Best All Around FW's on the Planet

[Lefty Cat]

I can't understand why fairway woods nowadays have a rolled or almost U shaped bottom to them. I like my fairway woods flat on the bottom.

[gheart]

Alpha V5 !

The Alpha V5 by far in my opion is the longest off the tee and easy to hit. Hitting it off the ground require some skill.

I am sorry, I forgot to include the website if you want to check out the specs alphagolf.com

[ph00ny]

there are ton of different aspects of performance. Does this mean this 3 wood is the longest, easy to work with etc?

[stage1350]

Still a tossup between the Titleist 906F2 and the TM R7 "HFS" fairways. I like the deeper face and have no problem with elevation even with 13° heads.

The Adams BTY is hot, but the look just isn't "right" to me at address. It's a cannon off the tee with a Project X 10A2 shaft in it.

[idrive]

[quote name='albatrosser' post='2116807' date='Dec 10 2009, 03:09 PM']It looks like a high handicapper or a hacker's club.[/color][/i][/quote]

That's why Shingo has one in the bag. There are many more on the Japanese and Asian tour palying these FW's. If the US players weren't paid to play what they play you'd see a few in their bags.


[quote name='ph00ny' post='2117491' date='Dec 10 2009, 08:41 PM']there are ton of different aspects of performance. Does this mean this 3 wood is the longest, easy to work with etc?[/quote]

I guess that's why I said the "best overall" When you factor in how long it is and it is long. How forgiving it is, how easy it is to hit off of the deck, easy to work and the consistancy. I forgot to mention it has a great feel as well.

Overall, with [u]all things considered[/u] it is the best FW I have hit. Granted there a few clubs I haven't hit but not to many, but I've certainly hit all of the mainstream (USDM) clubs and most of the JDM's.

I guess I should have titled the thread "I've found a FW that you guys will think is ugly but everybody that hits it loves it." Believe it or not it just doesn't look that bad at address. Not everyones cup of tea but when this thing performs shot after shot the way it does it doesn't much matter what it looks like. IMO

Here's another review you may or may not find of value.

[url="http://www.tourspecgolf.com/forum/t28883.html"]http://www.tourspecgolf.com/forum/t28883.html[/url]

[TM golf guy]

[quote name='stage1350' post='2117593' date='Dec 10 2009, 10:22 PM']Still a tossup between the Titleist 906F2 and the TM R7 "HFS" fairways. I like the deeper face and have no problem with elevation even with 13° heads.

The Adams BTY is hot, but the look just isn't "right" to me at address. It's a cannon off the tee with a Project X 10A2 shaft in it.[/quote]

I have a Tour issue BTY 12.5° with an SC-95 M5 in it that is just stupid long. Probably the longest 3 wood (if you can call it that with that little loft) that I have ever hit.

[LSeca]

[quote name='idrive' post='2117628' date='Dec 10 2009, 11:44 PM']Overall, with [u]all things considered[/u] it is the best FW I have hit. Granted there a few clubs I haven't hit but not to many, but I've certainly hit all of the mainstream (USDM) clubs and most of the JDM's.[/quote]


idrive, I doubt there are a few clubs you haven't hit....you are def in the club ho hall of fame (not a bad thing ). I like to read your posts as I know you have alot of experience with anything golf gear related.

Like others, I don't like the looks of it either and I feel there are so many great offerings out there that you should not have to sacrifice on looks, sound, and feel. Well, I guess one could even stick with a certain brand and find something that fits them, new or old, as there are so many great clubs from the last 5 years. Then again, I did play and have great success with the ugly and tinky fti lcd two seasons ago.

[drpino]

Keep it civil please. Personal attacks will not be tolerated. Thanks.

[dpark]

[quote name='Stinger82' post='2116771' date='Dec 10 2009, 01:58 PM'][quote name='KDMullins' post='2116563' date='Dec 10 2009, 03:28 PM'][quote name='idrive' post='2116331' date='Dec 10 2009, 01:38 PM'][quote name='varsityhacker' post='2115988' date='Dec 10 2009, 09:00 AM']What's up with the alignment marker looks like a nipple?[/quote]

Actually a small egg. At address you don't really notice it. Remember these are close up pics.


[quote name='KDMullins' post='2116184' date='Dec 10 2009, 10:24 AM'][quote name='TM golf guy 182' post='2116173' date='Dec 10 2009, 12:20 PM']That club better be easy to hit if it is that ugly. One of the more hideous designs that I have seen.[/quote]

Wow! Horrendous. I almost thought the pic was a joke after looking at the title of the thread.
[/quote]

Never said you had to like it. I'm just telling you that I have hit every club out there US and JDM. This is the best performing, easiest to hit, most consistant FW I have ever hit.

I find it a bit surprising that you would judge this club without hitting it.
[/quote]

No, but you did say it was the "Best All Around FW on the Planet," which invites and in fact begs differing opinions. I'm not sure why you'd find it surprising that I, or anyone else, would judge a club without hitting it. The first thing I do when buying a club is look at it. If it doesn't pass the look test, it's never going to make it in my bag.

No offense to you (unless you designed it or something), but IMO, this "EGG" is one of the ugliest FWs I've seen recently. It looks like somebody took a pencil top eraser and jammed it in the middle of the clubhead. That doesn't even address the odd, geometric shape of the crown. Maybe aesthetics aren't that important to you (or maybe you think that looks good). Regardless, if it performs for you, that's great, but I don't understand the animosity when people don't agree.

P.S. I happen to believe Adams Golf makes the best fairway woods (and hybrids for the matter) on the planet.
[/quote]

I agree that Adams makes the best fairway woods and hybrids on the planet
[/quote]
+2 on Adams for both fwy woods and hybrids.

And, I also agree with you guys that the EGG is one BUFUGLY looking head. I really don't care if it performs well, I could not stand to look down at that thing. And I doubt it would outperform my 5050 anyways...

[svgg]

Thanks for great review-I've been thinking of picking up one of these. I'm surprised there are so many who would disqualify a club because of looks. My course requires that I have a 3 wood and always found it hard to hit one off the deck. I did a lot of searching and tried quite a few 3 woods trying to find one that I could hit. The sales man where I was testing clubs was watching me and suggested a couple which I had not grabbed. One was the nike sasquatch (original one). I couldn't stand the looks of it-still don't! BUT I could actually hit it quite well. So I walked out of the store with it. I still don't care for the looks of it, but I almost always hit it well and it bombs. Now, after having it in my bag for a few years I don't mind the looks because I know I can rely on it as long as I have a good lie. I am thinking of changing up my bag, getting rid of my 3 & 5 wood-so I can add a wedge, and getting a 4 wood. I just wish there was somewhere I could test the prgr. I do have a question, do you think the stock shaft is decent? Does it play softer than flex? I am still thinking that this could be a great club for me, and have learned not to judge on looks alone-after all, if it brings down scores-who cares what it looks like!

[potuna]

07 burners or Adams are fine by me. The burners have been in the bag quite awhile.

[idrive]

[quote name='svgg' post='2117897' date='Dec 11 2009, 04:05 AM']Thanks for great review-I've been thinking of picking up one of these. I'm surprised there are so many who would disqualify a club because of looks. My course requires that I have a 3 wood and always found it hard to hit one off the deck. I did a lot of searching and tried quite a few 3 woods trying to find one that I could hit. The sales man where I was testing clubs was watching me and suggested a couple which I had not grabbed. One was the nike sasquatch (original one). I couldn't stand the looks of it-still don't! BUT I could actually hit it quite well. So I walked out of the store with it. I still don't care for the looks of it, but I almost always hit it well and it bombs. Now, after having it in my bag for a few years I don't mind the looks because I know I can rely on it as long as I have a good lie. I am thinking of changing up my bag, getting rid of my 3 & 5 wood-so I can add a wedge, and getting a 4 wood. I just wish there was somewhere I could test the prgr. I do have a question, do you think the stock shaft is decent? Does it play softer than flex? I am still thinking that this could be a great club for me, and have learned not to judge on looks alone-after all, if it brings down scores-who cares what it looks like![/quote]


The M-43 is the stiffest of the stock shafts. It is good to about 90-95 mph SS. They are excellent shafts.

IMO, the only draw back to these FW's is that if you swing harder (than 90-95 mph) you need to find your favorite shaft and reshaft.

These FW's continue to amaze and delight each and every time I hit them. Won myself a Beer yesterday hitting the 22* with my eyes closed to within 25' on a 185 yard par 3. They're that good.

[indianwoodpro]

[quote name='varsityhacker' post='2115988' date='Dec 10 2009, 11:00 AM']What's up with the alignment marker looks like a nipple?[/quote]

JAPANESE "ZERO" Torpedo Bomber

[oneaugusta]

This is just my opinion but my take on a club is based on looks first, feel second and performance last. I couldn't use that 3 wood no matter how good it is.
It kinda like the new flavor of the month putter that looks like a waffle iron or is 5 ft long, I would rather be a bad putter than putt with one of those. If you notice the really good putters, they putt with the more traditional shapes and sizes and work on technique and feel when things go south.

[idrive]

[quote name='oneaugusta' post='2128334' date='Dec 16 2009, 07:08 AM']This is just my opinion but my take on a club is based on looks first, feel second and performance last. I couldn't use that 3 wood no matter how good it is.
It kinda like the new flavor of the month putter that looks like a waffle iron or is 5 ft long, I would rather be a bad putter than putt with one of those. If you notice the really good putters, they putt with the more traditional shapes and sizes and work on technique and feel when things go south.[/quote]

Well... I'd rather show up to the course with a bunch of clubs that look like sh*t (to you) and shoot 70 than show up with clubs that look good (to you) and shoot 90.

I put performance and feel far ahead of looks.

[oneaugusta]

Didn't mean for you to take it personal, As I said it was my opinion and didn't say it looked like sh-t. I simply said I couldn't play it. Back on track, I like the Sonartec GS tour, kinda old school but very solid. I tried the new R9 but it just didn't feel all that good and the trajectory was to high.
[quote name='idrive' post='2128351' date='Dec 16 2009, 09:23 AM'][quote name='oneaugusta' post='2128334' date='Dec 16 2009, 07:08 AM']This is just my opinion but my take on a club is based on looks first, feel second and performance last. I couldn't use that 3 wood no matter how good it is.
It kinda like the new flavor of the month putter that looks like a waffle iron or is 5 ft long, I would rather be a bad putter than putt with one of those. If you notice the really good putters, they putt with the more traditional shapes and sizes and work on technique and feel when things go south.[/quote]

Well... I'd rather show up to the course with a bunch of clubs that look like sh*t (to you) and shoot 70 than show up with clubs that look good (to you) and shoot 90.

I put performance and feel far ahead of looks.
[/quote]

[DavidR]

Are there no left handed people in Japan?? No lefty again...why do I even visit the import forum.

Guess you can't claim this is the best for everyone.

[arcticreaver]

i have a shuttle m-sole from maruman and i really like that fairway wood. and it's sleek lookin' too.

[idrive]

I wasn't taking it personal, just giving my opinion the same as you.

I am very old school with the look of a club. It has taken me a long time to even get myself to consider/hit anything that didn't look traditional. I'm glad I'm pretty much over it as far as most of the clubs because technology is something that can't be ignored. Give me a club that performs the best, feels great and I'll get over the looks.



[quote name='oneaugusta' post='2128693' date='Dec 16 2009, 10:51 AM']Didn't mean for you to take it personal, As I said it was my opinion and didn't say it looked like sh-t. I simply said I couldn't play it. Back on track, I like the Sonartec GS tour, kinda old school but very solid. I tried the new R9 but it just didn't feel all that good and the trajectory was to high.
[quote name='idrive' post='2128351' date='Dec 16 2009, 09:23 AM'][quote name='oneaugusta' post='2128334' date='Dec 16 2009, 07:08 AM']This is just my opinion but my take on a club is based on looks first, feel second and performance last. I couldn't use that 3 wood no matter how good it is.
It kinda like the new flavor of the month putter that looks like a waffle iron or is 5 ft long, I would rather be a bad putter than putt with one of those. If you notice the really good putters, they putt with the more traditional shapes and sizes and work on technique and feel when things go south.[/quote]

Well... I'd rather show up to the course with a bunch of clubs that look like sh*t (to you) and shoot 70 than show up with clubs that look good (to you) and shoot 90.

I put performance and feel far ahead of looks.
[/quote]
[/quote]

[idrive]

[quote name='DavidR' post='2128791' date='Dec 16 2009, 11:43 AM']Are there no left handed people in Japan?? No lefty again...why do I even visit the import forum.

Guess you can't claim this is the best for everyone.[/quote]

I guess I have to agree with that. I do find it strange that there are not a lot of JDM left handed offerings. They are few and far between. Maybe they don't have any left handed folks in Japan.


[quote name='arcticreaver' post='2129221' date='Dec 16 2009, 03:51 PM']i have a shuttle m-sole from maruman and i really like that fairway wood. and it's sleek lookin' too.[/quote]

Excellent club.

[RangerEsq.]

[quote name='idrive' post='2115606' date='Dec 10 2009, 01:02 AM'][quote name='LSeca' post='2115531' date='Dec 9 2009, 11:37 PM']idrive,

Are these the clubs that look kind of like the Highbore drivers? Kind of slopped toward the back? I ask as I have played the sf206 and it is about as classic from address as you can get, wondering how you adjusted to the egg.[/quote]

That's the ones. I am an old school shape myself, have never been able to adjust to the square drivers.
When you set these down they set up very nicely. The odd shape just doesn't seem to pop out at you.

I must admit I adjusted to the shape very quickly. I'm sure it is because they are just so easy to hit.

[attachment=506750:2009_121...__Large_.JPG]
[attachment=506752:2009_121...__Large_.JPG]
[attachment=506753:2009_121...__Large_.JPG]
[/quote]

Dunno, buddy, it looks like you're hitting the top of the clubface a bit, to me. Not the right club for you LOL. Otherwise you should change your swing a bit LOL

[idrive]

Wha???? There's not any sky marks...

Believe it or not the marks that are up toward the top are from hitting out of a fairway bunker. Dang sand is brutal on a club face when your swinging an FW from 225 out. But thats just how versatile these babies are. Hit them from anywhere, any lie.

Hit two par 5's today with the 3 wood and took a closest to on a Par 3 with the 22* at 190 yrds.

If I hit all my clubs like I do these things I'd be on tour... okay I'd have to hole a few more Putts but I'm getting there...

[RangerEsq.]

[quote name='idrive' post='2129925' date='Dec 16 2009, 09:23 PM']Wha???? There's not any sky marks...

Believe it or not the marks that are up toward the top are from hitting out of a fairway bunker. Dang sand is brutal on a club face when your swinging an FW from 225 out. But thats just how versatile these babies are. Hit them from anywhere, any lie.

Hit two par 5's today with the 3 wood and took a closest to on a Par 3 with the 22* at 190 yrds.

If I hit all my clubs like I do these things I'd be on tour... okay I'd have to hole a few more Putts but I'm getting there...

[/quote]

Well shoot then you had better buy like a dozen of these heads - cos you know, soon, they'll be gone, you'd have worn these outs and you'll be crying for the old clubs that used to work for you. So go and buy a dozen of these and keep them safe, eh? LOL

[big_mac]

[quote name='idrive' post='2128351' date='Dec 16 2009, 09:23 AM']I put performance and feel far ahead of looks.[/quote]
Apparently, so does Tiger...LOL. Back to the thread. I totally dig my 2007 Tourstage X Drive FW 15*. Classic look and the best fwy metal sound/feel this side of Titleist fairways. Very workable and, for me at least, the stock shaft works very well. I've tried at least 3 other shafts in it to get the weight up in the 70ish gram range and non have performed better than the Tourstage XD. I would have bought an 18* except for the price tag.

Gaming an 906F4 now for my 5W and it's outstanding as well. Not quite as workable as the F2, but to reiterate my comments re the Tourstage, outstanding feel/sound. I'm on the prowl for a 13.5* now...

Honourable mentions go to the 2007 TM Burner TP fairways. Aside from the goofy looking crown and "tingier" sound, they flat out perform.

[quote name='DavidR' post='2128791' date='Dec 16 2009, 01:43 PM']Are there no left handed people in Japan?? No lefty again...why do I even visit the import forum.[/quote]
You can get limited LH offerings from Tourstage. As mentioned, they are bloody expensive and have little resale value except with the aficionados on this forum. I am left handed and have the aforementioned fairway and X-Blade CB irons (which are also awesome once you find the right shaft).

Do any of you JDM experts know who made the Tourstage XD shaft?

[gofer]

Would the Tour Edge Exotics be in the equation?

[M-Stamp]

Idrive;

Have you hit a Geoge Sprit wood? If so, how would you compare it with the PRGR Egg or Fourteen SF206?

[tsupo]

i have sets fws.., bigbertha with ozik x con 6 15* and 18*.., Royal collection type H2 15*+17* with diamana blue 73x....and wait for it... diablo 15*+ 18* with ali islei 73x... now., the big berthas are def. the the shortest but they give me the most confidence at address on the tee. i ALWAYS bag the 5 and rotate the others depending on needs of the course its got a nicelow ascending launch and soft landing, perfect to hit 2nd shots into short par 5s. the RC's are super big and bullet straight my fav fw's, bec when u get hold of them its kabooooom. not super eay to hit off the deck but not impossible. worth the risk most times. now heres the icing.. the diablos are EASILY the most consistant and simple to hit off the deck , by a mile, BUT......, i dont like using them. i make every excuse not to bag when they simply shud be in my bag every round. god distance ,good dispersion ,low flight only thing i can think of is madness perhaps????

[idrive]

[quote name='M-Stamp' post='2163645' date='Jan 5 2010, 06:35 PM']Idrive;

Have you hit a Geoge Sprit wood? If so, how would you compare it with the PRGR Egg or Fourteen SF206?[/quote]

I have, just the 4 wood.

Probably one of the most unique feeling FW's. I didn't care for it. Maybe because it wasn't what I am used to or prefer.

I couldn't feel the ball. The head felt like a one piece, solid, super hard hammer. I just couldn't get any feel. Really hard to describe. Can ya tell???

Anyway, very well made club. It is quality. Very expensive. Just not the feel I like. If you like that really hard smashed it thing, it could be just what you're looking for.

Really tough to describe as I can't think of any others to even compare it to.

The SF206 and Egg are way better IMO. Those are my 2 favorite FW's

and to spoggo:

Here's my motto use what works best AND enjoy using it.

[M-Stamp]

Idrive,

Have you ever hit any Exotics CB1/CB2CB3 3 woods? Can you compare them with the PRGR in terms of distance?

I'm asking because I'm trying to decide between the CB3 and a JDM 3 wood, the PRGR being a strong candidate.

[Bobcat 2]

[quote name='KDMullins' post='2116184' date='Dec 10 2009, 12:24 PM'][quote name='TM golf guy 182' post='2116173' date='Dec 10 2009, 12:20 PM']That club better be easy to hit if it is that ugly. One of the more hideous designs that I have seen.[/quote]

Wow! Horrendous. I almost thought the pic was a joke after looking at the title of the thread.
[/quote]


The EGG line is super duper Game Improvement. Its designed for the slowwww swingers who cannot get the ball airborne or hit it straight. The look is from the extreme rear weighting and volume to create loft and straight shots. Most EGG stock shafts will be very soft to flex. I bought the EGG Hybrid, 4 iron, in the stiffest flex they had and it was like a rubber band, so I reshafted it with KB Tour and it is a great club. Great stuff which oozes quality but it is a leader in the super GI category so it will not have that "tour" look.