Tis the season for golfers. For us, it’s almost better than Christmas. January is when all the major club manufacturers introduce their new lines of clubs for the season.
And Callaway never misses the date. This year, it’s all about the new line of Rogue ST drivers. There are no less than four customizable driver heads in this latest line.
The thinking is that one driver head, no matter how adjustable it is, just isn’t enough to fit the needs of all golfers.
According to the manufacturer, the new Rogue ST line of drivers is an evolution from the 2018 Rogue line, a not a replacement for the newer Mavrik or Epic Speed lines.
Let’s take a closer look.
Key Features
Updated Jailbreak Speed Frame behind the face improves flex and energy transfer at impact.
Unibody construction ensures greater consistency between heads during the manufacturing process.
Tungsten weight at the back of the head optimizes perimeter weighting for added stability and higher MOI.
Design and Technology
Callaway stuck to a lot of what’s been proven to work in previous drivers and made some significant improvements with the Rogue ST line of drivers.
Callaway ST Rogue Max Driver
Let’s start with the ST Max. This is the line’s most forgiving head. We’re talking about high MOI and a large sweet spot.
Compared to the Epic Speed driver, the ST Max head reduces backspin by up to 250rpm and increases ball speed by 1 mph. That equates to an increase of three yards in distance and shot dispersion that’s 11% tighter.
The 26-gram tungsten weight helps increase MOI as well compared to previous models.
Callaway Rogue ST Max LS Driver
Next in line is the Rogue ST Max LS Driver. This is the lowest spinning driver of the lot. That’s due in large part to AI-designed patterns behind the face that add stability and increase ball speed.
The head is also shorter from front to back, resulting in a robust aerodynamic design that allows golfers to achieve maximum clubhead speed.
Even though this club is meant to produce low spin, it still has a large MOI for plenty of forgiveness.
Golfers should expect a lower, more penetrating flight than they would find with the Rogue Max head.
This is a great club for long-hitters who also want the ability to shape shots.
Callaway Rogue ST Max D Driver
If you battle a slice, check out the Rogue ST Max D driver.
Out of the four heads in the line, this one has the most draw bias. This is thanks to extra weight in the heel that counteracts slice spin for straighter ball flights that find the fairway more often than the trees on the right (for right-handed golfers).
The lie is also more upright. This helps shots start a little farther left of the target than other heads in the line. Internal and external weighting also help to maximize shot shape correction. The 20-gram tungsten weight in the back of the club also affords maximum MOI and forgiveness on mishits.
Callaway Rogue ST Triple Diamond LS Driver
It’s no secret that Callaway has long produced drivers that are only available to their staff players on Tour.
That’s changed with the Rogue ST line. Now, the Triple Diamond head (what Tour players are using) is available to the public as well.
It’s important to remember that this driver is the ultimate “player’s club” and probably isn’t best for the average player.
The head is slightly smaller than the other models at just 450cc. It’s also the lowest spinning model and comes with neutral or fade-bias. In short, it’s an “anti-left” driver.
Before you think about putting this driver in your bag, it’s a good idea to go through a fitting. Just because it’s what the best players in the world are using, doesn’t mean it’s what you should be hitting too.
Callaway Rogue ST Driver
The Callaway Rogue ST Max driver is a cutting-edge addition to Callaway's lineup, designed to deliver unparalleled speed and forgiveness. Building on the success of its predecessors, the Rogue ST Max incorporates advanced technologies such as the Tungsten Speed Cartridge, Jailbreak Speed Frame, and A.I. designed Flash Face to enhance performance. With its focus on stability and distance, this driver aims to cater to a wide range of golfers, particularly those seeking to improve their game with a forgiving and long-hitting club. Here’s a closer look at what makes the Rogue ST Max stand out:
PROS
Multiple head, loft, and shaft options make the fitting process easy.
New tungsten weight in the back of the head increases MOI compared to previous models.
Improved Jailbreak Technology makes this face one of the most stable of any club on the market.
CONS
- Scheduling a fitting may be difficult depending on where you live and fitter availability.
- Price point is quite high.
- Ship times have been slower than expected so far.
Our Experience
I recently had the chance to hit both the Max and Max LS drivers. It’s safe to say that Callaway has churned out yet another quality line for this year.
While I didn’t notice remarkable distance gains with either club compared to my current driver, my shot dispersion was noticeably tighter.
I also like the lower penetrating flight of the Max LS. This would be a great choice if you play in the wind or on courses that are firm where the ball rolls.
One of our writers gave the Triple Diamond LS head a go and was impressed. As someone who tries to eliminate the left side of the golf course, he felt he was able to aim down the left side and let his natural fade come back into the fairway. He also liked the look of the compact head.
However, he also warned that this club isn’t for anybody, and admitted that it might even be a little too much for him.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Does the Callaway Rogue ST Max Driver Compare to Previous Models in Terms of Forgiveness and DiSTance?
I’ve tested the Callaway Rogue ST Max driver and can confirm it outperforms previous models in forgiveness and distance. Its groundbreaking Tungsten Speed Cartridge structure and A.I. designed face enhance performance, while the titanium unibody construction ensures solid construction.
Can the Tungsten Speed Cartridge Structure Be Adjusted or Customized for Individual Player Preferences?
Sure, I’ll start with the current question: No, the Tungsten Speed Cartridge structure in the Callaway Rogue ST Max Driver isn’t adjustable or customizable for individual player preferences. It’s a fixed feature designed for maximum performance.
What Specific Materials Are Used in the Construction of the A.I. Designed Face, and How Do They Contribute to Lowering Spin and Adding Forgiveness?
The A.I. designed face of the Rogue ST Max Driver utilizes high-strength materials to lower spin and enhance forgiveness. The advanced design and materials work together to reduce spin for more accurate shots and provide forgiveness on off-center hits, optimizing performance.
Are There Any Specific Recommendations for Care and Maintenance of the Titanium Unibody Construction to Ensure Its Stability and Longevity?
I’ve found that proper care and maintenance can significantly improve the stability and longevity of the titanium unibody construction. Regularly cleaning the driver with a soft cloth and storing it in a protective headcover can help maintain its performance.
Can the Triaxial Carbon Crown and Sole Be Customized for Different Launch and Bias Preferences, or Are They Fixed in Their Design?
Yes, the triaxial carbon crown and sole can be customized for different launch and bias preferences. This adjustment possibility allows for enhanced performance benefits, as the material contributions of the crown and sole can be tailored to individual playing styles.
Conclusion
It comes as no surprise that Callaway’s newest line of drivers have already been met with such popularity. It happens the same way every year.
What sets the Rogue ST line of drivers apart from previous generations, however, is that the line includes four different driver heads that are meant to cater to golfers of all ability levels.
More than what we’ve seen from any other manufacturer so far this year, this line is comprehensive.
Having hit a couple of the Rogue ST heads myself, I can attest that these clubs do live up to the hype. If you have the chance, I suggest trying them out for yourself.
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