Deep Face vs Shallow Face 3 Wood

Golf is a sport that requires skill, patience, and the right equipment to play well. Among the essential equipment in a golfer’s bag is a 3 wood club. A 3 wood is a versatile club that can be used from the tee, fairway, or rough to achieve long-distance shots with accuracy. In this article, we will compare two types of 3 wood clubs – deep face and shallow face.

What is a Deep Face 3 Wood?

A deep face 3 wood is a club with a head design that has a deeper face than a standard 3 wood. The face of the club is the part that comes in contact with the ball, and a deeper face means that it has a greater height from the sole of the club to the top of the face. The deep face design provides a larger hitting area, which can be beneficial for golfers who tend to hit shots low on the face.

Advantages of a Deep Face 3 Wood

One of the significant advantages of a deep face 3 wood is that it allows for a more forgiving shot. Golfers who tend to hit low on the face can benefit from the larger hitting area provided by the deep face. The added height of the face also means that the ball can be hit higher off the ground, making it easier to achieve a higher trajectory and distance.

Another advantage of a deep face 3 wood is that it can help golfers achieve a better launch angle, which can lead to more distance. The deeper face provides more loft, which can help lift the ball higher off the ground and create more spin, resulting in a longer carry.

 

Disadvantages of a Deep Face 3 Wood

One of the drawbacks of a deep face 3 wood is that it may not be suitable for golfers who tend to hit high on the face. The added height of the face can make it more challenging to control the trajectory of the shot, which can result in shots that fly too high and lose distance.

What is a Shallow Face 3 Wood?

A shallow face 3 wood is a club with a head design that has a shallower face than a standard 3 wood. The shallow face design provides a smaller hitting area but can provide other advantages.

Advantages of a Shallow Face 3 Wood

One of the advantages of a shallow face 3 wood is that it can provide more control for golfers who tend to hit high on the face. The smaller hitting area can help golfers better control the trajectory of the shot, leading to more accuracy and distance.

Another advantage of a shallow face 3 wood is that it can help golfers achieve a lower launch angle. The shallower face provides less loft, which can help golfers hit the ball lower off the ground and achieve more distance on hard ground or windy conditions.

Disadvantages of a Shallow Face 3 Wood

One of the disadvantages of a shallow face 3 wood is that it can be less forgiving for golfers who tend to hit low on the face. The smaller hitting area provided by the shallow face design can make it more challenging to achieve a clean hit, resulting in shots that do not achieve the desired distance.

Clubhead Design and Performance

The design of a clubhead can significantly affect a golfer’s performance, including shot trajectory and distance. A deep face 3 wood is characterized by a clubhead with a deeper face than a standard 3 wood, which can provide a larger hitting area and more forgiveness. In contrast, a shallow face 3 wood is characterized by a clubhead with a shallower face than a standard 3 wood, which can provide more control and a lower launch angle.

Shot Trajectory and Distance

A golfer’s shot trajectory and distance are critical factors in determining which 3 wood clubhead design is best for them. A deep face 3 wood can help golfers achieve a higher launch angle, which can lead to more distance, while a shallow face 3 wood can help golfers achieve a lower launch angle, which can lead to more accuracy and control.

Player Skill Level and Swing Characteristics

A golfer’s skill level and swing characteristics are also essential factors to consider when choosing between a deep face and shallow face 3 wood. Golfers who tend to hit low on the face may benefit more from a deep face 3 wood, while golfers who tend to hit high on the face may benefit from a shallow face 3 wood. Additionally, golfers with slower swing speeds may benefit more from a deep face 3 wood, while golfers with faster swing speeds may benefit from a shallow face 3 wood.

 

Deep Face 3 Wood

Club Model	Loft (degrees)	Lie Angle (degrees)	Length (inches)	Head Size (cc)
Callaway Rogue	13.5	56	43.25	175
TaylorMade SIM2	15	56	43.25	185
Titleist TSi3	14	56.5	43.5	175
Ping G425	14.5	57	43	180
Cobra RADSpeed	14.5	56.5	43.25	175
Mizuno ST-Z	15	56.5	43	179
Srixon ZX	15	57	43	180
Wilson D9	13	56	43	190
PXG 0341 X Gen2	15	56.5	43	176
Honma TR20	14	56.5	43	176

Shallow Face 3 Wood

Club Model	Loft (degrees)	Lie Angle (degrees)	Length (inches)	Head Size (cc)
Callaway Epic Speed	15	57	43.25	170
TaylorMade SIM2 Max	16	56.5	43.25	190
Titleist TSi2	16.5	57.5	43.5	175
Ping G425 Max	16	57.5	43	185
Cobra RADSpeed Big Tour	14.5	57	43.25	164
Mizuno ST-X	16	56.5	43	179
Srixon ZX7	15	57	43	175
Wilson Staff Model	15	57	43	167
PXG 0341	15	56.5	43	164
Honma TR21	15	57	43	174

Pros and Cons

Club Model	Distance	Accuracy	Forgiveness	Versatility
Callaway Rogue	+++	+++	+	++
TaylorMade SIM2	++++	+++	++	+++
Titleist TSi3	+++	++++	+	+++
Ping G425	++++	++	+++	+++
Cobra RADSpeed	++++	+++	+++	++
Mizuno ST-Z	+++	++++	++	+++
Srixon ZX	++++	+++	+++	++
Wilson D9	++++	++	+++	++
PXG 0341 X Gen2	+++	+++	+++	+++
Honma TR20	+++	+++	+++	++

 

Conclusion

Ultimately, the choice between a deep face and shallow face 3 wood comes down to individual player preferences and swing characteristics. Golfers should try both types of clubs to determine which one best suits their needs and play style. A deep face 3 wood can provide forgiveness and a higher launch angle, while a shallow face 3 wood can provide more control and a lower launch angle.