Fourteen CF-218 Fairway Wood Review – Easy Launch Meets Classic Simplicity

Today I tested the Fourteen CF-218 Fairway Wood, a 3-wood designed to deliver effortless launch and confidence from the turf.

The shaft used is the FT-15f.
Specs: 15° loft / 43.25″ length / S flex / 58g shaft / 4.3 torque / D0 balance / mid kickpoint / 318g total weight.

Fourteen may be more known for wedges these days, but this fairway wood returns the spotlight to their excellent club craftsmanship.

The CF-218 sticks to Fourteen’s minimalist design language: clean, functional, and no flashy distractions.

This 3-wood features a notably shallow profile—almost hard to believe it’s a traditional “spoon.” That’s now becoming the norm, as players demand clubs that are easy to launch even off the deck.

The line between 3-wood, 4-wood, and 5-wood is blurring, and the CF-218 embraces this trend with confidence.

A small red accent on the heel adds some visual interest. It’s not functional, just a subtle design choice—one that may or may not be necessary, depending on your taste.

The neck length is standard. Overall, there’s nothing particularly unusual on the surface—but that’s where the charm lies. It’s understated yet refined.

This club is both shallow-faced and shallow-backed—perfectly engineered to help you launch the ball higher with ease.

Unlike some fairway woods that feel like mini-drivers, this one has a clear and focused mission: make launching easy.

The face is clean and attractive, finished in a rare and elegant navy blue that gives the head a premium presence.

Swinging it felt light, with the S-flex shaft playing on the softer side. The head responded smoothly, but stronger players might find it a bit whippy.

Addressing the ball is a calming experience. The shallow look and dark crown promote confidence, and the face sets up slightly closed, favoring a high-draw flight.

Impact feel is very soft—trademark Fourteen. It’s pleasant and satisfying without being overly muted.

Sound is clear yet moderate. It never felt harsh or too loud, creating confidence through subtle acoustics.

The launch was outstanding. Even slight mishits elevated nicely, which is rare for a 3-wood.

This is a true turf-friendly club—ideal for players who struggle to get their 3-woods airborne.

Stability was impressive. Though the head design is simple, the CG positioning clearly aids straight, reliable flight. Slices and hooks were minimal.

Distance performance is average—don’t expect driver-like yards. But what it lacks in explosiveness, it makes up for with forgiveness and consistency.

Despite its forgiving nature, shot shaping was still possible. Both draw and fade trajectories were achievable.

This is a fairway wood designed for players who want ease, simplicity, and confidence—not bells and whistles.

The defining trait of the CF-218 is how easily it launches the ball, especially from the turf. That alone makes it worth considering.

It may not be groundbreaking in design, but its user-friendliness reflects exactly what many mid- to high-handicap golfers need.

If you prefer high-tech, adjustable hosels and max-distance designs, this may feel too simple.

But if you’re looking for a reliable, high-launching 3-wood that helps you score better without the struggle—this club is a gem.

A shallow profile, minimalist design, and balanced forgiveness—that’s what defines the CF-218 Fairway Wood. Highly recommended for golfers who want an easy-to-hit fairway wood that simply works.

*Addition: Introduction to this club (I researched this club after writing this article)

Fourteen CF-218 Fairway Wood Complete Guide | Specifications, Reviews, and a Detailed Explanation of the Suitable Golfers

From the manufacturer’s official page

1. What is the Fourteen CF-218 Fairway Wood?

The Fourteen CF-218 Fairway Wood was released on December 16, 2017. It is an ambitious work developed by Fourteen, a company highly acclaimed for its wedges, by applying their technology and expertise to fairway woods.

It emphasizes compatibility with large-headed drivers and features a shallow face design that allows for high trajectory shots, making it easy to hit from the turf. It was developed with the aim of creating a club that even golfers who struggle with fairway woods can feel confident using, turning it into a weapon in their bag.

2. Key Specifications of CF-218

Basic Specifications

• Release Date: December 16, 2017
• Price: 44,000 yen (tax included)
• Assembly: Made in Japan (ASSEMBLED IN JAPAN)

Loft Angle Lineup by Number

• 3-wood: 15 degrees
• X-wood: 17 degrees (CF-218 unique number)
• 5-wood: 19 degrees
• 7-wood: 22 degrees
• 9-wood: 25 degrees

3-wood (#3) Detailed Specifications

• Loft Angle: 15 degrees
• Club Length: 43.25 inches
• Head Volume: 182cc
• Total Club Weight: 318g (S), 297g (L)
• Balance: D0

Shaft Options

• FT-15f Shaft
  • Weight: 58g (S)
  • Torque: 4.3
  • Kick Point: Mid
  • Flex: L, SR, S, X
• FT-16f Shaft
  • Price: 44,000 yen (tax included)
  • Feature: Stable mid-trajectory, less prone to hooks

3. Technical Features of CF-218

Super Shallow Face Design

The main feature of the CF-218 is its “super shallow face” design, which keeps the face height extremely low. This design achieves the following effects:

• Longer center of gravity distance and lower center of gravity: Easy to match the swing image with a driver [1]
• High launch angle: Designed to make the ball go up easily [1]
• Great sense of security: The large head area visible at address provides psychological reassurance.

Purpose-Specific Sole Shape Design

Utilizing Fourteen’s expertise in wedge technology, the sole design is optimized for each club number:

• 3-wood and X-wood Sole Design
  • Ground contact point positioned closer to the face
  • Designed to make the ball go up easily
• 5-wood, 7-wood, and 9-wood Sole Design
  • Ground contact point positioned further back
  • Achieves stable shots

Unique X-wood (17 degrees)

A distinctive feature of the CF-218 is the 17-degree X-wood. This lies between the 3-wood (15 degrees) and 5-wood (19 degrees), designed to be effective in situations where a 3-wood is difficult to control but a 5-wood doesn’t provide enough distance.

4. Actual Reviews and Evaluations

Positive Reviews

• High sense of security: “First of all, the sense of security at address is high. It’s almost straight and the projection shape is an orthodox one without any discomfort.” This ease of addressing with the large head is highly praised by many golfers [5] [2].
• Mild feel: “Both the head and shaft have an overall mild feel. The shaft returns smoothly to the impact area and picks up the ball well,” is a common review, indicating good feel [5].
• High flight performance: “The loft is 17 degrees, but the trajectory is high and straight. Furthermore, the flight distance performance is amazing. My friends even say it’s like a driver, and I feel destructive power on the range,” according to one review, demonstrating its high flight distance performance.
• Easiness and distance: Test reviews also express surprise at its “easiness” and “amazing distance,” receiving high praise from beginners to advanced golfers. It is described as easy to hit and easy to make solid contact, with good flight distance and a high smash factor [3].

Points of Caution in Reviews

• Feel of impact: Some opinions suggest, “If you like a strong rebound feel, it might be a bit unsatisfying,” indicating that golfers who prefer a strong rebound might find it lacking.

5. Pros and Cons of CF-218

Pros

1. High Forgiveness
   • Low center of gravity design due to super shallow face [1]
   • Sense of security from large head
   • High forgiveness for mishits [1]
2. Excellent Flight Performance
   • Increased distance due to high trajectory
   • Efficient energy transfer
   • Distance performance beyond its club number
3. Ease of Use
   • Consistent swing feel with a driver [1]
   • Designed for easy hitting from the turf [4]
   • Optimized by purpose-specific sole shape
4. Extensive Lineup
   • Five club numbers, including the unique X-wood
   • Two shaft options
   • Suitable for various golfers

Cons

1. Lack of Rebound Feel
   • Mild feel may not suit those who prefer a strong rebound
   • May be unsatisfying for golfers who prioritize tactile feedback
2. Price Range
   • Price setting of 44,000 yen (tax included)
   • Higher price range compared to entry-level models

6. Suitable and Unsuitable Golfers

Golfers who will suit the CF-218

1. Golfers who struggle with fairway woods
   • Those who have difficulty hitting them effectively
   • Those who struggle with getting the ball airborne
   • Those who frequently mishit
2. Golfers seeking high trajectories
   • Those who want to hit shots that stop on the green
   • Those who want to gain distance through carry
   • Those considering its use for approach shots
3. Golfers who prioritize ease of use
   • Those seeking stability [3] [6]
   • Those who want a sense of security from a large head
   • Those seeking consistency with their driver
4. Intermediate to advanced golfers
   • Those with a certain level of head speed
   • Those who want to differentiate distances between club numbers
   • Those who can utilize the unique characteristics of the X-wood

Golfers who will not suit the CF-218

1. Golfers who seek a strong rebound feel
   • Hard hitters
   • Those who prefer a firm feel at impact
   • Those who prefer a metallic impact sound
2. Golfers who prefer low trajectories
   • Those who seek a ball flight resistant to wind
   • Those who want to gain distance through roll
   • Those who prefer low tee shots
3. Golfers who prefer compact heads
   • Those who prefer smaller heads
   • Those who prioritize workability
   • Those who prefer traditional fairway wood shapes

7. Estimated Flight Distance by Head Speed

Here are the estimated flight distances for the CF-218 based on head speed. Please note that actual flight distances may vary depending on swing, course conditions, ball, etc.

For 3-wood (15 degrees)

• Head Speed 35m/s
  • Carry: Approx. 170-180 yards
  • Total: Approx. 185-195 yards
• Head Speed 40m/s
  • Carry: Approx. 185-195 yards
  • Total: Approx. 200-210 yards
• Head Speed 45m/s
  • Carry: Approx. 200-210 yards
  • Total: Approx. 215-225 yards

For X-wood (17 degrees)

• Head Speed 35m/s
  • Carry: Approx. 160-170 yards
  • Total: Approx. 175-185 yards
• Head Speed 40m/s
  • Carry: Approx. 175-185 yards
  • Total: Approx. 190-200 yards
• Head Speed 45m/s
  • Carry: Approx. 190-200 yards
  • Total: Approx. 205-215 yards

For 5-wood (19 degrees)

• Head Speed 35m/s
  • Carry: Approx. 150-160 yards
  • Total: Approx. 165-175 yards
• Head Speed 40m/s
  • Carry: Approx. 165-175 yards
  • Total: Approx. 180-190 yards
• Head Speed 45m/s
  • Carry: Approx. 180-190 yards
  • Total: Approx. 195-205 yards

*The above figures are general estimates and may vary depending on individual differences and conditions.

8. Comparison with Other Models

Comparison with Fairway Woods in the Same Price Range

The CF-218, priced at 44,000 yen, differentiates itself with the following characteristics:

• vs. General Game Improvement Fairway Woods
  • Higher flight performance
  • Unique X-wood setting
  • Made-in-Japan quality
• vs. Tour Professional Spec Fairway Woods
  • Higher forgiveness
  • Design emphasizing ease of use
  • Optimized for amateur golfers

9. Maintenance and Handling Precautions

Daily Maintenance

• Remove dirt after rounds
• Regular grip replacement
• Recommended use of head covers

Precautions for Long-Term Storage

• Store in a place with low humidity
• Avoid direct sunlight
• Regular inspection

10. Pre-Purchase Checklist

Importance of Test Swings

Since the CF-218’s feel and flight distance can vary individually, test swings before purchase are strongly recommended.

Utilizing Fitting

• Optimizing shaft selection
• Considering lie angle adjustment
• Considering balance adjustment

Tips for Club Number Selection

• Confirm distance difference with currently used clubs
• Anticipate usage scenarios on the course
• Consider club composition in the golf bag

11. Conclusion

The Fourteen CF-218 Fairway Wood is a highly complete club developed with the aim of making it easy for golfers who struggle with fairway woods to hit.

Its high forgiveness due to the super shallow face design, strategic options with the unique X-wood setting, and stable flight performance hold the potential to make it a reliable club for many golfers.

It is particularly recommended for those who:

• Have difficulty with fairway woods
• Want to gain distance with a high trajectory
• Seek consistency with their driver
• Want to balance ease of use with performance

While the price of 44,000 yen is not cheap, considering its performance and quality, it can be said to be a worthwhile investment as a club that can be cherished for a long time.

When considering a purchase, we strongly recommend that you actually try it out and confirm its compatibility with your swing.

🌐 Sources

1. lesson.golfdigest.co.jp – フォーティーン CF218 フェアウェイウッドの試打レビュー 口コミ・ …](https://lesson.golfdigest.co.jp/gear/catalogue/fw/gca000007216601.html)
2. shop.golfdigest.co.jp – 口コミ・評価｜CF218 フェアウェイウッド FT-15f カーボン …](https://shop.golfdigest.co.jp/newshop/f/dmg_0000543847/reviews?srsltid=AfmBOopDz5QuO9rk4-aAdh6BTX-i6iFQCcCms6A6XBpiolTW3Cg2ljl2)
3. golfsapuri.com – 柔らかな弾き感とともに飛距離と高さが“楽に出る”](https://golfsapuri.com/article/10004146)
4. fourteen.co.jp – CF-218 | fourteen](https://www.fourteen.co.jp/archive/cf-218/)
5. mycaddie.jp – フォーティーン／CF／CF-218 L フェアウェイウッドのクチコミ評価](https://mycaddie.jp/product/10091)