Ball speed can be a valuable asset when searching for a new driver. The same can also be said for the fairway wood in your bag. For most golfers, that could be a 3- or 5-wood. Or both. Having a secondary option to use off the tee that can be relied upon when the driver misbehaves is nice to have regardless of the course layout.
It’s even better when the fairway wood in question comes with comparable driver speeds. With some manufacturers utilizing titanium face inserts instead of the conventional steel, it’s now possible to stay within range of your buddies using a fairway wood.
Here’s a look at five fairway woods that stood out in the ball speed department during robot and player testing for GOLF’s 2020 ClubTest.
Callaway Mavrik
Callaway Mavrik
Lofts: 13.5, 15, 16.5, 18, 21 degrees
Our take: Built for maximum speed, the Mavrik comes with a weight low and toward the rear of the sole. Packed to the hilt with technology, including an AI-optimized Flash Face SS20 design and progressive leading-edge technology.
ClubTester’s take (10-hdcp): “Incredible launch. Feels like I can land it softer when I need to.”
Robot’s take: One of the leaders in retaining ball speed off the face.
Cobra SpeedZone Tour
Cobra SpeedZone Tour
Lofts: 14, 17.5 degrees
Our take: Boasts many of the same features as the standard SpeedZone. What makes it different is the more compact head shape and sole weighting positioned closer to the face for greater shotmaking versatility and lower spin.
ClubTester’s take (5-hdcp): “Need some game to take on the more compact head. Noticed a lower launch as well during testing.”
Robot’s take: Produces a lower peak height as advertised.
Mizuno ST200 Tour Spoon
Mizuno ST200 Tour Spoon
Lofts: 15 degrees
Our take: The MAS1C Maraging design allows for a greater energy transfer and faster ball speeds from across more points on the face. Consider it a high-launch fairway wood that won’t ever “balloon.”
ClubTester’s take (3-hdcp): “I like the setup, feel and sound. Can I buy this now?”
Robot’s take: Speed for days.
TaylorMade SIM Max
TaylorMade SIM Max
Lofts: 14, 15, 18, 21, 24 degrees
Our take: The Max version has a carbon crown and V Steel sole design that lowers CG and reduces ground friction through impact. Also comes in a draw-bias SIM Max D model.
ClubTester’s take (10-hdcp): “Chromium crown finish makes this best in show for me. Love how easy it was to hit off the turf.”
Robot’s take: One of the fastest woods tested.
Tour Edge Exotics EXS 220
Tour Edge Exotics EXS 220
Lofts: 13.5, 15, 16.5 degrees
Our take: Made of a new Hyper-Steel that’s lighter than previous EXS iterations, the 220 also has a Diamond cup face and a dual carbon sole that combine to produce an exceptionally high MOI and explosive distance.
ClubTester’s take (13-hdcp): “Maybe the best turf interaction I’ve experienced on a fairway wood.”
Robot’s take: Impressive ball speed numbers throughout the line.