Callaway X2 Hot 2 & 3 Deep Fairway Woods Review

Technology
This updated version features a lighter and thinner forged cup face than its predecessor. A higher MOI is said to boost forgiveness while a flatter clubface allows the ball to launch higher from fairway lies.

Looks
Appears to be the most compact of all the new driver alternatives out there. The lack of alignment aid and short length from heel to toe will appeal only to the better player.

Feel/sound
Similar to the X2 Hot driver, explosive from the centre and pretty good away from it, too. The high-spec shaft really feels like it contributes to the power and stability of the clubface through impact. Because the head is smaller, the shaft feels longer, making the ease of control even more impressive.

Forgiveness
The reduced gear effect on shots struck low on the face make it a top performer from tight lies.

Tested
Reviewed by Equipment Editor Joel Tadman: “Solid ball strikers will love the options this gives them. Off the deck, I actually hit the 14.5° version further than the 12.5° due to the additional launch, but because of the flatter clubface towards the bottom, the spin numbers remained similar. Off the tee, the 12.5° goes miles when struck well on a really boring flight. You can still shape it if you want to, but it’s not easy to curve significantly off line. The lower-lofted model could easily slide in the bag as a driver replacement, it just doesn’t look as inviting to hit because of the size of the head.”