FAIRWAY WOODS

CLUBS LISTED IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER

* Category Leader

: TAYLORMADE BURNER; STREET PRICE: $200
WEBSITE: taylormadegolf.com
LOFTS: 15, 18, 21; tour: 13, 14.5, 17.5
TECH TALK: Each model comes with "dual-crown" technology, which features a wide base beneath a more compact and thin top section. In addition, weight-saving thin-wall casting techniques reduce wall thicknesses to 0.6 millimeters. The weight saved allows for a lower and deeper CG, thus improving launch conditions.

PLAYER COMMENTS: (L) "It feels and reacts just like a fairway wood should, and the trajectory was the same all the time." ... (M) "Probably the best of the bunch. Extremely solid feel, closest to an old persimmon. Jumps off the face with tight dispersion." ... (T) "I get all warm and fuzzy inside hitting it."

HOT: An impressive tour-player solid feel, even if you're not a pro. The technology provides a high-launch antidote to hitting low-spin balls off the fairway.

NOT: The standard lofts all feature a slight draw bias that not everyone needs.

* Category Leader

: TITLEIST 909F2/F3; STREET PRICE: $200
WEBSITE: titleist.com
LOFTS: F2: 13.5, 15.5, 18.5; F3: 13, 15, 18
TECH TALK: These are modestly different designs that accommodate the needs of different players. F2 lofts are a half-degree higher, and the CG is lower to produce a higher launch angle. Also, its face is longer and wider. The F3 is designed to produce a lower, boring trajectory, and its face is smaller and deeper. Each comes with a sole weight screw to customize swingweight.

PLAYER COMMENTS: (L) "Has that 'wow' factor." ... (T) "Attention to detail everywhere." ... (M) "It feels great and gets the ball up nicely." ... (M) "I've always been intimidated by Titleist, but the company has made a move toward players like me."

HOT: It has the traditional look that everyone likes. Those who think Titleist targets only better players need to reconsider, given efforts here.

NOT: Where's the 21-degree 7-wood that some middle-handicappers would want?

* Category Leader

: TOUR EDGE EXOTICS XCG-V; STREET PRICE: $370
WEBSITE: touredge.com
LOFTS: 13, 15, 16.5, 18, 21
TECH TALK: A lightweight titanium V-shape cupface, crown and hosel allow 60 percent of the total weight of the head to be concentrated in a high-density steel soleplate, improving MOI and launch characteristics. The titanium hosel saves 30 grams and has the benefit of enhancing feel.

PLAYER COMMENTS: (T) "Simple and traditional, and it performs. If that's your thing, look no further." ... (L) "The ball goes long, long." ... (M) "Solid impact. Nice, traditional look. It's almost perfect." ... (T) "Toe hits went just as far. Hot face, high trajectory. I'd put this in my bag in a minute."

HOT: This is where the future meets the past, a high-tech club in a traditional shape. No idle mixing of materials, this is a technology high-wire act that delivers.

NOT: The $370 price tag is borderline offensive, and tacking on $20 for a shaft upgrade is like charging us for tees.