We take a look at the best fairway woods for mid handicappers
The greatest fairway woods of days have amazing technology, and the following goods all aim to aid us, but under the hood, they take remarkably different approaches. Different brands provide different kinds of technology, but all fairway woods need to be adaptable enough to be used on the ground, off the tee, and occasionally even in the vicinity of the green. They also need to build a bridge that connects the irons well to the driver.
Particularly mid handicappers frequently overlook this region of the bag, which could cost them shots. As a result, we’ve examined some of the top models for players at that skill level; they all feature heads that are marginally smaller than those of the most forgiving fairway woods, but they still provide some assistance in ensuring strike consistency. Here, we examine the top fairway woods for mid handicappers following extensive testing of several models from various manufacturers. As an alternative, check out our other recommendations to the greatest women’s fairway woods and the best fairway woods for high handicappers.
BEST FAIRWAY WOODS FOR MID HANDICAPPERS
TAYLORMADE QI10 FAIRWAY WOOD
A superb all-rounder with forgiveness and power
SPECIFICATIONS
Lofts: 15º, 16.5º, 18º, 21º, 24º
REASONS TO BUY
+Extremely forgiving on low-struck shots
+Produces a powerful, towering ball flight
+New weight saving design aids launch and flight
REASONS TO AVOID
–Infinity carbon crown has made it slightly harder to align the clubface
TaylorMade fairway woods, in our experience, almost never fail to deliver, and this particular fairway wood is among the greatest all-around fairway woods that are currently available on the market. The TaylorMade Qi10 fairway wood was created with both power and forgiveness in mind, and it delivers on both fronts. However, the Stealth 2, which was the fairway wood that immediately preceded it, also delivered on both fronts.
Because the majority of the reliable technology has remained the same, the aesthetics are where we witness the most significant and significant changes. For instance, TaylorMade has continued to use the Thru-Slot Speed-Pocket in order to generate high ball speeds and a powerful thud through impact. Additionally, the V-Steel sole technology continues to provide players with a smooth feeling through impact and the best possible grass engagement.
Generally speaking, the performance of the TaylorMade Qi10 fairway wood was strong, and it provided a fantastic and powerful feeling through impact. The distance was reasonable during testing, but there were no significant improvements to be made in comparison to the model from the previous year. However, there was no need for substantial improvements because the model from the previous year was one of the greatest fairway woods that we have tried.
CALLAWAY PARADYM AI SMOKE MAX FAIRWAY WOOD
A stunning fairway wood with performance to match
SPECIFICATIONS
Lofts: 15°, 16.5°, 18°, 20°, 21°, 24°, 27°
REASONS TO BUY
+Produces a high, powerful ball flight
+Extremely forgiving
+Looks superb from every angle
REASONS TO AVOID
–The more confident player may prefer a deeper face
Callaway has now introduced the Paradym Ai Smoke fairway woods, which have new and enhanced aesthetics. This comes after the launch of the Paradym series in 2023, which was highly successful. The Ai Smoke Max is our pick for this particular category since it is designed to accommodate a wider variety of golfers, making it an excellent option for those with a handicap of seven or eight.
Smoke is the name of the product, which is given to the product by the crushed carbon sole that is white and grey in colour. The name is wonderfully accentuated in a striking blue colour to really attract the attention of your playing companions. When this club is at address, both the sole and the carbon crown come to life and look beautiful. We would consider this to be one of the most aesthetically pleasing clubs of 2024. When the sun is shining, both of these components begin to come to life.
The fact that this club was so extraordinarily forgiving was the first thing that stood out to us when we put it through its paces. In large part, this is because the Ai Smart Face technology that has been integrated across the entire Paradym Ai Smoke family is responsible for this. In order to design a face with several sweet spots that provides exceptional consistency of ball flight and spin rates independent of strike position, data from thousands of golf shots has been collected and input into the “super computer” that Callaway has developed. Because of this, it stands out as one of the fairway woods that features the most forgiveness that money can buy.
COBRA DARKSPEED X FAIRWAY WOOD
A powerful fairway that delivers satisfying strikes off the face
SPECIFICATIONS
Lofts: 15º, 18º, 21º
REASONS TO BUY
+Modern, sleek looking head
+Plenty of launch and spin for those seeking carry
+Solid levels of forgiveness
REASONS TO AVOID
–Matte head can make the club appear a little small
The fairway wood game that Cobra plays shows no signs of slowing down. The X fairway wood is the’standard’ model out of the three that were introduced, which means that it is the model that was designed with the most number of golfers in mind. The Darkspeed line is all new for the year 2024.
The matte black head is a work of art, despite the fact that it gives the impression of being somewhat more compact than certain other versions that are now available. During our testing, we discovered that the Cobra X fairway wood produced a ball flight that was exceptionally high. This is a type of wood that will be suitable for players who want to maximise their carry distance and stopping power into greens. The player with a higher handicap who need a little assistance in getting the ball airborne will not find this golf club to be suitable; nevertheless, the Cobra Darkspeed Max fairway wood will be much more appealing to them.
The sensation that was felt off the face was one of high energy and solidity, and it produced a sound that was rather loud to match. We would recommend the Cobra Darkspeed X to anyone who is seeking for a high flight with plenty of spin from their fairway wood and who utilises it much more from the deck than off the tee. In particular, we would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a high flight.
PING G430 MAX FAIRWAY
Excellent feel and superb power
SPECIFICATIONS
Lofts: 15°, 18°, 21°, 24°
REASONS TO BUY
+Exceptional forgiveness
+Versatile from different lies
+Consistently fast ball speeds
REASONS TO AVOID
–Not the easiest to flight low into the wind
This is a fantastic club that is included in a number of our different publications that are dedicated to recommending the finest fairway woods. Due to the fact that it is appealing to such a wide variety of golfers, we have included it in this category for players with a mid-handicap, as well as in the category offering the best overall performance and the guide offering the most forgiving fairway woods. The fact that it is also one of the best Ping fairway woods is something that should go without saying.
When compared to the G425 fairway woods, the Ping G430 line features a number of improvements, the most notable of which being the aesthetics of the product. A carbon finish, paired with dark grey and neon green highlights, gives the G430 Max fairway a more luxurious and contemporary appearance than models that came before it. This is especially true when viewed from the front.
There are a variety of loft options available for the club, ranging from a three-wood all the way up to a nine-wood, which means that there is a solution to fill any troublesome spot that you could have in your bag. On all strokes across the face, it features Ping’s innovative Facewrap Technology, which is meant to provide increased stability between the sole of the club and the crown of the club. The feel of this club was one of the aspects that stood out to us during our testing. Ping replaced the’metallic’ sounds on the G425 with a lot more pleasing experience on the G430, which was made possible by a new Carbonfly Wrap that was placed across the crown.
In the end, this club continues to provide exceptional forgiveness and ball speeds that are comparable to those of some of the lengthier fairway woods in the game. As a result of our high level of satisfaction with it, we decided to include it on our list of editors’ choices for the year 2025.
SRIXON ZX MK II FAIRWAY
An excellent option from a variety of lies
SPECIFICATIONS
Lofts: 13.5º, 15º, 18º, 21º
REASONS TO BUY
+Versatile sole sits well at address
+Generous sized head improves forgiveness
REASONS TO AVOID
–Looks of step in crown may not be for all
A number of important improvements have been made to the ZX Mk II in comparison to its predecessor, the Srixon ZX fairway. One of these improvements is the addition of a redesigned Cannon Sole that features a weight pad that has been relocated closer to the front of the club positioned behind its face. This creates a position in which the center of gravity is closer to the face, which results in an increase in the club’s MOI. A step-down design at the front of the crown is also included in this product. This design helps to produce a defined leading edge, which in turn helps to frame the golf ball a little bit better as it is being addressed.
Additionally, the notches that are located on the sole of the club function in conjunction with the higher trailing edge to produce a squarer face angle at impact. This is beneficial when you are striking the ball from the ground. When we tested the Mk II, we discovered that it cuts extremely beautifully through short grass and semi-rough terrain. Additionally, we were impressed by how quickly this club could be launched off the face thanks to its Rebound Frame and the Dual Flex Zones that were located on the face.
The conclusion that can be drawn from all of this is that the Srixon ZX Mk II fairway wood is an excellent choice for golfers who are searching for ball flights that achieve greater penetration. For the most part, it was a pretty simple club to hit, and it has a reassuringly steady feel to it. As a result, it is an excellent option for golfers who struggle with consistency when they are holding a fairway wood in their hands.
MIZUNO ST-Z 230 FAIRWAY
One of the best looking fairway woods on the market
SPECIFICATIONS
Lofts: 13º, 15º, 17º, 20º
REASONS TO BUY
+Extremely forgiving across the face
+Pleasing, classic looks
+Adjustable hosel for customization
REASONS TO AVOID
–Didn’t quite produce the distance expected
During our testing, we discovered that this club possessed a high degree of versatility, and it performed consistently off the tee as well as on the fairway. The off-center strikes were where it truly stood out as an impressive feature. On some miss-hits, the technology was able to compensate for weak strokes, and the ball continued to travel well and on line. Toe strikes remained pretty straight throughout the entire process.
On top of that, the Mizuno ST-Z 230 fairway wood is perhaps one of the most eye-catching clubs that are currently available on the market. A Coretech Chamber in icy blue is located on the sole of the club, which provides a striking contrast to the clubhead, which has a very cool glossy black color. With the carbon fiber design on the crown, it has a premium shelf appeal, which contributes to its spectacular appearance when viewed from a distance.
Following comprehensive testing, we discovered that this club has a high launching speed, a straight bias, and a spin that ranges from medium to low. This indicates that the ST-Z 230 is appropriate for players with a mid handicap.
TITLEIST TSR2 FAIRWAY WOOD
Easy to launch and aesthetically pleasing
SPECIFICATIONS
Lofts: 13.5°, 15°, 16.5°, 18°
REASONS TO BUY
+Aspirational aesthetic that is compact yet confidence-inspiring
+Easy to launch
+Impressive distance
REASONS TO AVOID
–Not a huge upgrade over the previous generation
This fairway wood, which features the uncomplicated and uncomplicated aesthetics of Titleist, now includes white groove lines that cross the entire width of the face. We noticed that these groove lines really showcase the loft that is available, which should inspire a great deal of confidence when you address the ball.
A combination of distance and forgiveness is offered by the Titleist TSR2, which reaches a great balance between the TSR3 and the TRS2+. You get the best of both worlds with lots of forgiveness in a premium performing fairway wood for a mid-range handicapper because of the balance of these two qualities, which makes it excellent for a handicapper who falls anywhere in the middle.
In terms of both feel and sound, it has an impact sound that is significantly lower pitched and a very pleasant “crack” through impact, which is something that the majority of golfers tend to appreciate! It is quite simple to launch, and it is incredibly consistent, which means that it will be suitable for a varied group of gamers.
WILSON LAUNCH PAD FAIRWAY WOOD
A fairway wood which will suit a wide range of golfers
SPECIFICATIONS
Lofts: 15° & 18°
REASONS TO BUY
+Draw bias and offset helps dampen down slices
+Premium components at a value price point
REASONS TO AVOID
–Face sits strongly closed at address
–Plays and feels light for stronger swingers
Fairway woods are designed to be straightforward and uncomplicated, and they are intended for golfers who are working on improving their swing and are looking for clubs that are simple to use and will help them compensate for some of their swing flaws. Additionally, the Wilson Launch Pad fairway wood will be of assistance to golfers who have difficulty getting the ball into the air from the fairway. It will help lessen the likelihood of a slice occurring.
The Wilson Launch Pad fairway wood is designed to provide a higher launch, which is exactly what you would anticipate from the name of the product. In addition to the fact that it is one of the finest fairway woods for golfers with high handicaps, it is also worthy of inclusion on this list because a significant number of players with a respectable level of skill struggle with fairway woods and could benefit from some assistance.
It will also be appealing to golfers who play to a decent standard but struggle with a slice, or even to golfers who hit the ball pretty straight but would like to be able to work the ball from right to left. This is because the draw bias will make it attractive to these golfers. If you are seeking to spice things up with your fairway woods this year, it is in your best interest to have a look at this product because, similar to a lot of Wilson equipment, it is also one of the greatest value products that are currently available.
HOW TO CHOOSE A NEW FAIRWAY WOOD
What criteria do you need to consider when trying to fill the fairway wood position in your bag? Let’s take a shot at it.
You need to be aware of the particular void that you are attempting to fill in your golf bag (also known as loft). In addition to the distance that your driver can travel, how far can your longest irons or hybrids travel? Once you have this information, you will be able to determine the loft of your fairway wood in order to complete the gap.
When it comes to forgiveness, certain fairway woods are more forgiving than others. This is especially true when considering the fact that numerous manufacturers create different models for players of all skill levels. For instance, there are four distinct Cobra Radspeed fairways, each of which has a head that is of a different size and shape, and each of which is designed to cater to a specific type of golfer. Forgiveness might not be as important to you if you are a stronger player and strike is more constant, but if you need as much assistance as possible, a larger head will work for you. On the other hand, more forgiveness might not be necessary for you. It is conceivable that a player with a mid-handicap will look for something situated in the centre.
Adjustability – These days, the majority of models come with some degree of adjustability, whatever it may be, whether it be loft, weight movement, shaft, or anything else. Because of this, you should give some thought to how essential adjustability is to you because you have the potential to modify the qualities of a club if you so determine. You also have the option of keeping things straightforward with other models as well.
In order to be considered versatile, fairway woods should be able to perform well off the tee, on the ground in a variety of situations, and even occasionally near the green. In the event that you have a model that functions in only one of these ways, then there are undoubtedly models available to assist you in making improvements.
One must be satisfied with the appearance of a golf club, particularly while one is looking down at the ball being played with. As a result of the fact that the fairway wood is one of the most challenging clubs to hit, you need something that not only boosts your self-assurance but also leaves your playing partners green with envy. As a result, you should go and select a few different models and examine how they appear and feel when you hold them.
Your budget is something you should finally be aware of. You have the option of purchasing more expensive models, such as the TaylorMade SIM2 Ti, or you may choose to choose designs that are more affordable, such as the Wilson Staff D9. Everyone can find something that suits their budget, regardless of where they lie on the pricing spectrum.
FAQS
WHAT DO I NEED FROM A FAIRWAY WOOD?
In order to provide adequate forgiveness and distance, a fairway wood should be included. Although they are considered to be the most difficult clubs to hit in the bag, it is essential that you locate a club that is not only comfortable to hit but also will instill confidence when you are addressing it.
WHAT IS THE BEST BRAND OF FAIRWAY WOOD?
When it comes to selecting the next fairway wood, the decision will ultimately come down to personal preference. Some players may be looking for a fairway wood that is forgiving, while others will be looking for one that offers distance. There is also the issue of how well it looks when viewed from a distance, with some people focusing on appearances.