Ping's G430 LST fairway wood produced the highest launch angle during robotic testing.
GOLF
Not all fairway woods are created equal — and that’s a good thing. Some are designed to generate a piercing ball flight, while others are geared for golfers who need help launching it into the stratosphere. If you fall into the latter category, consider this list a good place to start when the search for a new 3-wood commences.
Utilizing robotic data from Golf Laboratories’ swing robot, we were able to highlight options for golfers who sit around 95 mph (swing speed) and have trouble getting the ball in the air or simply want something with the ability to drop and stop.
As you’ll notice, the robot highlighted an interesting choice at the top of the list: Ping’s G430 LST. Designed for golfers who want to cut spin, Ping’s latest fairway wood actually produced high launch, low spin properties under our testing conditions that led to some impressive carry distance numbers — making it a great secondary option off the tee.
Check out the launch angle results below.
(How we calculate: Each fairway wood is tested at 95 mph using a three-point face mapping. We hit six balls from each location on the face — heel, toe and middle — and came up with an average based on the 18 strikes.)
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Ping G430 LST | 16.6 degrees
Ping G430 LST Custom Fairway Wood
The low-spinning tour-style design combines a 2041 Beta-Ti face, Ti 8-1-1 body, and a high-density tungsten sole plate to position the CG low/back for faster ball speed with reduced spin to generate big distance gains. The high-strength titanium face wraps into the crown and sole to increase flexing for more ball speed. Its variable roll radius face (Spinsistency) improves performance across the face, especially on thin shots, and the Carbonfly Wrap crown helps lower the CG to increase ball speed and elevate forgiveness with a pleasing sound. Available in 3W only (15°).
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).
The X model is designed for versatile shot making and plenty of forgiveness to make your long game more consistent.
MORE LAUNCH. MORE BALL SPEED.
The PWRSHELL insert and suspended weight PWR-BRIDGE design create a more flexible face and sole to maximize launch and ball speed.
SPEED & SPIN OPTIMIZATION
An A.I. designed H.O.T. Face features an optimized variable thickness pattern that delivers more efficient speed & spin across the clubface.
The MAX model features tunable draw-bias and unrivaled stability to inspire maximum confidence from the fairway or off the tee.
MORE LAUNCH. MORE BALL SPEED.
The PWRSHELL insert and suspended weight PWR-BRIDGE design create a more flexible face and sole to maximize launch and ball speed.
SPEED & SPIN OPTIMIZATION
An A.I. designed H.O.T. Face features an optimized variable thickness pattern that delivers more efficient speed & spin across the clubface.
Introducing the Qi10 Max fairway. Experience TaylorMade speed with Qi10 forgiveness…off the tee and off the deck.
EFFORTLESS PERFORMANCE
The Qi10 Max Fairway boasts an ultra-high MOI construction. Internal mass pads are positioned for maximum forgiveness with weight moved to the extreme low back, making this fairway TaylorMade’s easiest to hit in the line.
NEW INFINITY CARBON CROWN
An Infinity Crown provides a clean, uninterrupted view at address while also optimizing performance.
Introducing the Qi10 fairways. Experience TaylorMade speed with Qi10 forgiveness…off the tee and off the deck.
TOUR PROVEN PERFORMANCE
The model most popular with both Tour players and amateurs, the Qi10 Fairway is the ideal blend of distance and forgiveness, while the precision CG location delivers a combo of high launch and low spin.
NEW INFINITY CARBON CROWN
An Infinity Crown provides a clean, uninterrupted view at address while also optimizing performance. Engineers relied on this new design to reshape the club, shifting more weight lower in the clubhead to maintain high inertia with an enlarged face profile to inspire confidence and generate ball speed.
Jonathan Wall is GOLF Magazine and GOLF.com’s Managing Editor for Equipment. Prior to joining the staff at the end of 2018, he spent 6 years covering equipment for the PGA Tour. He can be reached at jonathan.wall@golf.com.
