CALLAWAY ROGUE X

YOU NEED TO KNOW:

Rogue X are an allout assault on distance. The lofts are strong, the shafts are longer and they’re lighter than the standard Rogue. The 7- iron is 27° which is only 0.5° from being a 6 iron in other brands! Callaway says the lighter, stronger, longer trend has spread over from Japan, so Rogue X are specifically designed to perform at average and above swing speeds.

WE SAY:

An all-out assault on distance? Our data completely supports that claim. It’s our longest iron of 2018. Plenty will argue our test 7-iron (thanks to a strong loft) was almost a 6-iron, but Callaway didn’t start the “loftjacking” game and we’re

not going to criticise them for joining the party. But there are rules to remember should you buy a set. Firstly, you’ll need to recalibrate your distances. We found you can just move down a club. So if you usually hit a 7-iron from 150 yards, you’ll need 8 in Rogue X. It’s that simple. Also, they won’t suit all golfers; to play Rogue X successfully, you can’t have any issue launching shots high from the turf. If you do struggle, these lower lofts aren’t going to help. Finally, pay attention to how the Rogue X gaps down to your next longest wedge – the 41° PW is close to being a 9-iron.

VERDICT:

The head’s big, butch and chunky, and while ball flight was four yards lower than the highest iron, it was exactly the same height as the Cobra F8, suggesting you should hold approaches on a green. Be warned, hit them on a launch monitor against any other iron and they’re difficult to resist when shots sail past your expected carry distances.