WHAT IT DOES: You want a recipe for how to build distance in a fairway wood? This model is full of several key ingredients. First, the high-strength maraging-steel-face insert offers better flexing at impact. Its variable-thickness pattern of interconnected diamond shapes of five sizes is even better now. Thinner shapes on the heel and toe sections stretch the fastest ball speeds across a wider area. Furthermore, a 10-gram rear sole weight—made even more effective thanks to a weight-saving, ultra-thin, carbon-composite crown—adds stability so that mis-hits perform more like center hits.

WHY WE LIKE IT: For most of us, making the business end of a fairway wood better is overrated. Our challenge is making any kind of decent contact when hitting these low-lofted, long-shafted clubs off the deck. That’s where a sole design like we see here can move the needle appreciably. A ridge running from front to back helps regular golfers in two key ways: It lowers the center of gravity so that shots launch higher with less spin, and, more importantly, the relief on the heel and toe sides reduces surface contact for smoother turf interaction on those less-than-perfect strikes. Read more >>