CALLAWAY XR 16

www.callawaygolf.com Lofts: 3+/14°; 3/15°; 4/17°; 5/19°; 7/21°; 9/23°; 11/25° Stock shaft: Fujikura Speeder Evolution 565 Adjustable hosel: No

TECH:

A bigger footprint has allowed Callaway’s engineers to create their highest MOI, low centre of gravity and highest COR (spring face) fairway wood.

WE SAY:

Callaway promises aerodynamics with the XR 16 and it certainly delivered, posting the joint highest average club speed and two of the three quickest single club speeds of all the fairways tested. We really liked the laser pattern that Callaway uses to highlight the centre of the face, which focuses attention brilliantly behind the ball. The XR 16 isn’t just quick either – with just 3.5mph of drop-off between centre and offcentre strikes it’s also very stable and forgiving. The head sits really square at address and we reckon the size delivers a great blend of versatility and playability thanks to its stability.

VERDICT:

A very good fairway with a face depth that’s just as useful from the tee as it is the fairway. Thanks to the forgiveness you don’t need to be the world’s best ball-striker to get a decent performance from such a well-engineered head. Lots of loft options, too.