Callaway FT-i Driver Review

That's right, the new FT-i driver from Callaway Golf is indeed square. And let me tell you, it's hip to be square! According to callawaygolf.com, "FT-i uses patented Fusion Technology that moves weight away from the Center of Gravity. The result is a driver with increased horizontal and vertical stability that maximizes distance with total accuracy."

I went to my local golf superstore to try out the new driver in person. Given it was Chicago in February, my only option was to hit it indoors against a simulated launch monitor complete with a realistic screen. It is always a little tough to evaluate a golf club without hitting it on the course, but the guys in the store assured me this particular simulator was very accurate. Yes, the same guys trying to take my money in exchange for a glorified stick, but that's not the point.

OK, so back to the review of the actual driver. Upon address, the club looks like no other club I have hit before. The square shape is definitely noticeable, and in a good way. As any golfer will tell you, we are all a bunch of mental cases, and the look of the club is as much a part of its overall success as the actual technology in the club. Once I decided the whole square look was good, it was time to see if it actually performed. One word - yes. It took a little while to get warmed up, so my initial swings were less than stellar. Even those mis-hits produced perfectly acceptable results. After a few swings, I was regularly hitting it within 10-15 degrees of the center of the virtual fairway and a good 20 yards longer than normal. I had some success trying to work the ball left and right, albeit not much. Admittedly, they were mostly slight pulls and pushes as opposed to draws and fades, but at least there were no pronounced hooks and slices.

As with all drivers, it comes in many different flavors. I opted for the neutral weight distribution (also available in draw or fade) with a 9.5-degree loft and a stiff shaft. In addition to that, I actually chose the Tour version of the driver because of the slightly heavier shaft, as well as a slightly open face (only 0.5 degrees). As a result, I seemed to get a little added distance with my particular swing. Because it was the exact same price, it was an easy decision.

As you can probably tell, I am insanely excited to hit the driver out on a real course with real weather and real situations. If the preliminary tests are any indication, it could help me win a few bets out on the course - all to help pay for the somewhat hefty price tag of $499 for one club.

UPDATE

I have used this driver for several rounds now, and am very pleased with the results. It is consistently the straightest and longest driver I have ever owned. It is still completely possible to hit that horrendous slice/hook every so often, but generally this driver has performed as expected. Mis-hits are usually still in a playable area, and the solid hits feel like absolute butter.