6 Best Fairway Woods: 2023

Finding the right fairway wood can be a challenge, but it can really change your game and unlock a whole new world out on the course. When you pull off your headcover and hit that perfect shot with your new fairway wood, you’ll know you’ve made the right choice. So don’t be afraid to take some time to select the right one – the sweet swing of your fairway wood will make it all worth it.

Both pros and amateurs know that these versatile clubs can help you make great tee shots, long approach shots, and more.

But with so many options available, it can be hard to pick the best one for your swing. Don’t worry though – this review and buyers guide will make it easy for you to find the best fairway woods for you.

Best Fairway Woods For 2023

Let’s get into the best of the fairway wood bunch for 2023. Starting our list is our best overall pick, so keep reading.

1. Best overall: TaylorMade Stealth 2 Fairway Wood

The TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus is the perfect golf club for players who have a high swing speed and are looking to reduce spin and launch the golf ball lower. The 50g sliding weight on the sole of the club allows for easy manipulation of the launch angle to suit your swing, reducing spin by 200 rpm for a punchier flight. 

Whether you’re looking for a club that can launch the golf ball low and straight, or you’re just looking to find the perfect fit for your game, the TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus is the ideal choice.

Move the weight of this fairway wood around and get the feel just right for you. Push it forward for a solid sound, or back for a more hollow sound. Not only does this club offer adjustability, but it also looks great with its glossy black and red colorway – the classic Stealth 2 range. Get the perfect match for your swing and look good doing it!

The difference between the Stealth 2 and its predecessor may not seem huge, but TaylorMade has given the face of this club a serious upgrade. The Twist Face variation ranges from 2.3mm to 3.1mm, helping to create some pretty speedy, straight shots when you don’t quite hit the ball right in the center. 

Plus, it’s super forgiving when it comes to playing on fairways with longer grass – what more could you want?

Specifications

• Stock shaft: Fujikura Ventus TR Red FW
• Flex: Regular, stiff, extra-stiff, and senior
• Loft: 3-wood, 3HL-wood, 5-wood, 7-wood, and 9-wood

Pros

• Lock the sole weight in any position
• Varied spin
• Change the loft and lie with ease

Cons

• The hollow sound might not appeal to all golfers

Price

• The TaylorMade Stealth 2 Fairway Wood is available through the manufacturer for around $350.

2. Best for building confidence: Callaway Paradym Fairway Wood

The Callaway Paradym Fairway Wood is sure to make a statement on the course, with its sleek look and confidence-inspiring design. Its carbon sole panel gleams in the sunshine, and its matte black topline features the iconic Callaway ‘V’ alignment aid. It’s the perfect club for players who want to look and feel their best out on the golf course.

Its repositioned weight gives it an increased MOI, meaning greater stability and forgiveness as well as faster ball speeds. Not only is it a sight to behold, but it also has a pleasing feel off the face – as soft as a cloud! Even if you don’t hit it perfectly, you won’t be disappointed.

The new tech featured here is like a turbo boost for your ball-striking! It’s like Callaway took the Rogue St Max and amped it up with higher launch angles, faster ball speeds, and a bit more spin. No wonder then that it’s such a popular choice of wood for many serious golfers.

Specifications

• Stock shaft: True Temper HZRDUS Gen 4 Silver 60 Graphite, and Aldila Ascent PL Blue 40 Graphite
• Flex: Light, regular, and stiff
• Loft: 3-wood, 3HL-wood, 5-wood, 7-wood, 9-wood, 11-wood, and Heavenwood

Pros

• Provides excellent ball speed
• Aligns seamlessly and easily
• High launch from fairway

Cons

• Certain colors may be off-putting for some

Price

• The Paradym Fairway Wood is on sale through Callaway for slightly under $350.

3. Best for a classic look: Wilson Dynapower Fairway Wood

The Dynapower fairway woods are sure to be a standout on the course, with their stylish matte clubheads and pops of red detail that will look great in your golf bag.

Not only do these clubs look great, but their performance is also top-notch, thanks to the collaboration between tour players and Wilson engineers. It’s no wonder these fairway woods are flying off the shelves!

Wilson has totally revamped the head of the club to give it that pear-shaped design, which lies low to the ground when you’re teeing off. In the back of the sole, they’ve put in a 12g weight that helps with your swing and gives you a nice, high launch angle. That way you’ll be able to send the ball soaring sky-high with minimal effort. 

Not just that, but you won’t have to worry about the ‘thud’ sound on impact because the Dynapower produces a super soft, muted thud that’ll make all other golfers jealous.

Specifications

• Stock shaft: True Temper HZRDUS Gen 4 Silver 60 & 70, and True Temper HZRDUS Gen 4 Black 70
• Flex: Regular, stiff, and extra-stiff
• Loft: 3-wood, 5-wood, and 7-wood

Pros

• Great launch
• Clean, classic aesthetics
• Works great in a host of lies

Cons

• No adjustability options

Price

• The Wilson Dynapower Fairway Wood costs $249.99.

4. Best for being forgiving: Mizuno ST-Z 230 Fairway Wood

The ST-Z 230 fairway wood is truly an incredible piece of golfing equipment. Its sleek black Carbon crown and Carbon Fiber finish give it a stunning visual appeal, and it sits perfectly in your bag alongside a set of the best Mizuno golf irons.

This fairway wood is fitted with Mizuno’s cool Cortech Chamber, which is easily identifiable by its electric blue colorway. What’s even better is the power, ball speed, and yardage this club can help you produce. The Coretech Chamber does an amazing job at reducing spin rates, providing a solid feel and flight path.

Even when the ball isn’t hit as Tiger Woods might have performed in his heyday, it still flies straight and far. This is especially impressive in challenging weather conditions. It’s got a lot of versatility with plenty of spin on offer, making it a great choice even when you’re stuck in the rough.

Ultimately, this club is a real all-rounder: it’s great off the tee, from the ground, and particularly when the ball isn’t struck perfectly.

Specifications

• Stock shaft: 32 different shaft options
• Flex: Regular and stiff
• Loft: 3-wood and 5-wood

Pros

• Superior aesthetic appeal
• Customizable
• Forgiving

Cons

• Might not give you as much distance as many of the other best fairway woods

Price

• At a cost of $300, the Mizuno ST-Z 230 is one of the more premium options for fairway woods on today’s market.

5. Best for a variety of lies: PING G425 Fairway Wood

The PING G425 fairway wood has taken the golf world by storm with its one-piece Facewrap Technology. It allows golfers to gain an impressive extra 1.5 mph of ball speed. Three different head options, the Max, LST, and SFT, ensure this club has something for every golfer.

The G425 fairway wood is one of the best you can get. Much of this is thanks to its adjustable hosel. It offers eight settings to customize both loft and lie for a more precise fit.

Even shots hit poorly from the lower portion of the clubface still fly a fair distance. This is because of the low center of gravity, which is created by the Tungsten weight at the back of the club. PING claim that the positioning of this weight boosts the G425’s MOI, helps maintain its face square at impact, and makes it more accurate.

We think you’ll agree it’s pretty impressive!

Specifications

• Stock shaft: 7 choices of shaft
• Flex: Soft-regular, regular, stiff, and x-stiff
• Loft: 3-wood, 5-wood, 7-wood, and 9-wood

Pros

• Smart grips
• Produces high ball flight
• Great from different lies

Cons

• May prove difficult for more experienced golfers to shape shots

Price

• The price of the PING G425 Fairway Wood has been reduced to around $275.

6. Best fairway wood for adjustability: Cobra Aerojet Fairway Wood

Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, you’ll find the Cobra Aerojet is the perfect adjustable fairway wood to help you hit the greens like never before. With progressive designs, head shapes, and sole rails, you’ll be sure to find a club that takes your game to the higher heights you’re aiming for.

These LTDx fairways are the perfect combination of style and performance! The Carbon Fiber crown and muted black matt finish give it a sleek, modern look, while the 8g fixed weight ensures maximum forgiveness and a high launch. Plus, Cobra’s trademark sole rails make it easy to hit your shots with confidence.

The compact, square design is sleek and stylish. From the beautiful forged face to the amazingly straight shots, this is one club that will have you saying “Fore!” with a smile. And if you’re looking for forgiveness and adjustability, you can’t go wrong here. Overall, this fairway wood is simply a joy to hit.

Specifications

• Stock shaft: Project X HZRDUS Smoke iM10 60 5.5 & 6, and UST Helium Nanocore
• Flex: Lite (senior), regular, stiff, and x-stiff
• Loft: 3-wood, 5-wood, and 7-wood

Pros

• Good feel off the face
• Adjustable
• Straight and forgiving

Cons

• The head of this fairway wood marks quickly.

Price

• At only $219 from the manufacturer, the Cobra Aerojet Fairway Wood is an affordable and value-for-money option.

How to Choose the Best Fairway Woods For 2023: A Buyers’ Guide

Buying fairway woods can be intimidating for some golfers, especially those who don’t have a lot of experience with them. We know that the correct fairway wood can be a great addition to any golfer’s bag and can significantly improve their game. However, there are a few things to consider when shopping for fairway woods.

This buyer’s guide will provide an overview of the factors to consider so you can make an informed decision.

Your skill level

First and foremost, it’s important to consider your skill level when choosing a fairway wood. If you are a beginner, you should look for fairway woods that are designed with a larger and more forgiving clubhead.

This will help you to hit the ball higher and farther with less effort. For more experienced golfers, fairway woods with a smaller and more aerodynamic clubhead may be more suitable. These clubs are designed to produce a lower and more penetrating ball flight.

Loft

The loft angle of the club is another important factor to consider, as it will determine the maximum height the ball can reach. A standard fairway wood ranges from 13.5 and 16.5 degrees.

Beginners should look for woods with a higher loft angle, such as a 15 or 18-degree loft. This will help them to hit the ball higher and farther with less effort. Experienced golfers may opt for a lower loft angle, as this will help them to hit the ball lower with more control.

Design

It’s important to consider the design of the clubhead when buying a fairway wood. The design of the clubhead will determine the amount of backspin the ball will have.

Beginners should look for clubheads designed with a deep face to reduce backspin and increase ball speed. Experienced golfers may opt for clubheads with a shallow face to increase backspin and control.

Shaft

It’s also vital to consider the shaft of the club when buying a fairway wood. The shaft is the part of the club that connects the clubhead to the grip. Shafts come in different materials and flex ratings.

Beginners should look for a shaft made from a lighter material and a softer flex, such as a graphite shaft with a regular flex. This will help them to hit the ball with more accuracy and control.

Experienced golfers may opt for a shaft with a heavier material and a stiffer flex, such as a steel shaft with a stiff flex. This will help them to hit the ball with more power and consistency.

Forgiveness

Golfers of all levels will have more fun when they can hit the ball farther and straighter with their fairway woods. With a forgiving fairway wood, you can stay on target to make the most of your long game. They can help you get more distance and consistency with your shots, even if you hit it a bit low on the clubface.

Higher handicappers don’t need to worry about shaping shots – just focus on getting it straight for now! With forgiving fairway woods, you can hit further and with greater accuracy – and have more fun on the golf course.

Turf interaction

Playing a round of golf with top-rated fairway woods is like taking a stroll through the park: smooth and easy! Enjoy the convenience and reliability of top-rated fairway woods and you’ll never be stuck in the rough again.

Accuracy

Get the accuracy you need to stay in play and maximize your distance with the perfect wood for your swing. An offset head profile for right-handers will help you avoid slicing and make sure you stay straight and true.

Don’t settle for fairway woods that don’t fit your game – get the clubs you need to hit it long and increase your chances of winning.

Distance

To maximize your yardage, look for the fairway woods that are going to give you the best chance of hitting your target. If you find that accuracy is suffering, switch it up and try out some different options. Have fun out there!

Price

The price of a fairway wood is another important factor to consider when shopping for one. Fairway woods range in price from hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on the materials used, design, and brand.

Beginners should look for fairway woods with a lower price tag, such as those made with graphite shafts, and a more forgiving design. Experienced golfers may opt for more expensive fairway woods, such as those made with a steel shaft, and a more aerodynamic design. No matter your skill level, there is a great fairway wood made out there to fit your budget.

Overall, buying fairway woods can be a daunting experience for some golfers. However, by considering your skill level, the loft angle and shaft of the club, and the design of the clubhead, you can make an informed decision when shopping for fairway woods. Doing so will ensure that you purchase the right club to help you improve your game.

FAQs

What shots can I use a fairway wood for?

You can use fairway woods for a variety of shots, including the following:

• Tee Shot – A tee shot is when a golfer hits the ball off a tee, usually from the tee box, to start a hole.
• Long Approach Shot – A long approach shot is when a golfer hits the ball from a distance to get close to the green.
• Fairway Bunker – A fairway bunker shot is when a golfer hits the ball out of a bunker that is located in the fairway.
• Lay-up Shot – A lay-up shot is when a golfer hits the ball short of a hazard, such as a water hazard, to avoid the hazard and set up an easy approach shot.

What are the best fairway woods to carry?

This largely boils down to personal preference; the best woods for you will depend on your skill level, physical characteristics, and playing style.

Generally speaking, most amateur golfers should carry at least one 3-wood and one 5-wood. Higher-handicap golfers may want to carry a 7-wood or even a 9-wood. Lower-handicap golfers may want to carry additional fairway woods, such as a 2-wood, 4-wood, or even a hybrid club.

How do I maintain my fairway woods?

In order to keep your best fairway woods looking and performing at their very best, a little maintenance is required. Follow the pointers below and you stand a good chance of keeping your wood in tip-top condition.

1. Clean the clubface and grooves with a soft brush or cloth after each round.
2. Store the club in a headcover or a protective bag.
3. Sharpen the club’s grooves with a golf club groove sharpener.
4. Check the club’s loft and lie angles and adjust as needed.
5. Have the shafts and heads of your woods regularly checked for wear.
6. Re-grip your woods at least once a year.
7. Use a light lubricant on the shafts.

Generally speaking, you should replace your clubs with new fairway wood models every 2 to 3 years, depending on how often you use them.

What is the best way to practice with a fairway wood? 

The best way to practice with a fairway wood is to focus on making consistent swings and contact. Begin with practicing hitting shots with a variety of distances and launch angles. This allows you to get a real feel for the club and how it suits you. Then you can start thinking about practicing hitting shots off a tee to get the ball airborne.