What some may not realize, Callaway has been consistently at the top of the game in terms of sales when it comes to both hybrids and irons, and the Rogue/Mavrik release cycle has always been a significant reason for that. However, as is the case with the drivers and fairway releases of the Rogue line today, don’t make the mistake of thinking this is any kind of filler release, this has all the technology and then some which Callaway possesses.
Speed is the name of the game here, though there are some twists which are sure to surprise.
This is what Callaway is calling their fastest family of hybrids yet, and it’s done with some very cool internal technology.
First, each model is using the new Jailbreak ST which is entirely different than that used in the Rogue drivers or fairways. As the hybrids have unique shapes, A.I. showed that so too should the Jailbreak applied. These clubs actually have two jailbreak speedframes pushed to the far perimeter of the heel and toe versus being located in the middle. This was done because Callaway found it would maintain the vertical stiffness they desire, but also stay away from the Face Cup to let it flex more, which means more speed while keeping stability.
All of the hybrids in the line also have up to 18g of MIM’d tungsten, of which there was none in the Mavrik hybrids previously. This has actually been placed internally because it is towards the toe and externally might draw some question and preconceptions, when in reality, it is there because that counterbalances the elongated hosels of the hybrid to keep things in balance.
Finally, all three models have unique A.I. face optimization with the new 455 high strength Face Cup. But not only that, every loft has a unique A.I. face making for thirteen totally one-of-a-kind faces through the three hybrid designs. These are created to optimize spin robustness (how much spin is maintained) and have done such via Callaway’s testing about 130 RPM’s and a whopping 1.5° of launch.
Best yet? All three options, well, technically four, do independently unique things.
Callaway Rogue ST MAX Hybrid
This is the longest of the hybrid options, it has slightly stronger lofts and will fit the golfer who is looking for speed, forgiveness, and all around performance. The ST MAX does have the squared off toe and lower leading edge which many have become accustomed to from Callaway, and it also has a more iron like face groove design as well.
The ST MAX will be available in 3H-6H (18°, 20°, 23°, 26°) loft options.
Callaway Rogue ST MAX OS and MAX OS LITE Hybrids
Want maximum forgiveness in your hybrid? Then this is your ticket as the MAX OS has the largest shape of the three with the most mass moves to maximize launch while offering tremendous speed and playability. There are also the most loft options here, along with the most draw bias.
This is also why I mentioned there being four options, as Callaway is offering the OS version of the new Rogue hybrids in two different types with the LITE version being higher lofted and lighter weighted for women and amateurs who could benefit from such.
Both the Max OS and Max OS Lite come in 3H-8H (OS – 19°, 21°, 24°, 27°, 30°, 33°, and LITE – 21°, 24°, 27°, 30°, 33°, 36°).
Callaway Rogue ST PRO Hybrid
Finally, there is the Pro. Obviously, this is the most neutral CG of the line, and it is meant to offer more workability as well as fighting against the dreaded left miss (for righties) of better players with hybrids. The Pro also has a more fairway wood shape to it with a rounded face absent any square toe and a significant amount of camber on the sole for turf interaction a lot of better players look for in a hybrid.
The Pro will be available in 2H-4H (18°, 20°, 23°) options.
Why of course there are irons! In fact, right in line with the hybrids there are three (technically four with the LITE) different options which Callaway thinks they allowed them to hit all ranges of golfers. The irons are “Speed Tuned” and are one of the most advanced Callaway has created.
That claim starts with the industries first 450 A.I. Face Cup. This is not a new material to irons, but it is new to the Face Cup application, and its strength means even more speed and speed consistency is now possible for Callaway. Similar to the hybrids, every single face in every single set here is totally unique thanks to the A.I. design supercomputer, meaning every club is optimized for the specific way most amateurs use it (and miss with it too). This new material in the Face Cup has also allowed more spin, speed, launch, and a 13.2% tighter dispersion, not to mention Callaway is actually weakening the lofts in the longer irons because of what is has done.
Additionally, there is a lot of Precision Tungsten Weighting in each of the models with up to 62g in a single head, and 250% more overall than was used in the Mavrik irons. That is a lot of tungsten, and yes that matters a lot in club design. This added weight means more precise placement is an option which helps optimize every single iron.
Finally, the witchcraft which are Callaway’s patented Urethan Microspheres are not only here, but there are more of them than ever before as the company worked to make sure they reach higher up the face (6th groove versus 3rd/4th previously). Because of the way they deform with no resistance, the face still gets maximum flexion while keeping the dampening which makes them sound/feel good.
Callaway Rogue ST MAX Irons
These are the “core” model of the three sets, and Callaway is calling them their longest ever despite actually making the lofts weaker than the Mavrik irons in the longer irons. These offer that in-between realm of offset, topline, and sole width which will work for the biggest segment of golfers. These look like a Callaway iron, through and through.
The ST MAX irons will be available 4-PW, A, G, and S.
Rogue ST Max OS Iron Rogue ST Max OS Iron
Callaway Rogue ST MAX OS and OS LITE Irons
The biggest and burliest of the offerings, the OS and OS LITE are also the most forgiving with the widest soles, enhanced offset, and overall profile that will help golfers who need launch and playability. These are aimed at the mid to high handicap golfer and the OS LITE option is a lighter swing weighted version that also has 3° more loft through the set to further maximize launch for golfers who need it.
Set makeup for the MAX OS is 4-P, A, G, S and 4-P, A, S in the MAX OS LITE.
Rogue ST Max Pro Iron Rogue ST Max Pro Iron
Callaway Rogue ST PRO Irons
Finally, the Pro, and this is a Pro which actually looks as such. This one is sure to turn heads as it looks very similar to the Apex Pro and is likewise a hollow body design with all the bells and whistles packed into a tidy little package. This is a players shape with stronger lofts offering more workability but still a maximization of distance. For those curious, it isn’t as forgiving as the Apex, but it is stronger lofted than the Apex Pro, sitting it right in the middle.
The Pro’s will come in a 4-PW, A option for set orientation.
The Details
Both the Rogue ST MAX hybrids and irons will hit retail everywhere on 2/18/22. Hybrids will come in at $279.99 and the irons at $999.99 for the base set. Shaft options include True Temper Elevate MPH and all new Project X Rifle shafts in steel, and Project X Cypher Black as well as Mitusbishi Tensei AV Blue and White in graphite.
Keep a keen eye on the THP Community for feedback and thoughts of golfers just like you beginning today as we have 12 forum members that have already tested these out!
The Max and Max OS were no slouches either. Was pleasantly surprised by how great they looked up to the ball. The OS being the hybrid with the most help look really nice and didn’t look to be a “super game improvement” hybrid as the offset wasn’t noticeable at all and the ball just flew off the face.
View attachment 9058245
Unfortunately, the lofts are so strong that there are ten of them from 4-SW (two gappers).
Add a driver, a 60, and a putter, and there’s only room for one fairway wood.
I like two–a longer one and a tree-hopper.
On the plus side, they do make 15-slot cart bags.
Forced to pare down, I suppose that I’d keep the 4-iron as a tight hole driving club and pull the 5-iron.
Back on topic, however, the entire Rogue ST Max series looks very, very impressive, at least visually.
Very nice!
Perfect thanks. I always found it weird that there was less offset in the mav pro than the apex pro. How would you compare rst pro to apex pro?
It’s what I described in the article of the first post, the Rogue Pro sit between Apex and Apex Pro’s. They’re going to spin less than the Apex Pro’s, be a little stronger flighted.
As has been said, loft doesn’t mean half as much as the way these clubs were designed to launch the ball. BUT if you’re really focused on loft only, I previously posted the Max OS Lite have weaker lofts across the board. There’s something for everyone here. Even though the loft in the club doesn’t tell the whole story. As it hasn’t for a looonnnnng time
That can be very true, but it doesn’t help me because I’m completely dependent on published specs.
I mentioned on another thread that our pro shop is mainly a polo shirt and cap store now.
Our pro isn’t fitting me for clubs as in previous times.
I’m buying blind online, so looks and published specs are what I’ve got to go by.
I know my lie angle adjustments pretty well, but other than that, published specs are all that I’ve got.
While I like to read the reviews, I don’t even rely much on them, to be honest.
Fine specs only, which doesn’t work, Go Max OS lite. Or do what I suggested earlier. If you’re going only by specs. Start at 6i. If you’re going only by that, it’s 25.5. That should be plenty since the lofts are so “jacked” Then you have more room to work with
You have NO golf stores up there? None? That’s wild.
As to the review comment, good reviews aren’t about what works for the reviewer or their swing, it’s about does the club do what it’s claims it does.
As I said, Jman, I do read (or watch) and enjoy the reviews. I wasn’t putting them down at all.
We have golf stores like everyplace else, but that’s not my vibe.
It’s not our club pro fitting us.
It’s like buying store model clubs in 1965, only they cost $4000 instead of $200.
.
I’d rather do TGW than Dick’s or someplace like that.
I don’t have to deal with some kid I don’t know.
That’s just me, though. To each his own, right?
You do know you don’t have to buy at those places, right? They’ll just let you try them, so then there is no guessing and you see what the tech is, because it IS very real.
I think @Jman has nailed it here with his description and I’ll add a few things that I saw which made me go Rogue ST Pro over Apex Pro. I was playing standard Apex 21 irons this past year and had them built 1 degree flat and 1 degree weak. That was to remove some of the visible offset and help me with my miss (hooking the ball). The Rogue ST pro sits more neutral than standard Apex so I didn’t have to mess with having them bent. I could swing freely and trust that they weren’t going to go way left. They had the looks similar to Apex Pro with the smaller head size, less offset, & thin top line but forgiveness more like the standard Apex. What was really big for me was performance on miss hits. With Apex Pro they did not sound/ feel good on my miss (low and toe). That shot was also penalized distance wise with Apex Pro (often coming up 10 yards shorter than well struck shots). With Rogue ST Pro the sound/ feel on those low & toe side misses was much better (it felt good across the whole face.. i seemed to test every inch of it) yet the dropoff in distance was minor compared to center strikes (only a few yards). For my swing, the difference in spin between the Apex Pro and Rogue ST Pro was only 150 – 200 rpms (Apex spinning more). Spin wasn’t a concern and the fitter explained that the right shaft got us to the perfect spin and launch window with the Rogue ST Pro head.
I should do that, perhaps.
I’m older. We used to buy clubs at our own club professional’s on course shop in the old days.
I don’t know if you’re old enough to remember that or not.
Then, even before the internet, the fair trade laws were abolished and the pros were pressured by places like Edwin Watts and Nevada Bob’s
who had discount ads in the golf magazines and took phone orders.
Until then, the clubs had to be sold at MSRP–no discounts–so there was no point buying them anyplace else than your pro shop with help from your pro.
Stores sold only cheaper store models like Wilson’s Sam Snead Blue Ridge or MacGregor’s Jack Nicklaus Golden Bear or PowerBi;lt’s Grand Slam.
Now, the phone order places could sell pro line clubs at prices that the independent club pros couldn’t match.
It’s the abolition of the fair trade laws–a huge change that’s never discussed today because most people don’t remember it–
that changed the industry. Younger players were born with that change having already happened, and grew up being fitted in stores.
Those of us older players from the pro shop era, however, made the transition by ordering blind, first by phone through magazine ads, and then by the internet.
Now we have launch monitors and simulators in golf stores, allegedly trained fitters, and we old players either made the transition or didn’t.
I only mention all of this because it happened a while back and post boomers would not probably know about it.
.
View attachment 9058273View attachment 9058274
Goes forever, I need that
Wait, I was right? ?
I can’t comment on the handicap, but can confirm regarding launch and spin and rocket ships.
The specs you put up there are for standard Apex.
Haha damn it you are right. My bad. But do you know why there is so much offset on apex pro? I just want to understand the science behind it. Especially considering there is less offset on mav pro.
They don’t have more than the Mav Pro though, except in two irons and it’s 0.05 and 0.04 difference, which the human eye won’t really notice.
View attachment 9058317View attachment 9058318
Despite the irons being at minimum one club stronger lofted than I’d prefer,
a situation that I think I can work around,
they look, both in photos and description, absolutely confidence inspiring to me.
Callaway may have, regardless of their steep price point, an absolute home run here.
That’s the problem. I do a full retooling on an 8-12 year basis.
2021 was my year for that.
My present set is virtually brand new.
Spending roughly four grand on new golf clubs again this year could bring an abrupt halt to my domestic tranquility if I get caught.
And I surely would.
I even found a way around my previously imagined problem–getting down to fourteen clubs with the stronger lofts.
Change the 56 / 60 wedge setup to a 58. I’ve really liked 58s in the past.
Titleist conspired against me when they dropped the L-Grind 58 from the SM8 lineup.
Based on the comments I’ve read here, it’s unlikely that they’ll reinstate it with the SM9s.
But I can get my hands on an SM6 or SM7 and have The Iron Factory completely rebuild it for me.
That would be considerably more expensive than a brand new wedge, but very doable.
It would also give me the benefit of cover-shredding, non-conforming box grooves,
an aberation not nearly as noticeable as fifteen clubs….and more useful.
I’m sure that the good people at Callaway didn’t do it to me on purpose.
It just feels that way.
They are a full fledged disaster without hitting them first? weird.
You are going to find trouble with just about every brand in the club segment you are looking for if stated loft is the only criteria.
stated loft doesn’t matter. Old cliche’s work here
1) don’t knock it till you try it
2) proof is in the pudding
Obviously, I’m projecting. They look really good.
Unlike THP staffers (and apparently many THP subdcribers),
I don’t have the opportunity to try everything before I buy.
This is the sticking point in most of our conversations. You and Jman can’t relate to that, perhaps.
Some of us are totally dependent on pictures and published specs.
Our pro shops aren’t what they were forty or fifty years ago.
We order clubs online now.
As for the lofts problem, I can work around that.
My preference for 1950s loft/club number correlations is nothing but that. A simple mindset.
Of course I know that they’re not coming back.
I’ve heard about launch window technology, mostly from you.
This time my problem has nothing to do with lofts.
It has to do with having almost brand new clubs right now.
THP is merely an opportunity to share what’s on my mind.
I’m not looking to annoy you. I enjoy your comments and learn from them.
Please ignore my posts if they upset you. I promise that’s not my intention.
Perhaps I’m misreading the tone of your responses.
I am seriously pondering new irons this season and have been reading this thread and have looked at Callaway’s website. I don’t find anything about the Big Bertha irons on the website.
Does anyone know anything about the status of the Big Bertha irons? They’re not shown on the website. I know that retailers may have them but I would need some customization as far as length and lie.
Bit my tongue a bit as everyone has an opinion and is free to express them but throwing a product under the bus without trying it then claiming there isn’t a way for you to test them like others on the forum comes off as disingenuous on your part to me. If you don’t want to test them but trash a product state that up front but to claim you can’t is understating the situation when there is ample opportunity. Attached was a quick 1 minute search on Callaway’s site to find locations where you can test the irons and entire lineup once they are fully released.
View attachment 9058471
There’s definitely a difference imo of not being able to go test things, and not being willing to. Sure, it may mean stepping outside of a pro shop comfort zone, but times change, and as we all know there are some REALLY amazing fitters and locations to try things out there. Trying golf equipment has never been more accessible than it is right now.
I didn’t trash them even a little bit.
I praised them, said they looked very confidence inspiring, and regreted having just purchased clubs prior to their release.
I can’t even imagine what you saw that suggests I was throwing them under the bus.
I said that I would have preferred weaker lofts, but I understand that modern clubs are built differently.
Is that throwing them under the bus? I say that about ALL modern clubs.
I’ve even figured out how to configure a set of them working around the modern strong lofts:
Callaway Rogue ST Max LS___13.5° 2-wood
Callaway Rogue ST Max___18° 5-wood, 21° 7-wood
Callaway Rogue ST Max___4-9, 41, 46, 51
The Iron Factory___58° (totally rebuilt and modified Vokey SM6 L Grind)
Tad Moore Chicopee___putter
Titleist Pro V1x___ball
The standard 4-iron is strong lofted enough and looks forgiving enough to use as a driving iron.
That explains the loft overlap with the fairway woods.
I buy clubs online. That’s what I’ve done for a few sets now.
If my pro shop still sold golf clubs in volume, I’d buy them there—but they don’t anymore.
I choose to NOT buy them in an off course store, fitted by someone not a Class A PGA pro.
—just my personal preference. Nothing I’m starting an argument about, however.
Just understand that
I did NOT come anywhere close to trashing the clubs.
On the contrary, I’m guessing that I’d like them very much.
Perhaps I expressed myself unclearly.
And thanks for the attachment.
I believe they discontinued them. I could be wrong but they definitely discontinued the woods.
is there a specific one you are looking for?
Should have the usuals: steelfiber, MMT, px catalyst, recoils/dart, Tensei blue/white, KBs tgi
Can’t wait to hear about it brother!
They look really good in hand like they were discussing and we’ve said they look amazing when looking down at the ball. They’re still no slouch in the distance category either and weren’t as demanding as they look when you hit them.
I do have a roaming eye when it comes to irons so I will be testing some here soon.
Being a past user of the Rogue X, I could see a fit here with either my Epic Forged or Apex 21 Combo Set.
I will have the demo 7 Pro iron in my bag tomorrow.
They look really good, especially down by the ball and felt almost as good as my Apex 21s.
I really liked that Tensei Blue shaft as well. Nice stock option.
I could game a set of these but I like being married.
View attachment 9059726
Buy your spouse a matching set and problem solved? ?
LOL.
I’ve tried that but she won’t go to a fitting until she is satisfied with her swing improvements. She is getting better…
I need to get some more wear marks on my Apex 21s first. I went today to figure out what graphite shaft to put in some DCBs (5-7) I picked up. When I hit my regular Apex 21 with the SF fc90 shaft, the fitter looked at the numbers and said “oh yeah!” those are the right shafts.
I wish I had a Trackman!
Just wish to know what they are offering as I play graphite in my irons…