Callaway X460 Driver Review

Will a new sole and an extra six cubic centimeters make the X460 that much better than the Big Bertha 454?

Callaway X460 HeroStarting with the original Big Bertha, Callaway has always been associated with quality, high-performance drivers. Nearly every company has rushed to the 460cc limit, although Titleist took their time getting the 905R out. Callaway quickly released the Big Bertha Titanium 454 and came close to the limit but the Fusion
FT-3
was actually the first Callaway driver to reach 460cc. So what could Callaway possibly do to improve on the already popular 454 and, more importantly, does the X460 pass the grade?

Golfers all seemed to like and praise the 454, including David Mobley who used a 454 to blast a 377-yard drive to win the 2004 RE/MAX World Long Drive Championship. Callaway wanted a driver to not only replace the 454 but to also improve performance and provide an alternative to the FT-3. The FT-3 remains Callaway’s flagship driver, but not everyone can get used to the corked sound of the titanium-composite driver. So the engineers sought out to make not just a replacement to the 454 but a quality, tour-performing driver.

Technology
With the exception of composite technology in the C4 and Fusion drivers, Callaway has always stuck with tried and true technologies like:

Short, Straight, Hollow, Hosel
The breakthrough Callaway Golf design that shortened the tradition hosel length, allowing weight to be moved lower and to the more useful perimeter area of the clubhead. The hollowed-out or Tru-Bore Technology is part of the S2H2 design, and allows the shaft tip to extend through the clubhead to the sole, which improves feel and control.

Thru-Bore Technology
Part of Callaway Golf’s patented S2H2 design – the bore-through design improves feel and control by allowing the shaft to extend through the hosel to the sole. This moves the tip of the shaft closer to the center of the clubface, which improves feel and control.

Variable Face Thickness Technology
Variable Face Thickness Technology allows designers to adjust the materials thickness in Callaway Golf woods and irons for improved performance. In woods, adjusting the face thickness with VFT Technology maximizes ball speed and perimeter weighting for more distance and forgiveness. The face is thicker in the center and ultra-thin around the edges, which allows more energy from the impact of the clubface to be transferred to the ball.

Callaway X460 Sole Bump
The X460’s “Consistent Alignment Sole” didn’t work as advertised for me, producing a closed face at setup.

The X460 is no different utilizing S2H2, Thu-Bore, and VFT technologies to its advantage. This keeps a similar look and feel with previous Big Bertha models for those golfers looking for a replacement or upgrade to their old driver.

The X460 does have a new sole dubbed the Consistent Alignment Sole. This new sole is concave and does not allow the clubhead to rock at address. This helps golfers of all abilities to consistently align the driver at address. Just set the club down and let the sole line you up. Mine didn’t line up so well, but we’ll get to that later…

I have used and liked the Big Bertha II driver and 454 drivers in the past and for over a year now have been happily using Callaway’s FT-3 driver. I’ve always liked the performance of Callaway drivers and have gotten used to the melon looking clubheads over the years. I appreciate it when a company stays true to its roots and provides a familiar clubhead for me at address.

Construction
The first thing engineers did was to squeezed outsix more cubic centimeters to bring the clubhead size right up to the 460cc limit. Other than the gloss black paint job, you would hardly notice much of a difference at address compared to the 454.

Moving weight has been quite the buzz in drivers these past few years. Callaway’s approach has been to reposition weight internally for you. Based on their own testing, engineers will position weight to help increase the Moment of Inertia to get the right balance of performance and forgiveness.

An all titanium body was chosen to provide an alternative price point and most likely sound when compared to the FT-3. Since I’ve been using the FT-3 for over a year now I’ve grown quite accustomed to the corked sound at impact. The all titanium body quickly reminded my ears of how loud other drivers can be compared to what I was used to.

Callaway X460 Ft3 Address
Unlike the FT-3, the X465 features Callaway’s traditional chevron alignment aid.

Like the FT-3, there are two different models of X460: standard and Tour. Unlike its big brother, the X460 does not come in Draw, Neutral, or Fade models – rather the standard models all have a 2° closed clubface while the Tour model features a square clubface. This and positioning of the internal weights aim to give the Tour model a lower ball flight with little or no slice correction.

The stock shaft on the standard model is a Fujikura 64g model made for the X460 while the Tour model has the Fujikura 26.3 Tour Platform shaft as standard bill. You still have the option of other aftermarket shafts from virtually every company out there but these Fujikura shafts should provide plenty of power and control for the everyday golfer.

Looks and Setup
I’m already used to Callaway and other 460cc drivers so taking the headcover off the X460 was no big deal for me. Like Henry Ford’s automobiles and Johnny Cash’s wardrobe, some things just look better in black. Black seems to make the clubhead appear smaller.

I bought the X460 Tour model because I wanted a fair comparison with my FT-3 Tour but the first thing I noticed about my driver was the closed face. I kept doubting my eyes but when I measured the clubhead in a loft/lie measuring gauge I found that my Tour model has 3° closed face. This might be a welcome angle for most but I’m so used to a square or open clubface. Since my typical miss with a driver is what some like to call a “power draw,” this wasn’t a welcome sight.

Callaway X460 Ft3 Faces
The X460’s face is a little shallower and a little wider than its sibling’s. It also has an “X” instead of a chevron on the face.

So the Consistent Alignment Sole coupled with my crooked clubface made it hard for the simple little tweak at address. My first couple shots with the club I thought I’d just trust the sole alignment but that trust quickly evaporated with each shot jumping left on me. I would switch back to my FT-3 during a round or on different days to double-check my swing, and drives were straight. But my X460 still wanted to hit to the Big Green Monster in left field.

This closed face keep playing tricks with my eyes and mind but eventually I stopped trusting and using the sole to line up the club. It’s a little trick that most wouldn’t mind however it just keeps bugging me that I have to tweak a club instead of just letting it work for me.

The small chevron on top of the crown is a Callaway signature and I like it. It’s neither too small or too big but just right. Otherwise, I mentioned I like the paint job and overall look of the clubhead so the X460 still scores 50/50 in this category. Still the closed face was not what I expected and will just assume that this one just slipped by quality control.

Callaway X460 Ft3 Soles
From below, the X460 appears much larger, but that’s largely because the face is wider, leading to a larger chassis.

Performance
Once I was able to teach my new dog how to sit at address, it really is a good club for the money. When struck well I get a good ball flight and good balance between distance and accuracy. While I didn’t have a chance to visit a launch monitor, trajectory seemed to be a touch higher but with a little less spin than my FT-3 Tour (also 9.5°).

Coming from the FT-3, the X460 is one loud stick! I haven’t played an all-titanium driver full-time in over a year but the “tink” of the X460 rings noticeably in my ears. My partners (who use all-titanium drivers) could quickly recognize when the ball was struck well. After some time I learned again what a great and mediocre struck shot sounded like. The X460 is still not as obnoxiously loud as other drivers in the market so don’t let the sound scare you away.

When compared to the FT-3, the X460 does have a more solid feel at impact. I can feel more of the vibrations through impact and this extra feedback is welcome most of the time. The X460 feels a little more rugged and solid, making a firmer ball feel even firmer. Other than feeling the clubhead twist, center and off-center hits felt pretty much the same and results didn’t suffer much.

Callaway X460 Face

It appeared to me that the X460 imparted a little less spin on the ball, giving me a flatter trajectory than my FT-3. This might have helped my accuracy a little but the club is not as long as my FT-3. My home course is very flat and open, so I tend to look for distance over accuracy.

Given the opportunity I would recommend that you get fit for your driver, with so many shafts out on the market and those available from Callaway the right loft and shaft combination are key. Luckily the Fujikura 26.3 Tour Platform that comes standard with the Tour models is already a high-grade shaft and has very similar specifications to other shafts I play and love.

Specifications
The Callaway X460 is available in two models: standard is available in lofts of 9°, 10°, 11°, 13° and 15° (left-handed models are only available in 9° and 10°). The standard model has a 2° closed clubface and has a 56° lie angle, D3 swingweight, and 45″ length. The stock shaft for this model is a 64g Fujikura shaft.

The Tour model is available in lofts of 8.5°, 9.5° and 10.5 (left-handed only in 8.5° and 9.5°). These clubheads are supposed to have a square clubface with the same 56° lie angle, D3 swingweight, and 45″ length. The stock shaft for this model is the 67g Fujikura 26.3 Tour Platform shaft. With either model you can upgrade the shaft with a variety of models from companies like Aldila, Fujikura, Grafalloy, Graphite Design, UST, and Diamana, to name a few. You can see most of the line up at the X460 custom shaft page or by asking your local Callaway dealer for up-to-date availability.

The headcover is the same shape and quality as the FT-3 and 454 drivers. Nothing too fancy here but does advertise well what club it hides and protects. The only difference between the standard and Tour headcovers is a color change. The grip is standard Callaway fare. No bother to me as the first thing I do to a new club is rip the stock grip off and install “my” grip.

Callaway X460 Lineup
Callaway’s X460 lineup includes the standard model, the Tour model, and a women’s model with a higher launch angle.

Conclusion
Callaway drivers have always been rated well and ones I’ve had in the past have done well for me. I like the idea of the Consistent Alignment Sole however it just didn’t seem to work for me. Given that, I’ll stick with my FT-3.

However, if you’re looking for a great replacement for you old Callaway driver then the X460 would be a good servant to you and your game. With good looks and using tried and true technology the X460 is in a good spot in the Callaway line up. Like the 454 it replaces it is loud, large, good performer for a good value at $299.

24 thoughts on “Callaway X460 Driver Review”

  1. I purchased a Tour X-460 several months ago, specifically wanting the TOUR model to avoid the closed face. Like you, mine also sets up closed and I have to readjust it every time before teeing off. I’ve also put lead tape on the toe of my club. I think Calloway is misleading the public by stating that their Tour X-460 sets up properly due to sole configuration.

  2. I have used X460, but in most of hit I have
    experienced big slice. Sometimes it goes very well, but it is too sensitive to use.
    So I attached two lead tape at the heel.
    Then it works well. When I use Taylermade
    drivers, they work well. So in my conclusion, X460 is not easy to use.

  3. LONGER STRAIGHTER!

    This year I have purchased the Ping G5, The Nike Sasquatch(sp) and in August the X460 Tour 9.5 driver.

    Far and away the X460 tour is the best I have used in many years.

    I am 63 years old and with the X460 my drives are longer and straighter than ever!

  4. Recommended to buy this club by my golf teacher. I alreday have the matching 3 wood.
    It is a great club and let my 17 hadicap friend have a slog with it on a few holes. He could not believe how long and straight it drives. He normally leaves his Driver in the bag and he hates spending meny on kit – but after our game he was “converted!” that the 460 is a very special club and will be getting one too.

  5. I hit a demo FT-3 Tour Neutral 8.5degree and an X-460 Tour 8.5degree with the same Fuji Stiff shaft.

    I have confirmed that the X-460 Tour (even though it looked square at address) does tend to pull the ball to the left on solid hits.

    The FT-3 was very straight to slightly left on all solid hits

    I thought that the X-460 tour might be marginally longer and marginally flatter than the FT-3 tour.

    I will most likely purchase the FT-3 Tour with the Aldila NV 75S shaft to promote an even flatter trajectory.

  6. I have used X460, but in most of hit I have experienced big slice. Sometimes it goes very well, but it is too sensitive to use. So I attached two lead tape at the heel. Then it works well. When I use Taylermade drivers, they work well. So in my conclusion, X460 is not easy to use.

    I also have the X460 but it slices to the left even though I have a solid hit (I’m a lefty). The 2 lead tape you put at the heel, is it on the bottom of the driver (with the X460 logo), left and right side?

  7. Just got back from the range after hitting the X460 Tour 8.5 driver with the stock fuji shaft (stiff).

    The club worked great and looks like it’s going to be at least 10-20 yards longer than my current driver (Nike Sasquatch 8.5 with Aldila NV).

    The sound takes a little getting use to but I have the 460 tour 3 wood so I’m familiar with it.

    The driver does appear to have a slight hook face but I made the adjustments at address.

    Can’t wait to try it out on the course with real golf balls and see what my distance gain is going to be.

  8. I am a 14 year old kid who bought this driver. I have played a couple of rounds with this driver. Before playing wtih this driver I kept on hitting a huge slice. Now I hit the ball consistently straight and just as well as with Taylormade R7 or Cobra Speed drivers. Most people comment that it doesn’t line up straight, I completely disagree I play with the regular which is supposed to have a more closed face compared to the tour and it lines up perfectly straight. I added at lesats 30 yards as compared to my previous driver. It is a great buy.

  9. I just bought the 460 Tour 9.5 Lefty driver and it was very long but unconsistent so I changed the grip to golfpride midsize New Decade Multicompound (what I have in my Titleist 804OS Irons) and the result is fantastic. I lowered my handicap last sunday for the first time in 8 months !
    Bottom-line, great club, great shaft (Fujikura Tour Platform 26.3 stiff), great buy !
    I am now looking for a consistent 3 wood…

  10. I was lent one with a “wrong’un”, shaft. It was too stiff for my friend, how could not get it to fly. However it works for me. I can really lean on it and have found it to be forgiving. I am not too sure about length, yes I am 80 yards longer than most, but still shorter than my Mizuno World Cup Persimmon.

    It seems to me that you should concentrate on getting the correct shaft for your style of golf. It is, in my opinion the most important part of the club. Then you can play about with the grip thickness and then launch angle / loft.

    All being said, I find the whole package quite satisfying and the crack off of the club face better than the Taylor Made.

  11. I tested the x460 out today at a little play in Massachusetts. Im a small kid(5’7″ 130lb) but i was hitting the ball a good 250+ straight on almost every drive. I tried out a whole lot of other clubs too..Nike Sasquatch, Taylor Made Burner, and even a Cobra but it was the easiest, and had most forgeveness. Im ordering one soon 😛

  12. I recently purchased the X460 10 degree with stiff shaft, which may have been a mistake. So far, the club has delivered mostly straight shots, but dissapointing distance. The club it replaced, a Taylor Made 320 I hit further for sure. Perhaps my slowing SS makes the regular shaft a better match for me.

    But I’ve only had it for 2 rounds, so I need to give it a chance.

  13. My x460 stiff shaft 10* replaced a 1999 TaylorMade Titanium. My tendency is high & right, with some balloons. It is difficult to get the clubface closed. I am straight to a slight draw with my 3w and 5w (both Taylor 200 series). Distance is a little disappointing too.

  14. I havent played for 20 years , bought a Ram starter kit. And did not take long to go to Dicks for a driver . I priced drivers under 200 bucks. Bought a Walter Hagen M2 , hit well with it then I swung ..and the head flew buy the ball. No problems swicthing for Callaways x 460 driver nine degree. The ting sound very good , compared to the other clubs. I dont have enough time in to say if the draw or slice bothers me. But as a beginer I can say it drives best .. well over 270 yrds. ( Im 6 4 300 lbs)And is very strait when I grip the shaft good. This is a great club for 150 bucks new. Im hopeing my balls fly better than the range balls.

  15. I purchased the X460 on eBay for $99. It’s a stiff flex 10.5 degree loft. It arrived yesterday and I immediately took it out for an 18 hole test drive. It is simply amazing. I did not pull or slice a single tee shot. Even my miss hits went straight. I had trouble on the front nine getting the ball in the air. Most of my tee shots were either topped or low line drives.

    On the back nine I decided to tee the ball differently. Instead of the bottom of the ball at the top of the club, I teed it about 1/3 inch higher. The results: TING … first drive went 273 uphill. Second drive … TING … 245. Third drive … TING … 265. Fourth … TING … 276. Fifth … TING … 251. Unbelievable! I’m a beginner and 49 years old, but I was hitting my drives like I was twenty years younger and knew what I was doing.

    My previous driver was a Jack Nicklaus 410cc regular flex that I hit about 220 (if I really cranked one it went 245). This Callaway club has added 30-40 yards to my drives. Had I figured out the tee height problem sooner I would have bettered my best round by a wide margin.

    I would highly recommend this club to anyone of any ability.

  16. I recently picked up a 9 degree stiff shaft x460. It is a decent club for the money, $199 currently and even cheaper on ebay. I had a gift certificate to the Sports Authority and figured I would give it a try. I must say the performance is pretty good, but the trajectory is a little low for me. Lastly, I no longer bring it out of the bag due to the completely evil sound it makes, some of you have gotten over it, not me. All this club is going to do for me is bring up my feedback rating when I sell it on ebay.

  17. Like others I searched long and hard for a driver and came across the X460 10* Stiff, I must say this is a very easy driver to hit, I do seem to pull it but I think thats more of my swing than the closed face. ITs a great deal compared to others. Its a very straight club but its seems like my distance was lacking and my ball just kind of floated with a soft landing. Im upgrading to the FT-I which is a rocket launcher and straight but pricey.

  18. Played my X460 today for the first time. I loved it! Great trajectory, long, and straight. Effortless to hit too. Mine is 9 degree w/ Fujikura stiff shaft. I don’t use the alignment aid sole, I align the club with my hands and eyes.

  19. I have the X460 driver and enjoy it immensely. First of all I fixed my tendency to slice; now hit my X460 pretty straight 90% of the time. My miss hits are still very playable and I get good comments on how well I hit my drives. I’m not long, but I’m straight!! Thanks Callaway X460.

  20. Nope,no rattle i mine. Might be a loose piece of epoxy or something. I have a 4 iron that does that and it is unnerving as heck to hit it.

    I’ve now had a chance to play a full season with my X460 and I really like it, But I wish I had gone for the 8.5 degree loft. I just hit the ball very high, and it hurts my distance, although in Denver’s altitude I can still routinely hit 280+ so I shouldn’t complain.

  21. I purchased the Callaway X 460 with a regular shaft with 10 degree face. My original driver was the Big Bertha 454. All in all, I’ve been driving the ball well over 290 yards. With my old 454, I was averaging 260-280 yards off the tee. After buying the X460, I’ve now been averaging 290-310 yards. I’m 37 and have been playing for 12 years. I would definitely recommend this club to anyone due to its forgiveness in contact, ease and control of swing, and the overall feel of the driver when it makes contact on the ball. Smooth, light weight, and forgiveness is a recipe for longer drives and increased confidence.

  22. Just bought my X460 and have not made it to to a golf course yet and after a few balls on the driving range I now have a rattle. It is not just when I hit a ball though it is all the time as if something is broken off inside the club head.

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