4 Wood vs 5 Wood – Which Fairway Wood Belongs in Your Bag?

Golfers love fairway woods for their versatility, but when it comes down to choosing between a 4 wood and a 5 wood, the decision isn’t always obvious. Both clubs fill a similar role in the bag, yet they deliver different benefits in terms of distance, trajectory, and forgiveness.

In this guide, we’ll break down the real-world differences between a 4 wood vs 5 wood so you can decide which deserves a spot in your bag.

What Is the Main Difference Between a 4 Wood and a 5 Wood?

The difference is simple: loft and shaft length.

• 4 Wood: Usually 16–17° loft with a slightly longer shaft.

• 5 Wood: Usually 18–19° loft, making it easier to launch higher.

That small change in loft translates into different distances, shot shapes, and levels of forgiveness.

Distance: How Far Does a 4 Wood Go vs a 5 Wood?

• 4 Wood: 215–230 yards on average (mid-handicap golfers).

• 5 Wood: 200–215 yards on average.

👉 For golfers with slower swing speeds, the distance gap might shrink, but faster swingers will notice the 4 wood consistently carries farther.

If you want more yardage off the tee or into par 5s, the 4 wood is your weapon. If you want a consistent, easy-to-launch fairway finder, the 5 wood wins.

Loft and Ball Flight

Loft is more than just a number — it affects ball flight and stopping power.

• 4 Wood: Lower flight, more roll, ideal for windy days or when you want extra rollout.

• 5 Wood: Higher launch, lands softer, great for holding greens.

Think of the 4 wood as a penetrating shot maker and the 5 wood as a high-launch control club.

Forgiveness and Playability

When it comes to forgiveness, the 5 wood takes the crown.

• The higher loft means the clubface is more forgiving on mishits.

• It’s easier to get airborne from tight lies, rough, or fairway bunkers.

The 4 wood isn’t unforgiving — it’s just less “plug and play.” Stronger players who already control their launch angle will find it plenty reliable.

Who Should Play a 4 Wood?

Choose a 4 Wood if:

• You want to replace your 3 wood with something easier but still long.

• You have a higher swing speed and don’t need help launching the ball.

• You like a lower, penetrating flight with more rollout.

Who Should Play a 5 Wood?

Choose a 5 Wood if:

• You’re a beginner or mid-handicapper who needs forgiveness.

• You want a club that launches high and lands soft on greens.

• You struggle with long irons or hybrids.

Comparison Table – 4 Wood vs 5 Wood

Recommended Fairway Woods for 2025

Best 4 Woods:

• TaylorMade Qi10 4 Wood – explosive distance, great off the tee.

• Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke 4 Wood – forgiveness + strong ball flight.

Best 5 Woods:

• Ping G430 Max 5 Wood – ultra-forgiving, great for mid-handicappers.

• Titleist TSR2 5 Wood – premium feel, high launch, excellent control.

FAQs

Can I carry both a 4 wood and a 5 wood?
Yes, but you’ll need to adjust your set makeup. Most golfers pick one to avoid overlapping distances.

Is a 4 wood harder to hit than a 5 wood?
Slightly — the lower loft makes it tougher to launch, but not dramatically harder.

Should high handicappers use a 4 wood?
Not usually. A 5 wood is almost always the better choice until consistency improves.

Final Thoughts – 4 Wood vs 5 Wood

The 4 wood is for players who want distance and a strong flight, while the 5 wood is better for those who need easy launch and forgiveness.

👉 Bottom line:

• Low handicap / strong swinger? Go with the 4 wood.

• Beginner or mid-handicapper? Stick with the 5 wood.

Test both if you can, but now you know the clear differences between a 4 wood vs 5 wood.