WE TESTED: 3 (15°), 4 (16.5°), 5 (18°) with Aldila RIP Sigma 70 graphite shaft
KEY TECHNOLOGIES: The combination of a titanium cup face and heavier steel body place the center of gravity deeper and higher for improved launch and a more boring ball flight. Multiple face thicknesses help increase the trampoline effect for faster ball speeds and longer distance.
OUR TESTERS SAY: All-around strong performer with high marks for playability and accuracy.
WE TESTED: 3 (15.5°) with Aldila RIP Phenom 70 graphite shaft
KEY TECHNOLOGIES: An adjustable sole plate and hosel allow for 24 different combinations of face angle and loft to meet individual shot-shape and trajectory demands. The club’s center of gravity location—low and more forward than in R11—leads to faster ball speeds and distance. The white crown eliminates glare and aids alignment.
OUR TESTERS SAY: One of the higher-rated woods. Provides excellent feel qualities.
WE TESTED: Strong 3 (14°), 3 (15°), 5 (18°) with TFC 707F graphite shaft
KEY TECHNOLOGIES: The i20 offers more workability than i15 woods because the center of gravity (CG) in i20 is closer to the shaft axis. The CG is also farther back in the head, which contributes to a higher MOI (more forgiveness) and a slightly higher ball flight than the i15.
OUR TESTERS SAY: One of the top-rated clubs. A strong performer in all categories.
WE TESTED: 3 (15°), 5 (19°) with Nike Diamana ’ahina graphite shaft
KEY TECHNOLOGIES: The head features a traditional look, a bendable hosel and a Variable Compression Channel in the sole to create faster ball speeds across a larger area of the clubface, producing more distance and allowing for greater shotmaking ability. The ’ahina graphite shaft is stiffer in the midsection and tip than in previous VR Pro woods.
OUR TESTERS SAY: Solid woods that provide a good combination of distance and playability.
WE TESTED: 3 (15°), 4 (16.5°), 5 (18°) with Aldila RIP graphite shaft
KEY TECHNOLOGIES: The AMP combines clubhead adjustability, a 30 percent larger effective hitting area than Cobra’s previous fairway wood, and a distinct bulge and roll design to enhance accuracy. The head’s thin-wall design shifts 15 grams lower and deeper to improve launch conditions and distance.
OUR TESTERS SAY: Dependable all-around performer tailored visually to the younger crowd.
WE TESTED: 14°, 15.5°, 18° with Miyazaki C. Kua 59 graphite shaft KEY TECHNOLOGIES: The Gliderail sole design—two rails and a center keel—decreases turf drag and increases clubhead speed, versatility and control from a variety of lies. The Ultralite technology reduces the club’s total weight by 20 grams to further increase swing speed and distance.
OUR TESTERS SAY: Mashie has a unique, retro look and proves to be an effective utility club.
WE TESTED: 3 (15°), 5 (18°) with RAZR Fit graphite shaft
KEY TECHNOLOGIES: The OptiFit hosel allows for customized fitting (open, square or closed clubface), while “Variable Face” technology produces a larger effective hitting area for faster ball speeds and greater distance. The heattreated stainless steel construction provides greater strength and better acoustics.
OUR TESTERS SAY: Playable from the tee and fairway with a healthy dose of distance.
WE TESTED: 3 (15°), 5 (18°) with UST Mamiya Proforce VTS graphite shaft
KEY TECHNOLOGIES: Easy-to-hit woods concentrate mass low and deep—via internal weighting and rails along the sole—for added head stability. The club’s “3-zone face technology” expands the effective hitting area from crown to sole and from heel to toe.
OUR TESTERS SAY: This hybrid-influenced design is one of the higher-rated fairway woods.
WE TESTED: 3 (15°), 4 (16.5°) with Graphite Design Tour AD 40 graphite shaft; 3 (15°), 4 (16.5°) with Aldila RIP Sigma 70 graphite shaft; 3 (15°), 4 (16.5°) with Fujikura Exotics Blur 65 graphite shaft
KEY TECHNOLOGIES: The titanium body and beta titanium face insert with multiple thicknesses provide plenty of power. The club’s heavy tungsten sole plate boosts forgiveness. Four external and two internal weight cavities lower the club’s center of gravity.
OUR TESTERS SAY: One of the higher-rated woods. Scores well in feel, accuracy and distance.
WE TESTED: 3 (15°), 4 (16.5°), 5 (18°), 7 (21°) with Ping TFC 169F graphite shaft KEY TECHNOLOGIES: The stainless steel head is larger from front to back than the G15 and has a larger (by 3.5 percent) variable-thickness face. The by-product is higher-trajectory shots, more forgiveness and an improved ability to maintain consistently high ball speeds across the hitting area.
OUR TESTERS SAY: The highest-rated fairway woods. Chart-topper combines distance and forgiveness in a single package.