ZipGolfer » Callaway http://www.zipgolfer.com Golf tips, news and gear reviews Sun, 18 Dec 2011 18:03:53 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 Callaway RAZR Hawk Tour Driver Review | Golf Digest 2011 Hotlist, Played by Mickelson & Quiros http://www.zipgolfer.com/callaway-razr-hawk-tour-driver-review-golf-digest-2011-hotlist-played-by-mickelson-quiros/ http://www.zipgolfer.com/callaway-razr-hawk-tour-driver-review-golf-digest-2011-hotlist-played-by-mickelson-quiros/#comments Tue, 18 Oct 2011 16:48:32 +0000 Robert http://www.zipgolfer.com/?p=4768 Callaway RAZR Hawk Tour Driver Review PGA Tour Pro Phil Mickelson plays this driver, and Alvaro Quiros won the 2011 Omega Dubai Desert Classic with this bad boy. 'Nuff said, right? Do I really have to write a review?

Okay, fine here you go… Callaway and Lamborghini joined forces to bring you this driver. The crown and body of the driver are made with a super-light carbon fiber that is also found in Lamborghini sports cars. (So if you buy enough of them, you can build your own Lamborghini.)

Like the Lambo, the driver is light and fast. The stock shaft in the Tour driver is a 45.5-inch Aldila RIP graphite shaft, and the head is a workable 445cc. Thus, you can draw and fade the club at will. Hence the name "RAZR" as you can carve the ball any way you want.

Overall, the feel is solid with a muffled sound. No loud "tink" here. Even with the feather-light weight, the club still feels sturdy in your hands. The trajectory is easy to control, and mis-hits still fly far.

The only thing I don't like about the club is the look of the crown. The black and silver are ugly, and it looks more like the older color schemes of the early 2000s. (OMG! So not 2011.)

Of course, you don't see any of this at address, and it doesn't seem to bother Mickelson and Quiros.

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]]> http://www.zipgolfer.com/callaway-razr-hawk-tour-driver-review-golf-digest-2011-hotlist-played-by-mickelson-quiros/feed/ 0 Callaway RAZR Hawk Driver Review | Lamborghini Golf Digest 2011 HotList w/ Neutral Bias http://www.zipgolfer.com/callaway-razr-hawk-driver-review-lamborghini-golf-digest-2011-hotlist-w-neutral-bias/ http://www.zipgolfer.com/callaway-razr-hawk-driver-review-lamborghini-golf-digest-2011-hotlist-w-neutral-bias/#comments Sun, 16 Oct 2011 16:44:44 +0000 Robert http://www.zipgolfer.com/?p=4760 Callaway RAZR Hawk Driver Review The RAZR Hawk is designed for golfers who want a cannon in their hands. The 460cc head is more than 6 yards farther then Callaway's FT 9. It has all the pop and forgiveness that modern technology can provide. Although the driver is a little more subtle then the flashy 460cc Diablo Octane.

Both drivers are made with materials developed with the help of Lamborghini. Yes, I'm talking about the race car. (Wait, does that mean that the drivers at Wal-Mart are made out of old Volkswagens?) This material is a forged composite that is lighter than air. (Not really -- but it is really light.) Whereas just the Diablo's crown is made of the carbon fiber, the entire body and crown of the RAZR Hawk is made of Lamborghini.

Enough with the materials. Does it go far? The answer is an unequivocal yes. The driver is light and fast, and the sweet spot is huge. Toe and heel hits feel like center hits. This driver has all the bang of the Diablo, but you have more control for moving the ball either direction.

On the down side, I'm not a big fan of the look of the crown. I don't like the silver curved seam with the two-tone. (Of course you don't see any of this at address.) And the only other flaw I can find is: Although the club is workable, it doesn't have a lot of feel. Mis-hits feel the same as regular hits.

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]]> http://www.zipgolfer.com/callaway-razr-hawk-driver-review-lamborghini-golf-digest-2011-hotlist-w-neutral-bias/feed/ 0 Callaway Hawkeye Irons VFT | Compact Club Head w/ Callaway OEM Shaft, RH & LH http://www.zipgolfer.com/callaway-hawkeye-irons-vft-compact-club-head-w-callaway-oem-shaft-rh-lh/ http://www.zipgolfer.com/callaway-hawkeye-irons-vft-compact-club-head-w-callaway-oem-shaft-rh-lh/#comments Sat, 30 Jul 2011 16:55:46 +0000 Mark http://www.zipgolfer.com/?p=4559 Callaway Hawkeye Irons VFT When it comes to helping the masses of golfers that struggle to break 100, Callaway Golf is near the top of the list -- and the Callaway Hawkeye VFT irons are yet another example of what they can do to help that large group of golfers.

VFT is an acronym for Variable Face Thickness, and is a patented feature from Callaway. This feature allows Callaway to fine-tune the performance of every club throughout the set, maximizing the performance characteristics of each iron to its intended purpose. The Hawkeye VFT features a long, internal weight pocket that extends the weight distribution further across the face of each iron, allowing for more forgiveness on off-center hits and keeping the ball headed closer to your intended goal. With a compact head size (within the game-improvement club category) and thinner top-line in the titanium head, these irons will appeal to many players. Callaway has also redesigned the 360° undercut channel on the back of the Hawkeye VFT, which allows them to position the center of gravity precisely in each iron through the set.

The Hawkeye VFT irons cover nearly every option a golfer could imagine. Available in sets (3-PW) and individual 1 and 2-irons as well as Sand, Lob, and "A" wedges, they were produced in both right hand and left hand orientations. There are two shaft options to choose from, both Callaway OEM exclusives: System 75 Ascending Mass Graphite Shaft (Light, Regular and Firm flex) or the Callaway Uniflex Steel Shaft. Although the Callaway Hawkeye VFT clubs were produced in 2002, they are widely available in used sets or individual irons from a multitude of online merchants.

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]]> http://www.zipgolfer.com/callaway-hawkeye-irons-vft-compact-club-head-w-callaway-oem-shaft-rh-lh/feed/ 0 Callaway X12 Irons Offset Cavity Back | Men’s Big Bertha Club w/ Bore Through Shaft http://www.zipgolfer.com/callaway-x12-irons-offset-cavity-back-mens-big-bertha-club-w-bore-through-shaft/ http://www.zipgolfer.com/callaway-x12-irons-offset-cavity-back-mens-big-bertha-club-w-bore-through-shaft/#comments Sat, 02 Jul 2011 16:34:28 +0000 Mark http://www.zipgolfer.com/?p=4396 Released in 1998, the Callaway X-12 Irons are part of the Big Bertha technology basis from which many Callaway designs have sprung. The X-12 has a thinner profile and topline (generally favored by better players) than many other Callaway iron designs, which gives these a more compact and cleaner look.

The Big Bertha design really starts with a low center of gravity (CG) which helps get the ball airborne more quickly and easily. These irons also feature a significantly offset hosel and cavity-back head with perimeter weighting -- all designed to improve performance (both distance and direction) on off-center hits. The shaft is a "bore-through" design where the end of the shaft is visible on the heel of the club. For me, this is really a cosmetic design element, but some claim it reduces twisting of the clubhead at impact, which of course would also help consistency. Having used other clubs with a bore-through shaft, I have not found this to have any impact one way or the other.

While these clubs have been played by nearly every level of player, they are targeted at the intermediate handicapper. These days, of course, you're looking at a used set of X-12s -- and due to the prolific distribution and popularity of these clubs in the late '90s, they are widely available on the used club market. Built in both Right and Left hand orientations, they were shafted with either steel or the RCH99 graphite from Callaway. A variety of flex options from Senior to X-Stiff in both versions were made, so finding a set, or even an individual club, in the type you need is within reach. Also, these were made at a time before hybrids were common, so you'll likely see everything from a 1-iron to an L-wedge.

Cosmetically, these are pretty simple. The investment cast process used to make these doesn't lend itself to a lot of beauty. They have a flat stainless steel finish, and the only embellishment is the characteristic Callaway logo insert in the cavity back in their standard royal/white/black.

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]]> http://www.zipgolfer.com/callaway-x12-irons-offset-cavity-back-mens-big-bertha-club-w-bore-through-shaft/feed/ 0 Callaway Jaws Wedge Review | Grooved Mack Daddy by Roger Cleveland http://www.zipgolfer.com/callaway-jaws-wedge-review-grooved-mack-daddy-by-roger-cleveland/ http://www.zipgolfer.com/callaway-jaws-wedge-review-grooved-mack-daddy-by-roger-cleveland/#comments Sat, 11 Jun 2011 16:33:05 +0000 Mark http://www.zipgolfer.com/?p=4316 Callaway Jaws Wedge Review While not nearly as well know as Bob Vokey, Roger Cleveland is no less a virtuoso of wedge design and creation. Mr. Cleveland has now teamed with Callaway to create the Jaws Wedge, bringing his considerable talents to bear on this fine looking golf club. Combining tour proven designs such as the "C-grind" sole -- relieving excess material at the heel and toe, creating a "C" shape to the outline -- with high-quality materials like the soft 1020 carbon steel head, and using Callaway's "Mack-Daddy" grooves (basically, the deepest, sharpest, legal grooves available) they have created a wedge that would seem to be the "answer".

However, in golf, nothing is ever quite so simple, and there are many other things to consider, so... Callaway makes the Jaws Wedge available in either their Soft Milky Chrome or Dark Vintage finish and offers lofts of 52, 56, 58, and 60 degrees. To round out the options, most lofts are available in both right or left hand orientation with your choice of graphite or steel shafts in Regular and Stiff flex.

There is little question these elements combine to create a beautiful and useable wedge. The C-grind sole makes playing a wide variety of greenside shots not only easy, but fun. The soft carbon steel provides some of the best feedback you'll likely ever feel from an iron, and the ability to choose the right shaft material for your game is a great finishing touch. The Callaway Jaws wedge would make a great addition to nearly any golfer's bag.

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]]> http://www.zipgolfer.com/callaway-jaws-wedge-review-grooved-mack-daddy-by-roger-cleveland/feed/ 0 Callaway X-18R Irons Set | Cavity Back Chrome Satin RH 4-PW & SW http://www.zipgolfer.com/callaway-x-18r-irons-set-cavity-back-chrome-satin-rh-4-pw-sw/ http://www.zipgolfer.com/callaway-x-18r-irons-set-cavity-back-chrome-satin-rh-4-pw-sw/#comments Thu, 02 Jun 2011 16:26:35 +0000 Mark http://www.zipgolfer.com/?p=4271 With a relatively thin top line and slight offset, the Callaway X-18R irons would seem to be suited to nearly any golfer. However, Callaway has put so many other game improvement features into this set, they end up being better suited to an intermediate or even high-handicap golfer.

In addition to the design features you see when first picking these up, this iron set has extreme perimeter weighting to lower the Center of Gravity (CG) which helps the ball fly higher, and also uses the Callaway "Extreme Notch Weighting" to enhance forgiveness on off-center hits. The net effect of all this design technology is a club that has very little to offer in the way of feel, and even less in terms of workability. However, if your game needs help in the area of ball height, and you find yourself missing the center of the club face more often than you hit it, then the Callaway X-18R is definitely a set to consider.

Callaway generally makes an attractive golf club, and these are no exception. A bright chrome finish covers most of the head, while there is a satin (non-glare) finish in the grooved area of the face. With a standard depth hosel and small black ferrule as are found on many Callaway clubs, the look is finished on the back with a royal blue and black insert and prominently shows the Callaway "X" in the cavity back. The X-18R is an eight-club set (4-PW, SW) and is available in right hand only with a Uniflex steel shaft and standard rubber compound grip.

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CALLAWAY X 18R IRONS 4 PW STEEL SHAFT UNIFLEX 1 2 CALLAWAY X 18R IRONS 4 PW STEEL SHAFT UNIFLEX 1 2
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CALLAWAY X 18R IRONS 4 PW STEEL UNIFLEX CALLAWAY X 18R IRONS 4 PW STEEL UNIFLEX
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]]> http://www.zipgolfer.com/callaway-x-18r-irons-set-cavity-back-chrome-satin-rh-4-pw-sw/feed/ 0 Callaway X22 Irons Review | Men’sCavity Back 3-PW Set, Golf Digest Gold Award http://www.zipgolfer.com/callaway-x22-irons-review-menscavity-back-3-pw-set-golf-digest-gold-award/ http://www.zipgolfer.com/callaway-x22-irons-review-menscavity-back-3-pw-set-golf-digest-gold-award/#comments Tue, 03 May 2011 16:05:08 +0000 Jess http://www.zipgolfer.com/?p=4035 Callaway X22 Irons Review Callaway, do you know who you are? You're the kid that had the coolest T-shirts in school. You're the kid that pierced their ear first. You're the kid that never came to school with lunch because you would always find some other kid and not beat them up, but talk them out of their PB&J, and they still wanted to be your friend afterward.

You make sweet clubs, dude. Sweet clubs. Clubs that look tough. X-22 3 iron to pitching wedge -- and every one of them has this Marvel-Comic-looking cavity back to them. Tour-inspired head shape with a thinner top line and narrower sole, some crazy space-age "tru-bore" thing that dampens vibrations and simply "feels" cleaner, and you even won the Gold medal in the "game improvement" category from Golf Digest.

Teacher's pet.

I’ll admit that you are an upgrade from my old X18s. I tried you at a demo day at my local club along with your preppy friends like TaylorMade, Titleist, and Nike. Dangit, if you weren’t the longest and sweetest one of the lot. I am a 3 handicap and I found it very easy to work the ball with you. I hit two or three soft draws – some high and some low. I was able to flight the ball low with knock down shots, and fly the ball high and land soft with cut shots.

Since then, I took you out a few times and have never had so much confidence with any other iron. I finally broke par for the first time! I’ve noticed that my shots are straighter and longer and that I am hitting all of my irons a half club longer. I used to hit my 7-iron around 155 to 165, now I hit it 170 on average.

Your feel and forgiveness is what I most appreciate about you. (I could care less about your flashy good looks.) When I hit a ball out on your toe it still manages to head for the green. How do you do that? And when I hit one right in the middle of the clubface, you feel like soft butter and the ball flies low but spins when it hits the green and grabs. I hope you are not getting a big head!

You know, Callaway, now I'm ticked at you. Sure, your clubs look cool and feel great -- and they do feel good to hit. Yes, I hit the ball pretty straight and true with you, but you know what? My friend Wilson did, too. And he doesn't demand as much of me as you do. You're spendy, Mr. Callaway. Sure, you can keep your crowds and tons of admirers. But I'm going to be strong and be friends with some other kids that don't cost as much.

See you later, Callaway. I'm leaving. Right now. Unless... you're not busy and you want to hang out. Callaway? Are you busy? You want to do something, Callaway? I'm up for it. OK, cool. Let's play a quick nine.

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]]> http://www.zipgolfer.com/callaway-x22-irons-review-menscavity-back-3-pw-set-golf-digest-gold-award/feed/ 1 Callaway FT9 Driver Review | Titanium Neutral 10 Degree, Regular or Stiff Flex Shaft http://www.zipgolfer.com/callaway-ft-9-driver-lh-titanium-neutral-10-degree-regular-or-stiff-flex-shaft/ http://www.zipgolfer.com/callaway-ft-9-driver-lh-titanium-neutral-10-degree-regular-or-stiff-flex-shaft/#comments Wed, 27 Apr 2011 16:35:14 +0000 Mark http://www.zipgolfer.com/?p=3967 Callaway FT-9 Driver LH This driver offering from Callaway employs a myriad of their technical features including Fusion Technology (FT), a combination of a carbon-composite body with a titanium face cup, and Hyperbolic Face Technology. There is a lot going on with this driver, and I'm sure Callaway has spent millions of dollars and countless hours developing them. The bottom line though is -- what will it do for me? This is a driver designed for the better player; someone who can and does "shape" their shots. The composite body means low overall weight (for greater swing speed more distance). The Hyperbolic Face Technology is engineering to improve ball speeds across the entire face -- this translates to better performance, even on mishits.

Available in either a Regular or Stiff flex shaft, the left-handed version only comes with the 10-degree face (9 and 11-degree options are also available for right-handed players). As a lefty golfer, your options are always going to be limited, and this club is no exception. The 10-degree model is a solid performer, however, and should definitely get consideration from those looking for a good option in the titanium driver category.

Aesthetically, Callaway makes some of the most handsome clubs on the market, and the FT-9 gets high marks here as well. The FT-9 just looks like it will hit the ball a long way; the silver titanium face sharply contrasts with the black composite body and the bold white markings. It's an aggressive yet clean-looking golf club.

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]]> http://www.zipgolfer.com/callaway-ft-9-driver-lh-titanium-neutral-10-degree-regular-or-stiff-flex-shaft/feed/ 0 Callaway Golf Practice Hitting Mat, Indoor Outdoor | Compact FT Launch Zone Tee Green http://www.zipgolfer.com/callaway-golf-practice-hitting-mat-indoor-outdoor-compact-ft-launch-zone-tee-green/ http://www.zipgolfer.com/callaway-golf-practice-hitting-mat-indoor-outdoor-compact-ft-launch-zone-tee-green/#comments Fri, 11 Mar 2011 21:40:02 +0000 Robert http://www.zipgolfer.com/?p=3738 Callaway Golf Practice Hitting Mat,This is a compact hitting mat that is great for just about anywhere. I like to throw it in my trunk and have it ready to go wherever I am. For example, take a 15-minute break from work and tee it up in the office parking lot. As a target, you can even use the new SUV of that "kiss-up" that got your promotion. (However, I wouldn't recommend this for higher handicappers, because you are apt to miss and hit some innocent bystander's car, like that cute coworker that sits next to you.)

Seriously, though, this is a good mat to take to the park or use in your backyard. The only thing I would warn you about is the size. It is small, so it tends to move around a bit. Also, if you catch the tee too low, it may fly into your neighbor's yard. (Then to get it back, you have to return the rake you borrowed... and the lawn mower, the drill, his new driver, his car, etc.)

For a more substantial net that can take a beating, check out the 3' x 5' Dura-Pro Plus Residential Golf Mat. This bad boy ain't going nowhere (as my 2nd grade teacher used to brag on me). Go ahead and hit it fat or skinny or just right. The Dura Pro costs more, but it will last longer, and it comes with a bunch of free booty like a cool tray, balls, tees, etc. Plus, you get to keep your neighbor's lawn mower for another couple months.

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]]> http://www.zipgolfer.com/callaway-golf-practice-hitting-mat-indoor-outdoor-compact-ft-launch-zone-tee-green/feed/ 0 Callaway X-20 Iron Set | Golf Clubs 4-PW Cavity Back, Offset Graphite Shaft http://www.zipgolfer.com/callaway-x-20-iron-set-golf-clubs-4-pw-cavity-back-offset-graphite-shaft/ http://www.zipgolfer.com/callaway-x-20-iron-set-golf-clubs-4-pw-cavity-back-offset-graphite-shaft/#comments Thu, 03 Mar 2011 20:53:01 +0000 Robert http://www.zipgolfer.com/?p=3727 Callaway X-20 Iron Set These X-20 irons are the predecessors to one of my favorite irons, the X22s. And the difference between the two is negotiable. The X22 was tweaked a bit to make it more appealing to better players -- a little thinner, and not quite as boxy.

Both sets are designed with a high MOI and a forgiving cavity back that allows you to miss the center of the club and still get a favorable result. Both sets are a little offset to help higher handicappers close the clubface. And both sets look oversized at setup, which gives you confidence to make a good pass at the ball.

When you boil it down, I would be hard pressed to recommend the more expensive X22s, especially to high handicappers. If you have a double digit handicap, get the X-20 with the graphite shaft -- and thank me later.

For better players, I'd steer you away from any of the X series and point you towards some Titlists or Nikes. Two sets that I really like are the Titleist AP-2 and the Nike Victory Red Forged Split Cavity Irons.

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Callaway X 20 Iron set Golf Clubs Callaway X 20 Iron set Golf Clubs
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Callaway X20 Irons 35 SW Set RCH Pro Series Regular Shaft Wow very nice Callaway X20 Irons 35 SW Set RCH Pro Series Regular Shaft Wow very nice
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Callaway X 20 Iron set Golf Club 4 PW Callaway X 20 Iron set Golf Club 4 PW
US $239.95   0 Bid Paypal
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