10 Best 3 Wood Clubs Reviewed


Sometimes help is required from these woods with the long approach shots when our irons or hybrids seem to be ineffective. One of the most distinguishing features of fairway woods is its versatility, playability, and forgiveness. It is due to its higher loft degrees that make the ball launch and fly with straighter trajectories. Modern 3-woods deliver optimum performance and deliver playability like never before, so take a look at the best 3 wood clubs.
Standout Picks




















Criteria Used for Evaluation
Materials
There are different materials used to produce Fairway Woods, and even though they are called woods, nowadays, they are far from being ‘woods’. The revolution that TaylorMade brought with the stainless steel driver, spread to fairway woods and the hybrids too. However, with the progression of technology, not only stainless steel but other materials stepped in too.
Stainless steel, however, is still widely used because of its affordability and strength. It is heavier and this influences the size of the head. Therefore, even though fairway woods made of stainless steel are compact and perform well, many high handicappers find them limiting.
Titanium is another material that is commonly used, and thanks to its strength but lightweight it is dominant in more modern, and newer models. Titanium club heads are often larger and more forgiving, and manufacturers can relocate the center of gravity deeper and lower in the clubhead by the use of tungsten weights. Also, the faces made from titanium are thinner, allowing more face flex.
The latest that modern science has brought forth is a combination of materials like titanium or steel with carbon for extremely strong nut lightweight club heads. These multi-material clubs are the most expensive but offer premium performance.
Features
All these clubs feature impressive performance, and most of them boast impressive technologies that are borrowed from the same lineup range. We have seen an interesting blend of driver and iron technologies that when used in combination can enhance golfers performance. However, as we are discussing 3-woods here, certain features need to be integrated within the design of these clubs so that they are qualified as such.
The first feature is definitely the loft degrees, so even though many are broadly described within the range of fairway wood without focusing on the specific loft, when we described the performance they deliver we particularly described the performance of the 3-wood. Another feature that we considered was important was the forgiveness of each club since the majority of golfers, even tour players appreciate good forgiving clubs. Next, the integrated technologies that help golfers easily launch the ball high with more speed and distance were also highly valued. Finally, the versatility and adjustment possibility was one more factor that helped us narrow the selection down.
Speed
When we talk about speed, we actually mean the distance golfers achieve with the help of the speed of the clubhead, and this is an important factor. In fact, as the 3-wood can serve as a substitute for the long irons and even the driver, it does make a difference whether you’ll be able to launch the ball straighter and faster to get more yardages. Almost all of the fairway woods are made with the companies’ proprietary technologies that have made them the fastest ones. The exception here are the clubs for high handicappers that are designed to help golfers get higher launches but not so much speed.
Value
When buying a fairway wood, the price is often a determining factor for choosing which one to buy. As it often happens the ones that are packed with the most advanced technologies are usually the most expensive. Despite the fact that they are ultimately premium in all their aspects, the list contains not so expensive models that are almost as high performing as the most dominant ones. Plus, we have included the highest-rated ones within the budget section so that golfers with a tight budget are not deprived of the possibility to play with a well-performing, decent fairway wood.
Top 10 Picks
1. Callaway Epic Flash


Recent years have brought Callaway’s latest driver technology into fairways to enhance the speed. This year’s Epic Flash Fairway Wood brings forth the same features found in Epic Flash driver. The Jailbreak bars, found in the Rogue Fairway Wood, are retained in this model to connect the sole to the crown and to stiffen the overall construction and enhance the speed. And, the Epic face, found in the artificial intelligence computer-designed driver, is also utilized in this fairway too. So, what you can expect in this 3-wood is much more speed and a straighter ball flight which is a state of art in this Fairway Wood.
Read moreFeatures
Behind the 455 Carpenter Steel face, sit the Jailbreak bars that make the overall construction stiffer, while the Face Cup wraps around the front of the club enhancing the speed on off-center hits. The new OptiFit hosel makes Epic Flash fairway a uniquely adjustable 3-wood. It is lighter than before and helps to customize the loft settings to adjust it to match the swing types of golfers. The butt-section of the Epic Flash 3-wood is made of Aluminum Vapor Coated Fiber that enhances stability. And finally, we must confess that Callaway’s Epic Flash looks great having a modern outer design.
Performance
This 3-wood delivers high launch and straighter and long ball flight. It will suit well players who look for mid to low spin, enabling extra stability, balance, and control. The EvenFlow allows for shaft load to be transferred with the swing and allowing maximum energy release at impact. This powerful, so-called “energy flow” delivers a smooth feel which enables golfers to exhibit more control with each swing and more distance. The combination of optimized materials and the Face Cup design, make it suitable for golfers with more aggressive swing speed who look for more distance, forgiveness, and playability.
Cost and Value
Epic Flash integrates the most cutting-edge technology and it is the highest-rated 3-wood with patented design and optimized performance. It is suitable for a wide range of golfers’ skills despite the official claim that it has been designed to appeal to golfers with a more aggressive style. The price is among the highest you will find on the market, however, it is worth the money as you’ll get an unmatched performance.

2. TaylorMade M6


When TaylorMade launched its M5 and M6 drivers this year they made a real revolution with the Twist Face technology that allowed maximized speed up to the limit. What we can see in the design of this TaylorMade fairway wood is the use of the most groundbreaking technologies promoted in their drivers. This means extreme speed and great forgiveness for more distance. The use of carbon- composite materials, make the face thinner and lighter which allows for relocation of 9 grams of weight to be relocated to the perimeter to enhance the forgiveness. There are multiple lofts to choose from, so in case you are looking for a 3-wood, it comes in a 16-degree loft.
Read moreFeatures
The Twist Face technology is responsible for the face curvature that is designed to reduce the sidespin, produce straight trajectories and achieve more distance. The deep face design in combination with the carbon crown delivers optimal playability and maximum distance. The strong steel frame together with the Twist Face, blend together the exceptional forgiveness, maximum feel, and speed. Plus, the Speed Pocket slot that is located in the sole and which has been part of the latest TaylorMade models, optimizes the speed and together with the thermoplastic polyurethane insert, it enhances the sound and the feel.
Performance
The performance of the Twist face, even though visually not very enhanced, improves the performance of the miss-hits and is especially effective in dealing with sidespin to keep the ball trajectory straight. This design expands the COR area, while the TPU slot provides a better turf interaction and more feel. In order to enhance the forgiveness, the Inertia Generator keeps a large amount of mass lower in the aerodynamic sole, a design that helps achieve more speed while keeping maximum forgiveness.
Cost and value
Even though this fairway wood features a fixed hosel design, the versatility in lofts selection is optimal, so many experts think that the fixed hosel contributes to maintaining balance and stability. Taken all features into consideration and the utilized technology, it is more than obvious that we are talking about a superior fairway wood. The 3-wood is higher-lofted than it is expected, but that enhances the possibility for easier and higher launches. When it comes to its price, it high but worth the money.

3. Cobra F9 Speedback


We have included several 3-woods in our list that features offset design such asCobra F9 Speedback which hits the ball exceptionally straight and at the same time it is very easy to keep it steady and stable. The latest from Cobra represents a blend of its superior technologies which will allow you to get more speed and distance to unmatched levels. Being CNC milled, it is one of its kind and its design appeals to a vast group of golfers with a handicap that ranges from 5 to 25.
Read moreFeatures
What is striking about this model, is the extended span of possibilities that this advanced fairway wood has, offering exceptional playability which makes it one of the most versatile woods on the market. The blend of the aerodynamic shape of the head and the lower and deeper CG make it very playable. The face features CNC precision milling which is the thinnest stainless steel face that Cobra has ever constructed in a fairway, producing more speed and distance. The drag is reduced thanks to the 360 aero technology, while the polymer crown and titanium- sole trips enhance the aerodynamic property. MyFly8 and a Smart Rail 8 offer maximum adjustability to match golfers’ preferences.
Performance
The aerodynamic features and the low CG help the 3-wood deliver much-reduced drag and extreme club speed. And, even though most of the top-notch manufacturers feature fast face designs, Cobra’s is the only one that offers CNC milled face which enhances the speed of the ball. The Speedback technology offers unsurpassed ball flight consistency with the much-improved launch, but not on the account on distance. MyFly 8 and Smart Rail-8 offer loft adjustability so that golfers can fine-tune the game following his/her needs.
Cost and value
It is not an exaggeration if we say that Cobra F9 Speedback stands for fairway wood perfection, and there’s almost nothing that this club lacks. The technologies and the material used in its production guarantee playability to the highest level, and although it is very expensive, it is totally worth the money. When you consider the steel face, carbon crown, aerodynamic shape, and the CNC milling, they all justify the high price point it has.

4. Ping G400 Fairway Wood


The visual impression of the new Ping G400 fairway is very similar to the older version in terms of size, shape, and finish. If you compare the two at address, you will notice that the size of the head and the rounded shape seem to be identical. What distinguishes the two models are the larger Turbolators positioned on the crown to increase the aerodynamic property of the club in general. This feature was borrowed from the driver and seems to be working pretty well.
Read moreFeatures
The crown on this model is made from 17-4 Stainless Steel which is thinner, allowing more weight to be distributed deeper and lower so that the CG is positioned on the back. This makes this 3-wood more forgiving on off-center shots. The face is made from maraging steel which is a stronger material, allowing to be made 28% thinner and flexes 30% more compared to the previous model which leads to more ball speed. We said that they were almost identical with the previous model, however, one of the differences is seen in the flatter sole which positions the leading-edge closer to the ground for better performance from tighter lies.
Performance
It is interesting how the engineers opted to paint the grooves on this 3-wood so that the face stays as thin as possible, while the rest of the woods with higher lofts feature real grooves. The G400 range follows the pattern of higher launch and more ball speed and so does this 3-wood. What you’ll appreciate the most in the performance of G400 is its workability from every possible lie and the solid feel and sound that is even higher than the average for this range of club. The interesting combination of the Ping Alta CB shaft with a heavier butt to match the heavier head in order to increase the MOI.
Cost and Value
The Ping G400 is a low profile 3-wood which is very well-engineered and one of the most forgiving 3-woods on the market. The excellent results it delivers come from the blend of technologies and materials and the slightly lower profile head. To own it you will need to pay a good amount of money, but the performance that it will deliver is worth every cent you spent on it.

5. Callaway Rogue


Callaway has established its dominance on the market when they released the Rogue drivers in 2018, and the same success has followed the Rogue fairway wood. Besides the standard, the Sub Zero option is also offered within the Rogue range, but the Sub Zero is a bit lower spinning. However, what is a revolution in these fairway woods is the fact that they feature the Jailbreak technology, one of the most successful Callaway’s technologies that have transformed the way woods perform in terms of feel, consistency, and performance that delivers extra speed to mis-hits. Here we represent the standard Rogue model which is a bit larger than Sub Zero, with sole weighting and a bit of a deeper face. This makes it more forgiving and playable.
Read moreFeatures
The main feature of Callaway Rogue 3-wood is the Jailbreak titanium bars which are positioned behind the face to connect the sole to the crown and deliver more energy return to the ball. The Triaxial Carbon Crown has a smaller design compared to the previous model but it boasts aerodynamic shape that maximizes the speed and the distance, while the internal standing wave in the sole lowers the center of gravity, and helps golfers launch the ball higher. All this, in combination with the Carpenter 455 ultra-thin face, that features Cup Face technology makes this fairway wood extremely fast.
Performance
As the design explained above is speed and distance promoting, one might wonder what kind of feel and sound it will provide. The tests and the measurements revealed that there is no reason for concern as the feel is quite solid with a very pleasing sound. The overall performance of Rogue can be summarized into a lower ball launch and less spin, tight dispersion and extreme ball speed. Therefore, the average swing players can take the maximum of the Rogue thank to the easy ball launch. The loft range is wide and includes 3-wood at 13.5° up to an 11-wood at 25°. The reason for this is the lack of an adjustable hosel so golfers will need more heads to fill in the gap.
Cost and Value
The Rogue 3-wood is easier to launch and it is more fore forgiving with excellent performance features. The fixed hosel design together with the rest of weight-saving changes makes it an excellent option for high to mid handicappers. The price is high, but if you consider all the playability and the performance it offers, it is definitely a good investment.

6. Titleist 913F


The 913F comes as an upgrade of the 910F, a model that constructed to appeal to low handicappers. This new model comes with a bigger head and a larger sweet spot which is more forgiving compared to the previous model. To the pleasure of mid handicappers, you will find less spin and design which promotes more distance to up to 6 yards. It is an interesting 3-wood construction, so read below to find out more.
Read moreFeatures
Titleist is a company that never releases products without submitting them to rigorous testing, and the tests for this model have shown impressive distance gains. The head features a classic shaped design, while the SureFit Tour patented hosel design allows for loft and lie adjustability so that it delivers performance that matches your swing type. According to golfers this model is much better compared to the previous one as it is more forgiving, with the weight positioned around the head.
Performance
If you expect your 3-wood to offer speed and forgiveness without sacrificing the distance, then this model is bound to match your preferences. Plus, as it has been based on a model that was constructed for low handicappers, it has retained its sound and feel, and the possibility to fine-tune the loft preferences. The interchangeable hosel design opens up the possibility of trying out different shaft models with different lengths. But its versatility doesn’t stop here as the Titleist engineers allowed the possibility to fine-tune the weighted head, and match it with the balance point of the shaft. This fairway wood represents the transition of a tour to average players clubs but with all the customization that tour players get.
Cost and Value
If you are mid to low handicapper looking for a subtle 3-wood that has the feel and the sound of a touring club, but at the same offers the playability and the forgiveness of the average golfers’ club, Titleist has the perfect model for you. Plus, if you the current settings don’t match your preferences, you can have complete customization of the loft, weight, and the lie with a shaft of your choice. For all this, you’ll pay a high price, but at least you’ll be positive that your 3-wood is made just for you.

7. Tour Edge Exotics EXS


Year after year we have the pleasure of seeing Tour Edge climbing up the stairs of success by offering award-winning clubs that have been perfected in many ways. It is often the rule of the thumb that fairway woods bring in the technological advancements of the same generation drivers and hybrids. This fairway wood features the EXS driver technologies, and it is a real refreshment when it comes to the materials and the technologies integrated into this club. Tour Edge Exotics EXS is beautifully designed, with modern features to deliver optimal performance.
Read moreFeatures
The Flight Turning System (FTS), which is the hallmark of this wood, enables sole weight to be customized and moved along. The cup face is made from hyper-strength steel, which is hardened and processed with heating technology to make it stronger and thinner. The toe is made of carbon fiber, an ultra-lightweight material that saves weight. Thick and thin compartments that are strategically positioned, comprise the variable face thickness, making it very forgiving. Made to reduce spin, the designers thought of a clever way to reposition the center of gravity closer to the face. But it is not only the cup face that makes it fast. The slipstream sole that features speed channels additionally enhance the speed.
Performance
If you opt for the 3-wood, you’ll get a mid to high-launching club that is designed for more speed and distance. It is one of the most forgiving clubs and is especially recommended for high to mid handicappers. Thanks to the promoted technologies seen in its design, you can expect consistency and stability to a maximum level. The Exotics EXS technology will help you lower your score with its reliable design.
Cost and Value
When your long irons or hybrids do not perform the way they are supposed to, this 3-wood stands the chances of providing you with reliable, distance-enhancing performance. Even though it is not recommended for absolute beginners, it has a pretty large span of playability. It is one of the most expensive Tour Edge models, but it is recommended by anyone who has used it, making it a good value for the money.

8. Wilson Staff D7


Many golfers use 3-woods to make the launching of the ball easier, especially as a replacement of the long irons or sometimes even as a substitute for the driver. In order to deliver maximum playability in terms of high launch and long-distance, the D7 used, as it is the case with most of the 3-woods here, the technology utilized in the D7 range woods. This fairway wood is an excellent club, forgiving, versatile, and promising to end the struggle with the approaching shots.
Read moreFeatures
The all-new RE-AKT technology that marks the D7 range is utilized in this fairway wood, making the clubhead perform much faster due to the extra light design without adding more effort. The 455 carpenter steel face features steel and hot surface, employing an insert made from maraging steel. This combination has proven to be extremely effective to deliver more feel and distance. The new crown is made with thin cast pockets whose purpose is to save weight and dampen vibration thanks to the two carbon layers. This directly impacts the much better sound, while at the same time it provides an excellent feel and feedback.
Performance
The Wilson D7 fairway wood blends a superlight design, Reactive Face Technology and the Dynamic Launch Control that makes it one of the best performing fairway woods on the market. This serious tech-packs creates playability from difficult lies. The 3-wood comes with 15-degree loft offering maximized performance both, off the driving range and anytime you feel reluctant to use your long irons.
Cost and Value
The D7 lineup was designed with the feedback and direct suggestions of several tour players which were seriously taken. Wilson Staff has shifted the way they manufacture their clubs, employed several new technologies, and the latest releases coming from Wilson Staff, including this wood, show impressive performance. The price it comes with is surely not what we are used to seeing from Wilson, however, the complete engineering process has changed, so the price fits the performance and the technology.

9. Pinemeadow PGX Offset


It is interesting how flat-out the Pinemeadow PGX Offset fairway woods are and how they are designed to help you cure any slices and hooks in your swing. If you’ve ever played with other fairway woods that offer mild offsets such as the Cobra F-Max and you can't get rid of banana slices, then Pinemeadow PGX can be your last resort for straighter ball flights. With higher than usual lofts and with higher spin, they will help you get the ball in the air without much slices and hooks.
Read moreFeatures
The PGX fairway woods, in the same manner as the driver, is designed with a larger clubhead and perimeter weighting to bring the center of gravity back and low. It features the anti slice technology with a very pronounced offset design. The crown features a set of small arrows that help golfers align the club better and square the ball. The leading edge which is visible at address helps dig up the ball and launch it high. The stainless steel head comes with a lightweight graphite shaft which enhances the speed.
Performance
The PGX is constructed to help golfers keep the ball straight, and it does the job pretty well. Since this is another model on our list that focuses on having the ball launched high in the air instead of speed, you’ll notice that it isn’t very distance-enhancing. However, as it is constructed to mainly meet the needs of high handicappers, it delivers a solid performance of keeping the ball up and straight.
Cost and Value
The PGX is a low-cost 3-wood that is aimed to appeal to the recreational golfer who needs some help from the club to cure hooks and slices. It is not a tech-packed club, but even without all the bells and whistles, it is functional and effective. With a price point which is below anything on this list, it is an irresistible offer for a high handicap

10. Orlimar Escape


If you are a beginner or a high handicapper, the chances are that someone has already recommended the Orlimar brand. The company is very popular among these players as they offer solid designs for a lower price. In the same manner, as with the rest of their clubs, the Orlimar Escape fairway woods have been designed for high handicappers with a slow swing speed to help them easily get the ball airborne. The versatility in loft degrees ranges from 3 to 15-wood in seven separate clubs.
Read moreFeatures
Orlimar’s Escape fairway woods have been designed with a shallow face and a lower and deeper center of gravity for easier launch. It is made with a low leading edge to get under the ball and send it high in the air. However, the focus with this design is on having the ball up and high, without stressing the distance too much. The 3-wood that comes with 16 degrees of loft, overlaps with other manufacturers’ 5-woods which is again an indicator that you’ll have the ball high. Equipped with premium Orlimar shaft and grip, it is a complete package of a super game improvement 3-wood.
Performance
The design that Orlimar Escape has means that it will provide high handicappers with the opportunity to launch the ball high without much struggle. It comes as an excellent replacement of the long irons or hybrids. According to golfers who have been playing with it, it is one of the most satisfying clubs that are made to boost your performance and confidence. Mind you though, if you are after distance, then you won’t be able to get much from it.
Cost and Value
If you are a beginner who is struggling to launch the ball high in the air, then this is the club that is rated the highest from the users. It is playable, super forgiving and easy to use. The price though is what makes it particularly favorite among golfers as it is a tenth of the price of the name-brands.

Sources
- KNOW THE PURPOSE OF YOUR 3-WOOD, Article ,
- Why Driving With A 3 Wood Can Lower Your Scores, Article ,
- Fairway Wood vs. Hybrid, Article ,
- How Do I Use Fairway Woods?, Article ,