Fairway wood rotation?

[oh-brian]

I have 2 fairways woods that I love...for different reasons (kind of like my kids!). I have a Titleist 915F that is an absolute bomber off the tee, but not my favorite off the deck. I also have a Callaway X2 Hot that I love off the deck, but I am not as comfortable with it off the tee. I have just started tinkering with the Callaway, but I can totally see myself using the Titleist on a course where I might hit it off the tee a lot.

[BIG STU]

About the only time I will take either the 7 or 9 woods out of the bag is when it is real windy down here. I will pull one or the other out and usually put my 18* KZG forged cavity back 2 iron in. I hit the 7 and 9 woods so high that here in the bad wind they are about as useful as a screen door on a submarine

[wolfpack]

For me it's just a different look as well. I have so many fairway woods that are almost the same, if I have a bad outing with one, it gets benched for a while. Then for whatever reason it will regain the magic and make it back into the top spot. For now the Bio Cell + 5/7 at 16.5 is the top dog.

Benched woods,
07 Burner TP 17.5 Rombax 75
Nike SQ2 17* Proforce V2 76
Rbz tour 18* Rip Beta 80
Nike T60 15* Harrison Mugen 105

It's pretty ridiculous

[MelloYello]

[quote name='Mitchell' timestamp='1445200951' post='12473628']
MelloYello,

Without getting into too much detail, can play a bit occasionally and wasn't soliciting advice as to what should go into my bag.

While I agree in principle that constant turnover of bag can limit ability of player to gain practical familiarity with equipment, that is not what was referencing here and that is not an issue with which I struggle, being more reticent to change than most (see signature). I test quite a bit of stuff, yet if does not show consistent improvement over another club, it's not going into the bag. Point of thread is not to judge club selections of others or reasoning behind same, rather see if others use multiple clubs to fill somewhat similar spot in bag or not and why.

Since you mentioned closet-full of stuff and how it did not work for you, what did you settle upon that does?

Aloha,
Mitch
[/quote]

I've been trying to decide whether I'm going to go the route of a 3w/5w combo or just roll with a 4w that does everything. I started with a 13/19 combo in the Nike SQ II before "upgrading" to the VR Pro Ltd 15/19 which sit a touch open and thus play a bit strong.

I've been temped by a few things I've found on the used market: an SQ II 4w, an X2 Hot Pro 4w and a 913Fd 5w. The truth is they're all good clubs but I can't find the right pair.

I like the VR Pro 5w because it has a small, compact head that's great for working the ball. It's a 5w that not only has better-player aesthetics and workability but can double as a rescue club when needed. It's also a nice fairway finder. In generally, its just an awesome club that I think any golfer would enjoy if they'd tried but you never heard ANYONE on here talking about it. Only a few guys even seemed to try the 3w.

The trick has been finding a 3w to go with it. The 13* SQ and the 15* VR Ltd both keep the ball low which isn't bad off the tee but it creates a limitation in how versatile the club is. What I'd like is a 3w that is just a little easier to elevate (a touch more spin).

As for the X2 4w and the 913Fd 5w...they're nice clubs. Nothing wrong with them at all. I too have found the X2 Hot to be somewhat unreliable. I tend to hit it well when I pull it out but I've yet to build any confidence with it despite that fact. It's as though I have no idea where it's going to go then I look up and it's high and straight. Weird feeling, haha! I might actually do better pairing it with the VR 5w since the X2 Hot is a monster off the tee and can be elevated off the turf quite with a solid swing. I wish I had a touch more confidence in it though.

[Forged4ever]

Best FW metal I've ever hit!!

I carry the 3M all the time and rotate the 5M with my 18° Hybrid, depending on the track. I've picked up 2-3 at the thrift shop for anywhere from $4.99 to $14.99, lol. Just throw a shaft in em and they're great to go-

They sure the hell don't make em like these anymore, lol

Ke Akua Ho'omaika'i Bro
Richard

[johnnylongballz72]

Callaway Diablo Tour , Cleveland Hibore XLS, Ping G25 are all heads that I will never get rid of. They all rotate in and out of the bag. The Hibore XLS is the longest 3 wood I have ever hit. It normally goes in the bag when I am not driving it well.

Also, I keep going back to the Diamana Redboard 73X. Best fairway wood shaft ever IMHO.

[MJisGOAT]

[quote name='Forged4ever' timestamp='1445300650' post='12479794']
Best FW metal I've ever hit!!

I carry the 3M all the time and rotate the 5M with my 18° Hybrid, depending on the track. I've picked up 2-3 at the thrift shop for anywhere from $4.99 to $14.99, lol. Just throw a shaft in em and they're great to go-

They sure the hell don't make em like these anymore, lol

Ke Akua Ho'omaika'i Bro
Richard
[/quote]

I think this is the same 3 wood I saw in Justin Martinson's bag

[Mitchell]

Richard,
Hoarding the Purple Ice shafts for Steelheads? Seems like I recall you using another option in place of 3+ and rotating that one in latter portion of each season. Hope you and yours are well.
Much Aloha bruddah!
Mitch

[Duffner's Waggle]

Sorry I'm late.....

Can I just say it warms my heart to see the Sensei authoring a post about multiple fairway woods??!!

There are currently only two horses in my stable. A Srixon f45 with Rombax p95X and a ping G 20 4wood with whiteboard 73X.

The Srixon is an absolute monster from the tee and the deck. That said the smaller clubhead does not always bring a feeling of confidence and if the swing is not feeling good the G 20 goes back in the bag for a few rounds to bring me back to equilibrium.

Lately with my only playing like once/month and zero practice, I've been pondering a move to the entire G line of woods and metals from Ping.

[bladehunter]

[quote name='Duffner's Waggle' timestamp='1445343703' post='12481548']
Sorry I'm late.....

Can I just say it warms my heart to see the Sensei authoring a post about multiple fairway woods??!!

There are currently only two horses in my stable. A Srixon f45 with Rombax p95X and a ping G 20 4wood with whiteboard 73X.

The Srixon is an absolute monster from the tee and the deck. That said the smaller clubhead does not always bring a feeling of confidence and if the swing is not feeling good the G 20 goes back in the bag for a few rounds to bring me back to equilibrium.

Lately with my only playing like once/month and zero practice, I've been pondering a move to the entire G line of woods and metals from Ping.
[/quote]



I wondered where you were....lol,,,, big time fairway thread minus the king fairway Ho....Im slowly realizing im just like you..i love 3 woods...and 4 woods for that matter.... easily my favorite club to hit.... welcome in Man....

[Forged4ever]

[quote name='Mitchell' timestamp='1445320374' post='12481112']
Richard,
Hoarding the Purple Ice shafts for Steelheads? Seems like I recall you using another option in place of 3+ and rotating that one in latter portion of each season. Hope you and yours are well.
Much Aloha bruddah!
Mitch
[/quote]Yea exactly-

I would start the season with the Adams Ti 3M(F11 then the first slot Ti) in the bag and it's getting hazier, lol, but around mid June-begining of July, when I was comfortable with my swing, I'd swap em out. Same with my putters, I would go to the 8802/Napa probably end of May-begining of June and then my bag was set.

Swapping out the 68s for the 59s was a fluke cuz I was rummaging through my closet looking for the Napa and I uncovered the 59's, LMAO.

I took em out, hit em, played em and in the bag they went and three days later was my first match in the IC MP Championship.

HaHa, even Nathan was like, "Dude, you sure you want to swap those out now, 3 days before the biggest fall tourney?"

Only Greg was with me when I hit em and it had been years since I twirled an iron as many times as I did those two practice rounds, LMAO.

I had to come on here to find out about the Purple Ice, lol. I knew nothing about it and the guys here told me it was a legit shaft. That's a S, and I got that after I got sick so I haven't hit that particular club/shaft combo-

Have a great day Bro

Aloha,
Richard

[Forged4ever]

[quote name='Duffner's Waggle' timestamp='1445343703' post='12481548']
Sorry I'm late.....

Can I just say it warms my heart to see the Sensei authoring a post about multiple fairway woods??!!

There are currently only two horses in my stable. A Srixon f45 with Rombax p95X and a ping G 20 4wood with whiteboard 73X.

The Srixon is an absolute monster from the tee and the deck. That said the smaller clubhead does not always bring a feeling of confidence and if the swing is not feeling good the G 20 goes back in the bag for a few rounds to bring me back to equilibrium.

Lately with my only playing like once/month and zero practice, I've been pondering a move to the entire G line of woods and metals from Ping.
[/quote]Bro, its great to see you!!!!

LMAO, every time I walk by the bathroom/shower in our Men's locker room and recall my actions 31 years ago, and I think of you along with my other two Buds who were standing there, and I chuckle. To the point that one of them and my Best Bud Dave, asked me what was so funny, LMAO.

I told him and he said, "Dude, you were an a**hole, is this Duffster like that," LMAO

Ah, to be young, clueless and fearless, lol

I hope that You, Your Better Half and Little Duffster are well

Fairways & Greens My Friend

Always,
Richard

[Duffner's Waggle]

Sorry I'm late.....

 

Can I just say it warms my heart to see the Sensei authoring a post about multiple fairway woods??!!

 

There are currently only two horses in my stable. A Srixon f45 with Rombax p95X and a ping G 20 4wood with whiteboard 73X.

 

The Srixon is an absolute monster from the tee and the deck. That said the smaller clubhead does not always bring a feeling of confidence and if the swing is not feeling good the G 20 goes back in the bag for a few rounds to bring me back to equilibrium.

 

Lately with my only playing like once/month and zero practice, I've been pondering a move to the entire G line of woods and metals from Ping.

Bro, its great to see you!!!!

 

LMAO, every time I walk by the bathroom/shower in our Men's locker room and recall my actions 31 years ago, and I think of you along with my other two Buds who were standing there, and I chuckle. To the point that one of them and my Best Bud Dave, asked me what was so funny, LMAO.

 

I told him and he said, "Dude, you were an a**hole, is this Duffster like that," LMAO

 

Ah, to be young, clueless and fearless, lol

 

I hope that You, Your Better Half and lLittle Duffster are well :)

 

Fairways & Greens My Friend :)

 

Always,

Richard

 

Richard, along with Mitchell, there's nobody I miss more around here than you. leave it to me to get all sentimental in a fairway wood thread, right? But seriously, job and kid are keeping me busier than ever and my time on WRX isn't a third of what it used to be, but man your posts are a sight for sore eyes.

 

How are you feeling my friend? I miss your stories. None better than the old days when your hair was on fire and your temper was built to match. Let's just say I'm glad we're friends and not enemies.

 

Great to hear from you too. I'll try to be less of a stranger.

 

-Duff

 

PS- Little Duff just turned 2, if you can believe it!

 

Check this dude out....

 

[Forged4ever]

Sorry I'm late.....

 

Can I just say it warms my heart to see the Sensei authoring a post about multiple fairway woods??!!

 

There are currently only two horses in my stable. A Srixon f45 with Rombax p95X and a ping G 20 4wood with whiteboard 73X.

 

The Srixon is an absolute monster from the tee and the deck. That said the smaller clubhead does not always bring a feeling of confidence and if the swing is not feeling good the G 20 goes back in the bag for a few rounds to bring me back to equilibrium.

 

Lately with my only playing like once/month and zero practice, I've been pondering a move to the entire G line of woods and metals from Ping.

Bro, its great to see you!!!!

 

LMAO, every time I walk by the bathroom/shower in our Men's locker room and recall my actions 31 years ago, and I think of you along with my other two Buds who were standing there, and I chuckle. To the point that one of them and my Best Bud Dave, asked me what was so funny, LMAO.

 

I told him and he said, "Dude, you were an a**hole, is this Duffster like that," LMAO

 

Ah, to be young, clueless and fearless, lol

 

I hope that You, Your Better Half and lLittle Duffster are well :)

 

Fairways & Greens My Friend :)

 

Always,

Richard

 

Richard, along with Mitchell, there's nobody I miss more around here than you. leave it to me to get all sentimental in a fairway wood thread, right? But seriously, job and kid are keeping me busier than ever and my time on WRX isn't a third of what it used to be, but man your posts are a sight for sore eyes.

 

How are you feeling my friend? I miss your stories. None better than the old days when your hair was on fire and your temper was built to match. Let's just say I'm glad we're friends and not enemies.

 

Great to hear from you too. I'll try to be less of a stranger.

 

-Duff

 

PS- Little Duff just turned 2, if you can believe it!

 

Check this dude out....

 

Thanks Bro :)

 

I'm hangin, lol. This is getting tiresome but they say it's working-

 

The Apple didn't fall far from the tree!!

 

Adorable!!!!

 

He's gonna be a Heart Breaker, ain't no doubt :)

 

I'm glad the right things in life are keeping ya busy!!!

 

Stay Well My Friend,

Richard

[Beatupfender]

I am currently gaming an R-11 4w, dialed to its strongest loft, 16 degrees. It's what the doctor ordered: easy to hit, gives me a good average distance between my driver and my 23 degree hybrid. The key for me was to find a club I could hit off the tee into doglegs and into narrower fairways, while keeping me out of trouble when hitting a second shot toward the green. That club works for me.

[dlam]

this is a good thread.
I use to carry just one FW my 7wood and could hit a big draw or high cut with it
But lately I put my 7 wood away and carry a hybrid and 5 wood. and play a bug draw/hook with my 5 wood or high straight cut with my hybrid.
I could play a high cut with 5 wood but I really have to choke up on the shaft.
The hybrid can hook if Im not too careful and let out the shaft.

[BIG STU]

[quote name='Forged4ever' timestamp='1445300650' post='12479794']
Best FW metal I've ever hit!!

I carry the 3M all the time and rotate the 5M with my 18° Hybrid, depending on the track. I've picked up 2-3 at the thrift shop for anywhere from $4.99 to $14.99, lol. Just throw a shaft in em and they're great to go-

They sure the hell don't make em like these anymore, lol

Ke Akua Ho'omaika'i Bro
Richard
[/quote]You are darn skippy on that RP!!

[Mitchell]

Richard and Stu,
Was in a shop locally that is fairly well-known for quality used equipment and a former PGA Tour player traded in "some" of his various Steelhead fairways with upgraded shafts. Due to volume of equipment that goes through store, often possible to see some nice equipment go unsold for a few days until the right customer takes note- those were gone in a couple of hours!
Aloha,
Mitch

[Bigmean]

Richard, super interesting about swapping clubs as your season got into effect. I like how you also switch to an 8802 style putter, like your partners know they are screwed when that finally comes out.....this dude isn't even thinking on greens anymore, just seeing lines and gate swing slapping them in with that paddle. Good stuff.

I am so good about not ho'ing woods, this thread really makes me think I need a 13/14* tee box FW to be able to swap with my 913 15* off the deck current FW....

[isaacbm]

I've always found 3wood to be the hardest club to truly love. I have a bunch that I'm in long term relationships with but none that I'd buy a ring for...

Currently I've got a black r15 that reminds me of a vsteel that I had painted black. I still have that one but it seems to be too stiff and heavy for me now. But that v steel sure was old faithful for the longest time.

I'm struggling with my set makeup in the wood/hybrid/long iron side currently. I flip flop back and forth from wanting to have a 1-iron to having my longest iron being a 5! LOL! Right now I have D,3w, 19H, 22H.

But like I said, some days I throw in the Hogan Apex 1 iron too! I hit that thing on a rope off the tee but can only carry it a few yards longer than a four iron off the deck.

Some days I simply play with 20 clubs.

[Oldplayer]

[quote name='Mitchell' timestamp='1445049227' post='12467692']
Based upon the idea that a player should never get rid of a reliable fairway wood, I have accumulated a few over the years that have worked exceptionally well for me. Was just curious if anyone here has several fairways that see considerable play based upon conditions faced or if you change based upon ball-striking or need to have a different look?

Generally only carry one fairway wood in bag, not opposed to more, just normally do not need more. Current rotation:

Taylormade 200 tour 13* w/ Fuji 660tr
Titleist 906f3 15* w/ Fuji 75c proto
Mizuno MP titanium 15* w/ Aldila DVS 80
TEE CB2 16.5* w/ UST V2 fwy 95
[/quote]
Hey Mitch. I concur that once a reliable fairway wood is found it is certainly worth hanging on to.
Having said that I don't feel any need to rotate fairways (I'm talking 3 wood pretty much) as I have been fortunate enough to find one that clearly was better than anything else I had used.
A Sonartec ss 3.5 14 degree with stock stiff fuji tour platform shaft. I also bag a tm v-steel 18 degree 5 wood a fair bit of the time.
I honestly don't think that there are any others out there that could perform as consistently well for me. My 3 wood is a gauge of how well I am swinging it. I know if I start hitting it badly the swing needs some work.
I don't think it's an issue at all if players feel they want to rotate clubs in striving to improve their game; any type of club for that matter. I just think players need to be able to honestly access where their game is at and realize that the equipment used is only part of the puzzle.
As a wise man once said........golf is 90% mental and the other 10% is in the head.

[bladehunter]

[quote name='isaacbm' timestamp='1445422518' post='12486288']
I've always found 3wood to be the hardest club to truly love. I have a bunch that I'm in long term relationships with but none that I'd buy a ring for...

Currently I've got a black r15 that reminds me of a vsteel that I had painted black. I still have that one but it seems to be too stiff and heavy for me now. But that v steel sure was old faithful for the longest time.

I'm struggling with my set makeup in the wood/hybrid/long iron side currently. I flip flop back and forth from wanting to have a 1-iron to having my longest iron being a 5! LOL! Right now I have D,3w, 19H, 22H.

But like I said, some days I throw in the Hogan Apex 1 iron too! I hit that thing on a rope off the tee but can only carry it a few yards longer than a four iron off the deck.

Some days I simply play with 20 clubs.
[/quote]



I hear you Isaac.... currently fighting internally with 2 iron or 915F 5 wood... i smoke my 2 iron off the tee...like ridiculously long for an iron... But the 5 wood is so hot and i could hit it with my eyes shut... but ive never been one to carry 2 woods... i could drop the 3 wood IF i can fall in love with a driver.... and carry the 5 wood turned down to 16.5 (4 wood) skip 2 iron and then go 3 iron down and have room to add a 56 degree wedge.... oh the temptations.... lol luckily i have officially reached the hoarding level where i own each of these options specked to me ...so no more cash in that decision.... I guess i can decide once i find that driver im looking for ....somedays i want to play with 20 clubs too... why? i have no idea

[MtlJeff]

I used to have more then 1, but mostly right now I try to have one only and truthfully its more of a tee option. I maybe use it 1-2 times a round off fairway at most, sometimes never. My 3 woods the past 2-3 years have all been 12-13 degrees so quite strong. My "fairway" club has always been a strong hybrid in the 16-18 range

I just get in trouble hitting 3 wood off the deck a lot, so give up 15 yards with the hybrid but don't miss shots with it

My 3 wood shaft is a little mangled now that and that stuff freaks me out...may have to buy a new one

[Ri_Redneck]

I used to swap FWs (975F - 12.5, 13.5, 16.5, 18.5 & 20.5) depending on the course and conditions I was facing. Typically I carry 3 FWs, but sometimes I like to add a lob wedge and have to drop one to do that. Since I use FWs regularly for long approaches, I have to be able to adjust the gapping when I go from 3 to 2. Now with the Cobras, I just readjust them and I don't have to have so many separate clubs laying around to swap out. My regular setup is 13* BC, 16* AC & 20* AC. When I add the lob wedge, I adjust the 13* to 14.5* and the 20* to 19*, it's only a subtle change to the flight and carry distance, but it allows me to still be comfortable over the ball because they are the same clubs.

BT

[Mitchell]

Soooo....... due to right to left bias with current shaft set-up and fact that don't wish to look into other shaft options, the 906f3 is no longer in the rotation. Passed along to a friend and I don't even feel awkward about it.

[bladehunter]

[quote name='Mitchell' timestamp='1445490653' post='12490720']
Soooo....... due to right to left bias with current shaft set-up and fact that don't wish to look into other shaft options, the 906f3 is no longer in the rotation. Passed along to a friend and I don't even feel awkward about it.
[/quote]


Sounds logical. I see no need in searching for shaft options on a airway that is 3 deep in the rotation. Some fit and some don't. I find it best to pass the ones that don't along. I have the opposite problem going on. I put my purple ice 85x into the 915 f 4 wood yesterday and wow what a combo! If I can land on a driver I can trust I would drop my strong 3 deep and carry the 915 then maybe drop 2 iron and pickup a 56 degree wedge. 3 deep is a wonderful combo too. It's just that the 915f is worlds better off the turf and is short enough for tight par 4s. The 3 deep is like a 2 nd driver for me.

[obsessed_golfer]

Have 3 fairways in rotation:
Sonartec NP-99 15
Titleist 909F2 15.5
Titleist 904F 17

Sonartec is the hottest but I play one of the Titleists when I play my all-Titleist bag

[Scooter McGavine]

I have had my Callaway Diablo Edge Tour 3W for years, until I just recently changed to a Nike Vapor Speed 3W. This thing is a hammer off the fairway, and has a much more penetrating ball flight than the Diablo. This is the first Nike club I've ever owned and I'm very surprised by how much I like it. I'll keep the Callaway on hand but don't see a switch back in the near future.

I'd never used a 5W before 18 months ago (always went with a low lofted hybrid). But I put a Cobra Bio Cell+ 5W in the bag and I'm not sure that anything will ever knock it out. It's unlike any club I've had before, where I can't remember hitting really bad shots (even on swings that fell off). Great club.

Now I have four different hybrids from over the years, and have to decide which one I'll put into the bag for the next few months. I don't use a 3 iron, and typically take my 60 degree wedge out of the bag in the wet winter here (Washington State) and replace it with a hybrid which I'll use more often.

[playoffbeard23]

Still play a TM Burner 08' 15* Version they I got when I started, I'll never take it out of the bag, recently upgraded it with a Speeder 757 S+ shaft now its cemented in my bag!

[Mitchell]

Did some testing on course today, the 200 tour 13* "duffy" with 660tr appears to have maintained spot in starting line-up, most consistent off tee and deck for rare occasion needed, still able to vary trajectory in wind, and most importantly, no left misses. Results could very well be related to shaft and a correction in ball position, however- definitely not complaining.

The MPTi is a great club that is not going anywhere, just may be better suited for conditions more commonly faced on mainland. In calm conditions, it may carry 5-8 yards farther than 200 tour, yet in carry + roll, 200 tour holds slight edge.

As Bladehunter noted regarding his thought process, the TEE 16.5* will stay at the ready for courses where 4W seems to be prudent play.

Aloha,
Mitch