Updated May 18, 2023. This article was thoroughly audited by multiple golf experts and coaches for its accuracy. You can read more about our rigorous testing protocol here.
A well-made 3 wood can improve an amateur’s game from the tee box or fairway. Offering a low profile, the best 3-woods on the market provide an excellent combination of power and workability.
Since a 3-wood provides a more compact shape than a driver, some amateurs can experience better dispersion, more fairways hit, and farther distance because of how the club suits their swing.
On my list of the top 3 woods, I’ll take a deeper look at the best available fairway wood for amateurs, their top features, and how they can transform your game.
Table of Contents
- Things to Consider When Buying a 3 Wood
- Best 3 Wood in 2023
- Taylormade Stealth 2 Plus Fairway
- Ping G430 Max Fairway Wood
- Srixon ZX MK II Fairway Wood
- TaylorMade RBZ Fairway
- TaylorMade M6 Fairway Wood
- Callaway Rogue Fairway Wood
- Callaway Mavrik Max Fairway Wood
- Callaway Epic Flash Fairway Wood
- TaylorMade SIM MAX Fairway Wood
- Cobra Speedzone Fairway Wood
- TaylorMade M5 Fairway Wood
- Taylormade Stealth 2 Plus Fairway
- Conclusion
Things to Consider When Buying a 3 Wood
Loft
The 3-wood typically features a 15-degree loft. While the loft is certainly lower than a driver, the additional loft provides higher launch when compared to a #1 wood. Of course, that comes at the cost of distance.
While a 3-wood certainly gets the ball down the fairway, a driver hits the ball roughly 15-30 yards further when measuring full-strength swings.
With an adjustable loft sleeve, golfers can raise or lower the loft of the face for lower shot height and more distance or higher arc with shorter results. The customization of the loft and offset also increases workability for shot-shaping from side to side.
Looks
The appearance of a 3-wood can instill confidence in a golfer. With a strong look, a first-rate fairway wood can back up its exceptional appearance with high performance.
Modern fairway woods feature a sleek, sharp design that offers a cutting-edge look. The rounded crown of the head offers a shiny or matte finish that can either dazzle or attract playing partners with questions of curiosity.
While most fairway woods have a busy sole with a chaotic look, the chaos comes with a purpose. If the sole features stationary weighting, the chrome can stand out against the backdrop of the primary design.
Adjustability
Most 3-woods do not have adjustable features. The fixed hosel and lack of movable weighting provides a more stable appearance and consistent performance.
On the 3-woods that do offer adjustability, golfers can expect to find a loft sleeve that increases or decreases lie angle and potentially adds slight offset. For advanced players, the loft sleeve offers ultimate customization.
Sole weighting is another feature that occasionally finds its way onto a new, name-brand 3-wood. The weighting allows you to set the club up to hit a fade or draw with more ease.
While there are advantages to customization, most amateurs are best served by fixed features.
Forgiveness
Most 3-woods feature a smaller head when compared to a hybrid. The compact head shape allows for maximum swing speed to increase distance, but the elongated face provides for ample impact area.
Modern 3-woods utilize the latest innovations to increase forgiveness when the ball comes into contact off-center on the face. Even on impact away from the sweet spot, the 3-woods of today do a wonderful job of keeping the ball along the target line.
The compact head does provide better stability, similar to a hybrid, to reduce twisting and the dreaded side spin that causes slicing and hook shots.
Versatility
The 3-wood can be used in a variety of areas on the course. The most obvious use is from the fairway on longer par 5s. Since most golfers face a second shot of over 250 yards, the 3-wood can provide the distance with better accuracy.
Other golfers love hitting their 3-wood off the tee box. On tighter par 4s with a narrow fairway, the 3-wood offers distance benefits along with tighter shot dispersion.
Finally, the 3-wood can actually be used in the short game. In deeper rough off the green, the 3-wood can smoothly move through the grass without twisting for clean contact.
Budget
Most new 3-woods cost a pretty penny, coming close to the cost of a new driver. While the 3-wood is cheaper, a well-made fairway wood will certainly come at a significant price.
The most expensive 3-wood options usually have bells and whistles, such as a high-grade shaft, adjustable loft sleeve, and weighting.
Value 3-woods come at a significantly lower price, close to the cost of first-rate wedges. While their performance might not reach the heights of a name-brand version, the value fairway woods certainly hold their own.
As with any club purchase, the cost of a fairway wood should be factored into a budget considering the entire club set.
Best 3 Wood in 2023
Taylormade Stealth 2 Plus Fairway
Best All-Around 3 Wood
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Specs
- Loft: 15°-18°
- Lie: 57°-61°
- Length: 42.25”-43.25”
- Weight: D3
Pros
- 50-gram sliding weight offers customized peak height
- Lightweight crown offers maximum swing speed
- Exceptional forgiveness across the entire face
Cons
- Expensive fairway wood makes it best for serious golfers
TaylorMade’s impressive Stealth 2 Plus+, easily one of the most well-designed fairway woods of the last ten years, offers a sophisticated mixture of adjustability with premium performance.
Powered by an adjustable 50-gram weight behind the face, the Stealth 2 Plus+ provides total shotmaking control, a dream club for advanced golfers that value workability above all else.
Along with the adjustable weight, it comes with several of TaylorMade’s most popular features, including the Thru-Slot Speed Pocket that increases face flexibility and forgiveness.
After spending time with the Stealth 2 Plus+, I’m unsure I can be more effusive with my praise. Simply put, this is the best 3-wood I’ve ever played and it quickly found its way into my golf bag after just a handful of swings.
I love the workability plus the raw power this 3-wood gives my game, making it a weapon for me off the tee box and on long par 4s.
Read my full Taylormade Stealth 2 Fairway Wood Review
Ping G430 Max Fairway Wood
Most Forgiving 3-Wood for Mid Handicappers
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Specs
- Loft: 15°-24°
- Lie: 56°-57.5°
- Length: 41.5”-43”
- Weight: D1
Pros
- Lightweight design offers maximum swing speed
- Very forgiving on off-center strikes
- Hosel sleeve offer eight different lie and loft positions
Cons
- Compact club head may limit consistency in higher handicap golfers
Ping’s dynamic G430 Max 3-wood provides golfers with distance and accuracy from the tee box and fairway.
The G430 utilizes its low profile to get under the golf ball to produce high launch and extended carry, especially if you are carrying a fierce swing speed to the golf ball.
Its broad sweet spot also offers impressive forgiveness on off-center hits, redirecting the ball toward your target area with tight dispersion.
What I liked best about the G430 Max fairway wood is how smooth and effortless it strikes the golf ball. Ping has always held a special place in my heart with their advanced design, and I found the G430 Max delivered superior workability along with its high-grade forgiveness.
Ideal for mid handicappers but accessible for all golfers, the G430 Max provides a sophisticated weapon for players ready to lower their handicaps.
Read my honest Ping G430 Max Fairway Woods Review
Srixon ZX MK II Fairway Wood
Best Distance 3-Wood for High Handicappers
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Specs
- Loft: 13.5°-21°
- Lie: 57°-58°
- Length: 42”-43”
- Weight: D2, D3
Pros
- Fixed hosel offers reliable shotmaking
- Powerful launch provides exceptional distance
- Flexible face transfers maximum power to the golf ball
Cons
- Lacks adjustable features, not ideal for lower handicap players
Srixon, long making top-notch fairway woods, has another impressive release with their ZX MK II 3-wood. Available in either a 13.5° or 15° option, the fairway wood offers dependable performance that hits the ball high, long, and straight.
Along with its low profile, the Srixon wood delivers a nice feel at impact, helping build your confidence on the course. The face also offers mid-tier forgiveness, especially on toe strikes, something mid and high handicappers can benefit from on long par 5s.
While I prefer woods that offer adjustable features, I couldn’t help but enjoy the smooth performance of the ZX MK II. Especially when your ball sits in the fairway, the rounded sole glides over the turf without snagging to provide a clean strike.
The Srixon ZX MK II delivers outstanding all-around performance if you are looking for a dependable option for your secondary woods.
TaylorMade RBZ Fairway
Best Value 3-Wood for Beginners
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PROS
- Speed Pocket behind the face improves flexibility while boosting launch and carry
- Low, shallow profile gets under the ball making the club easy to hit from fairway or tee box
- Mass pad at rear of the head helps lower the center of gravity for maximized launch angle and feel
CONS
TaylorMade’s RBZ 3 wood has long been a pillar of strength and dependability for high handicappers and beginning golfers. Not only is this club one of the easiest fairway woods to hit, but its performance continues to dazzle into 2023.
The club’s power comes from the patented Speed Pocket behind the face. The empty area helps increase the face’s flexibility for better forgiveness and longer distance. The pocket also offers a smooth feel with the response you would expect from an advanced luxury 3 wood.
Another area worth mentioning is the mass pad at the rear of the head. The pad acts as an anchor to keep the clubhead low through the impact zone for crisper contact. On the downswing, the mass pad gives the club the ability to get back to square more quickly for straighter shots.
Other notable features include the satin black finish that helps provide contrast at address for better alignment. The RBZ also has a fixed hosel for a stable experience with every swing.
The RBZ is available at 15 degrees, roughly 3 degrees of loft difference over the company’s 5 wood.
One of the best features of the RBZ 3 wood is the price. This club is easily the cheapest club on our list, but that doesn’t mean the RBZ skimps on performance. With its shallow profile and deep center of gravity, the TaylorMade RBZ 3 wood delivers high launch, extended carry, and long distance.
TaylorMade M6 Fairway Wood
Best Value 3-Wood for Mid Handicappers
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PROS
- Twist Face technology helps reduce side spin for outstanding forgiveness that keeps shots straight and accurate
- Large mass held inside the club head helps boost shot speed with lower center of gravity for higher shots
- New Speed Pocket combines with TPU Insert for more playability and increased ball speed after impact
CONS
TaylorMade’s newest line, the M6 series, offers a wide range of exceptional features that increase distance, improve accuracy, and boost launch angle. The M6 3 wood, set at a standard 15 degrees, comes with a fixed hosel for a reliability that is hard to top when compared to other fairway woods.
The M6 features several of TaylorMade’s more popular innovations including the Speed Pocket, the TPU Insert, and the Twist Face technology that helps with forgiveness. In fact, the M6 Fairway Wood is our choice as the most forgiving 3 wood for low handicappers.
The reason why the Twist Face technology works so well is because it keeps your shots along your target line with relative strength. It is this combination of power, forgiveness, and feel that keeps the M6 among the best on the market today.
When you get the M6 3 wood on the course, you’ll immediately notice how smooth and responsive the club is from the fairway. The club has a low profile that offers a wider sweet spot than most 3 fairway woods at this price point.
With the wider sweet spot, the M6 really sings when you hit it dead center on the face. One of the longest fairway woods we’ve ever tested, the TaylorMade M6 3 wood will undoubtedly keep you at the maximum length of your shot-making ability.
Callaway Rogue Fairway Wood
Best Distance 3-Wood for Mid Handicappers
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PROS
- Jailbreak Technology stiffens the center of the face for exceptional distance and ball speed
- Rear stationary weight deepens the center of gravity for higher launch with longer carry
- The lightweight, well-balanced Triaxial Carbon Crown provides excellent feel and response
CONS
Callaway’s Rogue 3 wood provides exceptional feel, response, and workability for mid handicappers looking to take the next step in their golf game. Easily one of the best 3 fairway woods on the market today, the revamped Rogue delivers length, accuracy, and sophistication.
For the Rogue, it all starts with the lethal combination of Jailbreak Technology and the X-Face VFT technology. The Jailbreak Technology inserts two stiff steel rods that fortify the crown to redirect energy onto the golf ball at impact. The X-Face VFT feature also boosts shot speed and quality of contact.
A stationary weight in the rear sole of the Rogue lowers the center of gravity for high launch that provides jaw-dropping carry. And if you struggle with a slice, the Rogue will help with its low spin and pinpoint accuracy.
Another feature worth noting for all players is the distinct alignment guide on the crown. Marked by a huge white arrow, the guide helps you find the center of the face easily. With a fairway wood as muscular as the Rogue, you’ll definitely be rewarded for hitting golf balls on the X of the face.
While the Rogue does not have any adjustable features, the stability of the settings provides a far-reaching dependability with each swing.
Great for mid handicappers looking to add length to their fairway woods, the Callaway Rogue 3 wood dazzles from the tee box or the fairway.
Callaway Mavrik Max Fairway Wood
Best Value Draw-Bias 3-Wood for High Handicappers
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PROS
- Dual weighting offers solid solution to correcting a draw bias for straighter, more consistent shots
- Shallow profile with low center of gravity helps boost launch angle with improved exit velocity for more distance
- Flash Face SS20 accelerates swing speed for better contact and length from either fairway or tee box
CONS
Beginning golfers can accelerate their development with the right club choice. With exceptional lift that translates into long carry, the Mavrik Max also offers draw bias weighting that reduces the punishment of a slice with better accuracy and precision in a package smaller than a driver.
The club’s shallow profile really benefits high handicappers by providing a wide sweet spot that provides muscle with each swing. Weekend warriors will see a marked improvement in carry and distance with this club within a short time frame.
The Flash Face SS20 technology helps increase shot speed while improving the quality of contact at impact. The ball comes off the face high with exceptionally long distance, two areas where the average high handicapper needs the most help.
Let’s talk about the weighting and how it helps remove the wild various results of a slice. Instead of playing a neutral club like most beginners do early in their golfing journey, the Mavrik Max 3 wood offers more playability.
The dual weights can be switched to provide one of two settings; either a draw bias or maximum forgiveness setup. Both work well to combat either issue, whether it be providing straighter shots or reducing the weakness of off-center strikes.
After testing the club, we feel comfortable saying that the Callaway Mavrik Max 3 wood provides a solid choice for the tee box and from the fairway for the players that need the most help.
Read my full Callaway Mavrik Fairway Wood Review
Callaway Epic Flash Fairway Wood
Best Adjustable Features 3-Wood for Low Handicappers
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PROS
- Forged steel head with Face Cup technology maximizes swing speed for longer distance
- Flash Face technology creates a thinner, hotter face for faster shot speed even on off-center strikes
- Adjustable loft sleeve reduces or raises launch angle for more customization with your shot height
CONS
When Callaway set out to redesign their fairway wood line, they wanted to build clubs that reached maximum distance with better accuracy and forgiveness, much like their complementing driver line of the same name. The resulting club, the Callaway Epic Flash, certainly registered among golfers everywhere as a marvelous piece of equipment.
Built around their new Flash Face technology, the Epic Flash 3 wood is incredibly long and customizable with the adjustable loft sleeve. The Flash Face gives you one of the company’s thinnest and hottest faces on a fairway wood. The combination of the two specs helps power the golf ball with stunning length on swing after swing.
Another worthwhile feature is the Face Cup technology. This innovation by Callaway reduces the weight and thickness of the face for outstanding forgiveness and terrific launch. According to Callaway, the feature is one of the major reasons why the Epic Flash gives a lightweight feel.
When taking the Epic Flash to the range, we noticed how smoothly the club flows throughout the swing. After a dozen swings, you’ll find a confidence in this fairway wood that many at this price point will struggle to deliver.
While the Callaway Epic Flash 3 wood is accessible for all golfers, it certainly benefits advanced players, like low and mid handicappers, the best on the course.
TaylorMade SIM MAX Fairway Wood
Most Forgiving 3-Wood for High Handicappers
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PROS
- Ultra low center of gravity helps propel the shot upward for outstanding distance and improved carry
- Twist Face Technology reduces side spin while ramping up the forgiveness for straighter, longer shots
- Speed Pocket behind the face increases flexibility for better feel, response, and exit velocity
CONS
Made for amateurs that want to boost their distance and precision, the TaylorMade SIM MAX is our choice for the best 3 wood for High Handicappers. The company’s intention with the SIM MAX is to provide players with a Fairway Wood that extends the course. This club is wholly successful at allowing you to reach areas of the fairway you’ve never experienced or find the green on longer par 5s.
Powering the SIM MAX is the company’s patented Speed Pocket. The open area provides better feel and more flexibility at impact. Golfers can really reach back and ramp up the swing speed with this 3 wood due to the Speed Pocket.
Another feature that helps boost confidence with higher swing speed is the Twist Face technology. The lighter, thinner face is actually twisted to help reduce side spin while increasing forgiveness. On shots that slide off-center, the Twist Face redirects the shot while lowering the spin for better accuracy, a great feature to have for beginning golfers and high handicappers.
The 3 wood also features a V Steel sole that dramatically improves turf interaction over other mainstream fairway woods. The club effortlessly slides through the impact zone creating clean contact with high speed.
All beginning players need more distance, more lift, and more forgiveness with their fairway woods. The TaylorMade SIM MAX provides all three characteristics with outstanding performance.
Cobra Speedzone Fairway Wood
Most Consistent 3-Wood for Mid Handicappers
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PROS
- CNC Milled Face provides reduced side spin for better forgiveness and straighter shots
- Hollow split rails along the sole improves turf interaction for higher launch
- Carbon fiber crown redistributes the weight around the head for better balance
CONS
Cobra’s Speedzone 3 wood stands among the best, although it remains one of the smallest fairway woods on the market. The compact shape works well for low handicappers looking for an adjustable features club that offers premium workability from the fairway.
The face of the Speedzone Fairway Wood stands out as the CNC Milling runs up to the legal limit for thinness. As a result, the milling helps create a hot, fast face that boosts your golf ball speeds for better distance. The low profile face also concentrates its contact to the lower half of the ball for higher launch.
When holding the Speedzone 3 wood you’ll immediately notice how well balanced it feels. Once you put the club into action, you’ll see why it is a favorite of Cobra’s sponsored pros. The reason it plays so lightweight is due to the carbon fiber crown and how the company redistributed the weight around the head over previous models.
This club comes set at 14.5 degrees, but the adjustable loft sleeve can add or reduce a degree of loft to the club.
Another exceptional feature to the Speedzone Fairway Wood is the company’s patented Dual Baffler Rails system. The rails improve turf interaction for cleaner contact with the golf ball even if you take a divot.
A wonderfully rounded club, the Cobra Speedzone 3 wood will have you blasting shots down the fairway or toward the hole with confidence.
TaylorMade M5 Fairway Wood
Most Forgiving 3-Wood for Low Handicappers
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PROS
- Adjustable weighting, directly behind face, reduces shot height for low piercing flight that stretches for unbelievable distance
- Aerodynamic head reduces drag for cleaner approach to golf ball with better shot shape
- Low spin and long distance with a dependability that provides confidence on shot after shot
CONS
For weekend warriors who love premium fairway woods, the TaylorMade M5 Titanium 3 wood is highly desirable due to its length and adjustability.
The M5 Titanium features the Twist Face technology that helps provide outstanding forgiveness on off-center strikes. This 3 wood is one of the best at reducing the punishment of side spin as the ball flight is mid-range with low spin for terrific length from the tee box or fairway.
One of the big reasons why the M5 Titanium is preferred by so many players on the PGA Tour is the customization provided by the loft sleeve and sliding rear weight. The loft sleeve allows the player to reduce or lift their launch angle for the shot height they desire.
The sliding weight, positioned in the center of the sole, provides a small amount of customization for correcting any nagging swing flaw. If you want to give your draw an adjustment, all you need to do is slide the weight toward the fade side to straighten out your shot.
When you get the M5 to the course, you’ll immediately notice the stability of the club. The 3 wood has a great feel as its lightweight crown redistributes the balance of the club for better reliability. On shots where you need to dig deep and reach long yardages, the TaylorMade M5 Titanium 3 wood will make sure to deliver delightful results.
Conclusion
The TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus+ offers dynamic performance for all golfers. With the 50-gram weight behind the face, golfers can make adjustments to their launch and carry with the simple click of a wrench.
The adjustability offers total control over every aspect of shotmaking with the 3-wood. The low profile helps scoop the ball cleanly off the turf without snagging or catching for extended carry, making this club a weapon off the tee box and fairway.
Although it comes with a hefty price tag, the Stealth 2 Plus+ has the rare power to truly revolutionize your long distance game.
