Given how many top players are signed to TaylorMade, as well as how many non-contracted players use its woods, we feel very confident saying that TaylorMade makes some of the best fairway woods in the game.
Although hitting a fairway wood is arguably one of the toughest shots in golf, it can give the player the most satisfaction when struck correctly. What's more, there are a number of options out there to try, such as the best Callaway fairway woods, or perhaps the best Ping fairway woods.
In this piece though, we're taking a look at the brand TaylorMade, with the company consistently pushing the boundaries of performance year on year, as well as making some of the best fairway woods on the market. Why not check out the best options available below, with factors like cost, performance and looks all taken into consideration.
The Quick List
The TaylorMade Qi10 Tour fairway is one the golfing purists and more confident ball strikers will enjoy. The compact head makes the ball flight easy to manipulate, but doesn’t offer too much by way of forgiveness.
The TaylorMade Qi10 fairway is what can only be described as a superb all-rounder. It combines forgiveness and power to create a multi-use fairway wood that performs well from the tee and the fairway.
A strong contender for most forgiving fairway wood of the year. The TaylorMade Qi10 Max fairway looks superb and boasts a confidence-inspiring head that produces outstanding performance from various lies.
The TaylorMade Stealth 2 fairway wood is a power packed, work of art. Its slick looks, outstanding performance and multiple loft options make this option near-perfect.
The Stealth 2 HD fairway wood is one of the most forgiving fairway woods we have tested, producing consistently fast ball speeds and a high draw that will benefit slicers.
The TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus fairway wood will suit high swing speed players who struggle to get standard fairways to launch correctly. It's also full of customization options.
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When introduced to the public, we found that this fairway wood was the longest and straightest on test, with its sharp looks, incredible feel and sound very impressive.
Another performance packed fairway wood from TaylorMade with a fast face, high launch and stand out looks. A fitting is essential to dial in its exciting potential.
Super-sized, sophisticated in design and outstanding in performance. Put simply these are really easy woods to use. It's hard not to love the new Kalea Premier fairway wood.
Best TaylorMade Fairway Woods
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TaylorMade Qi10 Tour Fairway
The Qi10 family features three fairway woods, but the TaylorMade Qi10 Tour fairway wood features a slightly different design, thanks to its more compact-looking head. This club also has a range of features that have been designed to aid customization and adjustability, ensuring that golfers are able to set their club to perform however they need it to.
The Tour model is a replacement for the Stealth 2 Plus, which seems a little unusual as Taylormade would usually keep the name for a replacement club the same. However, in this instance they’ve chosen to completely overhaul it. What’s great about this club is the fact that it also has the same weight track that was featured in the Stealth 2 plus, which we were seriously impressed with. Plus, this club is the only model that features the adjustable loft sleeve, which you can use to adjust the loft and lie angles.
The Qi10 Tour Fairway club has been designed with better golfers in mind, particularly those with a higher swing speed who want to keep spin and launch lower. For higher handicap golfers, this is not the right fairway wood, because it lacks forgiveness and is not the most forgiving fairway wood. However, for golfers with a good ball strike it’s a great option.
- Read our full TaylorMade Qi10 Tour Fairway Wood Review
TaylorMade Qi10 Fairway
We were really impressed by the Stealth 2 Fairway Wood range and, we’re pleased to report that, in the Qi10 Fairway Wood, some of the same technology has been utilized. TaylorMade has incorporated Thru-Slot Speed-Pocket technology to enhance ball speeds, while the V-Steel sole technology ensures a smooth feel on and through impact.
The Qi10 has been designed to offer the perfect combination of power and forgiveness, just like its predecessor. One of the biggest changes to this club is the aesthetics and the way the club has been designed; there’s a significant shift away from the previous design style and colorways used.
When we put it to the test, we found that the Qi10 Fairway Wood worked well and produced a powerful but controlled feeling through impact. The distance achieved was good, but we did note that there weren’t any huge gains when compared to its predecessor.
- Read our full TaylorMade Qi10 Fairway Wood Review
TaylorMade Qi10 Max Fairway
If you’re on the lookout for a fairway wood that’s easier to hit, then the TaylorMade Qi10 Max is a great option. Of all the fairway woods in the Qi10 family, this is our favorite. With an extra large 200cc footprint, this fairway wood is ideal for anyone who’s in need of a little confidence boost when it comes to their golf game. It’s super easy to launch, while also being a great way to increase your carry distance.
When we put it to the test, we were pleased to find that the spin was fantastic. After testing this club out, we’d say that the Max is a great option for golfers with a moderate swing speed or who want to ensure that the ball gets up in the air more easily. That said, this club should yield good results for both faster and slower paced golf swings.
- Read our full TaylorMade Qi10 Max Fairway Wood Review
TaylorMade Stealth 2 Fairway
Compared to the original Stealth Fairways, the TaylorMade Stealth 2 Fairway wood features an improved and enhanced design. Although some aspects of the design have been altered, the iconic red and black colorway, that the Stealth range is famous for, remains but with some minor alterations, and comes with a carbon gloss crown that has a real visual appeal.
When we put the club to the test of the course, it’s safe to say that we were impressed. We found that it’s a club that works extremely consistently in play, making it a good option for less experienced golfers. In a bid to improve how forgiving this club is, TaylorMade opted to lower the center of gravity.
When we put it to the test, we found it easy to get the ball in the air and saw some really great ball flights. We also loved how hot the ball felt off the face, and were impressed with the speed offered. We liked how versatile this club was to play with, allowing us to hit various shots with the same great results. After testing this wood out, we’d definitely rank it as one of the best fairway woods for mid handicappers.
- Read our full TaylorMade Stealth 2 Fairway Wood Review
TaylorMade Stealth 2 HD Fairway
Of the three models, the TaylorMade Stealth 2 HD Fairway wood is, without a doubt, the most forgiving. This club, which comes complete with a much larger footprint, features a satin black top line at the front of the gloss crown that’s designed to offer an alignment aid alongside the ‘T Bug’ alignment stamp features on the club head.
When used at address, the design of this club is made to bolster confidence with the club performing extremely well when used on various fairway lies, from the rough, and off of the tee. For higher handicapper golfers and players that struggle with a slice, this club is a great option.
- Read our full TaylorMade Stealth 2 HD Fairway Review
TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus Fairway
The TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus Fairway, which is aimed at players with a high speed swing, has had an in depth overhaul compared to its predecessor, the TaylorMade Plus Stealth fairway. The major change that the improved club features is a more diverse range of options for adjusting and customizing the club.
One of the most popular features of this club is the sliding 50g steel weight that sits in the middle of the sole. When you loosen the screw, you can adjust where the weight sits, moving it forward or backwards to create a higher launch or reduce the spin - when slid forward, the weight can reduce spin by 200rpm and change how the club plays.
When we put it to the test, we found that overall this is a really well performing fairway wood that tends to work best for golfers who are more experienced. Due to the smaller 170cc head, this club is designed for golfers with high swing speed and high spin, and isn’t a suitable option for new golfers.
- Read our full TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus Fairway Review
TaylorMade Stealth Fairway
The TaylorMade Stealth Fairway was launched in 2022, alongside the Stealth Plus, and featured a 190cc Stealth head, available in five options from 3-wood through to 9-wood.
One of the best fairway woods that year, it’s safe to say that we were impressed. With one of the very first things we noticed about the club was its premium looking design, complete with a red and black head and Fujikura Ventus shaft, and a visually appealing carbon coated head.
We were also impressed by the inclusion of the TaylorMade technology that this wood featured, which included the V Steel sole, Twist Face and Speed Pocket. To aid alignment, the club also features a laser-etched alignment aid on the face of the club, which we found extremely useful for gameplay.
When we put the Stealth to the test, we loved how well it played - we were so impressed we even added it to our 2022 Editor's Choice Awards. We found it was forgiving on mishits while also having the tightest dispersion of all the top 2022 fairway clubs. Despite being a slightly older club, it still holds its own against the newer models, making it a great buy for anyone not wanting to splash out on overly expensive new clubs.
- Read our full TaylorMade Stealth Fairway Review
TaylorMade Stealth Plus Fairway
The TaylorMade Stealth Plus Fairway is another fairway wood that performs seamlessly, thanks to having a fast face and high launch. It also boasts an incredible visual aesthetic, and looks effortlessly striking.
Thanks to its carbon crown, the Stealth Plus helps to encourage a higher launch which, in turn, frees up weight to move lower down the clubhead, helping to decrease drag, helping to aid a higher launch. The face of the club is designed using Zatech titanium, which is an ultra thin metal, which helps to encourage faster ball speeds and enhanced face flexibility.
What’s great about this club is the fact that it comes in three different lofts, in addition to a wide range of shaft options. When we put it to the test, we found that it produced both more launch and spin at impact than the other models within the range.
- Read our full TaylorMade Stealth Plus Review
TaylorMade Kalea Premier Women's Fairway Wood
Available in three loft choices - 3-wood, 5-wood, and 7-wood - the TaylorMade Kalea Premier Women’s Fairway Wood has been designed to offer plenty of distance without compromising on forgiveness. With a weight-saving carbon crown, combined with a flexible Speed Pocket set behind the face for added speed and length, this club performs seamlessly.
When we put it to the test, we found that at address it feels confidence-boosting, with the head 37 percent larger on the Premier version of this club, compared to the original Kalea club. The clubs also feature a shimmery blue finish and come complete with a subtle honeycomb design that’s eye-catching without being distracting, with white accents that are ideal for framing the ball.
- Read our full TaylorMade Kalea Premier Women's Fairway Wood Review
How we test 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 they are as insightful, honest and comprehensive as possible. When it comes to golf clubs, we usually attend product launches so we can meet with the manufacturer’s R&D experts to understand the new technology.
After we have an understanding here, 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 premium balls and the GCQuad launch monitor. We also use TrackMan at golf facilities across the UK. We then do outdoor testing, usually on ranges at West Hill Golf Club, Surrey, The Wynyard Club in Teesside and at Brancepeth Castle Golf Club in Durham. We then put the clubs into play out on these golf courses.
Specifically for fairway woods, product testing is headed up by Sam De'Ath, a former EuroPro and Clutch Pro Tour professional with many years of experience in the golf industry. He is ably assisted by technical editor Joel Tadman, and editor Neil Tappin. All three have been testing clubs for many years, and can efficiently test the vast majority of the biggest product releases and convey the pros and cons eloquently.
Lastly, it's worth noting that no manufacturer can buy a good review and our experts tell it how it is.
How to choose a fairway wood
Modern-day fairway woods are jam-packed full of technology that can help players perform better on the course. Yet, that can sometimes mean there is a lot to choose from when purchasing your next club. The range on offer can sometimes be a bit overwhelming and can cause golfers headaches when picking out the right fairway club for them. To help you in your buying decision, we've set out a list of key points below that you should definitely consider when purchasing your next fairway 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.
2. Forgiveness
Some fairway woods are more forgiving than others, especially because many manufacturers create different models for different levels of player. For example, there are three different Stealth 2 fairways with different head sizes, shapes and they are designed for different golfers. If you need as much help as possible, the Stealth 2 HD will work for you, whilst if you are a better player and strike is more consistent, then forgiveness may not be a key factor for you.
3. Adjustability
Most 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. Or, you can keep things simple and opt for a non-adjustable model with a stock shaft you hit well.
4. Versatility
Fairway woods must work well off the tee, on the ground from different lies and even around the green. If you have a model that works in only one of these areas, then there may be plenty of improvement and flexibility in upgrading your fairway woods.
5. Looks
You have to like how a golf club looks, especially when looking down on the golf ball. 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 test them in a variety of situations and lies.
6. Budget
Be aware of your budget when narrowing down your search for a fairway. You can go for more premium models, such as the TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus or Callaway Paradym or you can opt for cheaper designs like the Wilson Launch Pad. Wherever you fall in budget, our guides will present you with good advice on buying a new fairway wood.
For more great fairway wood offerings, check out our guides to the best callaway fairway woods, best Ping fairway woods, and best women's fairway woods.
FAQs
What degree fairway wood should I get?
When it comes to which degree fairway wood you should get there are a number of factors that need considering. Firstly, what distance are you looking to cover with it? You don't want your 3-wood going further than your driver, but you also don't want to leave a large distance gap between your driver and irons.
Personally, we would recommend a fitting at your local pro shop to really explore what yardage area you are wanting to cover. Once you determine that aspect then it all comes down to hitting a few fairway woods that are of different lofts.
On average, your driver should be around 20-30 yards further than your 3-wood so, with that in mind, you will need to find out how long the driver goes first before experimenting with different degrees of fairway woods.
When should I use my fairway woods?
You can, generally speaking, use your fairway woods anywhere around the course. Ideally, they are designed to be used off the fairway (hence the name) but can also be used off the tee and from the rough. Although a hybrid would be a better option if you're hitting from the second or third cut.
What are 3 and 5 fairway woods equivalent to?
A three wood, generally speaking, provides a more forgiving alternative to a 1 iron that can pack a little more distance. A 5 wood, meanwhile, normally sits at around 20º and 22º in loft which means it replaces either a 1 or 2 iron in your bag.
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