Samuel Mallet

Nov 14, 2024

8 minutes

Having the right fairway wood model in the bag can be a game changer for most golfers. The right model can improve your performance off the tee when you’re struggling with your driver and can help shorten long par 5s by optimizing the quality of your second strike. But a question remains, which fairway wood should you pick, if you’re a beginner or a casual golfer?

Fortunately for you at home, we’ve got more than one answer for your question! We asked our in-house expert Sam to come up with a complete list of the best fairway woods for beginners in 2024. Even better for your wallet, Sam made sure to include selection that will be discounted, just in time for our Black Friday sale. There’s no better time to shop!

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1. TaylorMade SIM2 Max Fairway Wood

The TaylorMade SIM2 Max fairway wood is a solid choice if you're looking for distance and forgiveness in a fairway wood. When I tried it, I noticed right away how solid and satisfying it felt at impact, with a nice, clean sound that reinforces its build quality.

The larger head inspires confidence and helps keep shots straighter, thanks to the Twist Face technology, which is especially helpful for reducing slices or hooks on slight mishits.

It launches a bit higher than some fairway woods, which is great for most situations but may be a touch too high in windy conditions, especially for those who already hit the ball high. The V Steel sole provides smooth turf interaction, making it versatile off the fairway and from light rough, although in thick rough, it’s a bit tougher to manage.

Overall, this club is ideal for golfers seeking dependable distance and forgiveness, particularly if shot-shaping isn’t a priority. The SIM2 Max is so good, not only for beginners, but for golfers of all skill levels, that it was also featured in our list of the 10 best fairway woods of 2024.

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2. Cobra Air-X Fairway Wood

The Cobra Air-X Fairway Wood stands out with its ultra-lightweight construction, which significantly enhances swing speed and, consequently, distance. When I first swung this club, the immediate increase in clubhead speed was noticeable, translating to impressive ball travel.

The design incorporates Cobra’s innovative CNC-Tungsten Weight, strategically placed to optimize launch conditions and forgiveness. This makes it an excellent choice for golfers seeking both distance and accuracy.

However, the lightweight nature, while beneficial for speed, can sometimes result in a slightly less solid feel at impact compared to heavier counterparts. Additionally, the lower center of gravity is great for higher launches, but in very windy conditions, the ball can sometimes balloon more than desired.

Overall, the Air-X Fairway Wood is a fantastic option for those looking to maximize their distance with a forgiving and easy-to-launch club, though it may require some adjustment in windy scenarios. Plus Cobra has reputation for making great clubs for beginners, so much so that we made a full list of the best Cobra fairway woods for beginners.

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3. Titleist TSr1 Fairway Wood

The Titleist TSR1 Fairway Wood is engineered for precision and control, embodying Titleist’s commitment to performance. Upon testing, I was impressed by its sleek design and the way it strikes a balance between distance and accuracy.

The TSR1 features a compact head shape that appeals to better players who appreciate a more traditional look without sacrificing forgiveness. The Speed Bridge technology enhances stability and speed, providing a consistent feel across the face.

One downside is that while it offers a good blend of forgiveness, it might not be as forgiving as some game-improvement models for higher handicap golfers. The smaller profile can also be a bit intimidating for those who prefer a larger clubhead.

Nevertheless, the TSR1 Fairway Wood excels in delivering precise distance control and a crisp feel, making it ideal for players who prioritize shot-making ability and consistency.

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4. TaylorMade Stealth 2 HD Fairway Wood

The TaylorMade Stealth 2 HD Fairway Wood is a remarkable blend of distance and forgiveness, tailored for a wide range of golfers.

When I took it for a few rounds, the first thing that struck me was the enhanced stability and the impressive distance it produced. The innovative Twist Face technology ensures that off-center hits remain relatively straight, reducing the severity of slices and hooks.

On the flip side, the high-launching nature of the Stealth 2 HD might not suit every golfer, especially those who naturally hit high shots and prefer a lower trajectory. Additionally, while the club is highly forgiving, it may lack some of the workability that more advanced players seek for shaping their shots.

Overall, the Stealth 2 HD is a solid choice for golfers looking to add distance and forgiveness to their bag without compromising too much on control.

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5. Callaway Rogue ST Max Fairway Wood

The Callaway Rogue ST Max Fairway Wood is designed with forgiveness and distance in mind, making it a compelling option for a broad spectrum of golfers. During my time with this club, I appreciated the large sweet spot and the way the clubhead feels stable throughout the swing.

The Jailbreak Speed Frame technology contributes to increased ball speed and distance, which was evident in the longer drives I was able to achieve.

However, the Rogue ST Max can feel a bit bulky for players who prefer a more streamlined appearance and compact head. Additionally, while it offers excellent forgiveness, the trajectory is somewhat high, which might not be ideal for those looking to keep their shots lower, especially in windy conditions.

In summary, the Rogue ST Max Fairway Wood provides substantial distance and forgiveness, making it a great fit for golfers seeking reliability and power in their fairway wood.

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6. Titleist TSi1 Fairway Wood

The Titleist TSi1 Fairway Wood is all about speed and distance without compromising on control. When I tested this club, the immediate boost in ball speed was impressive, thanks to its advanced Speed Face technology.

The TSi1 features a sleek, compact head that appeals to better players who appreciate a more refined look while still benefiting from added forgiveness and distance.

One potential drawback is that the smaller profile might not provide the same level of forgiveness as larger game-improvement clubs, making it less suitable for higher handicap golfers. Additionally, the lower center of gravity can result in a slightly lower launch, which might not be ideal for those who need extra help getting the ball airborne.

Overall, the TSi1 Fairway Wood is perfect for players who desire a balance of speed, distance, and control, especially those who prioritize a sleek design and precise ball striking.

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7. Callaway Paradym X Fairway Wood

The Callaway Paradym X Fairway Wood is a testament to Callaway’s dedication to innovation and performance. When I swung this club, the first thing I noticed was the impressive distance it generated, aided by the Paradym Face architecture which enhances ball speed across a larger area of the clubface.

The dual tungsten weighting provides excellent stability and forgiveness, making it easier to hit consistent shots even on off-center strikes.

However, the Paradym X Fairway Wood’s unique design might take some getting used to, particularly for golfers accustomed to more traditional fairway woods. The high launch angle, while beneficial for many, may not suit players who prefer a lower trajectory. Additionally, the aesthetics, though modern and striking, may not appeal to everyone’s taste.

In essence, the Paradym X offers substantial distance and forgiveness with a modern twist, making it a strong contender for those looking to upgrade their fairway wood with cutting-edge technology.

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8. Cobra F-Max Airspeed Fairway Wood

The Cobra F-Max Airspeed Fairway Wood is engineered for speed and distance, boasting some of the lightest materials in the industry. When I tested this club, the lightweight construction translated to a noticeably faster swing speed, resulting in impressive distance gains.

The AERO TECHNOLOGY in the head design reduces drag, allowing for a more aerodynamic swing and further enhancing speed.

On the downside, the ultra-light feel might not provide the same solid impact sensation that some golfers prefer, potentially making it feel less satisfying at impact. Additionally, while the Airspeed Fairway Wood excels in speed and distance, it may sacrifice a bit of forgiveness compared to heavier, more traditional fairway woods.

Nevertheless, the F-Max Airspeed is an excellent choice for players seeking to maximize their swing speed and distance, particularly those who value a lightweight feel and innovative aerodynamic design. The F-Max Airspeed is not only efficient, it’s also incredibly affordable, so much so that it was featured in our list of the best Cobra fairway woods under $175.

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9. Ping G410 Fairway Wood

The Ping G410 Fairway Wood is a well-rounded club that offers a great balance of distance, forgiveness, and playability.

During my rounds with the G410, I found the clubhead to be exceptionally forgiving, thanks to Ping’s adjustable weight system which allows for fine-tuning the center of gravity to suit different swing types. The smooth, consistent feel at impact was another highlight, making it easier to trust the club on long shots.

However, the G410 Fairway Wood might not provide the same level of distance as some of the more technologically advanced models on the market. Additionally, while the adjustability is a great feature, it can be a bit overwhelming for golfers who prefer a simpler, more straightforward club without the need for customization.

Overall, the Ping G410 is a dependable and versatile fairway wood that caters to a wide range of golfers, offering solid performance and a user-friendly experience.

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10. Cleveland Launcher XL Halo Fairway Wood

The Cleveland Launcher XL Halo Fairway Wood is designed to offer a combination of distance and forgiveness with a unique Halo cross-thru hosel design. When I tried this club, the first thing I noticed was the impressive distance it provided, aided by the advanced face technology that maximizes ball speed.

The Halo hosel not only gives the club a distinctive look but also enhances stability and alignment, making it easier to square the clubface at impact.

One of the cons is that the unique hosel design might take some getting used to for golfers accustomed to traditional hosels. Additionally, while the Launcher XL Halo offers excellent forgiveness, the overall feel can be a bit softer compared to more solid-feeling fairway woods, which might not appeal to all players.

In summary, the Launcher XL Halo Fairway Wood is a strong contender for golfers seeking distance and forgiveness with a distinctive design, though it may require some adaptation for those used to more conventional fairway woods. Earlier this year, we published a similar list of the best fairway woods for beginners and the Launcher XL Halo was also featured on there.

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We truly hope that this list helps you get your hands on the fairway wood that’s been eluding your game for so long. But as always, if none of Sam’s recommendations are to your liking, don’t forget that you can book a call with him, or any of our in-house experts. They’ll offer custom recommendations based on your specific needs.

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Of course, if you’d rather shop on your own, but would still like a bit of help to make up your mind, or you simply want to compare some clubs side by side, you can rely on our Club Finder tool. All you have to do is answer a short series of multiple-choice questions, and we’ll provide you with your results.

Until next time,

The Golf Avenue team