Given how many of the game's top players are signed to TaylorMade, not to mention how many non-contracted players choose to use its woods, we can safely say that TaylorMade makes some of the best fairway woods in the game.
Hitting a fairway wood is probably one of the toughest shots in golf and a lot can go wrong and often does, but because of how difficult it can be, there are not too many more satisfying shots than when you flush a 3-wood and it trundles up onto the green.
Not all fairway woods are the same though and there are models aimed at specific levels of player. Each brand will have different models and most will bring out a new range each year, so the market is flooded with options. We have compiled handy guides covering numerous fairway wood options, including the best Callaway fairway woodsand the best Ping fairway woods.
In this piece though, we're taking a look at the brand TaylorMade, a company that consistently pushes the boundaries of performance year on year. Why not check out the best options available below, with factors like cost, performance and looks all taken into consideration.
The Quick List
One for the golfing purists, the TaylorMade Qi10 Tour fairway is a club the more confident ball strikers will certainly enjoy. The compact head makes the ball flight easy to manipulate, but it isn't the most forgiving.
The TaylorMade Qi10 fairway is the perfect all-rounder, combining forgiveness and power to create a multi-use fairway wood that performs well from the tee and the fairway. One for golfers of all skill levels.
The TaylorMade Qi10 Max fairway looks superb and boasts a confidence-inspiring head that produces outstanding performance from various lies. This is a strong contender for most forgiving fairway wood of the year.
The power packed TaylorMade Stealth 2 fairway wood is a work of art. Its slick looks, outstanding performance and multiple loft options make this a near-perfect fairway wood.
The Stealth 2 HD fairway wood is one of the most forgiving fairway woods we have tested, while also producing consistently fast ball speeds as well as a high draw that will surely benefit slicers.
The TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus fairway wood is full of customization options and will suit high swing speed players who struggle to get standard fairways to launch correctly.
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When launched in 2022, we found that this fairway wood was the longest and straightest we tested all year, while its sharp looks, incredible feel and sound make this a very impressive option even now.
Another performance packed fairway wood from TaylorMade with a fast face, high launch and stand out looks. As with any wood though, be it driver or fairway, a fitting is essential to dial in its exciting potential.
One for the ladies, and it's hard not to love the new Kalea Premier fairway wood. Super-sized, sophisticated in its design and truly outstanding when it comes to performance, this is an exceptional option for the woman golfer.
Best TaylorMade Fairway Woods
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TaylorMade Qi10 Tour Fairway
The Qi10 family of fairways features three models, aimed at golfers with different requirements. The Qi10 Tour fairway wood features a slightly different design to the others due to its more compact-looking head. It also has a range of features to aid customization and adjustability, thus ensuring that golfers are able to set their club up to perform to their own specific needs.
The Tour model is aimed at the better golfer and is a replacement for the Stealth 2 Plus, which is a little out of the ordinary as Taylormade would usually keep the same name for a replacement club. The same weight track that was featured in the Stealth 2 plus remains, which we were thrilled about as it seriously impressed us last year. The Tour is the only model in the Qi10 range to feature the adjustable loft sleeve, which you can use to adjust the loft and lie angles.
The Qi10 Tour fairway is aimed at low handicap golfers with a higher swing speed who want to lower their spin and launch. Our testing showed that it will do just that and it's a great option for the more accomplished ball striker. For higher handicap golfers, this is not for you as it lacks forgiveness and you would be better served with one of the options below.
- Read our full TaylorMade Qi10 Tour Fairway Wood Review
TaylorMade Qi10 Fairway
Given how impressed we were with the Stealth 2 Fairway Wood range, we’re happy to report that TaylorMade has utilized most of the same technology in the Qi10. Thru-Slot Speed-Pocket technology to enhance ball speeds has been added, while the V-Steel sole technology ensures a smooth feel at impact.
As with the Stealth 2, the Qi10 has been designed to offer the perfect combination of power and forgiveness but one of the biggest changes with the Qi10 is in the aesthetics and how the club has been designed. There has been a significant shift away from the previous design style and colorways used and we think it looks great.
In testing 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. The biggest improvement has been in the aesthetics.
- Read our full TaylorMade Qi10 Fairway Wood Review
TaylorMade Qi10 Max Fairway
This is one for the inconsistent golfer who needs help with their fairway wood striking. So if that's you and you’re on the lookout for a fairway wood that’s easier to hit, the Qi10 Max is a great option to consider. In fact, of all the fairway woods in the Qi10 family, this is our favorite and definitely the easiest to hit. The extra large 200cc footprint makes it ideal for anyone who’s in need of a little confidence boost when stood over the ball on the fairway facing a long approach. The Max is super easy to launch and that will also increase your carry distance.
Based on testing the first thing to say is that the spin was fantastic. After hitting countless shots with it, we’d say that the Max is a fantastic option for any golfer with a moderate swing speed or someone who just needs help in getting the ball up in the air more easily. Having said that, we should also point out that this club should also yield good results for faster paced golf swings too and it's a great all rounder.
- Read our full TaylorMade Qi10 Max Fairway Wood Review
TaylorMade Stealth 2 Fairway
We loved the original Stealth Fairways but the TaylorMade Stealth 2 Fairway wood came with an improved and enhanced design. The iconic red and black colorway that the Stealth range is famous for remains, albeit with some minor alterations including a carbon gloss crown that has a real visual appeal.
When we put the club to the test out on the course we were definitely impressed. It’s a club that offered impressive consistency, which makes it a good option for less experienced golfers or those who struggle to get the ball in the air. TaylorMade lowered the center of gravity on the club to help with forgiveness and we certainly saw the benefit of that in testing.
We found it very easy to get the ball in the air and we saw some really great ball flights. Another thing that caught our attention was how hot the ball felt off the face, while we were also impressed with the speed offered. Another plus was how versatile this club was to play with, as we were able 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 in the Stealth 2 fairway range, the Stealth 2 HD is without doubt the most forgiving. It's a club that comes with a much larger footprint than others in the range which will appeal to the higher handicap player who needs that extra reassurance over the ball. Another useful feature is the 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.
The design of this club is made to bolster confidence at address and we found in testing that the club performed extremely well when used on various fairway lies, as well as from the rough or off the tee. The draw bias was evident too in our testing and 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 Plus is aimed at players with a high speed swing and has had an in depth overhaul compared to its predecessor (which you can see below). The biggest change is that is has a more diverse range of options for adjusting and customizing the loft of the club.
We really like the sliding 50g steel weight that sits in the middle of the sole to provide adjustability. When you loosen the screw, you can move where the weight sits, either pushing it forward or backwards to create a higher launch or reduce the spin - whatever is required. When slid forward the weight can reduce spin by 200rpm and change how the club plays.
In testing we found that this is an excellent 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 or those who lack consistency in their ball striking.
- Read our full TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus Fairway Review
TaylorMade Stealth Fairway
The TaylorMade Stealth Fairway was launched in 2022, alongside the Stealth Plus. It featured a 190cc Stealth head and was available in five lofts from 3-wood through to 9-wood. There is no question that it was one of the best fairway woods that year and we were very impressed when we got our hands on it and got to hit some balls.
Before that though the first thing we noticed was the premium look and design, complete with a red and black head, Fujikura Ventus shaft and a visually appealing carbon coated head. Just like the Stealth driver, it caused quite a stir that year.
In terms fo the tech, the V Steel sole, Twist Face and Speed Pocket all went towards producing premium levels of performance. The club also features a laser-etched alignment aid on the face of the club which we found extremely useful out on the course.
We were so impressed in testing that we even added it to our 2022 Editor's Choice Awards. It was forgiving on mishits while also producing the tightest dispersion of all the top 2022 fairway clubs. Despite being a slightly older club, the original Stealth 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 one for the low handicap golfer with a fast swing speed and premium ball striking. Featuring a fast face and high launch, it also boasts an incredible visual aesthetic and looks effortlessly stunning.
The carbon crown helps to encourage that higher launch which, in turn, frees up weight to move lower down the clubhead, which TaylorMade's engineers used to decrease drag which in turn increases launch. The face of the Stealth Plus is designed using Zatech titanium, which is an ultra thin metal that boosts ball speeds while enhancing face flexibility.
Perhaps the best feature of this club is that it comes in three different lofts, in addition to a wide range of shaft options, so all bases are covered for the better golfer looking to add distance and consistency to their fairway wood game.
- Read our full TaylorMade Stealth Plus Review
TaylorMade Kalea Premier Women's Fairway Wood
The Kalia Premier Fairway Wood for women is available in three loft choices - 3-wood, 5-wood, and 7-wood - and has been designed to offer plenty of distance without compromising on forgiveness. A weight-saving carbon crown combined with a flexible Speed Pocket set behind the face provides more speed and distance without having to swing extra hard.
In testing we noted that it felt confidence-boosting at address, no doubt due to the head which is 37 percent larger on the Premier compared to the original Kalea club. The Kalia Premier has a nice shimmery blue finish and subtle honeycomb design that we feel is eye-catching without being distracting, while the white accents 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 guidelines and methods for all golf products to make sure our reviews are as insightful, honest and comprehensive as possible. When it comes to golf clubs, including fairway woods, we strive to attend product launches when possible so we can meet with the manufacturer’s R&D experts to get a better understanding of the new technology.
When it comes to hitting clubs we usually head to 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. Outdoor testing follows, usually on ranges at West Hill Golf Club, Surrey, The Wynyard Club in Teesside and at Brancepeth Castle Golf Club in Durham. Finallywe 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. Sam 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 important to stress 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 which is great when it comes to helping players perform better on the course, but can also mean there is a lot to choose from when purchasing your next club. The vast range on offer can sometimes be a bit overwhelming and can cause golfers headaches when picking out the right fairway club for them, so we've set out a list of key points below that you should definitely consider when purchasing your next fairway wood.
1. Loft
Very important this. 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 do not want to have two clubs in the bag that go the same distance so do your research on this before buying.
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 Qi10 fairways with different head sizes, shapes and they are designed for different golfers. If you need as much help as possible, the Qi10 Max 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 and the Qi10 Tour is your best bet.
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 quick 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 so 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. Don't pick looks over performance though!
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 Qi10 or Callaway Paradym Ai-Smoke Max or you can opt for cheaper designs like the Wilson Launch Pad. Whatever your budget, our guides will present you with good advice on buying a new fairway wood and offer something in your price range.
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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