One of the perks of being a golfer in the modern age is the number of choices that you get from different brands. Fairway woods come in handy for a lot of users. These typically work along with drivers. These are your first options if you are on short par-4s or maybe during long par-3s. Unfortunately, many are confused about which fairway wood they should go for.
Perhaps, you are looking for more loft or something that can help your shot to go straighter and a bit further? To lessen the confusion, we’ve decided to come up with a list of best fairway woods for high handicappers.
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Best Fairway Woods for High Handicappers Review
MW8 Moon Wood – Premium Golf Fairway Wood for Men and Women
Designed for both men and women, the MW8 Moon Wood gained popularity among high handicappers. If you’ve done your research in the past, you may have already encountered this fairway wood in other people’s reviews. It became popular because it helped give users a surge in confidence even when they are still learning to swing.
The shallow clubface design combined with its low center of gravity allows a high launch and decent ball speed. And because of its low center of gravity, you get a higher trajectory even with minimal effort. It even gives you the impression that it is “hittable”.
You can also enjoy an extra-wide sole that gives minimal resistance with the turf allowing better playability. Next, you also get to enjoy a shorter shaft specialized for the ladies. And to top it all off, this cub is tournament legal.
A lot of reviewers mentioned that the MW8 Moon Wood lacks feel. Though this is true, you have to consider the fact that it was designed primarily for high handicappers that prioritizes forgiveness over feel.
Pros:
- Also designed for women
- Low center of gravity that produces a high trajectory
- Easy to hit
- Produces high ball speed
Cons:
- Lacks the feel needed by some users
Callaway Golf 2018 Rogue Fairway Wood
If you are in the market for the best Callaway fairway wood, then you might want to consider the Callaway Golf 2018 Rogue Fairway Wood. What makes it a good option is the fact that it is available in a variety of lofts. It has also been integrated with the proprietary Jailbreak technology that improved the energy transfer from the club to the ball.
Another important feature of the 2018 Rogue Fairway Wood is its lighter clubface. Made of Triaxial Carbon Crown, it is 65% lighter than titanium. This is also known for its high MOI since the weight has been placed at the edge of the club.
Callaway also invested in its face cup technology. A thinned clubface flexes generating better ball speed that improves distance.
Its center of gravity has been positioned low and forward. If you are asking what made Callaway design the Rogue’s center of gravity this way, that’s because it promotes a high launch and low spin. And on top of that, you also get an aerodynamic design that allows less drag on every swing.
What’s the biggest downside investing in the Rogue 2018 Fairway Wood? First, the price is a bit expensive. It might turn off those who don’t have a large budget. Also, the center of gravity isn’t positioned low and behind as preferred by many so-called experts. Instead, you have it low and forward. Though it has been made this way for specific reasons, many are hesitant because it takes time to get used to.
Pros:
- Thinned clubface
- Center of gravity placed low and forward to give a high launch and low spin
- Aerodynamic design
- Provides great MOI
Cons:
- Takes a bit of time to adjust to
- Expensive
TaylorMade M6
TaylorMade M6 is a favorite by beginners and by senior golfers. Is it just marketing? Partly, yes, you could argue that the M-series clubs are some of the most popular clubs that came out from TaylorMade. But what makes it one of the best Taylormade fairway wood options?
First, it is available in different loft options. You get to choose from 15, 18, 24, and 21-degree loft options. It also comes with different technologies that make the TaylorMade M6 an ideal option for high handicappers. One, it has the Twist Face technology which means that the face curvature provides corrections when you don’t hit off-hit. You get a straight shot even if you miss the sweet spot.
Next, the TaylorMade M6 is made of different materials making the head larger using the carbon crown material. It helps contribute to its overall playability plus it also gives players a longer distance. It also has a speed pocket design that improves the flexibility of the club. Plus, it performs better even during a low-face strike.
Though it is highly forgiving and designed for seniors and beginners, the TaylorMade M6 can be quite misleading especially for someone who wants to learn to improve his or her swing. You may still be getting straighter shots even when you are not hitting at the right spot. Plus, it can be a bit expensive for many.
Pros:
- Highly forgiving
- With lightweight material that allows you to swing fast
- Comes in different loft options
Cons:
- Expensive
- Tends to develop a dependence on technology rather than building precision
TaylorMade Men’s AeroBurner
A lot of users consider the TaylorMade Men’s AeroBurner as one of the best 3 woods in the market today. Not only does it provide them with an aerodynamic design that provides less drag as users swing, but it also gives you a larger sweet spot.
Is it the best Taylormade 3 wood ever made in the market today? For starters, it made use of a high strength material on its face. It means that you can use it for a long time. If you are someone who wants to hit accurately, you might want to use the Aeroburner logo to line up your shot. Though the head is not as big as other clubs in the market, it still offers a great amount of forgiveness.
Next, we have mentioned that it has an aerodynamic design. For someone who is still trying to develop speed in his or her swing, this design comes in handy simply because it offers less drag when you swing. The crown has been raised plus a fin-like hosel makes it one of the fastest fairway woods that came out from TaylorMade.
The center of gravity has been placed low and forward just like that of the TaylorMade M6. It means that you get to launch the ball higher and enjoy a lower spin. If you’ve been using the R15, the difference is that the Aeroburner doesn’t have any adjustability.
The only downside that you might not like with the Aeroburner is the fact that it is quite pricey compared to other products in the market out there.
Pros:
- CG is placed low and forward to generate a higher launch and low spin
- Aerodynamic design
- Large sweet spot
- The Aeroburner tag can also serve as your marker
Cons:
- Pricey
- No adjustability
TaylorMade M4
The TaylorMade M4 is popular among high-handicappers allowing users to enjoy a forgiving club that can help them improve their shot. Though it is considered a non-adjustable driver, it features an adjustable hosel sleeve that can help you change the loft and the lie angle.
Between the M3 and the M4, the M4 is simpler to use. It helps those who tend to have a difficult time with their slice.
Upon testing the M4, it allows the ball to launch high plus you also get a low spin. That’s because of the center of gravity’s design. It has been placed low and forward. The 5 layer carbon crown allowed the center of gravity to be placed lower. It is 8 grams lighter than steel crown which contributed to its high launch and low spin tendencies.
Weight distribution is another feature that makes this club unique. It has split weight mass pads that helped increase the MOI plus the perimeter weight. You also get to enjoy speed pockets placed across the clubface. This contributed to faster ball speed and a higher level of forgiveness.
It even has an improved sound when compared to the M2 and M3. Part of its design that improved its sound is the sole’s shape.
However, the biggest downside would have to be the whippy shaft that might not please some players.
Pros:
- Designed to prevent the slice
- Allows you to adjust the hosel sleeve
- Generates high launch and low spin
- Highly forgiving
Cons:
- Whippy lightweight shaft
Taylor Made Men’s RBZ
The TaylorMade Men’s RBZ is becoming a top choice among high handicappers. Designed with an elegant satin black finish, it’s a stand out in the aesthetics department. However, in terms of functionality, this club offers so much more.
It comes with a speed pocket and a positioned mass pad that increases the launch to improve the ball distance. The mass pad is the one responsible for its great sound and feel despite being designed specifically for high handicappers.
As for its center of gravity, there are a couple of things that needs to be discussed to understand how it has been optimized by Taylormade in this area. For one, it has a shallow profile that has lowered its center of gravity. Next, the titanium core moved the middle of the gravity deep into the back of the head that helps the club promote a higher launch once the ball comes in contact with the club. The titanium core is also the one responsible for giving higher ball speed as it improves the energy transfer.
But the biggest drawback when it comes to the Taylormade RBZ is the fact that it has a small sweet spot compared to the other options that we’ve featured on the list. Is it one of the best fairway woods for beginners? Though it isn’t as perfect as you think, it gets the job done.
Pros:
- Great sound and feel
- High launch and low spin
- Improved energy transfer thanks to the titanium core
Cons:
- Small sweet spot compared to other high handicapper woods
Callaway Golf 2019 Epic Flash
The 2019 Epic Flash is a one of a kind fairway wood that can help struggling golfers. What makes it one of the good fairway woods that you shouldn’t miss in the market is the fact that it has incorporated great technologies that can bring a huge difference in your game.
It has a flash face design that helps promote better ball speed and long distance as you hit. It comes with a forged 455 carpenter steel construction that when combined with the face cup technology can help increase the forgiveness in this club.
Another component of the Callaway Golf 2019 Epic Flash that made it possible to produce great ball speed is the Jailbreak Technology. This technology stiffens the body by joining two internal bars. As a result, it improves the transfer of energy from the club to the ball.
Though it might be a bit more expensive than other woods, you might argue that it is one of the best fairway woods all time. Apart from being one of the easy to hit fairway woods from Callaway, it also encourages strong ball flight.
Pros:
- Easy to hit
- Improves ball speed and distance
- Designed to improve the transfer of energy
Cons:
- A bit pricey
Callaway Men’s Steelhead XR
Steelhead XR is reminiscent of the Callaway X-14s. And it wasn’t exactly a bad thing. This was one of the most successful irons that came from Callaway. However, some changes made the Steelhead XR unique. It comes with some of the latest techs that can help give you the push you need especially if you’re a high handicapper.
Thanks to these changes, it can be considered as one of the best forgiving fairway woods out there. With the Face Cup Technology, it has allowed users to experience great distance even if it was a mishit. Come to think of it, it is even hard to lessen the distance. You will have to fail miserably to lose a considerable distance in your shot.
And though it comes with a classic look, it comes with an improved modern hawk eye sole. What it does is provide a smooth turf interaction making it playable.
Another important technology is the aerodynamic appeal of the Steelhead XR. It has been designed by aerospace experts catering to a more efficient swing for those who are struggling with their swing speed.
The lightweight J-36 is also responsible for the higher launch and lower spin plus additional power once you hit the ball. The carbon crown is placed around the perimeter of the club’s face to have these effects.
What’s not to like? Some users question the durability of the club. Some mentioned that damage was seen after just a few games.
Pros:
- J-36 provides higher launch and lower spin
- Aerodynamic that helps in swing speed
- Hawkeye sole that improves turf interaction
Cons:
- Questionable durability
Ram Golf EZ3 Mens Wood Set – Driver, 3 & 5 Wood
Looking for the best 5 wood for high handicapper or perhaps the most forgiving 3 wood without spending a lot of money? Then might as well consider the Ram Golf EZ3 Wood Set.
The Ram Golf EZ3 Wood set includes a 460cc driver, 3 wood, and 5 wood clubs. One of the most noticeable things about its design is its oversized head allowing higher MOI plus you don’t have to struggle to hit the sweet spot. It also comes with graphite shafts that somehow aid those who are struggling with their swing. These are also lightweight options that could provide you with great distance.
However, it’s an unknown club. And if you want something that could last for a long time, then this isn’t what you should be investing in. Though it’s one of the most forgiving woods that you could ever go for, it breaks down easily after a few games.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Highly forgiving
- Large sweet spot
- Affordable
Cons:
- Breaks down after a few games
TaylorMade 2017 M2 Men’s Fairway Wood
The TaylorMade 2017 M2 can easily make it on the list of top fairway woods. It is a game improvement club that fits the game of high handicappers. By design, the M2’s clubhead resembles its predecessor. However, it comes with a new sole that optimizes overall playability.
It is available in either 3 or 5 wood. It is made of multi-materials including a 6 layer carbon crown, a 450 stainless steel body, and a 455 stainless face. But what makes it stand out is the fact that it made use of different technologies that promote a better game to its users. The inverted cone technology can maintain good ball speed across a large area of the clubface. It means that you get more forgiveness and a bigger sweet spot. You also have the geocoustic technology that helps provide a great feel for the club despite being designed for high handicappers.
Unfortunately, it costs a lot of money to buy the M2. And sadly, not everyone has the budget to buy this.
Pros:
- New sole
- Great feel
- Better forgiveness
- Large sweet spot
Cons:
- Expensive
Callaway Golf 2020 Mavrik
Though the Callaway Golf 2020 Mavrik is designed for high handicappers, some find the head to be a bit small. It has thinner areas by the edge of the face while you have a thicker cup by the center. This design was specifically made to improve ball speed and provide better spin. You also get a tungsten energy core that gets the center of gravity shifted low and deep optimizing ball launch and flight.
AI has been involved in its design. In particular, you have the urethane microspheres that hold the tungsten allowing the user to experience less vibration. And because of this, it gives you great feedback even if it is ultimately designed as a game-improvement model.
Pros:
- Provides good feedback
- AI used to design the club
- Great balls peed and optimum spin
- Tungsten energy core
Cons:
- Head might feel a bit thin for some high handicappers
TaylorMade SIM MAX Fairway
For individuals who are asking what fairway woods should I carry, it might be a good idea to take a closer look at The TaylorMade SIM Max Fairway. It’s a great option for those who are looking to improve your game. If you are the type who likes adjustability, decent forgiveness, and distance, then it is something that you need to go for.
The SIM Fairway wood’s loft can be adjusted by 2 degrees up or down. You can also change the lie and the face angle depending on how you want to play. On top of that, you even have removable weights that give you the chance to control your launch angle.
Unfortunately, this is an expensive option. Also, it has the smallest profile compared to other SIM clubs.
Pros:
- Compact clubhead
- Adjustability
- Highly forgiving
Cons:
- Smaller profile compared to other SIM clubs
How to Find Good Fairway Woods for High Handicappers
If you are a beginner who is trying to still develop that accurate swing, you don’t want to just go for any type of fairway wood out there. Instead, you’d most likely be after some of the most forgiving fairway woods. It might look like high loft fairway woods allowing better launch not to mention makes it easier to hit the ball.
So what are the aspects that you should be looking into if your goal is to find the best fairway wood for a high handicapper? Here are some things that can come in handy.
Budget
Let’s get one worry out of the way. Budget is an important consideration whenever you are looking for the best golf woods. It might be frustrating for some when their high lofted fairway woods of choice seem to be out of their current budget.
Of course, you can expect that the easiest to hit fairway woods can cost you a lot. There are a lot of top-rated fairway woods that have a reasonable price. Be sure to compare not only the price tag but also the other features.
Shaft
Another important part of fairway woods that you might want to consider is the shaft. Do you want a stiffer shaft or do you want something that bends a little bit? Nowadays, some brands offer different shaft flex options for users. Slow swing speed players or those high handicappers usually stick to the flex option. However, as you get your swing speed to improve and you become more of a mid-handicapper than a high handicapper, then you might want to transition towards a stiffer shaft.
Next, you also want to consider the weight of the shaft. Nowadays, brands tend to make the shaft lightweight to concentrate more weight on the clubhead which could make the energy transfer more efficient resulting in more distance.
Another important factor that you might want to consider when choosing the right shaft is the length of your shaft. A golfer wood can be short or long because it is designed for different kinds of users. It can be designed for a lady, an adolescent, for tall users.
Forgiveness
One of the biggest struggles that novice players and elderly golfers tend to encounter when they are trying to hit the ball is to find the sweet spot in the clubhead.
For mid-handicappers to low handicappers, forgiveness is something less essential given their ability to accurately find the sweet spot. However, for a high-handicapper, that’s a different story. You will have to make sure that the fairway wood that you are going to purchase has the ability to complement your game.
The game improvement fairway woods allow you to still get your ball to go straight even if you missed the sweet spot. Some are also designed to have a much larger sweet spot.
You also shouldn’t just be considering the sweet spot if you are looking for a highly forgiving wood. The loft is also going to be a factor. If you are one of those asking whether to invest in a 3 wood or 5 wood for high handicapper, the latter is going to be a better choice since it carries more loft. An easy to hit 5 wood performs better than your typical easy to hit 3 wood. A 5 wood carries better extra backspin which could bring more distance to your shot even if it’s a mishit.
Launch
Getting a high launch on the ball can be easier said than done especially if it’s a high-handicapper who is holding the golf club. There are two basic considerations if you want to get your launch high.
Fairway woods for beginners tend to give you a large clubhead with its weight positioned low and back. Its center of gravity is positioned low and back to promote optimal launch on your ball. Apart from its center of gravity, you will also have to consider the loft.
Some would even claim that a high handicapper’s best friend is a high lofted wood. As a rule of thumb whenever you are trying to pick the right club, a low lofted wood will produce a low ball flight. If you have a decent swing, this isn’t going to be that much of an issue. Lower loft clubs can produce more distance. That is if you can hit the ball fast enough. But if you are someone who doesn’t have the ability to swing the club fast, then expect the opposite result. Slower swing speed and a low loft will most likely result in a low short shot.
Adjustability
One of the best things that you can get from modern clubs is adjustability. What are the things that you can usually adjust? There are woods designed for high and mid handicappers that allow you to tweak the loft. It means that you can choose whether you want a high-lofted or a low-lofted club. This can help lessen the cost of buying different types of clubs. You will also don’t have to bring a lot of clubs because a single fairway wood could do the job of different woods.
There are also those clubs that have been designed to have adjustable weights. This allows you to adjust where you want the center of gravity to be. This way, you can make the club complement your swing.
Technology
And lastly, you should always consider the technology being used in the club. As a result of having a cut-throat market in the golf club market, you get to see brands spend a good amount of money on research and development. And this is something that you can take advantage of.
The best golf fairway woods have been integrated with different technologies that can help users do well. Some brands have included dampening materials to lessen the vibration. On the other hand, some even made use of AI to create an optimized clubface design. But of course, you should also do your research. Some brands integrated technologies that won’t make that much of a difference in your game.
Conclusion
Getting the right tools for the job can make a huge difference. That’s why high handicappers need to have the right fairway wood. Though choosing the right fairway woods for high handicappers can be tricky given the variety of choices that you can have these days, it all boils down to preference. Do you choose forgiveness over feel? Or do you prefer to have both? If you are looking to buy fairway woods in the market, be sure to compare these products we’ve mentioned.