Best 3 Wood – Our Top 10 Picks

Fairway woods have become increasingly popular among golfers over the past several years. They’re easier to swing overall and can produce significantly more distance and loft than some players may be used to.

The 3 wood is part of the fairway wood family of golf clubs and offers the ball flight, ball speed, and overall performance that many golfers are looking for. They’re an excellent option for those who would launch the ball too far from the tee box when using a driver.

The question is, which option out there will work best for you? On this page, we’ll be diving into some of the best fairway woods out there. We’ll cover their 3 wood variants as well as a few things to keep in mind when shopping.

The Best 3 Wood

This section contains some of the best fairway woods available. We’ve considered swing speed, low spin requirements, and so much more. If you’re a beginner or average golfer, we’ve also included some of the most forgiving fairway woods in this list.

Read on to find the best fairway woods for you!

1. Callaway Rogue St Max

This fairway wood is self-described as the “fastest” ever produced by Callaway. If you’re looking for exceptional ball speed and a remarkable distance, this is probably the best fairway wood for you.

The company’s “Jailbreak” system is designed with both speed and stability in mind. Even a mediocre swing can still achieve impressive results with this fairway wood. One part of the design here that really stands out to us is the clever positioning of high-density tungsten.

This pushes the center of gravity for the club lower and produces a low spin that’s more accurate, predictable, and reproducible. This is a great fairway wood for beginners and pros alike and we can’t recommend the Rogue ST Max highly enough.

Why we love this fairway wood:

• Low spin for stable flight paths
• More distance than the competition
• AI face optimization for a forgiving fairway wood

Some drawbacks to keep in mind:

• Not the cheapest option out there

2. Taylormade Stealth Fairway Wood

We’re huge fans of the Taylormade Stealth. Its accuracy in particular deserves a fair bit of praise. The laser-etched alignment aid makes it remarkably simple to line things up perfectly you’ll get the shot you’re looking for far more consistently when playing golf.

You’ll also be dealing with a surprisingly high launch and low spin thanks to this club’s head design. The high strength steel used in this product’s construction produces significantly higher speeds than you may be used to.

If you’re looking for some of the most forgiving woods out there, this is certainly one to watch. The “refined weight distribution” on this model from Taylormade means that your smaller mistakes are far less likely to throw off your game.

Why we love this fairway wood:

• One of our favorite fairway woods for beginners
• Reliable, high launch
• Laser-etched alignment aid

Some drawbacks to keep in mind:

• Pro-level players might want to look elsewhere

3. Srixon Golf ZX Fairway Wood 3 Wood

When first learning how to play golf, you’re encouraged to focus on your swing technique. Once you’ve got your swing speed down, it’s time to move on to your accuracy. Where you strike the golf ball matters – it determines your ball’s flight path and distance.

By the time you’ve mastered striking the ball correctly, this ZX fairway wood will be the perfect companion. As a 3 wood, it’s well suited as an alternative to an iron driver with a more traditional shape.

The club head design that this club employs results in drastically more distance and speed than comparable options on the market. Whether you’re an absolute novice or a seasoned pro, this is a 3 wood that’s worth paying attention to in our opinion.

Why we love this fairway wood:

• Exceptional accuracy and distance
• A satisfying, forgiving swing
• Carbon fiber crown

Some drawbacks to keep in mind:

• Not an adjustable fairway wood

4. TaylorMade SiM 2 Max Fairway Wood

The stiff shaft on this 3 wood is really quite something. It allows for the explosive distance and high launch that many players are looking for. The use of graphite here deserves a mention. This material is dramatically lighter than alternatives such as iron. 

If you’re looking for accuracy and forgiveness with your 3 wood, this might just be the option for you. The larger-than-average club head and precision-engineered design make for a club that is super easy to swing, accurate, and far more forgiving than you might expect. 

Taylormade is employing what it describes as a “Thru-Slot Speed Pocket” for this club’s design. This improves club-head flexibility which helps to maintain the overall speed and distance of your golf ball. Fairway woods with this kind of feature are worth paying attention to. 

Why we love this fairway wood:

• Lightweight and forgiving 
• One of our favorite fairway woods 
• Enhanced club head flexibility 

Some drawbacks to keep in mind:

• Some people will prefer a club with more flex 

5. Cobra King Speedzone Fairway Wood

This 3 wood is for those who prefer a tried-and-true formula. The traditional head shape and overall design of this club make it the perfect option for those who are still familiar with heavier irons. Don’t be fooled, though; this is most certainly a fairway wood.

You’ll still be benefiting from the lighter weights and modern conveniences of a wood. If you’re not familiar with the Cobra brand, you’re probably very new to the game of golf. For decades the company has enjoyed a reputation as one of the best producers of golfing products in the world. 

Expect exceptional speeds, reliable accuracy, and a level of forgiveness that’s great for the pros and a Godsend for beginners. This is a fantastic 3 wood at any experience level. You’ll get the ball airborne at lightning speed.

Why we love this fairway wood:

• A very good fairway wood for beginners 
• Pros will appreciate the traditional head shape 
• Significantly improved turf interaction

Some drawbacks to keep in mind:

• Sells out quite quickly online

Click here for prices.

6. Callaway Rogue Epic Max 

You may have noticed that this isn’t the first Callaway option listed on this page. There’s a very good reason for this. While they’re far from the only option out there, Callaway tends to make an exceptionally good 3 wood. Their consistency, durability, and overall performance are well worth the money in our opinion. 

The Rogue Epic Max is no exception. It uses an “AI designed” club head for unparalleled precision, ball speed, and consistency. Even a relative novice should be able to squeeze a bit of extra distance out of their swing with this 3 wood. 

One of our favorite features is that the club’s head can be tuned using the included 5 & 2g weights. The heft and weight of your swing are yours alone to control! Much like the Callaway Rogue ST listed above, this fairway wood is well worth a look. 

Why we love this fairway wood:

• AI-designed club head for improved performance 
• Adjustable head weight 
• Graphite shaft for faster swings 

Some drawbacks to keep in mind:

• The paint can chip fairly easily

7. Cleveland Golf Launcher HB Turbo Fairway Wood

This is one of our favorite fairway woods on the market. It combines a “turbocharged” cup face with an ultra-light hosel and counterbalanced shaft design to produce a 3 wood that delivers exceptional performance every single time. 

We particularly love this option for starting your game at the tee box. Your swings will enjoy a higher level of forgiveness than some other clubs out there. You’ll probably also notice the lower-than-average center of gravity when playing. 

Once you’ve become accustomed to this weight distribution, you can expect a lower spin and higher launch than you enjoyed previously. All things considered, this is a fantastic 3 wood that’s well worth the money in our opinion. 

Why we love this fairway wood:

• High-performance weight distribution 
• We love the “turbocharged” cup face 
• Very forgiving but still performs well

Some drawbacks to keep in mind:

• The handle can feel a little too long for some 
• The weighting might take a hot minute to get used to 

8. Tour Edge Hot Launch C522 Fairway

Reliable, accurate, and surprisingly affordable, this 3 wood from Tour Edge gets many things right. One thing to keep in mind is the stiffer shaft design results in a heavier weight than some fairway woods users may be familiar with. 

If you’ve got a particularly strong or fast speed, options like this one might be right up your street. We’re big fans of how the weight of this club is distributed throughout its entire design. Each swing should feel well-measured, reliable, and powerful. 

While we think this is one of the best fairway woods available, it might not be the best option in the world for beginners – it’s a little less forgiving than some of the other products listed on this page. Weigh up your experience level and preferences before pulling the trigger.

Why we love this fairway wood:

• Stiff, weighty shaft for a powerful striking force 
• Great levels of accuracy 
• Surprisingly affordable 

Some drawbacks to keep in mind:

• Not as forgiving as we’d like it to be

9. Tour Edge Exotics EXS 220 Fairway Wood

As with the other Tour Edge options listed on this page, this product is well worth paying attention to. This is a 3 wood that’s unlikely to let you down no matter what experience level you’re working with. 

Expect a remarkably comfortable weight distribution, powerful striking force, and a level of accuracy that’s hard to match. This product uses something that Tour Edge describes as “Hyper Steel.” While we’re not too impressed by the marketing lingo, it is 14% lighter than regular steel clubs.

This results in a line of fairway woods that are significantly easier to handle and swing with the speed you’ll need to perform well on the course. For those with a slightly weaker swing, this option is tough to beat.

Why we love this fairway wood:

• “Hyper Steel” construction that’s up to 14% lighter than alternatives
• Excellent weight distribution
• Comfortable, ergonomic handle

Some drawbacks to keep in mind:

• A touch more expensive than we’d like it to be

10. Intech Golf Behemoth Oversized Fairway Wood 

We’ll level with you – this option might not outperform some of the other golf clubs listed on this page. What it will do, however, is help stretch your budget far further than the rest of the competition. It’s also a fantastic choice for mid-handicappers and those with slower swing speeds.

The oversized club head on this product does a fantastic job of increasing the consistency of your swings. You should find it much easier to not only strike the ball but also to strike it in exactly the right spot. 

Off-center strikes can throw off your game, so features like this are great to see. For less than $50, it’s tough to argue with the value for money that’s on offer here. We strongly recommend giving this one a look if you haven’t already. 

Why we love this fairway wood:

• It’s super affordable 
• The oversized club head helps beginners improve their accuracy 
• The lightweight aluminum construction is comfortable 

Some drawbacks to keep in mind:

• The durability on offer here leaves a lot to be desired 

What are Fairway Woods 

This type of golf club are primarily designed for use on the fairway but can also prove useful at the tee box and on the rough. Their faces are significantly shallower than more traditional irons and usually feature a much lower center of gravity.

This often makes it significantly easier to get the ball airborne and travelling the distances you need. The sizes, designs, and special features of most fairways can vary drastically. For this reason, it’s important to make sure you’re as clued-up as possible before wasting your money.

The Best Fairway woods – Things to Consider

The best fairway wood will serve you well no matter where you’re playing. Other fairway woods might let you down if you’re not careful. While there are myriad factors that can influence your point average when playing, the clubs you use can make a huge difference. 

In this section, we’ll run through a few key things to keep in mind when shopping. The more you understand about shopping for clubs, the easier it will be to pick up an option that works perfectly for you! 

Consider Your Requirements Closely 

Do you have a clear picture of what you’re looking for? What’s your handicap? How forgiving do you need your club to be? Do you prefer a stiffer shaft or something a bit more flexible? 

These are the kinds of questions that you should be asking yourself early on the avoid disappointment. The clearer you are about what specifically you’re looking for when shopping, the easier it will be to separate the “duds” from the “Godsends.”

Test Them Out First 

If you’re buying clubs at a brick-and-mortar location, try to find a store with a “testing zone” that lets shoppers get a feel for any clubs they’re considering. There’s nothing quite like actually holding a club when it comes to making the right decision. 

Marketing lingo can only take you so far. 

Features like an adjustable hosel or a lightweight carbon crown might sound good on paper, but you won’t know if a club is right for you until you’ve swung it in your own two hands.

Adjustability 

This isn’t always the case, but most decent golf clubs these days come with at least a degree of adjustability. This may come in the form of an adjustable loft sleeve, movable weights, or something else entirely. 

This can be particularly useful for those who prefer a deeper and lower CG than average. The ability to tweak your setup on the fly can be exceptionally useful for old and new players alike.

Forgiveness 

We’re not talking about apologizing to your golf clubs here! The forgiveness of a club describes how much wiggle room it affords you as a player. Frequently deliver off-center hits? Still have work to do on your swing? A forgiving club will still deliver reasonable results regardless.

The right fairway wood for a beginner will probably be quite forgiving. Low handicap golfers will probably want to look elsewhere, however.

If you’re playing to a competitive standard, it would be a mistake to look for the maximum forgiveness available when shopping. This type of club can be fantastic for a beginner, but won’t offer the level of performance you’ll need to maintain an edge on the course.

Budget 

How much money are you willing to spend on just one club? Have a ballpark figure in your head before getting to the shops. If you have a hard limit on how much you’re going to pay, this can make it much easier to narrow down your options. 

A decent 3 wood or fairway wood can cost anywhere from $90 to $190. While faster ball speeds and better performance sometimes come with a bigger price tag, you can’t necessarily just throw money at your game and see an improvement. 

Branding and snake oil should also be factored into the equation. 

Turf Interaction

This term describes the way that the leading edge of your club head “enters” and then leaves the turf of the golf course. Your goal should be to hit the golf ball first and the turf second. Clubs that are designed with turf interaction in mind tend to perform much better on average.

When looking for a new fairway wood, look out for this kind of feature and you’re unlikely to be disappointed. 

Fairway Wood Lofts – What Angle Should My 3 Wood Be? 

The specific answer to this question depends on your experience level as a golfer and your preferences as a consumer. That said, most 3 woods worth their salt are angled at 15 degrees. This usually offers the lift and performance that most people are looking for. 

If you’re unsure which angle or design might work best for you, we strongly recommend getting a golf club fitting. 

Durability 

This one is especially important if you plan to splash out when buying your new clubs. If properly maintained, a golf club should last you for at least 3 years. Ideally, you should be aiming for significantly longer than this.

Check to see which materials have been used to make any product you’re considering. Carbon fiber and premium steel tend to last fairly well. Metals like aluminum can often let you down. It’s also worth mentioning that this is far from a hard-and-fast rule. 

It’s best to judge each product on a case-by-case basis. Checking online reviews is a great place to start. 

Best 3 Wood – Final Thoughts 

We hope you’ve found our suggestions above helpful. Remember that the only person who can make the right call is you. Take the time necessary to consider your requirements in detail. The firmer you are about what you’re looking for, the easier it will be to make the right decision. 

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a complete novice, we’re sure you’ll make the right choice for you. Good luck on the course!