Callaway FT-9 and Diablo drivers coming in 2009
Callaway Golf recently released the new FT-iQ driver, but the company has two more drivers heading to pro shops near you later this winter. The Callaway FT-9 should be available starting in mid-February, and the Callaway Big Bertha Diablo will start appearing in mid-March.
Designed to appeal to golfers who like to work the ball off the tee, the 460cc FT-9 ($399) is an upgrade from the FT-5, which is used by both Phil Mickelson and Ernie Els. (According to Callaway, both Mickelson and Els are now experimenting with the FT-9.) It will be available with a neutral face or draw bias in lofts between 9° and 13°.
The FT-9 Tour edition ($429) has a face angle that is 1° open, which should appeal to fast-swinging players who prefer to fade their tee shots rather than hit a draw. The FT-9 Tour will be offered in lofts of 8.5°, 9.5° and 10.5°, and according to Callaway, it produces a lower, more penetrating ball flight for more accomplished players. The stock shaft for both drivers is a Fujikura ZCOM.
Golfers will immediately notice a stainless steel weight web system in the lower rear portion of the FT-9. According to Callaway, the weight they saved by using a carbon composite body and titanium face has been repositioned into this webbing to move the center of gravity down and back. The company says that by precisely positioning these web weights, they can manipulate the bias of the club to help golfers reduce their slice or increase workability.
For a video look at the FT-9, click here.
The newest member of the Big Bertha family, the Diablo ($299), is designed for players who are looking to maximize distance.
The 100% titanium head is created by welding four different cast titanium pieces together. At address, the Diablo looks fairly traditional, but along the sole golfers will immediately notice a series of grooves. In the Draw version of the Diablo, the grooved area adds discretionary weight to the heel area, making it easier for golfers to shut the clubface and avoid slicing. In the Neutral version, the grooved area is more centered to give players a greater ability to shape shots.
The Diablo features Callaway's Hyperbolic Face Technology, which makes the face lighter—and stiff—in critical areas to expand the sweetspot and make the driver more forgiving.
The Diablo will be available in lofts ranging from 8° to 13°and come standard with a light, regular or stiff Aldila DVS shaft.
Posted by: TY | Dec 30, 2008 3:21:09 PM
yeah, i noticed he was using the Diablo as well. Had to use slow motion and pause on the DVR to know for sure.
Posted by: Lee Smith | Dec 29, 2008 12:24:51 PM
Was the Diablo the driver that Rocco was using at the skills challenge recently?
Posted by: kc | Dec 22, 2008 7:31:21 PM
"At address, the Diablo looks fairly traditional"
Far out, the diablo certainly DO NOT look traditional
it's pretty squarish
in fact more like a rhomboid at address,
Fairly Traditional looking callaways includes
the BB454, BB460, X460 and Hyper X