MOST FORGIVING Fairway Woods 2023

[@billsmythe1489]

I've been viewing you for a while from USA and really appreciate your channel. Keep up the great work Andy! Many Thanks

[@johnk.atchley5079]

Absolutely agree that a 7 wood is essential. For me, soon to be 82 years old, 17 handicap, I get a carry of 165-175 so it subs for a 4 iron but is far easier to hit, better from the rough, and has that high trajectory. The pros of course can get up to 240 yards with one. But they are not cheap. The Callaway Paradym is advertised at US $350, same for the Ping. But the technology of even previous generation models is advanced enough to give you the benefits. so it may be wise for average recreational golfers on a budget to look into buying an older version. Your pro shop may have some. I bought an Epic Max 21 degree 7 wood from Callaway preowned with a Project X Hazardus regular shaft for, if memory serves, $169 a year ago. It was in new condition, unhit, head still in plastic.

[@danielcohen3159]

I tried out several 7-woods a few years ago: a Callaway Epic Flash, a Taylor Made, and an older Callaway Steelhead XR. The Steelhead won out time and again on the range and on the course. I like the deeper (taller) face and just have been extremely consistent with it. It's a huge boost in confidence knowing that if I need to hit it 180-200 over some trees I can pull it off more often than not! It's super easy to draw or cut and still get a similar flight and distance - although naturally a bit shorter with a fade. But mostly you just put a decent swing on it and it goes pretty laser straight - high and long. I haven't seen any deep faces on fairway woods for a while; they're all pretty low profile and shallow. This is fine for my 4-wood, which is more of a sweeping move, but with the 7-wood I hit down on it more and I prefer the deeper face.

[@seancook2264]

been playing the G410 7w for the last couple of seasons. Love it. The 19Hybrid now resides in the club cupboard!

[@TheTurdEye]

I bought a used stealth 7 wood stiff. It might just be my favorite club to hit, the flight is so pretty. At first I was averaging around 180yards but since my swing is always evolving (2nd year golfer) I can hit it to 230 yards as well depending on the strike and where I place the ball between my feet... My 3 wood can go from 200 to 240 carry... Makes me wonder if a 5 wood might be better for me right now than a 3 wood...🤷 Only thing is that I tee off with the 3 wood as I struggle with driver...and carrying a 3,5,7 wood might be almost useless as far as gapping... Anyway love 7 woods!!! Great video again!

[@andrewbentley2593]

I tried the Ping, Callaway and the Titleist TSR. The Paradym was by far the best for me. Absolutely love it.

[@parkerlewallen5878]

I’m a 6 handicap and the top end of my bag goes Dr (270), 3W (240), 5W (220), 7W (200), 5I (185). I love fairways; I’ve found them really easy to hit and shape how I want, but I’ve never liked hybrids because I tend to miss left with them. I used to play 3 and 4 irons, but they can be difficult for a lot of players to make contact with (myself included). Just have to get fit and find clubs that work for you and fill the gaps you need.

[@paulbrown7425]

Cleveland halo launcher XL should have been mentioned, fantastic I'm a 28 handicap and hit this 200 yards

[@gordonmetcalf2476]

Been looking for a 7 wood for a while, Thanks for the info

[@justinolechowski7442]

Picked up a stealth 5w a few weeks back, it went about the same distance as a 3w but was easier to hit consistent. Best part was that it was last years demo, half the price of the current year model.

[@TheAverageGolfer]

Perfect buy!

[@adrianjackman9422]

Bought a Cobra radspeed 7 wood last year. Really like it the rails seem to help on less than perfect lies.

[@lens7859]

I’m 61 and added a Ping 7 wood last year. OMG , for an average player it’s a must have. So easy to hit and get high up. It’s my go to 180-200 yard club for long par 3’s or if I must hit a tight short par 4.

[@gtsgolf9410]

I'd add the wilson launchpad to this list, at only £119 and aimed at slower swing speed golfers got to be a contender

[@petekenny3774]

Spot on 120quid will work for majority of golfers

[@jeremyhill3837]

I’ve got the 5 wood and 5 hybrid. Great clubs. Thinking of putting either the 7w or 4h in between them

[@OL-Tom]

I'm 66 and use the Stealth 2 driver and woods. I'm happy with them. Wish I had found these years ago.

[@allahalibaba9063]

Still love my Cobra F 9, 3 wood. works great and same shaft as my Cobra F 9 driver...Will use it till the thing breaks or I get in the big bucks....Thanks for your review Andy..

[@pengwill6023]

Got my 7 wood Ping G430 for 2 months, it is great club, helped me nailed a lot of great shots

[@seegarsmkr]

Andy, I have hit a couple of different models and they are all point and shoot clubs. I looked at used models and they were quite high. $220-240. I got a great deal on a Ping 430 7-wood, since I work at a military golf course and am retired military as well, new for the price of used. It is a dream to hit and very workable.

[@insanity6105]

One thing I did notice was when the four pictures popped up at 2:48, they were all actually 3 woods. Why was that, I wonder?

[@mmmcrco]

Absolutely love my Sim2 Max 7W. Don’t see myself replacing it anytime soon but a 7W will always be in my bag going forward.

[@styxiron]

same here

[@daryn_Canada_1066]

I bought a Ping G430 7 wood. Only hit it indoors (practice and lessons) . Its so easy to hit it, will be pushed in the wind. Great club, glad it in my bag. It drops the ball almost vertically. These are great videos, could you put the flag on the screen, I couldn't see it when you were doing many of the shots? I'm not being critical, it would be nice to see were the ball landed compared to the target. Cheers from Canada

[@imakeuc1]

I discovered my radspeed 7 wood last year and it's my favorite club. Next to my putter it gets the most use of any club in my bag.

[@roberthyman6282]

Picked up the G430 7W a couple of months ago. had a chance to go to Tucson recently and was so impressed with that club. Just picked up a 9W same brand today(saw your video on that also) and can’t wait to hit the course tomorrow here in MA.

[@TheAverageGolfer]

Yes a real good choice Robert, enjoy the 9 wood!

[@ariesclaw8623]

Bought the Cleveland 7w about a month ago - would have loved the 430, but budget wouldn’t stretch that far, the Cleveland is amazing tho, v v happy with it 😊

[@VegBazzoBoys]

I have a PXG 0211 7 wood and it is fast becoming my favourite club. So versatile and fills a gap at the top of my bag. 😊

[@chrisengland1]

Had the Ping g425 7w after you reviewed & since had Epic & Rogue ST - got the Paradym 7w now & just love it 😍 - good lineup btw 👌

[@golflre7179]

I had an Adams Tight Lies fairway wood in the 80’s, much like these clubs. I bought the Paradym Heavenwood version of the 7 wood, which has a 3 wood length. First tried hitting it back in my stance, then forward, then figured out a 3wood stance worked perfectly. Go figures. 210+ yds, great height, easy peasy swing now. Not very workable, in my opinion, but very functional and has found a place in my clubset starting rotation this season. Nice review.

[@FenwayJoe7129]

I am not surprised that the Stealth was longest. However,,,,,,and this is a big however. Ping woods have always been more forgiving and easier to take the ball off the ground for me. I love Woods in general and wether we are talking 3, 5, 7 or 9 Wood the Ping clubs have always been easier for me to hit. So my Ping woods at present are a mix of G 425 and G 430. For me it doesn't get any better than that! Nicely done Andy !!!!!! 7 Woods are awesome !!!! I use mine all the time. Currently a Ping G 425 Max

[@bobsundermann4280]

I added a tour edge 721 7 wood to my bag. Super forgiving and versatile. High launch and excellent distance.

[@FerrellKatz]

They make a quality product!

[@jayholiday256]

Really good for guys having trouble getting it up. I carry a PXG 7 (Gen 4 0311XF) adjusted to 23.5 degrees.

[@SolidGolfers]

I've got the G425 5 wood and its probably the best club in my bag. Had my eye on the 7w fir a while just trying to get one for a good price. I had the 3w and recently sold it, as I would constantly reach for the 5w.

[@deanmackogolf8023]

Andy, well done again. But in lieu of some small differences in looks and distance, I would have thought the bigger talking point would have been around adjustability. Some have a glued hosel (Callaway), while some have an adjustable neck, and others (PXG) have an adjustable neck and 3 WEIGHT SCREWS!! Would have been nice to see you play around with loft settings to see just how much distance you can cover with the 7-wood. Is it 185 (highest loft)-215 (lowest loft)?

[@garethrees5590]

I have a Mizuno ST200 7 Wood and its fantastic, the sound off the face is such the sweetest ping

[@bslee2000A]

Just picked up the Ping G430. Tried the Taylormade and Callaway as well. I liked the Taylormade but it didn't have an adjustable hosel which I wanted. I hit the Ping much better than the Callaway.

[@Cornish_Maid]

I’ve tried them all recently. 2 of those I was disappointed with was the paradym and the stealth have a non adjustable sleeve. So as l have PXG gen 5 irons I’m choosing that.

[@Cesullie]

Hello from Texas! I replaced my old 5wood with the Ping G430 SFT and added the Ping G430 SFT 7 wood, and am really happy with them! The draw bias has really helped me, and I’ve shaved A few strokes off of my score. They sound loud and hollow but it doesn’t bother me as long as I’m hitting nice shots!

[@TheAverageGolfer]

Hello! Thanks for your feedback, the G430 lineup is super impressive, maybe still a little loud but much improved

[@jpugolf1727]

Hi Andy, I'm Replacing my srixon 3+4 hybrids with the ping G 430 7 wood, knocked down 1 degree ..so 6 wood😂. Great reviews as always.

[@bluetoughguy]

I bought a 0211 7 wood this winter and it has been a GAME CHANGER!!! it's my 200-220 club. I hit it relatively straight, gets the ball up in the air and it super forgiving.

[@TheAverageGolfer]

Sounds good to me!

[@gtsgolf9410]

me too, i really like it and its a better price point

[@Tatersworld2025]

Hot the Paradymn 7 wood today and am considering adding to bag. It was crazy easy to hit. Just like my 4 wood.

[@Murf1802]

Thank you enjoyed the content, all big name companies so quality shouldn't be an issue, if you have the cash probably between of course talyormade or Callaway, but for me the performance is very close so it's gotta be looks ,feel , sound, so my opinion ,I'm sure know one really cares about lol, would be the Stealth 2 , this Stealth lineup is in the top 3 in every category for every club! but these prices gotta stop really I upgraded my shaft on a Callaway Heavenwood same loft as a 7 wood but shaft is same lenth as a 3 wood, I upgraded the shaft to ventus red and the price I paid was around 700 bucks ,and yes I'm crazy or I love buying good golf equipment lol!! Thanks again great review on a good club for the average golfer!!

[@alexli4942]

What were the lofts of 7 woods you used? The ones that I've seen online seem like they're all around 20 degrees which seems more like a 5 wood to me. I've always used the 10-15-20 rule of thumb for driver-3W-5W but maybe that's out of date these days? Anyway, I found a 20 year old Sonartec 7W with 24 degrees of loft (modern day 9W?) and it's become my favorite club in my bag. It feels as comfortable as hitting a 7 iron that goes 180-190 for me (50 years old, average swing speed). It has replaced my 3i and slots in nicely with my 10-15-20 driver-3W-5W setup.

[@cwugrad396]

i bought the TSR2 7 wood. loft up and down. flatter or more upright lie options. and it looks and feels fantastic. ps. love the background music

[@justinstephenson9360]

I know from past videos I have a similar swing speed to Andy and as a consequence hit the ball pretty much the same distance as he does. What I want from a 7 wood is a club which consistently carries about 200 yards. Do not need more carry, if I need to carry it 210 yards I have a 5w and similarly if I need to carry it 190 yards I have a 4h for that. If anything the Callaway and Stealth fly a little too far, and the Stealth has a little bit less spin that ideal. Personally it is Ping or PXG for me and as my 5w and irons are Ping, I lean towards the Ping - and thankfully the G430 is a lot quieter than my g425 5w which is LOUD

[@erickbauer8888]

I love my 7 wood. I can easily play it low or high. I play it out of bunkers and rough. I use it off the on some par threes.

[@bigjohny8446]

I've recently got an old f9 7 wood and stuck a 5 wood shaft in No need for another fairway wood and with the rails it's great for out the rough fairway or even playing bump and runs round the green

[@TheAverageGolfer]

Nice

[@kevinspradlin6288]

I play a bunch of fairway woods. I have a tour edge 9 wood, a Callaway Heavenwood Rogue 7 wood, a Cobra 5 wood and 3 wood...My first iron is my 6. They make the game much easier

[@ghstrdio]

I took out my 5 and 6 iron for 3, 5, 7 woods and a 6 hybrid. I may put my 5 iron back in because I have an extra slot, because I some times use it for bump and runs.

[@earlficken5347]

Andy it would be good to know which shaft model and flex you tested.

[@rufussthoo4083]

Hi And. Were they all set to the same loft, and what shaft did you have in each?

[@cynt1111]

Got an old Callaway 7 wood, keep trying the new stuff as it is released. Prefer the flat bottom of the Ping but none of them match the old Callaway.

[@BryanSimpson-us5vf]

I like the looks of the Ping as far as the ball flight goes how much it cost ability does each Club have

[@garymutch601]

I’ve just been fitted for the Stealth 2 7 wood with an Accra shaft and waiting for it to arrive. Which one are you going to game Andy.

[@GOLFADDICT65]

Hi I am interested in the Gen 6 in the 7 wood I just can't decide which to get between the regular or the XF I am 59 years old driver swing speed of 90-94 mph play at a 8 handicap interested in your thoughts or advice which one may suit me best thx cheers from Vulcan Canada

[@GOLFADDICT65]

Another question for ya did you test the PXG Black Ops Fairway wood ? I have narrowed it down to the Black Ops and the Qi10 Max in a 7 wood out of those two which would be best for forgiveness and distance and height ? I look forward to your thoughts ? oh and another question : your thoughts on the Taylormade BRNR Mini Driver 13.5 degree to gap between my driver and my Hywood 17 degree ? thx cheers from Canada

[@malcolmwordsworth4638]

I’m looking to replace my 5 iron in my bag. The 7/9 wood appeals but, how come whenever I visit a pro shop they try to convince me to got down the hybrid route?

[@robertpeters6923]

Just got a epic max seven wood and a ping g425 five hybrid love them both.

[@matthewshepherd826]

I bought the PXG 0211 7 wood with HZRDUS black 70 stiff shaft- great off the tee on longer par 3s and when playing for position 👍

[@renenorager]

Thank You !!!! I really do like reviews where it is not all about the distance ....

[@TheAverageGolfer]

Good to read

[@scotpage5526]

I noticed that you seemed to never miss hit a shot with the 7 woods. Do you carry a 3 wood? How much further does your 3 wood go past your 7 wood? And do you find you often miss hit the 3 wood? I recently bought a Cleveland xl launcher 3 wood and have not been happy with it. My max club has been a maverick 3 hybrid because I hit it so much more solidly and constantly. I wonder if you find the same situation between your 7 and 3 wood

[@kellycoates5027]

What about the Cobra Aero Jet 7 wood? Have you tested it?

[@loutennant99]

Nice video, playing the 425 but I’m changing, probably stealth 2

[@tomtempinski2781]

I currently play the Cobra fairway woods. Considering going t a PXG 4 wood to replace my current 3 wood I struggle with. Have you tried the PXG 3 or 4?

[@doncleary4041]

I have been playing a 7 wood for years. Now, I have a TSi1 and the Srixon Zx MkII. Like them both. Trying to decide between the two of them. Also play with a Rouge 9 & 11 woods. Great review. Love your channel.

[@TheAverageGolfer]

Good luck and thxs Don 👍

[@patface]

I’ve used the PXG and Srixon, I stuck with the new Srixon. The sound, look and feel are by far my favorite.

[@TheAverageGolfer]

Thanks for feedback 👍

[@mattynes]

Very little on course analysis. Off the tee which was your favorite? Which ones seemed to go straightest? Any draw or fade bias? Were any easier to hit out of the rough than others? Give some analysis.

[@petekenny3774]

Aren't they all good Andy ....💪💪💪 Never had one use a 5 wood TM sim

[@starks1974]

Andy - watch your thoughts on the 0211 vs Ping? Did you feel it was dramatically different? I ask because at $150 that's a great price, but have not hit, vs the Ping which I have hit but is $200 more. For the Ping I've never had a grouping for a wood like that in my life, it was like I was hitting pitch shots the grouping was so close.

[@josephinecampbell3196]

I have an Callaway epic flash 7 wood. If I was to upgrade it would be the Ping G430

[@tomtempinski2781]

I ended up buying the Ping. So far I love it. I thought it had the best adjustability.

[@225mani]

I love playing my TaylorMade stealth 7wood high launch. It is very accurate and carries 214-235 yards

[@arthurcooper2236]

I'll add the Srixon MK11 to the list got one it's brilliant hap happy golfing from Downunder😊

[@melabshier5812]

Andy, is it possible to put a microphone down by the ground on the fairway when you are hitting these so we can hear the sound for ourselves? In a bay for dry ball data doesn't cut it for sound. Prefer to know what a strike sounds like on the course. I suspect you'd like the Paradym more if that crown was Red instead of Blue. 😜 I know I would. 😁

[@DirtDummie]

picked up a paradym 3 wood, cant complain with a 260 carry and they are so damn pretty

[@kolchak357]

The 7 wood is a must carry for me because of the very long par 3s. PXG 0211 7wood is in my bag

[@bigdogpete43]

I bought a PXG 7 wood and put a driver shaft in it. It is a weapon.

[@sparty710]

I took my new G430 7 wood out this weekend for the first time and I'm hooked! Why'd it take me so long to get one?!?!

[@TheAverageGolfer]

🤣 yep a real weapon eh!

[@billcancel47]

I’m between the ping and taylormade right now. Will be going to get fit to decide.

[@kjfcaia1986]

Great review Andy! I tried out the G430 7 Wood, based on your insights from an earlier video where you compared it to the Stealth 2 7 wood. For me, I love the adjustability, matte finish, and extremely high launch. I kicked out my 4 Iron for the G430 and it sits near perfectly with my yardages. Interestingly enough, I have it in the stock shaft regular flex, where all my other wood shafts are x flex. I'll probably end up re-shafting it with something else, but a nice smooth swing surprisingly (or maybe not so much) does the trick with this club for me.

[@troyrambo6804]

I'd opt for the Stealth or the Callaway just my person preferences as to what I've used in the past.

[@TheAverageGolfer]

Great to get your feedback

[@michaelrood2751]

Pxg Gen 5 feel great

[@ianbrownlie3269]

Hi play xr speed 7 wood and love it cheers

[@carnivorouscanuck729]

I've been carrying a 7 wood for many years.Time for an upgrade.An update.After many years with a Adams Ovation I pulled the trigger on Tour Edge Hot Launch C522.

[@Phil222G]

A good quality and not expensive option is a Wilson D9 or a Wilson LP 7 wood both available at around £100 or less

[@frankielambardo9268]

I tested the ping, paradigm and Stealth 2 in the range......hands down the Stealth 2 was the longest, most consistent and easiest to hit.

[@patrickweeks7370]

The Ping is 23 degree loft FYI any of the Ping 400 lines are all great 7woods just $$

[@mattgoode3949]

You needed to add Srixon xx mk2 Andy, also I know you do dry ball data but how about showing dispersion of each club, this would help the average golfer

[@TheAverageGolfer]

Unfortunately I haven’t tried it Matt so cannot include but from experience with 5 wood I imagine you are correct

[@mattgoode3949]

@@TheAverageGolfer thanks Andy try and show dispersion in your videos would help a lot of us out 👍

[@rolandotorricella9089]

I play the Ping 7 wood because it is the most accurate for my swing.

[@randallpennington5976]

Should do a video chipping with the Ping 7 hybrid!

[@TheAverageGolfer]

Always a good option

[@LeoDodier]

Were these seven woods, or were they the three woods? The early photos of the clubs were three woods...

[@tp0376]

Very few average golfers ever have and issue of hitting any club too high. It’s usually the opposite

[@EdwardBailey]

I have a five wood and a utility wood for 7 and 9. No long irons here

[@TheAverageGolfer]

Happy with the set up?

[@EdwardBailey]

@@TheAverageGolfer very much. I’ve never hit 3,4, or 5 irons well

[@theythinkimmadyouknow]

Not tried a 7W but bought a Stealth 2 5W and its just incredible, probably hit some of the best shots of my life with it!

[@harryp.1679]

PXG 0211 7 wood in my bag.

[@alexshearer3227]

You hit it well, but the Callaway feels heavy to me.

[@markdunn8038]

PXG looks the best.

[@mikes2902]

Taylormade fairways are the shit, stock ventus shaft with a d3 swing weight is just excellent for stock

[@jamesl1868]

I have been a fan of higher lofted woods for years. But at the same time I love a hybrid and currently carry 3 4 and 5 iron equivalent. A 7 wood vs a 4 or 5 hybrid is my challenge. Regardless higher loft hybrids or wood are very difficult to find at suppliers and therefore difficult to try. Clubs may have them but they are often brand tied.

[@TheAverageGolfer]

I agree with all the points you make James 👍

[@kramzaid4720]

I think you made a huge mistake by not including the Cobra LTD Max 7 Wood. In terms of playability from divots (sand filled and no fill), shallow, mid, or deep rough, along the edge of the fairway and rough (ball in between) none of the clubs you highlight can compare to the Cobra LDT Max. Those rails on the bottom basically makes literally any lie easier to deal with. Plus being able to strengthen / weaken / or make more upright gives me a very versatile club in any type of weather or depending upon the course as well. Distance wise it is very comparable to those others at a lower cost point as well. You seem to be focusing more on Taylormade, PXG, Ping, and Callaway (higher priced clubs) - I think that "Average Golfer" also should refer to those who don't want to pay for "premium" golf clubs and look for value as well. ( i.e. average wage earner are average golfers too.) - Sorry if this seems critical - but its my honest opinion based upon what I have seen over the last few months & I am a fan and subscriber of your channel.

[@zuluwarrior88]

Did you have the same shafts?….

[@erickbauer8888]

Cobra 7 wood matches up to any of those you have on this video.

[@nealerickson8063]

So, greetings from America! Big fan of the channel. I watch lots of your vids. I watched this and the ditch your 3 wood vid from earlier in the year, or even last year. The issue I'm seeing is 7w, 5w, and 3w are basically CARRYING THE SAME DISTANCE, +or - 5 yrds....this should not be the case...Each club gets Longer and lower lofted 7-3w

[@Steve-jq4st]

I can’t understand why so many testers give a high ranking to sound. Who cares what the club sounds like as long as the ball goes where you want it to. It’s not something I notice when I’m playing.

[@TheAverageGolfer]

It’s called an opinion Steve, for example…..I don’t understand why you don’t notice sound when you are playing…..it’s different to yours but an opinion all the same, that’s the idea of a review, I give my opinion because it’s the only one I have 👍

[@pschilleru]

PXG 7 Wood has replaced my 4 Hybrid.

[@TheAverageGolfer]

Prefer it?

[@pschilleru]

@@TheAverageGolfer Absolutely, easier to hit, more distance and more consistency