Robot testing verifies these fairway woods have exceptionally low launch

Whether you regularly play in windy conditions or just need something that goes forever off the tee with some semblance of consistency, a low-launch fairway wood can fill an important hole in the bag setup.

The previous installment of GOLF’s robotic testing insights took a look at fairway woods (15 degrees) with exceptionally high launch angles. Now we’re shifting the focus to a crop with a noticeably lower launch. As you’d expect, low-spin fairway woods produced some of the lowest launch angles during testing, which checks out.

Moving the center of gravity low and forward is the easiest way to shed spin and lower launch at the same time. That being said, don’t assume all low-spin fairways are going to produce a penetrating flight. (If you don’t believe us, just look at Ping’s G430 LST launch numbers.)

If you struggle with too much spin, try out one of the models listed below and watch your distance increase. It’s one of the easiest ways to get spin within a reasonable range and turn your 3-wood into a strong secondary option off the tee.

Check out the notable low 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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TaylorMade Qi10 Tour | 13.1 degrees

TaylorMade Qi10 Tour Custom Fairway Wood

Introducing the Qi10 Tour fairway. Experience TaylorMade speed with Qi10 forgiveness…off the tee and off the deck. MAXIMUM ADJUSTABILITY A lower profile moveable weight system features a 50g sliding weight and a 2° loft sleeve for a wide range of flight options. Golfers can shift the weight back for higher launch and stability, center it for all-around performance or move it forward for a low-spin ball flight with maximum distance. NEW INFINITY CARBON CROWN An Infinity Crown provides a clean, uninterrupted view at address while also optimizing performance.

$449.99 $349.99 from Fairway Jockey

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Cobra Darkspeed LS | 13.8 degrees

Cobra DarkSpeed LS Custom Fairway Wood

The LS model features our first ever Titanium fairway construction for driver-like performance in a refined clubhead shape tailored for precise shot shaping. TOUR INSPIRED SHAPING Subdued clubhead styling inspires a Tour-validated look and feel at address. TITANIUM CONSTRUCTION A multi-material construction blends a lightweight 8-1-1 Titanium body and face, and a carbon crown to improve weight distribution for more distance.

$429.99 $249.00 from Fairway Jockey

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Mizuno ST-G | 14.2 degrees

Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond | 14.6 degrees

Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Max | 14.7 degrees

Want to overhaul your bag for 2024? Find a fitting location near you at GOLF’s affiliate company True Spec Golf.