Buying Fairway Woods in Golf, How to Choose the Right Ones?
Choosing the right fairway woods is an essential step in improving your golf game, especially if you're looking to hit longer distances with precision and improve the consistency of your long shots. These clubs not only allow you to cover considerable distance, but also improve control and confidence in key situations on the course.
At Handmade Custom Clubs, as clubfitting and clubmaking specialists, we understand that finding the perfect fairway wood requires a personalized approach and an understanding of your unique needs as a player. This article details everything you need to know, from technical factors to helpful recommendations, to make the best decision when purchasing fairway woods.
What are fairway woods in golf?
Fairway woods, also known as fairway woods, are clubs designed for hitting long shots from surfaces such as the fairway or rough. These tools are essential when you need accuracy and distance, whether it's to reach the green on long shots, place the ball on a long par 5, or to use as an alternative to the driver on the tee.
Types of Fairway Woods
Fairway woods are classified by the number associated with them, which determines how much loft they have. Each type of wood has particular characteristics that make it suitable for specific situations:
- Wood 3: With a loft of 14° to 16°, it is ideal for long shots with a medium trajectory. It is perfect for players looking to cover long distances from the fairway or even from the tee on holes where the driver is not the best option.
- Wood 5: It has a loft of 17° to 19°, providing a high trajectory and greater ease of use. It is the preferred choice of many golfers due to its versatility and ability to offer distance with greater control. It is also very useful for reaching greens or placing it on long shots.
- Wood 7: Its 20° to 22° loft allows for elevated shots with added control. It is especially useful on shots from the rough or for players who need an easy-to-handle club in tricky situations. It is also an excellent choice for players with slower swing speeds.
In addition to these common sizes, there are other less common fairway woods, such as the 9-wood, which is designed for shots with maximum lift and precision. Choosing the right fairway wood will depend on your specific needs for distance, control, and the type of terrain you typically play on. A custom fit can make a big difference in your performance.
Factors to consider when choosing and purchasing a fairway wood in golf
Choosing a fairway wood is not limited to considering price or brand. It is crucial to evaluate the following aspects:
1. Loft
Loft affects the trajectory and distance of your shots. Players with slower swing speeds often benefit from higher lofts, which make it easier to get the ball up. A low loft (like on a 3-wood) will give you maximum distance but less control, while a high loft (like on a 7-wood) will allow for a more accurate and elevated shot.
2. Shaft Type
In fairway woods, the shafts are always made of graphite. However, not all shafts are created equal. It is important to consider:
- Weight: A lighter shaft can increase swing speed, ideal for players with slower swings. Heavier shafts often provide greater stability and accuracy for advanced players.
- Length: A longer shaft can provide more distance, but it is also harder to control. Finding the right balance is key, especially one that suits your height and position in front of the ball.
- Brand and technology: Different manufacturers use proprietary technologies to improve performance. Try out a few options to find out which one works best for you.
3. Shaft Flexibility
Selecting the right flexibility is essential to maximizing performance:
- Lady (L): For slow swings, helping to generate greater height on hits.
- Regular (R): Ideal for players with a moderate swing speed, balancing distance and control.
- Stiff (S): Designed for players with fast swings looking for additional precision.
- Extra Stiff (XS): For very fast swings, providing maximum stability at impact.
4. Adjustability
Many modern woods offer adjustable settings for loft, face angle, and even weight. These options allow you to customize the club to your needs, adapting to course conditions or changes in your swing. For example, a loft adjustment can help you change the height of your shots, while adjusting the weight can influence the trajectory and spin of the ball.
Recommendations before buying a fairway wood
- Try before you buy: At HCC, we offer personalized fitting sessions where we use advanced launch monitors like the Trackman that analyze the speed, angle of attack, and trajectory of your shots. This process not only ensures that the wood you choose is the right one, but also optimizes your overall performance on the course.
- Evaluate your playing style and needs: Before you decide, consider where you use your fairway woods the most – from the rough, the fairway or the tee. This will help you select a wood with the necessary technical characteristics, such as the right loft or a more forgiving head.
- The importance of clubfitting: At HCC, clubfitting is our specialty. We fine-tune every detail of the club, from shaft flex and weight to clubface angle, along with other essentials, to fit your unique characteristics as a player. This level of customization makes the difference between an average club and one that truly enhances your game.
At HCC we create the perfect fairway wood for your golf
Have you already decided to buy your fairway wood? Here we leave you our Online Golf Shop where you can customize and configure your wood with just a couple of clicks based on your needs.
Still, as specialists in Custom Golf Clubs, we recommend you Book Fitting so that we can carry out a thorough study of your swing and obtain the wood that best suits your golf.
