Callaway FT-9 opinions

[walfice]

I'm thinking of replacing my R9 (10.5) due to its tiny sweet spot. I demoed the Ft-9 (11 degree, zcom 60 shaft) today at the range and wow does that driver launch high! My opinions of it are mixed, I like the high launch but the ball also dropped pretty steeply too. Im not too keen on the sound of it, it's rather dull sounding like the ping rapture. Opinions on this driver are appreciated.

[WUTiger]

Here's shaft specs from Callaway Pocket Ref Guide (2009).

ZCom 60 is stock shaft for FT-9. It has a low kickpoint for all flexes, meaning it creates a high launch. (Also has mid torque) If you had a mid kickpoint shaft, you could get a more moderate launch angle plus a shallower descent angle, which would increase roll.

Take a look at different shafts - lots to choose from, and shaft which matches your swing is especially critical in driver.

[Gebus]

What you are describing is a driver that has way too much spin, I find it hard to believe that a 6 handicap requires a 11* driver try demoing the same driver with a 9.5*, the low kickpoint shaft should still get that high launch angle you want without all the spin. If you didn't already know the ideal driver launch is 12-15* at around 3600 rpm of spin.

[Ben]

Any reason why you wouldn't go with the new FT Tour? I just got mine a few days ago (replaced an FT9) and the more I hit it, the more I like it. Its got the same feel as the FT9, like you mentioned, kinda dull. I find that my solid hits aren't terribly longer with it, maybe 5 yards. But, my mishits are much longer and closer to my target.

[Gibby]

Honestly, when it comes to drivers, I feel like the head just comes down to what you like in terms of look and feel. There isn't going to be a whole lot of difference in performance in the driver head themselves. It's mostly going to be the shaft for distance and accuracy. I play a FT9 and love it. I love the look, and the dullish feel is nice for me. I prefer it over the other end of the spectrum, which is the high pitched clangy/tinny sound of a Cobra. But whatever floats your boat. Get fit for a shaft, and then try out the driver heads that you think look nice. It may sound shallow, but honestly there isn't a whole lot of difference in driver heads. If you think it looks and sounds nice, you'll play well with it, if you have a proper shaft.

[rebby]

I tried both the FT-9 and the FT-9 Tour last for about a month and neither booted the FT-5 Tour from my bag. I think that it had a lot to do with the shape of the FT-9. I liked the feel of the ball and the sound but didn't like the long look or the way that the club felt in my hand. Performance, compared to my FT-5 Tour, was about the same. No better, no worse. I tried both in the I-Mix so I compared a number of shafts side by side w/the FT-5 Tour so I know that it wasn't the shaft. I tried a few alternative shafts too just in case I was better suited to a different combo. In the end, I kept the FT-5.

I have an FT Tour on order now so we'll see how that turns out. I'm going to try that one with both the stock VooDoo and a Diamana WB. Looking forward to the results of that.

[Ben]

I tried both the FT-9 and the FT-9 Tour last for about a month and neither booted the FT-5 Tour from my bag. I think that it had a lot to do with the shape of the FT-9. I liked the feel of the ball and the sound but didn't like the long look or the way that the club felt in my hand. Performance, compared to my FT-5 Tour, was about the same. No better, no worse. I tried both in the I-Mix so I compared a number of shafts side by side w/the FT-5 Tour so I know that it wasn't the shaft. I tried a few alternative shafts too just in case I was better suited to a different combo. In the end, I kept the FT-5.

Being that you like the FT5, I have a feeling you're going to like the FT Tour. It looks and feels more similar to the FT5 then the FT9 does. Sound is more FT9 though.

[canes113]

Went to a Callaway demo tonight looking to upgrade my FT-5 driver with a 2010 model.... and came home with the same driver!! I tested the FT-9, FT-iz, FT Tour & Diablo Edge with the Trackman and my FT-5 had the best ball speed 140 mph, spin rate 2,800 rpm & launch angle 12 deg with approx. 260 carry and 280 total distance. Of course, I'm sure the FT Tour is a great driver but couldn't hit it straight.... faded every time about 15 - 20 yds. First time I've used a trackman so not sure if these stats are any good, but the Callaway reps told me to stick with the FT-5. I'm kinda disappointed with how dull the new drivers sound and feel nowadays. What are your thoughts? Anybody gaming the Ping G15? gonna demo that one next

[mattttt25]

I just got my new FT-9, same shaft, 10 degree. It was free with some cc reward points, so I haven't even hit it (did demo it once). I'll let you know my opinion after the weekend.

[rebby]

Being that you like the FT5, I have a feeling you're going to like the FT Tour. It looks and feels more similar to the FT5 then the FT9 does. Sound is more FT9 though.

I'm liking the FT Tour so far, even with the stock VooDoo. It spins like mad and launches pretty high though! I'm sending it out to get reshafted w/a Diamana WB (same shaft that I have in my FT-5) tomorrow. I have a feeling that with the Diamana, the FT Tour will be a perfect driver.

[Quinn07]

I am currently gaming a FT-9 with a fubuki stiff shaft in it and I love it. Why don't you get the i-mix version and get the shaft that best suits your game. At a 6 handicap you should be doing that anyway. I love my FT-9, I demoed the FT Tour and I wasn't a big fan.