As part of the About.com Golf "Best of 2004" equipment ratings, here are our selections for the best new fairway woods of 2004 (more selections on the Best of 2004 homepage; see also last year's picks in the 2003 rankings).
1. Sonartec NP-99
Created to honor the selection of Nick Price, a Sonartec touring pro, to the World Golf Hall of Fame, the NP-99 follows in the tradition of exceptional fairway metals from this company.2. TourEdge Exotics C.B
"C.B" stands for "combo-brazing," a proprietary technique that TourEdge credits with contributing to major distance benefits. After smoking shot after shot with this club, we can't disagree.3. Nickent Genex Cross
The Genex Cross from Nickent brings composite technology to the fairway wood. It features a titanium face with a carbon composite crown that allows the respositioning of weight around the clubhead.4. Adams Ovation
High launch, low spin and a lot of forgiveness in these stainless steel beauties. More info
5. DeLaCruz Fairway Cruzer
The Fairway Cruzer by DeLaCruz Golf boasts an ultrathin stainless steel face, maximum perimeter weighting and a brass soleplate. It feels so solid that one of our testers compared the feel to persimmon.7. Cobra SZ
The "SZ" is for "Sweet Zone," which Cobra believes you'll have an easier time hitting in these clubs (which include SZ drivers). Cobra's COMP fairway metals drew high praise in 2004, too, but we're going with the SZ line. More info8. Mizuno MP-001
The MP-001 fairway wood from Mizuno is another "composite," a club that features a carbon crown whose lighter weight allows more weight to be repositioned at optimum spots around the club. More infoMake Your Own Choices
Visit the About.com Golf Forums to make your own selections for the best new fairway woods of 2004.
