Callaway Drivers

[Gresh24]

Can someone please help me out?  I am trying to decipher the differences between the various models of Callaway Drivers.

Are the Diablo's the Big Bertha line?  Are these for the higher handicappers?

Where does the FT (FT-5 & FT-9) line fit in?   Is the Razr the next after the FT-9?

Finally, what about the FT-iz?

I have the FT-5 Tour.  I'm wondering if it would be worth it to upgrade.  I'm looking for straight and long (of course) with the largest 'sweet spot'.  I need either a draw version, or low spin, or both to combat a fade.  I'm lokking for the model best for mid to high handicappers.  I know I need the non-Tour models, but need some advice from there.

I know I need to hit some, and I plan to, but I'm looking for some general guidance and differences.

Thanks!

[newtogolf]

Traditionally the Diablo / Big Bertha line is their less expensive line ($250 - $300 new), where as the FT Series was their top end line ($350 - $400).  Their latest line the Diablo Octane is part of the Diablo Big Bertha line and they totally changed names with the Razr Hawk following the FT-IZ as the newest driver in the FT line.

Both lines have non Tour and Tour versions which are geared towards higher and lower handicap players respectively.  Given the pricing, and general marketing they do I'd guess the Diablo line is marketed for higher handicaps, but I think that's more from a price perspective since both claim their non-tour versions are very forgiving.

[Gresh24]

That helps, Thanks.  I'm between a Diablo Octane and a FT-9 (both in a non-tour, draw version).  I didn't like the shorter face height of the IQ or IZ.

Generally speaking, is there a big difference between the Octane and FT-9 in terms of the 'hottnesss' of the face and forgiveness?

[newtogolf]

I use the FT-9 11* draw, and like it a lot.  The Octane is supposed to have a hotter face but not sure it's significant enough to warrant the price difference.

If you are considering the FT-9, might want to look at the iMix versions on Callaway pre-owned.  You have an assortment of shafts you can choose from, and the heads are much cheaper to replace than an entire driver.  I have the FT-9 11* draw and picked up a 9.5* neutral for $60 that I can use with the same shaft.

[delav]

While visiting Napa, I played a round with a bag of Callaway rentals.  The driver was a Diablo Octane 9.5 degree, with the PX labeled stiff shaft.  While not a perfect fit, this driver was a cannon.  I was blown away by the great feel the shaft/head had, and the forgiveness and accuracy of that driver.  Go try one!

[Gresh24]

Thanks for the feedback.

I decided on the FT-9.  Got a (used Mint Condition shop display) Draw, 10 * I-Mix, with Aldila Voodoo Stiff Shaft, for $70.  Definitely worth a shot for that price.

[5ironkid]

0_0 lucky!

[Gresh24]

Originally Posted by 5ironkid

0_0 lucky!

That's what they are going for now.  You can get them for $109 new, and used for $50 in more 'used' condition.

[5ironkid]

huh. did not know that.

[Gresh24]

I also found an FT-IZ brand new at Menards of all places (a home improvement store in the Midwest - like Lowes and Home Depot) for $99.  That's even less than on ebay right now.

[shades9323]

Where did you find it? I might stop at Menards on my way home!  I've always called them the Walmart of home improvement stores.

Originally Posted by Gresh24

I also found an FT-IZ brand new at Menards of all places (a home improvement store in the Midwest - like Lowes and Home Depot) for $99.  That's even less than on ebay right now.

[Gresh24]

Originally Posted by shades9323

Where did you find it? I might stop at Menards on my way home!  I've always called them the Walmart of home improvement stores.

I am in central IL.  It's the first time I've ever seen any golf clubs there.  They were with other summer games and toys.  They had a men's in Stiff flex and Senior, and several 3 and 5 woods.

[shades9323]

Stopped by menards last night. The drivers were $120 up here and the fairways were $99. Good find though!

Originally Posted by Gresh24

I am in central IL.  It's the first time I've ever seen any golf clubs there.  They were with other summer games and toys.  They had a men's in Stiff flex and Senior, and several 3 and 5 woods.

[jpalermo]

get on ebay and get yourself the BB Titanium 454, still a few around and IMO the best Callaway driver to date.  Still have a couple of them laying around one for course play and one set up for long drive contests.... not that i do them but it fun to take to the range when there are a lot of people there...lol

[Joe Jetson]

I picked up a Big Bertha Diablo Draw Driver with Regular Shaft at Goodwill for $10. It always felt pretty good, but I consistently hit a fade (or slice) with it. Overall, a very nice club, though. I played with it for about a year before the shaft cracked and split halfway between the head and the grip. (You don't get much for Ten Bucks anymore.) I was surprised it cracked because I'm not a hard swinger anymore at age 63.

So I had some Ladies' .335 shafts from Ebay sitting in the garage, and I thought I'd try one and see what happens. This club has a little hosel/shaft adapter, so I had to buy one from Golfworks.com  It took quite a bit of prep work getting the old shaft and adapter sleeve out because the sleeve thing melted when I heated it up for removal. It took some extra time to clean out the hosel properly. But I finally got the new Ladies' shaft and sleeve in, and took it out to the course the next day.

It took me a while to realize that if I swung this thing nice and easy, I was getting about 20 to 30 yards more distance than I ever hit it before. And it totally cured my fade. In fact, after years of aiming at the edge of the fairway to allow for my fade, I'm now aiming straight down the middle, maybe even setting up for a very slight draw.

I play with my brothers, so they gave me a little grief about the "Ladies" shaft. But the laughing changed to "Geez" when they saw the ball disappear way down the fairway. 

I think this model of Big Bertha Diablo Draw woods is probably at least ten years old by now. Which is great, because I want to add the 3-wood and 5-wood to my bag, and I see they have a whole bunch of them on Ebay for under $40. I've got more Ladies' shafts to use up. And some pink grips.