ClubTest 2020: 5 fairway woods designed to generate low spin
Mizuno's ST200 Tour Spoon fairway wood delivers low spin.
Mizuno
Low spin fairway woods aren’t for everybody. But if you possess the speed or simply have trouble maintaining a playable flight due to excessive spin, they can be a massive benefit on the course. For golfers who tend to use 3-wood off the tee, a reduction in spin can lead to more distance and a viable secondary option from the box.
If this sounds like something that might fit your game, keep these five options in mind as you commence testing with a certified club-fitter.
Callaway Mavrik Sub Zero
Callaway Mavrik Sub Zero
$299.99Lofts: 13.5, 15, 16.5 and 18 degrees
Our take: The compactly shaped Mavrik Sub Zero comes with interchangeable weights in two sections of the sole for a finely tuned launch angle and custom spin rates — an ideal feature for players who prefer shaping the ball.
ClubTester’s take (5-hdcp): “Could see myself using this off the tee with the low launch and spin. It’s a fun combination for a better player.”
Robot’s take: Ranked near the top in carry distance.
Mizuno ST200 Tour Spoon
Mizuno ST200 Tour Spoon
$299.99Lofts: 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.
Ping G410 LST
Ping G410 LST
$259.99Lofts: 14.5 degrees
Our take: Sporting the same DNA in terms of features and benefits found in the G410, the LST (Low Spin Technology) has a more compact shape and a CG that’s optimized closer to the clubface. This yields a piercing ballflight better players will appreciate.
ClubTester’s take (3-hdcp): “Delivers penetrating launch without the penal misses.”
Robot’s take: Good option for knocking off unwanted spin.
Srixon Z F85
Srixon Z F85
$179.99Lofts: 13.5, 15 and 18 degrees
Our take: Versatility is the name of the game when it comes to fairway woods. The club is meant to shine from the fairway and the tee, which is a big reason many golfers struggle to find a replacement once they hit on a certain product. Srixon’s nonadjustable F85 is designed to do both with aplomb. The traditional profile is complemented by a Crown Step design with a hint of carbon fiber visible at address. Reducing weight in the upper portion of the head lowers the center of gravity, making it more forgiving on off-center hits. A HT1770 Steel Cup Face is durable enough to withstand a pounding from even the most aggressive swingers on the block. For golfers who prefer to use a fairway wood almost exclusively off the tee, the F85 certainly deserves testing consideration. A combination of low spin and low peak height produced a carry number that was, on average, five yards longer than the competition. It’s a viable option if you grapple with a driver and need some extra oomph and accuracy.
ClubTester’s take (8-hdcp): “I love the classic profile, but it was the sheer speed that left a lasting impression.”
Robot’s take: One of the carry leaders among all woods. Low spin and peak height numbers to boot.
TaylorMade SIM Max
TaylorMade SIM Max
$299.99Lofts: 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.
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