Quotes

Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it.Henry David Thoreau

5 Best Fairway Wood Shafts

Best Fairway Wood Shafts

Most recommended
Fujikura SIX TS Fujikura SIX TS X-Flex Shaft
  • Flex: X-Stiff
  • Weight: 60 grams
  • Workmanship guaranteed
A good choice too
Aldila RIP PhenomAldila RIP Phenom
  • Flex: Tour X
  • Material: Graphite
  • Length: 42″
A good choice too
TaylorMade M.A.S.2TaylorMade R5 M.A.S.2 Fairway Wood
  • Flex: Regular
  • Material: Graphite
  • Tip Size: .335
Fujikura SixFujikura New Six Driver/Fairway Shaft X Flex
  • Tip Size: .335
  • Material: Graphite
  • Length: 46″
Aldila ATX 65
NEW Aldila Tour Blue ATX
  • Flex: Stiff
  • Item Weight: 1 pounds
  • Length: 46″

Choose the Best Fairway Wood Shaft

Customer’s Choice: the Best Rated Fairway Wood Shafts

127 users answered this survey. Please help us improve this review!

44.88% of users selected Fujikura SIX TS , 26.77% selected Aldila RIP Phenom, 7.09% selected TaylorMade M.A.S.2, 13.39% selected Fujikura Six and 7.87% selected Aldila ATX 65. Every month we analyze your answers and change our rating.

When you are looking for a new fairway wood shaft, it can be tough to know where to start. There are so many different options available on the market, and it can be hard to figure out what is the best fit for you. 

Reasons to Invest in Fairway wood shafts:

  • If you are looking to improve your game, or if you simply want to have a more consistent swing, a new shaft can make a big difference; 
  • Fairway woods are also great for players who struggle with their driver. While drivers are designed to be long and forgiving, they can be difficult to hit consistently for some players. A fairway wood can be a great option for those struggling with their driver;

In this article, we will answer some of the most common questions about fairway wood shafts. Experts will also review some of the best options on the market, and provide you with some tips on how to choose the right one for you.

Fujikura SIX TS X-Flex Shaft + Titleist 913F/915F Fairway Tip + Grip – the Editor’s choice!

1 PGX Offset Golf DriverFujikura SIX TS X-Flex Shaft + Titleist 913F/915F Fairway Tip + Grip = the powerful combo for your next fairway wood! The Fujikura SIX TS shaft is perfect for replacing your old, worn-out shaft. It comes in the combination with the Titleist tip and Grip. That is everything you need to improve your performance.

It’s lightweight and features thin walls for better performance. In addition, it comes with the Titleist 913F/915F fairway tip and grip to complete the package. Get ready to hit some long fairways with this great combo!

Pros
  • The unique combo of the shaft, tip, and grip;
  • It weighs 60 grams;
  • Thin walls;
  • Works as a nice replacement shaft;
  • Smooth in the bottom section;
  • Great performance;

Cons
  • The graphics are not for everyone;
  • A bit heavy on the end;

The Fujikura SIX TS X-Flex Shaft is designed to give you the best performance possible. It’s a great replacement shaft for your Titleist 913F/915F Fairway Tip. This shaft is lightweight and has thin walls, providing a smooth experience.


Fujikura SIX TS X-Flex Shaft + Titleist 913F/915F Fairway Tip + Grip – the best price deals!

1 PGX Offset Golf DriverThis combo pack is the perfect way for newcomers to get into the game at an affordable price. The Fujikura SIX TS X-Flex Shaft is a great option for those looking for a smooth ride down the fairway, and the Titleist 913F/915F Fairway Tip ensures excellent control over your shots.

Moreover, the Grip completes the package and provides a solid hold on your club.

Pros
  • Budget-friendly deal for newcomers;
  • Improved graphics;
  • The unique combo of the shaft, tip, and grip;
  • Thin walls but advanced performance;
  • Works as a nice replacement shaft;
  • Smooth in the bottom section;

Cons
  • Doesn’t include the wrench;
  • A bit heavy on the bottom;

Ready to take your game to the next level? This amazing budget-friendly combo will give you the performance you need to improve your game. The Fujikura SIX TS X-Flex Shaft is perfect for newcomers, thanks to its improved graphics and smooth bottom section. Pair it with the Titleist 913F/915F Fairway Tip and Grip and you’re ready to hit the links!


Project X New HZRDUS Flex – the best versatility!

1 PGX Offset Golf DriverProject X New HZRDUS Flex is the perfect club for anyone looking for a driver that can also act as a fairway driver. Its very stiff flex makes it easy to swing fast and achieve great speeds, while its lightweight construction makes it easy to control.

It also has a stylish design that will make you stand out on the golf course. 

In addition, its smooth feel ensures consistent performance every time you take a shot.

Pros
  • Works both as a driver and fairway driver;
  • Very stiff flex;
  • Stylish;
  • Lightweight;
  • Great swing speed;
  • Consistent performance;
  • Smooth feel;

Cons
  • May break at the hozel;
  • Better works for mid-handicappers;

With its flex and lightweight design, the Project X New HZRDUS Flex is perfect for those looking for a driver and fairway combo. It provides great swing speed and consistent performance, all with a smooth feel.


Fujikura New Six Driver/Fairway Shaft X Flex – the best for women’s golf clubs!

1 PGX Offset Golf DriverYou don’t have to be a young buck to enjoy the newest golf shaft on the market. The Fujikura New Six Driver/Fairway Shaft is perfect for seniors and ladies who are looking for a lightweight option with great performance.

In addition, this bad boy is adjustable, making it easy to dial in your game! And if that wasn’t enough, the tip is extra stable – ensuring a smooth ride every time you take a swing.

Pros
  • Made of graphite;
  • Great for ladies and seniors who seek lightweight shafts;
  • Good performance;
  • Adjustability;
  • Very stable tip;

Cons
  • Pricey;
  • Mostly for high handicappers;

This Fujikura shaft is designed with ladies and seniors in mind. Its graphite composition makes it lightweight and gives a good performance. The shaft is also adjustable to fit the needs of different golfers, and its tip is very stable for accurate shots.


Aldila Tour Blue ATX 65 Driver/Fairway Shaft – the best for tee shots!

1 PGX Offset Golf DriverThe Aldila Tour Blue ATX 65 Driver/Fairway Shaft can be just what you need. Made with ultra-thin and ultra-strong materials, this shaft promotes high ball flight for maximum distance.

It also has a smooth and controlled release, so you can hit those fairways with precision. In addition, the clean graphics and bright colors add a touch of style to your game.

Pros
  • Stiff flex;
  • Ultra-thin and ultra-strong;
  • Promotes high ball flight;
  • Smooth and controlled release;
  • Great for adding yards to tee shots;
  • Clean graphics and bright colors;

Cons
  • Heavy – about 1 pound;
  • The tip is quite stiff;

The smooth and controlled release provides greater accuracy and consistency. And with its clean graphics and bright colors, the Tour Blue ATX 65 is sure to give your clubs a sharp, stylish look. Try it today and see the difference!


The Buyer’s Guide

Main Features

Types of Golf Shafts [1]

1) Steel Shafts:

  • The most popular type of shaft;
  • Durable and affordable;
  • Available in a wide range of flexes;
  • Heavier than graphite shafts, which can impact club head speed;

Steel shafts are the most popular type of golf shaft on the market. They are known for their durability and affordability. Steel shafts are available in a wide range of flexes, so you can find one that suits your swing speed and playing style. One downside to steel shafts is that they are heavier than graphite shafts, which can impact club head speed.

If you’re looking for a durable and affordable golf shaft, then steel is the way to go. However, if you’re looking for a lighter weight shaft that can help increase club head speed, then you might want to consider a graphite shaft.

2) Graphite Shafts:

  • Lighter than steel shafts, which can increase club head speed;
  • More expensive than steel shafts;
  • Available in a wide range of flexes;

Graphite shafts are made from, you guessed it, graphite! They are lighter than steel shafts, which can impact club head speed. Graphite shafts are also more expensive than steel shafts. However, they are available in a wide range of flexes to suit your swing speed and playing style.

If you’re looking for a decreased weight golf shaft that can help increase club head speed, then graphite is the way to go.
However, if you’re on a budget, then steel might be a better option for you.

3) Multi-Material Shafts:

  • A mix of graphite and other materials like Kevlar or carbon fiber;
  • More expensive than steel or graphite shafts;
  • Lighter than steel shafts, which can impact club head speed;

Multi-material shafts are made from a mix of graphite and other materials like Kevlar or carbon fiber. They are more expensive than steel or graphite shafts. Multi-material shafts are also lighter than steel shafts, which can impact club head speed.

If you’re looking for a high-end golf shaft that is lightweight and will help increase club head speed, then a multi-material shaft is the way to go. However, if you’re on a budget, then steel or graphite might be better options for you.

No matter what your budget or playing style, there is a golf shaft out there that is perfect for you. Do some research and find the best fairway wood shaft for your game. 

4) Titanium Shafts:

  • Lightweight and strong;
  • More expensive than steel or graphite shafts;
  • Can help increase club head speed;

Titanium shafts are made from, you guessed it, titanium! They are lightweight and strong. Titanium shafts are also more expensive than steel or graphite shafts. Titanium shafts can help increase club head speed.

If you’re looking for a high-end golf shaft that is lightweight and will help increase club head speed, then a titanium shaft is the way to go. However, if you’re on a budget, then steel or graphite might be better options for you.

Shaft Flex

The next thing you’ll want to consider is the shaft flex. The flex of the shaft will determine how much power and control you have over your shots. If you’re a beginner, it’s recommended that you choose a shaft with a regular or stiff flex.

Shaft FlexIf you’re an experienced golfer, you can choose a shaft with a softer flex. Remember, the softer the flex, the more control you’ll have over your shots.

Weight

The actual weight of the raw is used to calculate the shaft’s weight. It’s also determined by the uncut shaft when there isn’t yet any installation. The shaft’s weight will be measured in grams. If the shaft is light, it will be lower in grams. The club head speed will be improved with this setup, as well as the length covered [2]

A light shaft will also reduce the amount of fatigue you feel during your golf game.
If you want more control over your shots, then you’ll want to choose a shaft that’s heavier.

Shaft Length

Shaft length is another consideration when selecting the finest driver shaft for your game. While the standard driver shaft measures around 45 inches, if you take an inch off, remember that a shorter shaft length makes the club stiffer. However, a shorter shaft length should also aid in the detection of the fairway and improve shot dispersion [3].

The trade-off with a shorter shaft length is that it may be more difficult to make solid contact with the ball. If you have a faster swing speed, then you can definitely benefit from a shorter shaft length.

But if you want more forgiveness and are willing to sacrifice some club head speed, then choose a standard or even long driver shaft.

Feel & Flight of the Shaft

The feel of the shaft is important for every golfer. A good way to test the feel of the shaft is to try it out at a local golf store or driving range. If you can, try to hit some balls with different shafts to see which one feels the best for you.

The flight of the shaft will also affect your shots. If you want a higher trajectory, then choose a shaft with a lower kick point or flex point. If you want a lower trajectory, then choose a shaft with a higher kick point or flex point.

Feel & Flight of the Shaft

Keep in mind that the feel and flight of the shaft are both personal preferences. What feels good for one golfer may not feel good for another. It’s important to experiment with different shafts to find the one that’s right for you.

If you’re looking for the best fairway wood shafts, then consider these factors before making your purchase. Shaft flex, weight, and length are all important considerations. And don’t forget to test out the feel and flight of the shaft before making your final decision. With so many options on the market, you’re sure to find the perfect shaft for your game.

Swing Tempo

The next thing you need to consider is your swing tempo. 

If you have a fast swing, then you’ll want to choose a shaft with a stiffer flex

If you have a slow swing, then you can choose a shaft with a softer flex

Remember, the stiffer the flex, the more control you’ll have over your shots.

Release the Power

The key to picking the best shaft for your fairway wood is understanding how different shafts can affect your game. Shafts are made from different materials and with different flexes for a reason: they each have a unique effect on the club head speed and the ball flight. 

Some golfers opt for steel shafts because they’re looking for more control over their shots. Others choose graphite shafts because they want to add more distance to their drives. And then there are those who use composite shafts, which offer a combination of both control and distance. 

Trajectory

The next thing you need to consider is trajectory. How high or low do you want the ball to fly? This will be determined by both the loft of the club and the flex of the shaft. If you want a higher trajectory, you’ll need more loft on your clubface and a shaft with less flex. Conversely, if you want a lower trajectory, you’ll need less loft and a shaft with more flex. 

Trajectory

There are also different types of fairway woods: those designed for distance and those designed for accuracy. If you’re looking for distance, you’ll want a club with more loft (15-20 degrees is typical) and a lighter shaft. If accuracy is your priority, you’ll want a club with less loft (around 11-13 degrees is typical) and a heavier shaft. 

Finally, consider the material of the shaft. Most fairway woods have steel shafts, which are durable and affordable. However, if you’re looking for a bit more performance, you may want to opt for a graphite shaft. Graphite is lighter than steel, which can help increase swing speed, and it also has more flex, which can help with trajectory. Of course, all this comes at a higher price tag.

Flight Direction Tendency

One of the most important aspects of a fairway wood shaft is its flight direction tendency. This determines how likely the ball is to slice or hook and ultimately affects your accuracy. If you have strong slice or hook tendencies, then you’ll want to look for a shaft that counteracts that. For example, if you tend to slice the ball, look for a shaft with a higher degree of fade bias.

There are three main types of flight direction tendencies: slice (fade), hook (draw), and neutral.
Most golfers will have one dominant tendency, with a smaller secondary tendency. For example, you might be mostly a slicer with a little bit of a draw tendency. Or you might be neutral with a  slight fade or draw tendency.

Distance Control

Another important consideration when choosing a fairway wood shaft is how well you’re able to control your distance. This is determined by the flex of the shaft and ultimately affects your accuracy. If you have trouble controlling your distance, then you’ll want to look for a shaft with a lower flex. Distance ControlThis will give you more control over your shots and help you improve your accuracy.


FAQ

What shaft is best for my 3 wood?

The long answer is to select a fairway wood shaft with a bit more weight than your driver and a softer tip part to help the ball go into the air [4]. The best way to know what weight you need is to consult with a professional club fitter. If you don’t have the opportunity to get fitted, a good rule of thumb is to look for a fairway wood shaft that’s about five grams heavier than your driver shaft. This will help ensure that your trajectory stays consistent.

Should driver and fairway wood have the same shaft?

Golfers should not use the same shaft in their driver and 3 wood unless they are trying to modify them. The ideal weight for a 3 wood is between 10 and 15 grams heavier than the standard shaft. But, most golf fitters recommend a 3 wood shaft that is more flexible and weighs 10 to 15 grams more. The decision point for each golfer should concentrate on what shaft provides the greatest results for each club individually [5]

Are 3 wood and 5 wood shafts the same?

One of the reasons that 3 and 5 wood clubs are easier to hit than drivers is because they are shorter in length. The 3 wood has a shaft length of between 42 and 43 inches, whereas the 5 wood is somewhat shorter at between 41 and 42 inches. The length of the shafts affects the club’s swing weight, which is the amount of effort required to swing the club. The shorter the shaft, the lighter the swing weight, and vice versa.

The other main difference between a fairway wood and a driver is that fairway woods have shallower faces. A shallow face promotes a higher launch angle, which is ideal for shots from the tee or fairway. When shopping for a new fairway wood, it’s important to consider both shaft length and face depth to ensure you’re getting a club that fits your game [6].

What shaft weight should I use?

In general, golfers with slower swing speeds and tempos should use a lighter shaft. Golfers that have very quick speeds and tempos should utilize heavier shafts. For males, the average driver shaft weighs 55-60 grams, while the average ladies’ driver shaft weighs 45-50 grams. 

The average male fairway wood shaft weighs 80-85 grams. The average ladies’ fairway wood shaft weighs 60-70 grams. If you have a driver with a graphite shaft, it will most likely weigh on the lower end of the spectrum for every category of golfers[7].

Should high handicappers use fairway woods?

Fairway woods are less difficult to hit than long irons, so if you’re a beginner or a high-handicap player, most golf experts recommend filling the bag with as many fairway woods as possible, provided the lofts and gaps are right.  

High-handicap golfers should also avoid using fairway woods with very shallow faces. A shallower face increases the chances of a mishit, so it’s best to stick with a club that has a deeper face [8].

What loft should my fairway wood be?

The swing speed of your 3-wood is the most significant factor to consider when selecting the proper loft for it. As a broad rule, the less loft you require to launch the ball high, the faster your swing speed.

 If your 3-wood swing speed is over 100 mph, your 3-wood’s loft should be between 13 and 15 degrees

If your speed is between 90 and 100 mph, select a loft between 15 and 17 degrees. If your speed is below 90 mph, you should be using a club with a loft of at least 17 degrees [9].

What is the most forgiving fairway wood?

It depends on your personal preferences. One of the most forgiving fairway woods is the Callaway Epic Flash Sub Zero [10]. This club is designed for golfers who want maximum forgiveness and launch performance. 

It features a large, deep face with an ultra-light carbon crown that makes it extremely easy to hit. If you’re looking for a fairway wood that will help you improve your game, the Callaway Epic Flash Sub Zero is a great option.

What swing speed requires a stiff shaft?

There is no definitive answer, as it depends on a number of factors such as your height, weight, and strength. However, a general rule of thumb is that if you swing the club faster than 90 mph, you should opt for a stiffer shaft. If you’re not sure what your swing speed is, you can ask a golf professional or take a look at our blog post on how to find your perfect shaft flex [11].

What shafts do pros use?

The Dynamic Golf steel shaft from True Temper has been the most popular on the PGA Tour, and according to True Temper, 90 percent of all players in any given tournament use a True Temper shaft. The Dynamic Golf shaft is available in a number of different weights, diameters, and lengths [12]

Are expensive shafts worth it in golf?

There is no simple answer to this question. It depends on a number of factors, such as your budget, your skill level, and your personal preferences. If you’re a beginner golfer, it’s probably not worth spending hundreds of dollars on an expensive shaft. However, if you’re an experienced golfer looking for a performance edge, an expensive shaft could be worth the investment.

Will I lose distance with a stiff shaft?

If the shaft flex is too stiff, your average distance will stay low.  You need to be able to load the shaft in order to create speed. A too-stiff shaft will not allow you to do that and can actually result in a loss of distance [13].

Video Tutorial: Titleist Shaft Testing – Stock Shafts v Expensive Shafts Titleist TS3 3-Wood

Final thoughts 

So, what’s the bottom line? If you’re looking for a new fairway wood shaft, we recommend checking out some of the options on the market today. We think that the Fujikura Pro is one of the best available, but there are plenty of great choices to choose from. And remember, it’s important to find the right shaft for your own playing style and preferences. So be sure to read up on all of your options before making a decision.


References:

  1. https://golfclubsadvisor.com/woods/best-fairway-wood-shafts/
  2. https://golfclubsadvisor.com/woods/best-fairway-wood-shafts/
  3. https://theleftrough.com/best-golf-shafts/
  4. https://www.truefitclubs.com/blog/best-fairway-woods-and-shafts-2020/
  5. https://golfingfocus.com/should-your-driver-match-your-woods-dont-waste-your-money
  6. https://southamptongolfclub.com/3-wood-vs-5-wood
  7. https://www.dlancegolf.com/fitting-tips/importance-shaft-weight-fitting
  8. https://www.golfmonthly.com/best-golf-deals/best-fairway-woods-for-high-handicappers-21144
  9. https://southamptongolfclub.com/buying-guide-for-golf-fairway-woods
  10. https://www.golfmagic.com/reviews/equipment/callaway-epic-flash-sub-zero-drivers-review
  11. https://golfsupport.com/blog/how-to-pick-the-right-golf-shaft/
  12. https://golftips.golfweek.usatoday.com/popular-golf-shafts-1901.html
  13. https://www.handaragolfresort.com/2016/12/22/20161125identify-stiff-shaft-flex/