Pros: The X Hot fairway woods are longer and more versatile than Callaway’s past models. The stock shafts are solid, and the matte grey finish and muted sound have been well received by most golfers. Cons: No adjustability, but there are three different models — X Hot, X Hot Pro. Bottom Line: It’s good to have one of the longest fairway woods on the market. It’s even better to have one of the most playable.These are both, making them a “must hit” for golfers in the market for a new fairway wood this year. Overview Callaway’s X Hot and X Hot Pro fairway woods look much like the company’s previous fairway woods, but changes to their materials and construction make them top-tier performers. The new fairway woods borrow the forged cup face design from Callaway drivers, which moves the weld line away from the face to allow Callaway more control over face thickness and tolerances.

They also employ 455 Carpenter steel faces, which paved the way for faces to be constructed as thin as 0.047 inches in certain areas, 40 percent thinner than the previous RAZR X Black fairway woods. These changes give the X Hot and X Hot Pro fairway woods performance that is near the USGA limit without having to increase the size of the clubhead or add a slot to the sole or crown of the club.

Both fairway woods have what Callaway calls internal standing wave, a structure with a “weight” that hangs over the cup face (shown in the video above) and moves the CG in the fairway woods lower and further forward, optimizing launch angle and spin. The X Hot Pro has a more forward CG than the standard model, giving it a flatter trajectory with less spin. It also has more camber and less offset for more versitility. Both models feature a modern version of Callaway’s warbird sole for enhanced turf interaction from less-than desirable lies. youtube id=”Zp3K5rQcgck” width=”600″ height=”350″ Callaway’s X Hot fairway woods are available in lofts of 15, 17, 19, 21, 23 and 25 with a True Temper Project X Velocity proprietary shaft in light, regular and stiff flexes. The X Hot Pro version is available in lofts of 13.5, 15, 16.5 and 18 with a “real deal” version of the Project X Velocity shaft in 5.5, 6.0 and 6.5.

Both models sell for around $230. Performance Traditionally, golfers have had to choose between a fairway wood that goes a long way off the tee and one that’s good off the ground. Thanks to their smaller size and low center of gravity, the X Hot fairway woods deliver in both places. Face image: X-Hot Pro The X Hot has the most shallow face in the line, making it good for golfers with a shallow angle of attack or those who need more spin. The X Hot Pro has a deeper, or taller face, but at only 155 cubic centimeters in the 15-degree model it’s one of the most versatile low-spin fairway woods we’ve ever encountered.

Headcover for the X-Hot Fairway Metal. Like the fairway woods, the X Hot Pro can be slightly too low spinning or go too far for some golfers because of the club’s huge ball speeds. That means some golfers will need to go to a higher loft to get the spin or trajectory they prefer. That’s certainly not a bad thing, but something for golfers to be aware of. A small percentage of golfers with Tour-like swing speeds could potentially struggle with the X Hot Pro’s smaller size. Phil Mickelson, for example, hit too many shots high on the face with the X Hot Pro.

That resulted in a vertical gear effect that made his shots too low spinning, which is why engineers built him a larger, deeper-faced model called that had more consistent spin rates. But not all pros are gaming the and X Hot Pro — both Jim Furyk and Tianlang Guan are users of the X Hot fairway woods. Looks and Feel From address: The X Hot The X Hot fairway woods have faces that push the USGA limits on COR (coefficient of restitution), which means shots across the face are coming off with a lot of speed. But Callaway engineers designed the X Hot fairway woods to be quieter than most high-COR fairway woods, giving them a “thwack” that sounds and feels very solid. Visually, both the X Hot and X Hot Pro have classic shapes at address. The X Hot has decals and an alignment Chevron on the head, as well as a marking on the center of the face. The markings frame the ball nicely and don’t overtake the shape of the head thanks matte grey finish on the crown.

From address: The X Hot Pro The X Hot Pro has a slightly opened at address. It has no alignment aids, and grooves that extend across the entirety of the face, giving it a throwback look that many better players have liked. Sole photo of the XHot Pro The Takeaway No other club in a golfer’s bag needs to be as versatile as 3 wood, which is why there are so many Tour players using fairway woods that are several years old. It’s a club that is hard to replace until a golfer finds something better. We can say with confidence that these are the best fairway woods Callaway has ever produced, which is one of the reasons the clubs have caught on with tour players. They’re long, forgiving and playable from lies we didn’t think they could handle. We’d love to see adjustability in the X Hot line, and we’ll probably get it next year.

But for now, we’re enjoying these fairway woods, because they’re exactly what modern-day fairway wood should be — classic in sound and feel, and totally non-traditional in the crazy distance they fly. I never enjoy (well, almost never, some are funny) negative posts on FB and/or political ones and love to read about great customer service so if I ever purchase a product I know where to start looking. Here’s my latest story of customer service taken to the extreme. Callaway golf was not my brand of choice.

They simply put out a great club this year in the x-hot 3 and 5 woods. I purchased these clubs on eBay – where I get all my clubs – and they arrived quickly. During my 3rd round with them, the head of the 3 wood went flying with the ball. I never touched the ground with the club, but it happened.

I was really bummed but took it to golfsmith where they suggested I call Callaway Golf?. Stephen picked up the phone and I gave him the serial number on the club. “Looks like these are some pretty custom clubs. Where did you get them?” “I bought them off eBay because they fit me perfectly” “Well, put the manager of the store on the phone”.

I walked over, got the manager and he spoke to Stephen for a few minutes, then handed me back the phone. Stephen says “We’re going to ship the club back to us, we’ll replace the club for free and then ship it back to Golfsmith where you can pick it up.” After profusely thanking the man – this was a $350 custom club mind you – he said “we just want to ensure that you’re happy and you play better.” Ladies and gentleman, I now have 4 Callaway clubs in my back and I have a funny feeling that number will grow over time as I upgrade. Great work Callaway. Huge fan of the X Hot Pro.

I used to own a Steelhead Plus and this club reminds me of it. I was gaming a 909F3 for awhile and wanted a new 3 wood this year. 913F vs X Hot Pro, so glad I chose the X Hot.

Totally agree with “The Takeaway” here. These clubs are not only forgiving but working the ball both ways were a breeze.

Distance was pretty effortless. Very impressive with the Project X Velocity shaft, afraid it was going to be a noodle but its pretty stable even for how high the torque is. I now know what all the hype is about. In this edition of Members Choice, we attempt to answer the question, “What’s the best fairway wood of 2017?” Admittedly, it’s a bit of a loaded question since golfers use fairway woods for different reasons and in different situations on the course. Some use a fairway wood strictly as an alternative to their driver off the tee; other golfers use them almost entirely as approach clubs from the turf on long par fours and par fives; the rest use fairway woods for some combination of both situations. So are we looking for the longest and straightest fairway wood, or simply the most accurate and forgiving? The best way to determine the best fairway wood, therefore, is to pose that question to golfers who have hit them all and let them decide.

Thus, we have Members Choice: The Best Fairway Woods of 2017, where GolfWRX Members describe their experiences with the latest fairway woods. With in-depth descriptions from their testing, GolfWRX Members illuminate the pros and cons of each fairway wood, providing the real information you need when making your purchasing decisions.

Related. Our advice when reading through this story is to think about what you want from your fairway wood.

Do you want max distance, max forgiveness, or a combination of both? The feedback from GolfWRX Members on each fairway wood will lead to toward a few models that match your needs and desires. Then test them out for yourself.

Everyone interprets the performance of golf clubs differently, so personal testing and professional fittings are imperative, especially in this particular category. Note: Responses from GolfWRX Members have been minimally edited for brevity and clarity.

Callaway Steelhead XR (4.08 percent). SwingMan: I r ecognize that the Steelhead XR is late to the game, having just entered the market, but for a club that does everything well for GI and Players (the + models), they are long rocket launchers. Light, hot feel with pleasing metallic crack, deep face for ease off the tee, low CG (center of gravity) for ease off the deck, rounded sole gives you versatility from rough and bunkers. Forgiving and long. J36 carbon weave crown moves weight low.

Because of the deep face with lot of bulge you need to lay it on the ground and it sits square. Take care when you pick it up so as not to close it. I hit it long off the tee with an R-Flex, obtaining 260-270 yards under favorable conditions — this club produces an urgent, direct trajectory with loads of roll in the lower lofts. Off the deck, 220+ with light wind; against a strong wind, 200. This club is surprising. Even the 7 wood off the deck with a higher trajectory gives you great yardage. Only caveat is that if you are in low speed range and insist on a 3 wood, you may want to order a high launch shaft instead of the mid-launch Tensei.

But that’s the same advice with all 3 woods — you must be able to launch them. Callaway has several no cost shaft options.

Otherwise, go with the 5 and 7 woods, which are loooong and versatile. The + models, for players and pros, are more weight forward and fade bias and arrive with a 65 Tensei CK Blue fairway shaft — smoother than the CK Blue driver shaft. DWtalk: I just finished testing the 15-degree Callaway Steelhead with the Tensi Blue shaft, and it’s a great club. It’s long and my misses are either a little right or left, but very solid.

I also have a 15-degree M2 that is very good also with the stock shaft but I’m going to reshaft it with the Tensi blue. You couldn’t go wrong with either club. Further Reading: Titleist 917F3 (5.28 percent). Peanut191: I thought the Titleist F3 was the best combination of looks and feel, but they didn’t offer a 16.5 version, so I ordered the M2 Tour HL. I thought the M2/M2 Tour were the best distance wise, with the Callaway Epic, then the Titleist 917F3 just behind. II PigBimpin II: I used to be a Taylormade loyalist when it came to woods, but I recently switched to a Titleist 917F3 15-degree and it has single handedly put me in prime position to make three eagles within two weeks. Very predictable ball flight and distance, easy to hit off the deck.

DuckHook02: I did try the Titleist 917F2, and if I was using it off the deck more, I’d probably gravitate towards the F2 and it’s shallow profile. However, I like the more compact look of the F3 and the lower ball flight it produces. Review: Cobra King F7 (6.40 percent). Steveko89: I didn’t do nearly as much testing for my 3 wood after going up and down the racks picking out my Cobra F7+ w/ Hzrdus Yellow shaft. After settling on the driver, I said, “That 3 wood that matches looks pretty slick, let me hit a few with it.” and immediately fell in love. Has a nice traditional note at impact and the ball just flies off the face, especially with the weight forward. Probably could’ve tried a few different shafts, but the stock-stiff shaft works well enough and was able to find one used-mint on the bay for $150.

Unfortunately, this was before the Cobra BOGO promo. Most of the positive shots that stick in my head from this season have come with the 3 wood, won’t be seeking out a replacement for a while. carcharodan1977: Cobra F7 fairway, currently playing at 4 wood loft it’s fantastic. Easy to swing, impact sounds great and it’s a rocket from the fairway and even bad lies. The baffler rails really work well.

Such a forgiving club. herbst20: Have played the Titleist 910 fairway woods since they came out. The Cobra F7 finally kicked them out of the bag. I have had an easier to hit whether it be off the team, fairway, or especially out of the rough. I love the baffler technology. I play it at 13 degrees because I am sporadic with my driver. Further Reading: Callaway GBB Sub Zero (7.39 percent).

Warrick: The (Sub Zero) 3+ was the first Epic in my bag, and it is never leaving. I have never hit a long club so consistently. Dobbs983: This is a fantastic year for fairway woods. I game the Epic Sub Zero 15-degree, set to 14 degrees. Easy distance, mid launch and penetrating flight. Easy to hit off the deck and a tee.

I can move it left and right, if I need to, but why bother when straight and long is so easy. The Titleist 917’s are both very close to the Epic SZ, but not quite as forgiving.

They are the best looking of the bunch. The Exotics EX10 Beta is amazingly long and straight and the sole is fantastic out of the rough. belacyrf: I currently game the TaylorMade SLDR fairway woods as I’ve never seen enough improvement from any new woods to make a change. However, IF I were to make a change, I would definitely move to the Callaway Epic Sub Zero. They are so forgiving and their flight is exactly what I like, plus they are long. PreppySlapCut: I was very pleased when messing around with the Epic Sub Zero this week. I was able to launch the 13.5 degrees off the deck, which has literally NEVER been a strength for me.

Very impressive stuff from Callaway. The Ping G400 also just seems like the next wonderful iteration from Ping. kejoal11: I put the Epic Sub Zero 3+ in my bag and love it. Long off the tee, long from fairways. I love the ball flight and the fact that it doesn’t balloon on me. Very consistent with the club and by far my best purchase of 2017.

golftech: If you like smaller, traditional shaped fairway woods, then Callaway’s Epic Sub Zero 15-degree is the best I’ve played. For that matter, it’s the best 3 wood I’ve had since my Toney Penna persimmon in the early 80s. It’s versatile off the tee and the fairway. I’ve been hitting career shots all season including the 18th at the famous Monterey, CA course.

ago33: I’d choose the Epic Sub Zero over the M2 Tour. Adjustable hosel is better, looks better behind the ball and more forgiving.

Further Reading. Ping G400 (7.67 percent). Mwiseley10: Love my Titleist 917, I hit it so well off the deck I use it without a tee! The Cobra Baffler felt great and has good sound but didn’t purchase. Hit the Ping G400 this morning, it hits great but d. that profile is low!. DNice26: I tried the Ping G400 against my Ping G, both using my own shaft little to no difference.

The G400 looks and sounds better, but any performance benefit seemed negligible from the Trackman numbers I saw. My swing speed is about 109 mph with the driver. PrettyGood: Hit the new Ping G400 fairway this morning. My current 3-wood is the 2016 PING G series, at 14.5-degrees. So, between the two models: Turbulators on the G400 are definitely more pronounced. Footprint of the G400 looks bigger, and it’s a rounder shape somewhat ( says G400 is 12cc larger).

Sole of the G400 does look a bit flatter, but no difference hitting shots. G400 face feels more lively, and it’s louder but no more or less pleasing to hit, just different. Switching my own shaft between the two, performance looked pretty close G400 maybe a shade higher, if anything. G400 headcover much nicer, big improvement. That’s about it. Further Reading: TaylorMade M1 2017 (7.88 percent).

lowball5732: My TaylorMade M1 15-degree is a wonder! Either off the deck or on the tee — optimal performance for me. My wife swears by her M2. She’s straight and true!. Rdarling18: I really hit Taylormade’s entire M family pretty good. I went with the M1 because it was most consistent for me.

However both M2 models (M2 and M2 Tour) are very long. AWD430: TaylorMade’s M1 was giving better distance than M2 when I hit them. I do agree that the M2 head on this year’s model seems very big when hitting off the deck. gpleonard: My two cents is the TaylorMade M1 HL 2017 is a monster both of the deck and from the tee It is a go to club for me on long Par 5’s and on short Par 4’s off the tee. Mob: I have the TaylorMade M1 2016 and tried it against the M1 2017 and preferred the 2016 model for some reason.

I know that I am supposed to prefer the newer model, but I consistently hit the 2016 straighter. Distance was a wash. Further Reading: TaylorMade M2 Tour (8.94 percent). AThompson3: Best fairway wood by far is TaylorMade M2 Tour. Exceptional feel, workability, and forgiveness. Great off the tee while also able to launch the ball off the fairway very easily.

Fantastic club. Expecting it be in my bag for years to come. Bomber11: TaylorMade’s M2 Tour would get all 3 of my votes if I could do that. Wins out on distance, accuracy, forgiveness, versatility, and feel. Roadking6: M2 Tour HL is an absolute beast this far (in my testing). halfsumo: M2 Tour: best look, sound, feel and performance. M1: awesome look and feel, I just decided to go with a 3HL version and since the M2 Tour spins less, I went with that to counteract the extra loft.

Mizuno JPX900: second best look and feel and best stock shaft of anything out there by far. DeCuchi: M2 Tour. Higher launch and less spin makes it an excellent choice. Forgiveness is on par with other top fairways makes it the cream of the crop.

Scratchat50: M2 Tour HL with a Project X HZDRUS 75g shaft (6.5-flex, -1 inch under std). Been searching for a great 3 wood for over 10 years. john443: M2 Tour is THE 3 wood of 2017. Further Reading: Titleist 917F2 (10.13 percent). bazinky: I’ve spent years searching for a fairway wood that I could hit with a consistent shot shape/pattern, and I finally found it in the Titleist 917 F2. tleader: I went from the Titleist 915F to the Titleist 917F2. Found them very similar, perhaps a slight increase in launch and more consistent across the face on mishits.

Went with the 16.5-degree so it was an easy decision. MJL313214: I’ve hit the 917F2 at 16.5 degrees a good bit. It’s crazy long compared to the previous fairway woods. I like the slightly bigger look than the 917F3. Review: TaylorMade M2 2017 (12.60 percent).

Gnomesteel: (The TaylorMade M2 2017 fairway wood is) l ong off the tee and easily hit off the deck with control. Best of both worlds. kush614: My vote is for M2 2017, as well. Gaming a 15-degree M2 2017 with an Oban Kioyshi White shaft. Mid launch, low spin monster. venturagolfer87: There’s nowhere even remotely close to me that has the M2 Tour, but my 3HL normal M2 is as close to automatic as I’ve ever been.

I’ve n ever been able to hit 3 woods, to the point where for the last few seasons, the next club in my bag after driver was a 5 wood that was shortened an inch. The M2 2017 is somehow just as easy to hit, and looooooong. johnnylongballz72: M2 3HL with AD DI 7X; probably the single best golf club I have ever owned. qwetz: I’m playing a 3HL M2 with a Mitsubishi Tensei CK Blue and it’s just a bomber from the deck or the tee.

lordemsworth: How do those that have hit Epic fairway feel about the sound? That dull thwack is awful. As another opinion, I found the M2 2017 easier to hit consistently than the Epic fairway. Both from tee and deck.

Callaway Xr Ladies Driver

Porsche928: I had the M2 2017 and it was huge too hard off the deck. Never hit the M1 2017 but had the old M1 2016 for a demo and loved it.

Callaway X Hot Ladies Drivers For Macbook Pro 13

Further Reading: Callaway GBB Epic (13.37 percent). mcgem: Hands down, without a doubt, Callaway’s GBB Epic fairway is the best of this year’s crop. Sean2: I have three Callaway Epic fairway woods and am quite enamored with their performance at 16/20/24 degrees. I am comfortable standing over the ball with any of these woods in my hands.

Callaway X Hot Driver

I have no problem hitting the 16-degree off the turf and I find it a very good club on tight driving holes. The 7 and the 9 fly high and land soft. aussieb: Tested the Mizuno JPX-900 fairway wood on a few occasions now and it’s really the best off the deck, adjustable from 13-17 degrees and the sliding weight dials it in, has a grea.