This week I took the Callaway Rogue ST Max out on course for a review. I was impressed by its distance, but even more so, I was impressed on just how good it performed on mis hits. In fact, I would go so far as to say the Callaway Rogue ST Max is one of, if not THE MOST forgiving drivers I’ve ever tested on a golf course.
You can watch my full on-course review from YouTube video here or continue reading my synopsis below.
Callaway Rogue ST Max Technology
There are a few key pieces of technology inside this new Callaway Rogue ST Max which helps make it an absolute beast. Firstly, the body of the driver is made of carbon fiber, while a giant tungesten weight has been placed at the rear to improve launch, forgiveness and help increase the driver’s moment of inertia (MOI).
Distinctly missing, however, is any sort of movable weighting or adjustability in the head. For me, that’s a welcomed sight as I think having too much going on there is often an invitation for more to go wrong. The only available adjustments are located on the driver’s shaft where you can adjust the loft and add draw bias if needed.
The face of the Callaway Rogue ST has plenty of tech packed inside as well. Callaway used artificial intelligence to help design the face and they claim it imparts lower spin while increasing forgiveness.
I noticed plenty of grooves and milling on the driver’s face which should help it perform more consistently in wet conditions. That’s always useful for me living in Florida and dealing with humidity and those summer rain storms.
Sitting behind the face is their venerable jailbreak technology. It’s a fancy name for two pillars that add stability to the driver’s face on either side of the sweet spot.
My Callaway Rogue ST Max Setup
For my testing I went with a 9º head which I then turned up one degree, to make my Rogue ST Max a 10º driver. I kept the other settings neutral.
I chose the Tensei 55g Stiff Flex shaft for my Callaway Rogue ST. Now 55g is a little light for me, I generally play a 60g shaft, but I hoped this might lead to a little more swing speed.
On Course Review of the Rogue ST Max
Test #1 – Forgiveness
I decided to forgo hitting the Rogue ST on the range in favor of my TaylorMade SIM 2. The reason being that I wanted to experience the new Rogue with a completely fresh perspective on the course.
My first swing with the Rogue ST Max was very low on the face. The ball still got up in the air nicely, was dead straight and seemed to go a decently long way for such a poor mishit.
My next swing was even worse! I hit the ball severely off the toe. But to my surprise the ball, which started out way right, seemed to track back nicely toward the fairway. I figured it would be in the right rough.
My next swing was a pull left, but was good contact. The ball had a hefty draw, but definitely did not snap hook, which is what it could’ve done with a lesser driver.
My final swing of my first hole’s test was beautiful center contact. The ball had a nice high baby draw and landed right center of the fairway with a nice hop forward.
Fully expecting to see 2 balls in the fairway and one in each side in the rough, I was shocked to find that all four of my balls were sitting in the fairway! The second one especially seemed like a complete miracle as it was poorly struck and didn’t deserve to be there.
The mishit balls definitely weren’t super long but the were all safe around the 225-235 yard mark. Being a Par 5 this didn’t hurt me in the least. The best struck ball found it’s way to 251 yards. I was very happy with that and I felt the driver had more in it.
Test #2 – Power
On the next hole I hoped to see just how far the Callaway Rogue ST would fly with a good drive. I did end up hitting two very good shots that flew 265 yards and 275 yards respectively. The latter being my biggest drive of the year using any driver.
In addition I hit another one low and another one viciously left. Impressively, both found the fairway despite my best efforts to miss it.
Test #3 – Workability
On my third and final test hole, I decided to hit 3 balls with a fade swing and test just how workable this driver can be. My first and third shots were struck well and had a nice baby butter cut to them. Not a super fade, but a nice power fade. However, the middle shot didn’t seem to fade and possible even drew a bit even though I had tried my best to come inside out on my swing.
This was the only chink in the Callaway’s armor I could find. It makes a lot of sense that an ultra-forgiving driver will not move left and right as much since by design it’s meant to course correct. But if you’re looking to really work the ball left and right, the MAX version may not be the best choice. I’ve yet to try the LS or low spin model in the Rogue ST line, but I’d assume it would be a bit more workable.
Final Thoughts on the Rogue ST Max
I absolutely loved what I saw out of this driver and I can’t wait to continue to use it this season. It has ample power and amazing forgiveness. There’s a good chance that this is the one that will stay in my bag. If you’re interested in purchasing one for yourself, here’s a link to buy it on Amazon and help support this show. Good luck and hit ’em straight!