MYGOLFCLUB REVIEWS HONEST, UNBIASED RECOMMENDATIONS

• Written by:JonLaw
• Date:September 11, 2011
• Gender:Male
• Handicap:3
• Trajectory:High-Med
• Tempo:Smooth
• Shaft Tested:Aldila RIP Tour
• Flex Tested:Stiff
• Previously Used:Cobra S9-1 Pro D

JonLaw Review

My background was a club pro for a few summers. I had a plus handicap for a bit. I don't get to play as much as I did back then, so forgiveness and some effortless power is a sought after. I've hadn't been a fan of Callaway drivers in the past. Perhaps the sound (High pitch). My previous drivers were Titleist 905T. Last spring 2010 I was on a launch monitor and wanted to bring my spin down. The Cobra Pro D did the trick. However, I had some control issues. This spring I picked up the Razr Hawk TOUR 9.5*... The "Tour" version has a 1* open face and a slightly smaller head (450cc; -10 cc) that the regular Razr Hawk. It offered a very consistent shape and trajectory. The Aldila RIP TOUR shaft (equivalent: RIP Alpha 60, Torque 2.9) is fitted in the TOUR version. The Aldila RIP shaft (equivalent: Rip Beta; Torque 3.5) is the factory shaft in the Neutral and Draw versions of Razr Hawk.

There is a curved line on the crown between the Titanium face and the Forged Composite body. It doesn't bother me at all, but it is not as clean as it could be. The "Hyperbolic Face" is the same as the previous generation Callaway Driver, as they haven't been able to produce a hotter face. If you believe the Rep, it is "The hottest face in golf". After trying it, I believe him.

PRICE: Retail: $399 I picked up my new driver for $250 (Aug 2011), and the street price has fallen since then.

My normal swing produces a straight to slight fade (4-8 yrds). Although with this driver I can hit a slight draw when needed. The 1* open face takes out the left side of the course for me. I used to hit a relatively high ball, however this driver gives me a medium ball flight, and I can keep it down better than previous drivers. As for effortless power, I brought the ball inside of my left heel and started hitting the ball more squarely. I'm usually one of the longer hitters at the club, I was longer than I have ever been without swinging any harder. The club is relatively light, but the head feels like a sledgehammer upon impact. Callaway has tuned the sound to be a lower pitched "Thwack". Ultra solid and the ball comes off the face very hot. The only two fairways I missed in my last round was due to hitting the ball through the fairway (usually not an issue). Only the Taylormade R11 was as impressive, albeit with a slightly higher pitched sound. In quick comparison, the R11 TP with Diamana Ahina shaft was as long and more accurate for me. I just didn't want to throw down $500 for that driver setup. I may pick up the TM R11 TP over the winter when prices come down.

The Razr Hawk Tour is a solid and good looking offering from Callaway. IMO, the best Callaway has ever made.

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