Getting your hands on the right golf clubs tends to be a pretty demanding task. This is all the more true when it comes to beginners as they are usually not as familiar with all the nuances that are involved in the process of finding your next golf club. Especially in the case of fairway woods, as they tend to be such a bane for many beginners and less-experienced golfers alike.

Lucky for those beginners, our team of experts came up with a list of the 10 best fairway woods for beginners and less-experienced golfers. We entrusted our in-house expert, Nick, to provide you with his feedback for all the clubs in the list. With options for every budget in the list, you’ll be sure to find a club suited to your needs on the course. Let’s not mess around any longer and jump right into our list!

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1. TaylorMade Qi10 Max Fairway Wood

The first thing that I noticed with the TaylorMade Qi10 Max fairway wood is its large, confidence-inspiring head. This design makes it incredibly easy to launch, even from tricky lies. The club's high MOI (Moment of Inertia) ensures that it remains stable through impact, which is great for maintaining consistency, especially if your swing isn't perfect every time.

When you strike the ball well, the Qi10 Max delivers exceptional ball speed and distance, almost comparable to a driver. The high launch and mid-high spin help achieve long carry distances, making it a reliable option for both tee shots and fairway plays. However, the larger footprint does come with a slight trade-off in terms of sound. The impact sound is a bit thinner and louder compared to the standard Qi10, which might not be to everyone's liking.

In terms of feel, the Qi10 Max is solid across the face, providing good feedback through the hands. Even on mishits, the ball speed remains impressively high, which can feel almost unfairly forgiving. This consistency makes it a fun club to use, as you don't have to worry too much about losing distance on off-center hits.

One downside is the bonded hosel, which limits customization options. If you're someone who likes to tweak the loft or lie angle, this might be a bit of a drawback. Additionally, while the club's large head is great for forgiveness, it might not appeal to players who prefer a more compact look at address.

Overall, the TaylorMade Qi10 Max fairway wood is a fantastic choice if you're looking for a forgiving, high-performing club. It excels in providing distance and consistency, though it may not suit everyone in terms of sound and customization options. Regardless, it’s such a good club, it made it onto our list of the 10 best fairway woods in 2024.

Excellent condition starting at $260.99

2. Ping G430 Max Fairway Wood

The Ping G430 Max fairway wood is quite an impressive club that I've had the pleasure of trying out. One of the first things you'll notice is its sleek design, which combines a moderate footprint with a carbon fiber crown that isn't overly flashy but adds a touch of modernity. The alignment aid is simplified, making it easier to set up your shots.

When it comes to performance, the G430 Max delivers exceptional ball speed and forgiveness. During my time with it, I found it to be incredibly consistent, even on off-center hits. The club feels solid in your hands, providing reassuring feedback without being too demanding. The sound is a pleasant, mid-pitched tone with a faint metallic hint, which I found quite satisfying.

However, it's not all perfect. While the G430 Max excels in accuracy and forgiveness, it falls slightly short in the distance department compared to some other top fairway woods. If you're looking for maximum yardage, this might not be the best choice. But if you prioritize control and consistency, it's a fantastic option.

Overall, the Ping G430 Max fairway wood is a reliable and versatile club that can fit into many golfers' bags. It offers a great balance of speed, forgiveness, and feel, making it a solid choice for those looking to upgrade their fairway wood.

Good condition starting at $247.99

3. Callaway Rogue ST Max Fairway Wood

The Callaway Rogue ST Max fairway wood is quite an impressive piece of equipment. When I first tried it, I was struck by its sleek design and the matte black finish, which gives it a premium look. The club feels solid in hand, and the slightly larger head instills confidence at address.

One of the standout features is its incredible ball speed. Callaway has really pushed the envelope with their AI-designed face and Jailbreak ST technology, which stiffens the body while allowing the face to flex. This results in consistently high ball speeds, even on off-center hits. During my rounds, I noticed that even my mishits traveled a respectable distance, which is a huge plus for any golfer looking to improve their game.

The Rogue ST Max also offers a mid-launch trajectory with low spin, which I found beneficial for achieving longer distances. The draw bias is subtle but noticeable, helping to correct slight fades and promote a straighter ball flight. This makes it particularly forgiving and suitable for mid to high-handicap players.

However, it's not without its drawbacks. The club's sound at impact is a bit muted, which might not appeal to everyone. Some golfers prefer a more pronounced "crack" to get that satisfying feedback. Additionally, while the draw bias is helpful, it might not be ideal for players who already have a natural draw or those looking for a more neutral ball flight.

Overall, the Callaway Rogue ST Max fairway wood is a solid choice if you're looking for a club that combines forgiveness, distance, and a touch of draw bias. It might not be perfect for everyone, but it certainly has the potential to make a positive impact on your game.

Good condition starting at $125.99

4. Titleist TSr2 Fairway Wood

The Titleist TSr2 fairway wood impressed me right off the bat, blending traditional aesthetics with modern performance. When I first tried it, the clean, classic look immediately stood out. The gloss black crown with a small "TSR" alignment aid gives it a sleek appearance, and the medium-sized footprint feels just right, whether you're hitting off the tee or the turf.

In terms of performance, the TSr2 is designed to launch the ball higher, thanks to its lower center of gravity. During my rounds, I noticed that even my less-than-perfect strikes managed to get airborne easily, which is a huge confidence booster. The feel at impact is another highlight; the ball feels light and quick off the face, accompanied by a satisfying, quiet "tink" sound that isn't too loud or distracting.

However, it's not all perfect. While the TSr2 excels in providing a high launch and good distance, it might not be a significant upgrade if you're coming from the previous generation, the TSi2. The changes, though positive, are subtle. Additionally, if you're looking for maximum forgiveness, the TSr2 might feel a bit compact and intimidating compared to some of the more game-improvement-focused fairway woods out there.

Overall, the Titleist TSr2 fairway wood offers a great blend of distance, consistency, and a classic look. It's a solid choice if you're looking for a club that performs well across various lies and conditions, but it might not be the best fit if you're seeking a drastic change from its predecessor or need extra forgiveness.

Good condition starting at $197.99

5. Cobra Aerojet Max Fairway Wood

The Cobra Aerojet Max fairway wood is quite an interesting club. Having had the chance to swing it a few times, I can say it offers a unique blend of forgiveness and accuracy. The first thing you'll notice is its sleek design, which gives it a modern and appealing look. The club feels well-balanced in your hands, and the draw-biased weighting system is particularly effective in minimizing those pesky right misses.

When you strike the ball, the sound is a satisfying, high-pitched "tap," which is quite pleasant and reassuring. The feel is soft on center strikes, almost as if the ball is melting off the face, but you do get a bit more feedback on off-center hits, which can be helpful for improving your swing consistency.

Performance-wise, the Aerojet Max excels in providing a high launch and increased spin, which is great for keeping the ball in play, especially on those long par 5s or tricky par 4s. However, this higher spin can sometimes come at the cost of distance. If you're someone who prioritizes distance above all else, you might find this club a bit lacking in that department.

One of the standout features is its forgiveness. Even on less-than-perfect swings, the club tends to keep the ball straighter and more controlled, which can be a game-changer for many golfers. The adjustable weight settings in the back and heel allow for a neutral or draw-biased flight, adding to its versatility.

On the downside, while the Aerojet Max is fantastic for accuracy and forgiveness, it doesn't quite match up to some other fairway woods in terms of raw distance. If you're looking to maximize every yard, you might want to consider other options. But if consistency and keeping the ball in play are your main goals, this club is definitely worth a try.

Overall, the Cobra Aerojet Max fairway wood is a solid choice for golfers of all skill levels who value forgiveness and accuracy. It might not be the longest hitter out there, but its ability to keep you in play and improve your consistency makes it a worthy addition to your bag. Cobra are known for producing forgiving clubs, and their best fairway woods are no exception to that rule.

Good condition starting at $130.99

6. TaylorMade SIM2 Max Fairway Wood

The TaylorMade SIM2 Max fairway wood is quite an impressive club. When I first got my hands on it, the sleek design and the darker shade of the carbon crown immediately caught my eye. The club has a refined look with a clean alignment aid that instills confidence at address.

In terms of performance, the SIM2 Max is a standout. It offers a high launch and impressive ball speed, which translates to longer carries. The V Steel sole design enhances turf interaction, making it easier to hit from various lies. I found that the club glides through the turf effortlessly, which is a big plus for consistency. The Twist Face technology also helps in reducing side spin on off-center hits, making it more forgiving.

However, there are a few things to consider. The SIM2 Max does not have adjustable features, which might be a downside for those who like to tweak their clubs for optimal performance. Additionally, the higher shot height can make the club less workable for advanced players who prefer to shape their shots more precisely.

Overall, the TaylorMade SIM2 Max fairway wood is a solid choice, especially for mid to high handicappers looking for a forgiving and high-performing club. It’s easy to launch and provides a good balance of distance and control. While it may not offer the customization options some players desire, its performance and forgiveness make it a worthy addition to any golfer's bag.

Good condition starting at $99.99

7. Srixon ZX Fairway Wood

The Srixon ZX fairway wood is an impressive club that stands out for its performance and design. When I first tried it, the club's aesthetics immediately caught my eye. It has a sleek, glossy finish with a subtle carbon crown that gives it a premium look. At address, it sits almost perfectly square to the ball, which instills confidence right from the start.

In terms of performance, the ZX fairway wood excels in launching the ball high without excessive spin, which maximizes carry distance. I found it particularly useful for carrying hazards or reaching par 5s in two. The Rebound Frame technology, which separates the face from the crown, seems to focus more energy into the ball at impact, resulting in impressive distance.

The sound and feel of the ZX are also noteworthy. Well-struck shots have a muted, metallic sound that is very satisfying, while off-center hits provide enough feedback without being overly harsh. However, the heel and toe shots aren't as soft as the center, which might be a downside for some.

One of the standout features for me was the club's ability to maintain a high launch angle with low spin, which is somewhat rare. This combination allows for a significant carry distance while still being able to hold the green. Off the tee, it was reassuring to know I could carry hazards or bunkers with ease.

On the downside, the ZX fairway wood might not be for everyone. Some golfers might prefer a larger hitting area, and the fixed hosel limits versatility in terms of adjustability. Additionally, while the club performs well in many areas, it doesn't particularly "wow" in any single aspect, which might be a consideration for those looking for a standout feature.

Overall, the Srixon ZX fairway wood is a solid choice for golfers who need a higher ball flight and use their woods into par 5s and longer par 4s. It’s especially beneficial for those who struggle with a steep angle of attack and need less spin. If you're looking for a reliable, high-performing fairway wood, the ZX is definitely worth considering. Our team loves the ZX so much that it made it onto our list of the best fairway woods under $125.

Good condition starting at $152.99

8. Callaway Steelhead XR Fairway Wood

When I first tried the Callaway Steelhead XR fairway wood, I was immediately struck by its classic yet modern design. The combination of the black, blue, and carbon fiber elements gives it a sleek look that stands out on the course. At address, the club feels compact and powerful, which is quite reassuring.

One of the standout features is its ease of launch. Even on less-than-perfect strikes, the ball seemed to get up in the air effortlessly. This is largely due to the Hawkeye sole, which helps the club glide through the turf smoothly. The forgiveness is another big plus; mishits still traveled a respectable distance, which is a confidence booster for any golfer.

However, there are a few things to consider. While the club is forgiving, the feedback on off-center hits is minimal. This means that it can be harder to tell exactly where you made contact on the face, which might not be ideal for those who rely on that tactile feedback to improve their swing. Additionally, the taller face, while great for generating a higher launch, can make it a bit tricky to hit out of the rough compared to some other fairway woods.

Overall, the Callaway Steelhead XR fairway wood is a solid choice, especially for mid to high handicappers looking for a forgiving and easy-to-launch club. It has its quirks, but the positives definitely outweigh the negatives. If you're in the market for a new fairway wood, it's certainly worth a try.

Good condition starting at $53.96*

9. Cleveland Launcher XL Halo Fairway Wood

The Cleveland Launcher XL Halo fairway wood is an intriguing club that I've had the pleasure of testing. It stands out with its larger head size, which immediately gives you a sense of confidence at address. The matte black finish on the crown is sleek and reduces glare, making it easier to focus on your shot.

One of the first things I noticed was how forgiving this club is. The Gliderails on the sole really help with turf interaction, allowing for smoother contact even on less-than-perfect lies. This makes it particularly useful for players who struggle with consistency. The club's low center of gravity also aids in getting the ball airborne with ease, which is a big plus for those who need help with launch.

In terms of performance, the Launcher XL Halo delivers a solid, stable feel. The ball speed off the face is impressive, and I found that it provided a good balance of distance and accuracy. However, it's not the longest fairway wood out there. If you're looking for maximum distance, you might find other options more suitable. The sound at impact is a bit hollow, which might not appeal to everyone, but it does give clear feedback on your strikes.

One downside I noticed is that the larger head can be a bit cumbersome for some players, especially those who prefer a more compact look. Additionally, while the club is very forgiving, it does have a slight draw bias, which might not suit players who already have a tendency to hook the ball.

Overall, the Cleveland Launcher XL Halo fairway wood is a great option for golfers looking for a forgiving, easy-to-hit club that boosts confidence and consistency. It may not be the best choice for those seeking maximum distance or a more traditional look, but it excels in making the game more enjoyable and accessible.

Good condition starting at $121.99

10. TaylorMade M4 Fairway Wood

The TaylorMade M4 fairway wood is an interesting club that I've had the chance to try out on the course. One of the first things you'll notice is its sleek design, featuring a black and silver crown with a touch of red that gives it a modern, high-tech look. The carbon fiber weave on the head not only looks great but also helps with alignment, making it easier to set up your shots.

When it comes to performance, the M4 is all about forgiveness and distance. The club feels very stable at impact, even on off-center hits, thanks to the Speed Pocket and split internal weighting. This stability translates to consistent ball flight and impressive distance, which is particularly beneficial for mid to high handicappers. The sound at impact is quite satisfying too, reminiscent of a solid hit with a wooden baseball bat, which TaylorMade calls Geocoustics. It’s distinctive and confidence-boosting without being overly loud.

However, the M4 isn't without its drawbacks. One of the main limitations is the lack of adjustability. Unlike the M3, which offers various customization options, the M4 is more straightforward. This simplicity can be a plus for some, but if you prefer tweaking your club to suit different conditions or your evolving swing, you might find it lacking. Additionally, while the M4 is great for slower swing speeds, those with faster swings might not get the same level of performance and might be better off with a different model like the M3.

Overall, the TaylorMade M4 fairway wood is a solid choice if you're looking for a club that offers forgiveness and distance with a stable feel. It’s particularly well-suited for golfers who prefer a no-fuss, reliable club. Just keep in mind that if you’re someone who likes to fine-tune your equipment, you might miss the adjustability features found in other models. The M4 has always been regarded as one of the best clubs on the market, so it was always going to make our list of the best TaylorMade fairway woods under $200.

Good condition starting at $68.99

We hope this list helps you get your hands on your next fairway wood. Our experts picks were based on availabilities and their ability to fit the needs of beginners and golfers with a high handicap index. While we have options for all budgets included in this one, don’t forget that you can always sell or trade your old clubs to help offset the price of your next clubs!

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Before we let you go, we simply want to remind you that while these recommendations should fit the needs of most beginners, they might not be fitting for you. In that case, we want to remind you that you can always book a call with Nick, or any other of our in-house experts, to receive personal insight directly from them, along with recommendations based on your specific needs.

Until next time,

The Golf Avenue team

 

*Prices are accurate as of the time of publication. Golf Avenue reserves