Fairway woods have become a second driver for some golfers. With an abundance of speed and forgiveness, it’s no longer necessary to lean on the big stick to get the job done. Some even feature a launch angle that increases carry, hangtime off the tee and makes it easier to attack par 5s in two, due to a center of gravity (CG) location positioned low and deep in the head.
If you struggle with launch or just need a bit more carry, consider these 5 fairway woods that went through GOLF’s 2021 ClubTest player testing.
Callaway Big Bertha B21
Callaway Big Bertha B21
The Big Bertha B21 fairway woods are made to reduce a slice, with additional technology to help golfers get the ball off the turf more easily. The shallower face and increased offset promote high launch and draw spin. Callaway’s Flash Face and Jailbreak technology ensure you’ll generate more than enough speed.
Cleveland Launcher HB Turbo
Cleveland Launcher HB Turbo
The fairways have a cupface design for a hotter clubface and increased ball speed, even if you miss the sweet spot on occasion. It also comes with deep weighting for a raised MOI and a retooled HiBore crown that lowers the center of gravity to help the ball get airborne quickly. Tack on the high balance point on the Miyazaki C. Kua shaft and you have a club just as practical for hitting bombs off the tee as it is for launching shots off the fairway.
Ping G425 Max
Ping G425 Max
This year, Ping loses its familiar Turbulators from the crowns of its fairway woods and hybrids, replacing them with three alignment dots. How did our testers like the new look? “This alignment aid is so much better,” one tester declared. Testers also found that the low-profile designs made getting the ball in the air much easier than with other clubs.
PXG 0211
PXG 0211
The PXG 0211 fairway woods prove that hitting bombs isn’t exclusive to the tee box anymore. According to a pleased tester, “These woods feel incredibly solid, and the ball jumps off the face in a hurry. They look good, feel good and perform great.” We concur, having experienced these woods to be among the leading candidates for the best driver alternative out there.
TaylorMade SIM2 Max
TaylorMade SIM2 Max
“I love the high launch.” With that simple statement, one of our testers summed up exactly what TaylorMade was striving for with its SIM2 fairways. While the overall look is comparable to the original SIM heads, our GOLF testers repeatedly commented on the higher trajectories they were seeing. “Even my mishits are towering — the ball just flies,” another tester said. “It feels lively and easy to hit off the ground.”
Want to overhaul your bag for 2021? Find a fitting location near you at GOLF’s affiliate company True Spec Golf. For more on the latest gear news and information, check out our latest Fully Equipped podcast below.
