Fairway Woods

The 5 highest-launching fairway woods of 2023, according to robot testing

cobra aerojet fairway wood

A high-launching fairway wood can be a benefit off the tee and from the turf. Here are five models worth consideration.

Cobra

Fairway woods can serve a number of different purposes on the course. For many golfers, it’s a great option off the tee on tight holes or when the driver is misbehaving. It can also make reaching the green in two a reality when an iron or hybrid can’t get the job done.

Versatility is the name of the game.

Robot testing every 2023 fairway wood: Here’s the best option for YOUR game
By: Jonathan Wall

If you’re a golfer with a swing speed of around 95 mph — the speed we tested each fairway wood on Golf Laboratories’ swing robot — it might be worthwhile to have a 3-wood that induces a high-launch angle to land the ball softly on the green. (And if you’re someone who typically uses 3-wood almost exclusively off the tee, we have you covered as well.)

For our latest robot test, we measured the launch angle from three strike locations (center, high toe and low heel) to determine if there was a high-launch model in the bunch.

As we found out, the latest crop of fairway woods (15 degrees) has several offerings that can produce a towering launch. Below are the five models with the highest recorded launch angle.

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1. Cobra Aerojet Max (17.3 degrees)

Cobra Aerojet Max Custom Fairway Wood

$329.99
The Aerojet MAX fairway delivers more forgiveness through a draw-biased design that promotes more slice correction. PWR-BRIDGE WEIGHTING An innovative suspended bridge weight design enables unrestricted flexibility of the face and sole, and positions the CG low and forward to unleash faster ball speed. PWRSHELL WITH H.O.T FACE A forged PWRSHELL face insert maximizes flexibility for faster ball speed and higher launch. A H.O.T Face design uses artificial intelligence to create a variable thickness pattern that delivers more efficient speed and spin across the face. ADJUSTABLE WEIGHTING Two adjustable weight settings in the back and heel allow for a neutral or draw-biased ball flight. CARBON FIBER CROWN A carbon crown enables a lower CG for higher launch and added forgiveness. ADJUSTABLE LOFT An adjustable loft sleeve offers fine tuning of trajectory and spin. Each loft is adjustable up to +/- 1.5 from the printed loft on the head.
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2. Cobra Aerojet (16.9 degrees)

Cobra Aerojet Custom Fairway Wood

$329.99
The Aerojet fairway provides forgiveness and versatility for those that desire high launch with a touch of workability. PWR-BRIDGE WEIGHTING An innovative suspended bridge weight design enables unrestricted flexibility of the face and sole, and positions the CG low and forward to unleash faster ball speed. PWRSHELL WITH H.O.T FACE A forged PWRSHELL face insert maximizes flexibility for faster ball speed and higher launch. A H.O.T Face design uses artificial intelligence to create a variable thickness pattern that delivers more efficient speed and spin across the face. CARBON FIBER CROWN A carbon crown enables a lower CG for higher launch and added forgiveness. ADJUSTABLE LOFT An adjustable loft sleeve offers fine tuning of trajectory and spin. Each loft is adjustable up to +/- 1.5 from the printed loft on the head.
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3. Ping G430 SFT (16.8 degrees)

Ping G430 Max Custom Fairway Wood

$349.99
Sizing up your approach into a long par 4, going for the par-5 in two, you want 100% confidence that your fairway wood will give you the solid contact, speed and higher ball flight to get you home. In the G430 fairways, we’ve developed Carbonfly Wrap to deliver more distance by positioning the CG closer to the force line to maximize ball speed, resulting in higher, longer carries. The PING G430 MAX Fairway Wood fits the widest range of golfers with four options (3W/15°, 5W/18°, 7W/21°, 9W/24°). CARBONFLY WRAP The lightweight composite crown wraps into the heel and toe sections of the skirt, creating weight savings of 10 grams which are reallocated to achieve the lower the CG and increase ball speed. The composite also plays a role in the pleasing sound. FACE WRAP TECHNOLOGY FaceWrap Technology, a variable-thickness, high-strength maraging steel face wraps into the sole and crown of the stainless steel head, generating more flexing for faster ball speed and higher launch for greater distance. SPINSISTENCY The variable roll radius of Spinsistency improves performance across the face (especially on thin shots) by reducing spin to increase ball speed from the maraging steel face. TUNGSTEN BACK WEIGHT A tungsten back weight extends the perimeter weighting to ensure maximum forgiveness. TRAJECTORY TUNING 2.0 Trajectory Tuning 2.0 provides eight hosel positions, adjusting for loft (+/- .5°) and lie (up to 3° flatter than std).
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4. Mizuno ST-Z 230 (16.8 degrees)

Mizuno ST-Z 230 Custom Fairway Wood

$299.99
STRAIGHT, STABLE AND HIGH LAUNCHING A mid-low spinning, high launching, adjustable fairway wood – developed hand in hand with our tour advisors, yet midsized and playable for all levels. Utilizing a high energy MAS1C steel face boosted by Mizuno’s CORTECH Chamber for exceptional ball speeds and powerful, solid sensation at impact.“The elevated ball speed of the CORTECH Chamber is a great addition to the ST-Z fairway woods, but the stability might be the real stand-out. They feel like they are on tracks through impact.” CHRIS VOSHALL CORTECH CHAMBER – THE MISSING PIECE Mizuno’s CORTECH Chamber encases a dense stainless steel weight with elastomeric TPU – taking stress from the clubface and creating an additional energy source. At the same time locating weight closer to the clubface to reduce spin rates. While contributing to a more solid, powerful sensation at impact. CARBON COMPOSITE CROWN For low center of gravity and stability from off center strikes. EXPANDED FRONT TO BACK WEIGHTING Additional 8 gram backweight balances with heavier front section for consistent launch characteristics. HIGH ENERGY MAS1C STEEL FACE Reworked with a new multi-thickness design – made possible through the face support of Mizuno’s CORTECH Chamber. QUICK SWITCH HOSEL 4 degrees of adjustability.
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5. TaylorMade Stealth 2 (16.4 degrees)

TaylorMade Stealth 2 Custom Fairway Wood

$349.99
ADVANCED INVERTED CONE TECHNOLOGY Variable face thickness is engineered to maximize ball speed across the face while maintaining playability in a confidence inspiring shape. ULTRA LOW-CG DESIGN Center of gravity is positioned lower compared to the original Stealth™ Fairway, delivering a more centered CG projection for better performance off the deck without sacrificing distance. To accomplish this feat, engineers lowered CG by placing a heavy internal mass toward the rear of the club and lowering the crown by 2mm. 3D CARBON CROWN 3D carbon crown pulls mass away from the high toe area, allowing more weight to be positioned rearward for optimal forgiveness and maximum playability. V STEEL™ SOLE DESIGN This iconic TaylorMade technology stays true to its heritage by improving turf interaction and versatility. ADVANCED LASER ALIGNMENT Providing visual contrast between face and crown, the laser etched aid is designed to highlight directional alignment for boosted confidence and accurate aim. THRU-SLOT SPEED POCKET Our flexible Speed Pocket™ design is engineered to maximize ball speeds and produce additional forgiveness on low-face strikes.
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Want to overhaul your bag for 2023? Find a fitting location near you at True Spec Golf.

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