Best Fairway Woods 2026 - We pick our favorite after thorough testing
In this guide, we check out the best fairway woods that are currently available on the market
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When it comes to the fairway wood, we believe it is an under-rated club in terms of importance, especially as it can also be one of the hardest slots to fill in your golf bag due to the difficulty some golfers have hitting them. Although we don’t use them as much as irons, drivers, wedges and putters, when we do pull the headcover off they really have to step up and perform, either off the tee or on those longer fairway shots into par 5s or monster par 4s.
Crucially, these clubs can be used all around the course, likes areas from the rough, to those little bump and runs on the greens. What's more, unlike wedges and drivers which are usually replaced every few years, fairway woods typically stay in the bag considerably longer, due to the fact we don’t tend to hit them as much in practice. This means that finding the right one can really help knock shots off your score.
The Quick List
Our top pick goes to the Cobra Optm X fairway wood, a superb all-rounder that successfully bridges the gap between Tour-level ball speeds and usability for golfers of all abilities.
A new premium looking carbonfly wrap graces the top of the G440 Max, improving the looks of what was one of our favorite fairway woods of 2024 - the G430. The forgiveness is also of particular note from our testing.
A user-friendly fairway wood that makes launching the ball from the deck feel effortless. It offers a confidence-inspiring footprint and a head design that blends power with forgiveness.
The Max version of the Qi4D is another impressive offering from TaylorMade and is perfectly suited for those who need help getting the ball in the air thanks to the reliable, towering ball flight it produces.
Boasting a new modern look, the DYNAPWR Carbon provides a left-field, value friendly option for the better ball strikers. Wilson as brand can sometimes get forgotten, but with woods like this, they are worth considering.
The Mizuno JPX One fairway wood offers the aesthetics and feel that Mizuno loyalists will love. It's a well-rounded club that maybe lacks the blockbuster features of other clubs in this guide, but it is superb to hit off the deck.
Load the next 3 models
The powerful launch characteristics of the Titleist GT2 makes it a perfect alternative from the tee while still landing relatively softly into greens when hit from the turf.
Although the ZXi was released in 2025 and Srixon have no new fairway woods hitting the market this year, it still takes our title of 'best low spin' and is a great option for those with fast club head speeds.
The PXG Lightning Tour Fairway Wood is a powerful option for golfers seeking speed and lower spin. Falling in love with this thing shouldn't be difficult given how pretty it is on the shelf and at address.
Best Fairway Woods - Best 3 Woods and Best 5 Woods
Top pick
Our top pick may surprise some, but we're pleased to say that Cobra have continued their upward trajectory following their impressive DS-Adapt family offering from last year. In their place comes the Optm family, with the 'middle sibling', the Optm X, being my choice for the best fairway wood of 2026. Built with a multi-material construction featuring a lightweight matte black carbon crown and a Titanium frame, the club introduces Cobra's new 'POI' (Point of Inertia) concept. This technology aims to minimize gear effect and tighten dispersion by allowing the clubhead to rotate more naturally with the golfer's swing, making it a highly reliable all-rounder for players of varying skill levels.
During testing we were blown away by the ball speeds that were produced - they nearly identical to the lower-spinning LS model but with a much friendlier launch profile. The slightly shallower face height and mid-CG location, supported by adjustable 3g and 17g weights, helped generate a stable ball flight with roughly 300 rpm more spin than the LS which will benefit those who don't swing out of their shoes like the pros by providing more forgiveness.
This fairway wood also looks superb, with a larger, more appealing footprint compared to the compact Tour-style models. While the aforementioned higher launch and spin characteristics might make penetrating shots into a heavy wind more challenging, the Optm X is a gem that successfully bridges the gap between elite performance and everyday playability.
- Read our full Cobra Optm X Fairway Wood Review
Most forgiving
Given how much I loved the Ping G430 fairway wood in 2024, it was going to take a mammoth effort from Ping to deliver something special enough to come in and replace it. Enter the G440.
Ping started with the looks and I think they've made some tangible improvements to the aesthetic. This is mainly thanks to the new Carbonfly Wrap featured on all of the G440 family of drivers and woods - this was previously only reserved for the LST from the G430 range. I'm less keen on the sole of the club which sports a black and blue colorway, a nod to the original G series family released almost a decade ago. Of course looks is a subjective point though so many will like this new design.
When focusing on performance, it surprised to find that during testing my carry numbers were lagging short of other models I've tested so far in 2025 despite ball speed numbers remaining pretty high and consistent. This is likely due to the fairly low launch and high spin this wood promotes. This resulted in a fairly underwhelming carry average, falling short of competitors like the TaylorMade Qi35 fairway wood and Callaway Elyte fairway wood. However I did love the 4-wood performance as it offered that higher flight which many golfers will enjoy. And it is worth saying that the ball speeds remained consistent across the face which aids the forgiveness on offer here.
Overall the G440 has kept much of what made the G430 so great but from my testing I struggled to find an area in which their were any significant improvements. Nevertheless, it still remains a great option to consider when shopping in the fairway woods market.
- Read our full Ping G440 Max Fairway Wood Review
Best feel
It was always going to be difficult to back up the beautiful Ai Smoke family of woods, but the Elyte family did just that. Now, in comes the new Quantum family which boasts a new looks but the same quality performance of previous Callaway models. The Max version of the Quantum is designed with a shallow face and a footprint that inspires confidence and successfully balances high-end ball speed with impressive forgiveness.
The biggest tech change this year comes in the form of the "Step Sole Design," which enhances turf interaction and allows the club to glide through various lies, including the rough, maintaining high ball speeds even on strikes that aren't hit out of the middle of the club face. The inclusion of 'Speed Wave 2.0' technology and low-forward tungsten weighting also helps optimize launch conditions and maintain performance on low-face strikes.
As for looks, we think they may divide opinion - a slightly "busier" crown and face graphics will not be for everyone and might put off traditionalists, but they do serve as an aid for correctly setting the ball up in the middle of the face at address. The looks were the only real fault we could find in an otherwise superb offering from Callaway who have delivered a fairway wood that provides an excellent balance of stability, high-launching power and exceptional playability for a broad range of golfers.
- Read our full Callaway Quantum Max Fairway Wood Review
Best for high launch
We could have awarded the Qi4D family a whole host of labels in this guide - best looking comes to mind for starters, but we've opted to shoutout the Max version for how easy it is to launch into the air, making it one of the best fairway woods for high handicappers. Its massive footprint and shallow face profile are intended to inspire confidence at address, whilst the boffins at the TaylorMade factory have pushed weight to the perimeter which, coupled with an 8 gram rear weight, has moved the center of gravity low and deep which boosts MOI and creates a stable, high-launching platform.
We were excited to see how high we could launch this wood during testing and we were not left disappointed - we were met with a towering ball flight and plenty of spin (averaging 3,471 rpm), far more than the other two fairway wood models in the Qi4D family. While this high-launch, high-spin profile results in a slightly shorter total carry distance (about 15 yards less than the core model), it offers much tighter dispersion and a steeper descent angle.
Visually, the club sits square and unmissable behind the ball, aided by a silver alignment strip at the top of the face. While the larger head size can make it slightly more challenging to cut through thick rough compared to more compact designs, its performance from the fairway and tee is top-tier for the average player. We also don't think the head is too big which can sometimes be an issue as some can view it as a condescending design, but the Qi4D Max hits the sweet spot and means it is an option as one of the best fairway woods for mid handicappers as well.
- Read our full TaylorMade Qi4D Max Fairway Wood Review
Most underrated
Wilson may not be the sexiest brand making clubs on the market but they tick every box in the looks department when it comes to their latest Dynapwr Carbon fairway wood. It delivers a far superior visual to the standard model, most notably via the glossy carbon crown. The black and red accents continue on from last year's model, providing a stealth aesthetic with minimal color tones.
Wilson's aim with the Dynapwr Carbon fairway wood was to lower the flight, spin and launch to produce tour-inspired performance. I set out in testing to see if they've achieved their objective and was pleasantly surprised at the results. I saw spin rates fall with the Carbon to 3633rpm compared to the standard model coming in at 4183rpm. This resulted in the Carbon achieving a 10-yard longer carry distance on average at 251 yards.
While the ball flight and power was particularly impressive, it was the improved sound and feel with the Dynapwr Carbon that really impressed. Coming in at a slightly cheaper price point than other models on this list, this is a fairway wood really worth considering.
- Read our full Wilson Dynapwr Carbon Fairway Wood Review
Best off the deck
We described the JPX One as 'solid but unspectacular' in our testing, potentially a victim from the high standards set by Mizuno's previous offerings. Nevertheless, we think the performance the JPX One offers off the deck to its standout feature worth shouting about. A standout design feature is the new JPX logo and face score lines, which make alignment at address exceptionally easy and intuitive for centering the ball - as always with Mizuno clubs, we think this one looks superb, albeit not all golfers may jazz with the gloss navy carbon crown.
On the technical side, the club incorporates a re-imagined Cortech Chamber and a MAS1C face to enhance flexion and maintain ball speed on off-center hits. Like the Qi4D Max, launch was high but it was accompanied by significant spin (over 3500 rpm) which meant it helped with forgiveness but might be a little too spinny for those with fast club head speeds or those who tend to play a lot in windy conditions.
Where the JPX One excels is with playability and ground interaction. The inclusion of a new "Speed Bevel" sole allows the club to glide through the turf effortlessly, providing a superb feel even when hitting from tight lies.
- Read our full Mizuno JPX One Fairway Wood Review
Best off the tee
As always with Titleist, there is little fuss of fanfare when it comes to the design of their latest GT range, instead, they simply let the performance do the talking. We've chosen the GT2 as our 'best off the tee' fairway wood for a number of reasons, most notably thanks to their 'Seamless Thermoform Crown', made from a proprietary matrix polymer, which allows weight to be redistributed for an optimal center of gravity, resulting in faster ball speeds and a higher launch compared to the older TSR2 model.
During our indoor testing the GT2 revealed a significant boost in efficiency, with ball speeds increasing by approximately 3 mph, equating to about six extra yards of carry. Additionally, a new L-Cup face design enhances flexibility across the hitting surface, providing a stable perimeter that preserves speed on off-center hits, particularly those struck low on the face, leading to a pleasingly tighter dispersion from back to front.
The GT2 is a great all-rounder but its also very versatile and takes our label of 'best off the tee' thanks to its ability to deliver a powerful flight that makes it an excellent alternative to the driver on tight tee shots.
- Read our full Titleist GT2 Fairway Wood Review
Best low spin
Another worthy inclusion on this list of the best fairway woods is the ZXi from Srixon, taking our title of 'best low spin' thanks to some crazy distance numbers we saw during testing with minimal spin, meaning its a particularly good fit for those with fasters club head speeds. It looks absolutely stunning in the black finish and whilst the head looks slightly smaller compared to others on this list, it frames the ball beautifully at address. The top of the crown helped me align correctly and square up that club face before the strike as well.
During our testing I noticed distance numbers have taken a hike when compared to the older ZX5 Mk II fairway wood. This distance is complimented with a really tight dispersion, similar to that when I tested the TaylorMade Qi35 fairway woods. As such I think this is an outstanding model for those looking for a go-to club off the tee in particular. Additionally I loved the feel of the club, the change from a full titanium structure dampened the acoustics and vibration, although the sound is still much louder than the likes of the Callaway Elyte.
As you can see, and if you read a bit more in the in-depth review below, I loved just about every element of this ZXi fairway wood and I think it will be a serious contender in the metal-wood department this year.
- Read our full Srixon ZXi Fairway Review
Best looking
PXG are no longer the 'new kids on the block' anymore, and although they remain new compared to the brands we've been used to for decades, it seems their product lineup is only getting better year on year - the Lightning Tour fairway wood is an example of that. It takes our title of 'best looking' because, well, look at it! It offers a premium aesthetic with its high-strength carbon fiber crown. The Tour model is significantly smaller than the standard Lightning model, specifically catering to players who prioritize shot-shaping and trajectory control both off the tee and from the turf.
PXG's latest family introduces "Progressive Face Geometry," which optimizes face curvature based on loft to provide corrective forgiveness on off-center hits. The face is 12.5% thinner than previous models, leading to a noticeable jump in ball speed, averaging nearly 158 mph in testing.
The dual weighting system is also worth praising, featuring a dual-weighting system (10g and 2.5g) that allows golfers to dial in their preferred trajectory. Explosive, customizable and, frankly, beautiful, this is arguably PXG's best fairway wood release to date.
- Read our full PXG Lightning Tour Fairway Wood Review
How we test the best fairway woods
When it comes to Golf Monthly's testing procedure, we use the same ethos and methodology for all golf products to make sure our reviews are as insightful, honest and comprehensive as possible. We like to attend product launches whenever possible so we can meet with the manufacturer’s R&D experts and therefore get a better understanding of the new technology.
After we have that understanding, our first port of call when hitting clubs is usually the indoor simulator at Foresight Sports, where the team can test in a controlled environment using the best golf balls and the GCQuad launch monitor. We also use TrackMan at golf facilities across the UK. We then follow that up with outdoor testing, usually on ranges at West Hill Golf Club, Surrey, along with North Hants Golf Club in Hampshire. Finally, after getting all the data we need we head out to the golf course to get a feel for how the clubs perform in actual golf situations. This testing out on the course takes place at least over a number of rounds because using the club consistently for a period can tell us about general performance in facets like - versatility, usability, how the club performs in different conditions and so on.
Specifically for fairway woods, product testing is headed up by Sam De'Ath, who is a former competitor on the EuroPro Tour and Clutch Pro Tours. Sam is supported by our technical editor Joel Tadman. Both Sam and Joel are competitive low handicap golfers who are able to efficiently test the biggest product releases and successfully communicate equipment technology and product features to a wide golfing audience.
How to choose a fairway wood
If you are thinking about upgrading your metal woods then it is probably a wise decision, as there being plenty of new and exciting options on the market right now. When it comes to fairway woods you ideally want the perfect balance between forgiveness and distance, as one without the other is not going to help you much. The good news is that brands are constantly innovating the design producing new golf clubs that are designed to help you swing through the golf ball with more power and precision and the advancements made in technology have made striking from the fairway with a wood easier than ever before.
However, there are so many excellent models on the market right now it can sometimes be very difficult to decide which one is best for your specific needs. So to help, we've set out a few important considerations below that you're going to want to think about when choosing your next metal wood.
1. Loft
Figure out the specific gap to be filled in your golf bag. Ask yourself how far does my driver go, and how far do your longest irons or hybrids go? Knowing this will dictate the ideal loft for your fairway wood. You may want to carry both a 3 wood and a 5 wood, or perhaps you will compromise and go with a 4 wood. Efficient gapping is vitally important because it can save space in your bag which can be used for an extra wedge.
2. Forgiveness
Some fairway woods are more forgiving than others and that is often by design. A tour pro is not likely to use a fairway wood designed for a high handicap player and therefore a high handicap player should not be trying to use something that is in the bag of a tour pro. Know your skill level and shop accordingly. Most manufacturers nowadays create different models for different levels of player. For example, there are three different Cobra fairways right now with different head sizes/shapes which are designed for golfers who require different things. A higher handicap golfer may need help getting the ball in the air while a more accomplished player will be looking for a lower spinning version. A good rule of thumb is that if you need as much help as possible then a larger head will work for you, whilst if you are a better player and a more consistent ball striker, strike is more consistent, then forgiveness is not going to be your main requirement.
3. Versatility
Fairway woods perform different roles and therefore need to be versatile. Ideally you will want one that you can rely on off the tee but that you are also comfortable hitting off the deck from different lies. You might even want to use it for bump and run shots around the green. If you have a model that works in only one of these areas, then it is probably worth shopping around to find something with more versatility as it will help to lower your scores.
4. Looks
Non golfers might see this as a little superficial, but you have to like how a golf club looks and it isn't just for vanity reasons, there are practical benefits to having a club that is aesthetically pleasing. If you like how a club looks when you are stood over the golf ball it will promote confidence in your ability to hit a nice shot. If it doesn't look good behind the ball the reverse is true. The fairway wood is one of the most difficult clubs to hit, which is why you need something that gives you confidence and may even spark a pang of jealousy in your playing partners. Our advice is go and pick several models, see how they look and feel in your hands and then if possible test them in a variety of situations and lies.
5. Adjustability
Many modern fairway woods come with a degree of adjustability, whether that’s loft, moveable weights or shaft fittings. Think about how important adjustability is to you, because you can change the characteristics of a club’s performance with a turn of a wrench. That won't appeal to everybody though so if you are one of those who like to keep things simple then look for a non-adjustable model with a stock shaft that you hit well.
6. Price
Of course, price is always something to consider when buying golf clubs because there are different price points and also different people can afford different models. As such I would recommend having a clear idea on your budget, testing several clubs properly in your price range, and then pick accordingly.
For more options at the top end of the bag, be sure to check out our guides on the best fairway woods for high handicappers or maybe one of the best mini drivers.
FAQs
What are fairway woods?
Fairway woods are versatile distance clubs that are designed to be hit from the tee, off the fairway and even from light rough, similar to a mini or small headed driver but with slightly more loft and a shallower face.
Traditionally, the size of a driver head ranges from roughly 440cc to 460cc, whereas a fairway wood often is from 140cc to 180cc. Fairway woods look similar in appearance to drivers but have smaller heads.
Fairway wood faces are much shallower than a driver, which keeps the COG (centre of gravity) lower, helping you to get the ball airborne. Fairway woods are more forgiving than long irons and almost every Tour player puts one or two fairway woods in the bag.
What loft should a fairway wood be?
As touched on above, manufacturers offer a range of fairway wood head styles and lofts, ranging from super-strong three woods at 13.5° to 7,9 or 11-woods which are designed for golfers who struggle to launch mid and long irons and want more confidence inspiring equipment to hit the ball further.
Each golfer is different, in their physical fitness, ability and approach to the game. A wide range of fairway wood lofts can provide options for senior players, women and juniors who want alternatives to hitting longer irons. Many established Tour winners have carried 7-woods when course conditions required high flying soft-landing ball flights on key par-5 holes and at long par-3’s.
For the average golfer, a 7 wood will usually be quite easy to hit high and straight and could potentially replace a 5 iron in the bag, but the high flight is not always going to be the best option in difficult weather conditions. It's a great option to have though and it's a lot of fun to hit.
What fairway woods should I carry?
This depends on three factors.
First, what ability level are you? Fairway woods are more forgiving than long irons, so if you are a beginner or a high handicap player we’d recommend putting as many fairway woods in the bag as possible, providing the lofts and gapping are correct. Some brands offer a wide range of fairway woods which means if you struggle with longer or even mid-irons, you can switch them out for a 7 wood or even a 9 wood.
If you are a better player who is comfortable hitting mid/long irons, then how many woods you carry will depend on the following two factors.
Loft and gapping is the next point to mention. Fairway woods have to be able to fill the gap in the bag from the driver to your irons. If you carry a full set of irons and perhaps also a hybrid, then knowing how far you hit each club gives you insight into which yardages you need to fill with fairway woods and you may only need one. The best way of doing this is on a launch monitor with an experienced PGA professional or custom-fitter.
The final factor is the type of golf course do you play on? If you play a lot of links golf, then you’ll likely need to hit lower penetrating shots, whereas inland or parkland golf requires you to hit shots that fly higher and land softer on the fairway or green. Fairway woods are definitely more suited to target parkland golf rather than fast-running firm linksland golf.
The same logic applies to playing golf in windy conditions. Fairway woods are usually designed to give higher launch which makes them difficult to control in the wind, especially when compared to long irons or driving and utility irons.
Take a look at our guides on the best golf drivers and most forgiving drivers for more help at the top of the bag.
