsten Weighting is employed to stabilize the clubhead and lower and deepen the CG for higher launch angles. Advantages: Every technology applied to the NVG2 fairway wood is designed to improve both distance and forgiveness. Benefits: Any golfer who wants to create driver-like distance with his or her 3-wood. What We Like: Fujikura Triple Action Shaft really does what it’s supposed to do. Lineup: MACTEC NVG2 Clubhead: Beta-titanium Clubface: Same Loft(s): 12.5_¡, 15_¡, 18_¡, 21_¡, 24_¡ (no LH) Shaft(s): Quadra Action graphite by Fujikura (X, S, R, A) Mizuno F-50 www.mizunousa.com (800) 966-1211 | $200 ($180 steel) Mizuno applies composite-crown technology to fairway wood design. Features: A composite crown combines with a steel body to produce a low and deep CG. Speed Plate sole design and Mizuno’s own Exsar graphite shaft round out the features of this top-notch fairway wood line. Advantages: The use of carbon-composite crown technology moves weight away from the top of the club and toward the bottom, making it easier to get the ball airborne. Benefits: Golfers who want a technological advantage (and extra distance and accuracy). What We Like: Use of visible carbon-composite crown without taking away from the classy look. Lineup: F-50 Clubhead: Stainless steel, Carbon Clubface: Stainless steel Loft(s): 13.5_¡, 15_¡, 16.5_¡, 18_¡, 21_¡ (15_¡, 18_¡ available LH) Shaft(s): Mizuno Exsar FS2 graphite (S, R); Dynamic Gold (S, R) Nike Golf SasQuatch www.nikegolf.com $240 ($215 steel) Nike’s PowerBow technology and unique geometry, which features a very deep head and a shallow clubface, are applied to fairway woods. Features: Unusual clubhead geometry, which moves the center of gravity lower and deeper than is usually the case in fairway woods. Advantages: Everything about the design of the SasQuatch says game improvement. A deep and low CG, as well as a high MOI for resistance to twisting, make it easy to hit high and straight. Benefits: Golfers who are particularly accuracy-challenged would do well to give the SasQuatch a try–it’s designed to hit the ball straight. What We Like: Extremely high-quality shafts. Lineup: SasQuatch, Ignite T60 Clubhead: Stainless steel Clubface: Same Loft(s): 13_¡, 15_¡, 17_¡, 19_¡, 21_¡ (13_¡, 15_¡, 17_¡, 19_¡ available LH) Shaft(s): SasQuatch Diamana by Mitsubishi graphite (X, S, R, A); Nike Speed Step Lite by True Temper steel (X, S, R) Perfect Club Collection www.theperfectclub.com (866) 843-0260 | $100 The original Perfect Club was designed to replace the long irons. Now, the company has developed an easy-to-hit alternative to almost every long iron and fairway wood in your bag. Features: The Perfect Club collection of woods are designed with shorter shaft lengths, which always means more control. Furthermore, each club features offset to help golfers make square contact more consistently and minimize sidespin. Advantages: The head has rear weighting for a deep and low CG, promoting a high trajectory and a lot of forgiveness. Benefits: High-handicappers will appreciate the extra help Perfect Clubs deliver. What We Like: The ease of use. Lineup: Accuracy, Original, Plus, Spoon Clubhead: Stainless steel Clubface: Same Loft(s): Spoon–15_¡; Plus–18_¡; Original–21_¡; Accuracy–24_¡ (available LH) Shaft(s): Perfect Club graphite (S, R, A, L) PING G5 www.pinggolf.com (800) 4-PING-FIT | $225 ($180 steel) PING continues its rise in the wood category with the new G5. Features: The G5 offers a larger head size than most traditional fairway woods, a welcome development for many golfers. The strength of the steel used in the clubface allows for a thinner, more powerful hitting area, while internal weight pads optimize CG location and spin rates. Advantages: The large head size provides confidence and added forgiveness. The thin clubface enhances feel and ball speed. Benefits: Golfers who like to hit their 3-wood off the tee will like the larger size. What We Like: Unobtrusive alignment aid. Lineup: G5 Clubhead: Stainless steel Clubface: Same Loft(s): 13__, 15__, 18__, 21__, 24__ (available LH) Shaft(s): PING TFC100, Aldila NV 75 or Grafalloy ProLaunch 75 graphite (X, S, R); PING JZ steel (X, S, R) Precept EZ www.preceptgolf.com (800) 358-6319 | $200 As the name suggests, these woods, and the entire EZ line, are designed to make the game of golf easier and more fun to play for recreational golfers. Features: Low-profile head with increased offset as well as a low and deep CG location. High MOI design made to help intermediate golfers hit shots higher and straighter. Advantages: Low CG helps get the ball in the air, while offset and high MOI help reduce slicing and promote straighter shots. Benefits: Less-accomplished players who need extra help getting the ball in the air and in the general direction of the target. A good choice for anyone who desires a player-friendly club. What We Like: No-nonsense design with premium components (Aldila shaft, Winn grip). Lineup: EZ, EC Fuel Clubhead: Stainless steel Clubface: Same Loft(s): 15__ (no LH) Shaft(s): EZ by Aldila graphite (S, R) Sonartec SS-2.5/SS-3.5 www.sonartec.com (760) 930-2454 | $250 Sonartec’s Driving Cavity design lives on in the company’s two standard offerings, both of which provide explosive power at impact. Features: Driving Cavity technology creates a CG that provides low spin rates and a powerful, boring trajectory. A Fujikura Tour Platform shaft is standard. Advantages: The weighting scheme and compact head size make for one of the most powerful fairway woods ever made. The SS-2.5 features a more low-profile design and lower CG, while the SS-3.5 has a deeper face for more boring shots. Benefits: Accomplished players can really make the most of Sonartec’s technology. What We Like: Subtle technologies that provide impressive power and distance. Lineup: SS-2.5, SS-3.5, LS-99 Clubhead: Stainless steel Clubface: Same Loft(s): 13__, 14__, 15__, 17__, 19__, 21__ (2.5 only), 22__ (3.5 only) (no LH) Shaft(s): Fujikura Tour Platform graphite (X, S, R, A) Srixon W-403AD www.srixon.com (888) 4-SRIXON | $225 Srixon’s solid attempt to bring a traditional yet technologically advanced fairway wood to the mass market. Features: Elliptical high-COR area that extends from high toe to low heel, as well as a low CG placement and thin and strong maraging-steel clubface. Advantages: The W-403AD is designed to provide forgiveness on heel and toe strikes, as well as a powerful, driving shot trajectory due to the use of maraging steel in the clubface. Benefits: For those who prefer a traditional-looking clubhead, the W-403AD fits the bill and also provides top-notch performance with solid distance for a relatively wide range of golfers. What We Like: The hot maraging-steel clubface and powerful feel. Lineup: W-403AD Clubhead: Stainless steel Clubface: Maraging steel Loft(s): 14.5__, 18.5__, 20__ (available LH) Shaft(s): Srixon SV3000 graphite (X, S, R, A) TaylorMade r7 Ti www.taylormadegolf.com (800) 888-CLUB | $400 TaylorMade brings the company’s Movable Weight Technology and titanium Pull-Face construction to fairway wood design. Features: Two TLC ports that house 16 grams of movable weight consisting of a two-gram cartridge and a 14-gram cartridge. Pull-Face titanium construction and cold rolled, very thin titanium clubface. Advantages: Movable Weight Technology allows for customized feel and performance, while perimeter-positioned TLC ports increase MOI for greater stability. Ultra-thin titanium clubface provides increased ball speed and distance. Benefits: Golfers who like to hit 3-wood off the tee, or anyone who likes to tinker. What We Like: Advanced technology. Lineup: r7 steel, r7 ti, r7 TP, V steel Clubhead: Titanium Clubface: Same Loft(s): 15__, 18__, 21__ (no LH) Shaft(s): TaylorMade RE*AX 60 graphite (X, S, R, M, L); Custom shafts available upon request Tour Edge Exotics www.touredge.com (800) 515-3343 | $399 High-end Exotics line from Tour Edge offers a 3-wood with tons of technology and lots of pop. Features: Hot-forged, beta-titanium cupface and a body that’s precision-cast from hyper steel, all of which are fused by a Combo-Brazing process that reduces the need for extra welding. Advantages: The cupface, hyper-steel clubface and Combo-Brazing process makes for a club that produces extremely high ball speed and tons of distance, both from the tee and the fairway. Benefits: Any golfer looking primarily for distance from a fairway wood. The Exotics are as hot as they come. What We Like: The distance–the Exotics really flies. Lineup: Bazooka JMAX QL, Exotics Clubhead: Hyper steel, Titanium Clubface: Titanium Loft(s): 13__, 15__, 16.5__, 18__, 21__ (15__, 18__ available LH) Shaft(s): Tour Edge Exotics graphite by Fujikura (X, S, R, A) Wilson Staff Df6 www.wilsonstaff.com (800) 469-4576 | $130 (graphite) Wilson’s new Staff line of fairway woods features a load of technology and a traditional look. Features: Designed with ETF (Energy Transfer Frame) Technology, which harnesses lost energy at impact and redirects it to the clubface to create a larger effective hitting area. This is accomplished by structurally reinforcing the area behind and around the clubface without adding weight. Advantages: The ETF Technology is designed to produce greater ball speed and distance, while the addition of the nickel-tungsten screws is meant to help golfers produce higher trajectory shots on a consistent basis. Benefits: Those who want a large sweet spot and a hot face. What We Like: Wilson’s dedication to innovation. Lineup: FwC, Df6 Clubhead: Stainless steel Clubface: Same Loft(s): 15__, 19__, 22__, 25__ (available LH) Shaft(s): Staff Nano Tech graphite (S, R, A) Wishon 515GRT www.twgolftech.com (800) 470-0072 | $229 In Case you missed it Holiday Gift Guide 7 Gear Upgrades to Gift This Season Ted Odorico October 17, 2026 0 Editor's Picks & Reviews Hit More Greens with Tri-Fusion Tech Ted Odorico October 17, 2026 0 Editor's Picks & Reviews Does “Forward Axis Weighting” Actually Work? Ted Odorico October 17, 2026 0 Editor's Picks & Reviews Total Course Control with the Mileseey GenePro G1 Ted Odorico October 6, 2026 0 0 0 Your Cart Your cart is emptyReturn to Shop Continue Shopping