Budget-minded 5W purchase

[Yacho]

I'm finally ready to give fairway woods another try after kicking them out of the bag over 3 years ago.  Back then, I was just learning the game, and while I picked up hitting driver and irons ok, I would snap-hook my old-school Cally S2H2 Big Bertha 5w at about a 75% clip.  Tried to get better with it, but continued struggles forced me kick it out and replace it with a 19* 2H.  3 years later, and waaayyy more educated about equipment specs and how they relate to my game, I'm ready to give it another go.

 

But...  for someone who's never spent more than $100 on a driver, what are some favorite 5 woods of the past decade or so that I can scoop up on the used market for a song?  I was initially interested in the 915F (as I already own a 915D3), but those things seem to have held their value as if they had "Scotty Cameron" stamped on them.  Guess the secret's out on those.

 

Side note:  I really love my Callaway Razr Fit Extreme driver...   any love out there for the RFX fairway woods, or are they considered "unforgiving" like the big dog is?

[wobgon]

I have a callaway razr fit extreme 5 wood in my bag that i have played forever.....Only club i have that has lasted for a lot of years....Really good club.

[bekgolf]

16 minutes ago, Yacho said:

I'm finally ready to give fairway woods another try after kicking them out of the bag over 3 years ago.  Back then, I was just learning the game, and while I picked up hitting driver and irons ok, I would snap-hook my old-school Cally S2H2 Big Bertha 5w at about a 75% clip.  Tried to get better with it, but continued struggles forced me kick it out and replace it with a 19* 2H.  3 years later, and waaayyy more educated about equipment specs and how they relate to my game, I'm ready to give it another go.

 

But...  for someone who's never spent more than $100 on a driver, what are some favorite 5 woods of the past decade or so that I can scoop up on the used market for a song?  I was initially interested in the 915F (as I already own a 915D3), but those things seem to have held their value as if they had "Scotty Cameron" stamped on them.  Guess the secret's out on those.

 

Side note:  I really love my Callaway Razr Fit Extreme driver...   any love out there for the RFX fairway woods, or are they considered "unforgiving" like the big dog is?

 

I'd start my search here:  https://shop.touredge.com/collections/pre-owned-fairways

 

and here:  https://www.callawaygolfpreowned.com/

[ChristopherMcDonald]

Tour edge makes some absolute missile launchers, their pre-owned section is usually ripe with deals.

https://shop.touredge.com/pages/certified-pre-owned

 

[Yacho]

Trying to keep it in the < $80 range if possible.  A couple candidates in the Tour Edge shop, but are they any good?

 

I'm a big fan of statements like "This club from 2014 is every bit as good as anything made today, is never leaving my bag, and can be found for peanuts on eBay" 🙃

[Yacho]

4 minutes ago, ChristopherMcDonald said:

Tour edge makes some absolute missile launchers, their pre-owned section is usually ripe with deals.

 

I've got no personal experience with Tour Edge.  What models/years for some favorites?

[Yacho]

I should add that anything with a draw bias is a non-starter for me.

[ChristopherMcDonald]

2 minutes ago, Yacho said:

 

I've got no personal experience with Tour Edge.  What models/years for some favorites?

Anything lead by CB should be real long. CB4 had a cult following if I recall correctly but may be hard to find in good condition. C721 should be a great option as well; have heard great things of the C721 driver.

 

You'll be glad to know that these should all set up very neutral except anything with "Hot Launch" attached to the name

Edited December 28, 2022 by ChristopherMcDonald

[DoughBack18]

Global golf has a number of 5 woods in their used selections that would probably fit your needs and price range. Taylormade R9, Callaway X16, Titleist 980 to name just a couple. Plus they have 25% off. 
 

Good luck and make lots of birdies!

[Yacho]

6 minutes ago, ChristopherMcDonald said:

but may be hard to find in good condition.

 

I heavily lean function over form, especially in experimental mode, which this qualifies as.  As long as there's no physical damage that alters the performance, cosmetically it can look like it's lived a past life as a dog chew toy for all i care. 

 

I'll check out the CB stuff...   thanks for the suggestion!

Edited December 28, 2022 by Yacho

[ChristopherMcDonald]

4 minutes ago, Yacho said:

 

I heavily lean function over form, especially in experimental mode, which this qualifies as.  As long as there's no physical damage that alters the performance, cosmetically it can look like it's lived a past life as a dog chew toy for all i care. 

 

I'll check out the CB stuff...   thanks for the suggestion!

Yeah man glad I could help. Another good option is Cobra, been putting out some heat in the fairway department for the last several years. Always to be had dirt cheap 2 seasons later. 

[DArnie]

Taylormade Stage 2. I still play it and it is as good as anything made today.😄 

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/266027043044?hash=item3df07288e4:g:Hd8AAOSwqVNjjlpR&amdata=enc%3AAQAHAAAA8IpPT%2BIfxVAMCtnNwO%2BAN3nVabHf6Nm8ASVak7uGErgACqenLcMx1%2FN%2FEMwy2tcyGxAySSCG9PeDWgNc%2BcdXhCs29BqBt%2FTaWGrnGrOPwwcp2Nu2ryp7rBAS2etdiJCj6Ren3fifK4BhRtpIc9p3iDlvAGgUZC02jXUjXYNIfxJhrBuLhqgTqAya52KHCmot8atyUqbC5y0uAdmD1ss53O3i1436TMNIalMnZa%2B6RWqxeewgLyP5QJYfKUbZ2PB%2BlMosjGKC9gzFt0l4U8zcWM%2FRkAZsOgyD0PxCETbla6SKwplLfv%2BNXGFUIqIFDuMSxQ%3D%3D|tkp%3ABk9SR_7AprOrYQ

[azgreg]

Go on eBay and find yourself a TM V-Steel. You're welcome.

 

[Yacho]

7 minutes ago, DArnie said:

Taylormade Stage 2. I still play it and it is as good as anything made today.😄 

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/266027043044?hash=item3df07288e4:g:Hd8AAOSwqVNjjlpR&amdata=enc%3AAQAHAAAA8IpPT%2BIfxVAMCtnNwO%2BAN3nVabHf6Nm8ASVak7uGErgACqenLcMx1%2FN%2FEMwy2tcyGxAySSCG9PeDWgNc%2BcdXhCs29BqBt%2FTaWGrnGrOPwwcp2Nu2ryp7rBAS2etdiJCj6Ren3fifK4BhRtpIc9p3iDlvAGgUZC02jXUjXYNIfxJhrBuLhqgTqAya52KHCmot8atyUqbC5y0uAdmD1ss53O3i1436TMNIalMnZa%2B6RWqxeewgLyP5QJYfKUbZ2PB%2BlMosjGKC9gzFt0l4U8zcWM%2FRkAZsOgyD0PxCETbla6SKwplLfv%2BNXGFUIqIFDuMSxQ%3D%3D|tkp%3ABk9SR_7AprOrYQ

 

😆 Nice.  I might have had to rattle-can it black, but that one specifically is saved from that kind of gross defilement due to the shaft.  Need stiff flex.  and spray paint adds like $6 to the bill.  May have tipped the scales there 🤣

[Yacho]

12 minutes ago, azgreg said:

Go on eBay and find yourself a TM V-Steel. You're welcome.

 

 

"Beware of old dudes with old clubs and new grips."

 

Your sig adds some weight to this suggestion...   noted.

[azgreg]

19 minutes ago, Yacho said:

 

"Beware of old dudes with old clubs and new grips."

 

Your sig adds some weight to this suggestion...   noted.

V-Steels are by far the best fairways I've ever played.

 

[5 O'Clock Charlie]

Cleveland Launcher - 

https://www.2ndswing.com/golf-clubs/fairway-woods/cleveland-launcher-fl-fairway-wood/right-handed-regular-graphite-43dot25in-d-t2226468698

TM V Steel - (17 total 5woods at second swing, couple in average shape for around $50)

https://www.2ndswing.com/golf-clubs/fairway-woods?g2_brand=TaylorMade&g2_model=V+Steel&g2_club_loft=18°

Edited December 29, 2022 by 5 O'Clock Charlie

[Nelson.br.1515]

Callaway Epic Flash 

[Yacho]

7 minutes ago, azgreg said:

V-Steels are by far the best fairways I've ever played.

 

Ok, yep.  Quick search shows that most owners would seemingly risk one last trip into a structure fire to save their V-Steel fairways over an irreplaceable family heirloom, 8 days a week.  Emphasis on shaft with these though.  Is the stock TM M.A.S.2 graphite up to the task?

[GHIN n Juice]

V steel or a 2016 OG M2

[B.Easy]

I had the OG Tour Edge Exotics from 2007 or 8'ish.  Absolute missile.  Anti-hook as well.  Any of the old exotics are rad and can be bought with decent Aldila shafts on ebay for $80 or less.  This one is sweet.

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/255891476534?hash=item3b94521036:g:b-EAAOSwPTRjpKWj&amdata=enc%3AAQAHAAAA8F6HIFOLNspLHqQdUjAz%2FQZUkTIkLk4b%2BHE097U9oKHDDuAHgawukWDtSHIXzcI%2FG9hUshPPzr9xOf70sJ2IZXhZCb2o8xlDRvmzEfr1eGPoylgOvqLYv5rOghPntF1sxboqzPYNfEy8zz0yNqhctP5j32Iik%2FF8lzaKEwIFJ7%2FM9cHTpOuTXTkNu653R9GOml81aqTXSI9oZ532x1SnaC%2BRaf%2BKeWy%2BQgoUnF9MNarL5bAHf9wqQ8ZwFiQf3Z%2FBEhoF3RWF1hPhx%2B2nDBcPCf1okMVLQrQrlMgnwoVs4xSR%2B1XTXrRp8QWjlMPwuPERtg%3D%3D|tkp%3ABk9SR8DInberYQ

Edited December 29, 2022 by B.Easy
info

[azgreg]

13 minutes ago, Yacho said:

 

Ok, yep.  Quick search shows that most owners would seemingly risk one last trip into a structure fire to save their V-Steel fairways over an irreplaceable family heirloom, 8 days a week.  Emphasis on shaft with these though.  Is the stock TM M.A.S.2 graphite up to the task?

Stock shafts are garbage.

[wobgon]

3 minutes ago, azgreg said:

Stock shafts are garbage.

 

4 minutes ago, azgreg said:

Stock shafts are garbage.

Unless it is a good one that fits your swing and you hit it better than an after market shaft.

[Yacho]

10 minutes ago, azgreg said:

Stock shafts are garbage.

 

Right.  Good looking out...  If I had a shaft laying around that I knew worked out, glueing up a V-Steel might be the ticket.  Unfortunately, not the case.  And to wobgon's point, I totally agree that sometimes the stock shaft can be a great fit, but I've swung a few early 2000's era TM stock graphite drivers and didn't really get on with the bend profiles.  Not exactly apples to apples, but maybe there's enough to go on.  Also, the "stock" Aldila Trinity in my RFX driver is awesome.

 

I know enough now to know that shafts are an important part of this, so the TEE CB line has my attention at the moment.

[SteelieD]

2 hours ago, Yacho said:I was initially interested in the 915F (as I already own a 915D3), but those things seem to have held their value as if they had "Scotty Cameron" stamped on them.  Guess the secret's out on those.

 

 
I just checked and mine doesn’t have a Scotty stamp but I’m definitely one of those that know the secret. You’ll have to pry my 915 5W out of my cold dead hands. For ~$100, well worth it. 
 

Fairways are really a personal thing. When you find one that works, stick with it. Bright new and shiny is rarely better IMO. 

[Yacho]

14 minutes ago, SteelieD said:

You’ll have to pry my 915 5W out of my cold dead hands.

 

What, it's not for sale?!?!  looks like you're riding the TSi horse currently...   😉

[James the Hogan Fan]

2 hours ago, Yacho said:

Trying to keep it in the < $80 range if possible.  A couple candidates in the Tour Edge shop, but are they any good?

 

I'm a big fan of statements like "This club from 2014 is every bit as good as anything made today, is never leaving my bag, and can be found for peanuts on eBay" 🙃

 

Ok:

 

The Wilson Staff Fg Tour F5 from 2016(?) is as good as anything out there, is never leaving my bag, and can be found for peanuts on ebay. (There's a 17° for $45 Buy it Now right now, you can loft it up to 19° if you want)

 

No but seriously. The feel is spectacular, the launch is good. It's not the longest club on earth but it's easy to hit. It looks sharp at address. I love the flight because it doesn't land hot like some clubs (cough TEE cough)

 

(If you wanna go OG Wilson Staff there's also the Fybrid 5w from 2008. That club is the easiest fairway wood to hit you will ever find, but the look isn't for everyone)

[Yacho]

10 minutes ago, James the Hogan Fan said:

 

Ok:

 

The Wilson Staff Fg Tour F5 from 2016(?) is as good as anything out there, is never leaving my bag, and can be found for peanuts on ebay. (There's a 17° for $45 Buy it Now right now, you can loft it up to 19° if you want)

 

No but seriously. The feel is spectacular, the launch is good. It's not the longest club on earth but it's easy to hit. It looks sharp at address. I love the flight because it doesn't land hot like some clubs (cough TEE cough)

 

(If you wanna go OG Wilson Staff there's also the Fybrid 5w from 2008. That club is the easiest fairway wood to hit you will ever find, but the look isn't for everyone)

 

I'm definitely not allergic to Wilson clubs (see avatar).  Will check it out for sure.  I like clubs that can hold a green.

 

Your take on the TEE fairways is interesting...   low spin monsters? 

Edited December 29, 2022 by Yacho

[SteelieD]

47 minutes ago, Yacho said:

 

What, it's not for sale?!?!  looks like you're riding the TSi horse currently...   😉

I’ll have to get on my computer and update that signature! 
 

I actually went BACK to the 915. Hence the “bright new and shiny” comment. 😂

 

Still playing the TSi 7W tho. 

[James the Hogan Fan]

5 minutes ago, Yacho said:

 

I'm definitely not allergic to Wilson clubs (see avatar).  Will check it out for sure.  I like clubs that can hold a green.

 

Your take on the TEE fairways is interesting...   low spin monsters? 

 

I have an XCG5 19° hybrid I call "the links slayer" because it will roll 40+ yards off 220 carry. I haven't tried their more recent stuff (again, love my Wilson too much) but my experience with TEE has been low spin cannons yes.

 

I forgot, bonus points for the Wilson, adjustable for easy shaft swappage. (Also could try the C300... it hasas something of a cult following for Wilson guys although I personally haven't hit it; because I love my F5 too much)