Callaway RAZR Fit Xtreme Driver Review

2013 Drivers Test

The higher swing speeds of Joel and James seemed to get the most out of this club, both recording distances close to their potential and low dispersion numbers. All the testers enjoyed the classic head shape and simple all-black finish, though the lack of marking on top and contrast between face and crown took a little getting used to. Chris commented that the smaller head screams better-player driver and doesn’t instill confidence at address, but the draw bias of his 10.5˚ lofted head helpednegate his slice. Everyone noted the solid feeling of power transfer at impact. The Razr Fit Xtreme was a reliable performer for all the testers.

First Hit – Howard Boyland hcap 4

I tend to tinker with my equipment quite a lot, especially my driver, but this Callaway will have to seriously-misbehave to find its way out of my bag – it was sensational. The first thing you notice is that the look at address is more suitable for a better player than a game-improver – the head is compact, and there’s no alignment aid at all, which I really liked.

But the looks are only part of the story – this generates a terrific sound at impact; a reassuring fizz through the ball that translates to impressive distance on a gorgeous and penetrating trajectory. The adjustability element was straight-forward enough to use, and the unfussy aesthetics really did appeal. This will prove a lethal weapon in the right hands.

Pros: Terrific looks matched by stunning performance and distance.
Cons: Smaller looking head and lack of alignment aid might be off-putting.

The longest hitter in professional golf added 16.6 yards when he tested Callaway’s newest driver.

The RAZR Fit Xtreme features Speed Frame Face technology, a combination of Variable Face Thickness and Hyperbolic Face
technologies, which create a larger, more consistent sweetspot and more ball speed.

It did the trick for Luke List, a Callaway staffer who led the Web.Com Tour in driving distance this year with an average of 324 yards – he added 0.6mph in ball speed and cut his backspin by nearly 500rpm.

The company puts the gains down to “Speed Frame face technology”, which optimises stiffness and stress distribution across the face for more efficient energy transfer. Callaway says it creates more ball speed and consistent distance, even on offcentre
hits.

It is also claimed to have the lowest centre of gravity of any adjustable driver, and a new weighting system that offers a greater range of shot shaping options.

The crown is made from a forged composite material and weighs just 12.1g, which allowed engineers to achieve that low CG. The OptiFit adjustability system has been improved – the hosel now adjusts to open, square or closed.

Dr Alan Hocknell, Callaway’s R&D chief, told TG: “We worked to improve the best distance characteristics of our longest drivers, and the result is incredibly fast ball speed off the face, plus the lowest CG of any adjustable driver in golf. This driver is very long and consistent.”

It’s available in January, with an RRP of £329. It will feature two tour grade shafts as stock offerings.