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
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Lofts: 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
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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.
Ping G410 LST
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Lofts: 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
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Lofts: 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
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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.
