Callaway's '09 Product Line

[Ben]

Well, My Callaway rep stopped by the shop today with some new goodies to share. I actually got to hit the FT-9 and FT-iq. First off, looks wise they both look stelar. From the sole, the ft-9 looks a little elongated and TM Burner or Titleist 907 D2 like, but, looking down on it, it looks perfect, just a nice attractive look. The FT-iq, has been redesigned, and I think, is much nicer on the eyes. They both hit like freakin monsters. If you didn't like the FT-3, FT-5 or FT-i for that hollow clunk, you'll be pleasantly surprised when you rip into one of these drivers. SOLID! Great feel to them both. And the sound is just about perfect. I nice combo of the ting of titanium and the thud of the composites used, but, leaning towards the tingy side. Which I favor quite a bit.

The irons. HOLY MOLY! I'd have to say, the X22 Tour is a BITCHIN' looking club. That was the real shocker for me today. Nice all around look, from the shape, looking down on it, the materials. Sweet. The X forged are just phenomenal looking with the new cavity design. Unfortunately I wasn't able to hit any irons. But can't wait to try the X22 Tour and I know a set of the new X Forged will land in my bag.

A few hot looking putters too. The center shafted XG 7 looks stelar, along with a new model in the Black Series, the 6.

Delivery dates

X-Forged: January '09
X 22 Tour: January '09
X 22: October 15th ('08)
FT-iq: November 1st ('08)
FT-9: February '09

Follow me to the pictures. Sorry about the quality on the FT-iq, I was seriously way too excited to takes pictures. But, the rest came out nicely!

[TinCupTampa]

I saw these a few weeks ago... still not much to like in my opinion... and I love Callaway products.

The old X-Forged were probably the best clubs I have seen... I just couldnt hit them as well as the 57's.

Any idea if they are coming out with any new wedges... preferably an x-proto wedge?

[Ben]

That would be cool, but, he didn't have anything in his bag. I'll keep an eye open though.

[obsessedgolfer]

The old x forgeds were beautiful clubs the new ones look so ugly.

[pcmancini]

When did the X20s come out? Pretty recent if memory serves.

Paul

[Lefty731PM]

Each to his own, and I'd have to see it in the metal, but that x-22 is not doing it for me. Looks like something that the American Chopper boys would design.

[Harry Longshanks]

Yeah, I'm with the majority here. Normally I like Callaway product, but somebody got carried away with styling this year. Way too much going on that is just for appearance sake, and it doesn't work (the outlines on the X-22 irons, the diamond pattern in the insert of the X Forged, the windowpane pattern and watermark and excessive graphics on the FT-9).

I do like the Black Series #6.

Also, damn nice pictures Ben. Best "spy photos" I've seen of any clubs in a long time. They are all good pictures, and some of them are "wallpaper" quality.

[Dent]

Ohhh ben that FT-9 looks juicy. I'll have to check it out.

[rebby]

I'm interested in the new FT-9. I'm guessing that there will be an FT-9 Tour version as well, any confirmation on this? If there is a Tour, I'll test the I-Mix head side by side w/my FT-5 for sure. Perhaps go w/a 8.5' next time around?

[bflat450]

Cool post... nice pics, that FT-9 looks pretty sick. I might have to give it a try when it comes out. Nothing can take me away from Titleist drivers tho

[Travis13]

Looks like the Hyper X is gone, I am about to buy one too

[RMarks]

Looks like I'll have to hit the FT-9 before I pull the trigger on the 909 D3.

I really wanted a set of those X-Prototypes, but the callaway rep never picks up his phone.

[bflat450]

Yeah it does look sweet, but I don't think you should go down a degree. Even though your a 1.8 index... loft is your friend. I have a 9.5 and still wish I had bought the 10.5.

[bflat450]

  RMarks said:

Looks like I'll have to hit the FT-9 before I pull the trigger on the 909 D3.

I can't wait for the 909s... I still can't decide between the 3, but I think I'm going to get the 909d2.

[ScottyCameron]

These clubs look so old! The new x forged irons look like a club form the 1970's!

[RMarks]

  bflat450 said:

I can't wait for the 909s... I still can't decide between the 3, but I think I'm going to get the 909d2.

For once I'm going to take my time and get fitted for the proper shaft instead of just buying one right off the rack.

My FT-5 knows I'm looking for a new driver, I seem to be hitting it on the screws consistently lately.

[rebby]

  bflat450 said:

Yeah it does look sweet, but I don't think you should go down a degree. Even though your a 1.8 index... loft is your friend. I have a 9.5 and still wish I had bought the 10.5.

With the 9.5' my launch angle is about 12.5' which is perfect for my swing/ball speed. This still results in a very high shot at the apex which can get beat up by the wind pretty good and when it lands, it stops (very much like a short iron really). With the 8.5' loft my launch angle is a tad on the low side, roughly 11', but I only lose about 5-10 yards in carry. The ball still lands pretty soft and stops hard (even w/a draw) but not quite as bad as the 9.5'. My spin rate drops slightly w/the 8.5' as well.

I'd like to lower the launch, and subsequently the flight, for really windy days and when the fairways are playing rock hard. I also have the option of swinging the 8.5' with a Diamana 83 which will help drop the spin rate even more and should, in theory, straighten things out for really tight courses (I have yet to test this though). With the I-Mix system I have the versatility to change out heads on a whim giving me the best of both worlds. With the 10.5' loft my launch angle climbs to about 14' and the ball carries roughly the same distance as the 8.5'. However, ball flight is very very high with this combination and my spin rate goes way up as well. This was not a combo that I was very comfortable with.

[TinCupTampa]

Also... Callaway has new Big Bertha driver and fairway woods coming out called the Diablo. I knew there was something missing from that line up... That's why I'm still holding out hope for X Proto wedges.