3 Wood vs 5 Wood: Which One Should You Carry?

Fairway woods are among the most misunderstood clubs in the bag. They sit at a critical distance gap between your driver and your longest irons or hybrids, yet golfers often default to whatever came with their set rather than choosing the club that truly supports their scoring strategy. One of the biggest decisions golfers face is whether to carry a 3 wood, a 5 wood, or both and the choice can meaningfully shape how you attack a golf course.

Understanding how these two clubs differ, and how they influence real-world play, is the key to deciding which belongs in your setup. Whether you're building your bag from scratch or upgrading from older gear, knowing the purpose of each wood will help you choose more confidently.

The Purpose and Personality of the 3 Wood

The 3 wood is traditionally built for power. With lofts between 13° and 15°, it produces a penetrating ball flight designed to maximise distance while still offering more control than a driver. For many players, it becomes a go-to club on tight driving holes where accuracy matters more than raw yardage.

Off the turf, however, the 3 wood can be demanding. Its lower loft requires cleaner contact and enough speed to launch the ball high enough to make the distance worthwhile. Golfers who struggle with low launch or occasionally thin their fairway shots often find the club inconsistent in real play, even if the potential distance is high.

If you're looking for a strong tee option or a club to attack long par-5s, the 3 wood earns its place. And because ARC Golf specialises in pre-owned equipment, you can explore high-performance 3 woods at exceptional value without committing to the cost of buying new.

Explore our full range of Used 3 Woods for powerful tee options and long-distance performance.

Why More Golfers Are Turning to the 5 Wood

While the 3 wood chases maximum distance, the 5 wood focuses on repeatability. With lofts typically between 17° and 19°, the club launches easier, lands softer, and provides more consistent carry for a wider range of swings.

A 5 wood is often the first fairway wood many golfers truly trust. The extra loft helps elevate the ball even from imperfect lies – light rough, uneven turf, or downhill lies that a 3 wood may struggle with. Its shorter shaft also enhances control, which is why even experienced players often prefer the 5 wood for long approaches into greens.

A well-chosen 5 wood can replace difficult long irons and even certain hybrids, offering a higher flight and more forgiveness on off-centre hits. For many mid-handicap players, it becomes the most reliable long-range scoring club in the bag.

Browse our selection of Used 5 Woods to find easier-launching options for consistent long-range play.

Choosing the Club That Helps You Score

The real question isn't which club is “better”, it’s which club supports the shots you face most often.

If you frequently encounter long second shots where height and carry are essential, a 5 wood delivers more playable results. If you need a confident tee option on shorter par-4s or want extra reach into par-5s, the 3 wood may fit your strategy more effectively.

Think about typical scenarios in your rounds:

• Do you struggle to elevate your long shots?
• Do you need a dependable club for positional tee play?
• Are your long irons unreliable from the fairway?
• Do you prefer a steeper, softer landing on long approaches?

Your answers will lead you toward the right wood for your setup without overcomplicating the process.

Why Carrying Both Still Makes Sense

Even without formal fitting services, many golfers discover that carrying both a 3 wood and a 5 wood creates an extremely balanced top-end structure. The 3 wood provides distance and control off the tee, while the 5 wood bridges the gap to your longest irons with added forgiveness.

Used clubs make this option far more affordable. You can build a strong two-wood combination without the premium price tag of buying brand new, and you’ll still gain the functional advantage of clearly defined yardage and shot-type separation.

Shop our full range of Used Fairway Woods to build a reliable top-end setup.

Making the Smart Choice for Your Bag

Your choice between a 3 wood and a 5 wood should reflect your playing style, your typical course conditions, and the types of shots you want to improve. With a high-quality used fairway wood, you get tour-proven designs, modern forgiveness, and reliable performance all while keeping your investment smart and accessible.

Whether you choose a single wood or a combination, the right fairway club can transform how you navigate long holes, reach greens in regulation, and keep the ball in play when it matters most.

Discover our latest used golf clubs across all categories – drivers, irons, hybrids, wedges, and putters.