X-18's W-O-W!!

I have just had the privilige of test driving the new Callaway X18's!

I am not a cavity back fan to be honest so they wont be going into my bag my they were great. I think Callaway have a great idea in the 360* undercut cavity which makes the "hit" feel more like a "hit" and more responsive. It gives more weight behind the sweet spot which enlarges the sweet spot as well.

The face is good looking with an attractive top line and they're available in Pro version as well. I definately liked the Pro version more than the offset version.

Typical Callaway - excellent components, great uniflex steel shafts and multiple graphite shaft combo's, swingweights were exact and the grips seriously high quality Callaway grips.

On the expensive side but value for money on the quality, technology and image stakes.

For those wanting an upgrade set won't find many better than the X'18s if you like cavity backs.

Attached Images

x18s.jpg (8.6 KB, 35 views)

__________________
Golf is easy ... once you know how.
Graham Arnott, teaching professional
Kelrosa Golf Studios
www.kelrosagolf.com
Class 'A' PGA Member
Full Member: World Golf Teachers Federation (GB&I)

They've been up on Callaway's site for a few weeks now..

http://www.callawaygolf.com/en/clubs...=x18&sFrame=60

I know ... they were made available to tour staff members as final product in mid-November 2004. There is also a X-Tour model coming out which some tour staff players have been proto-typing since June 2004.

They are due for retail release on the 10th of January 2005 worldwide. Some places without Callaway distributors may have to wait a bit longer, possibly to the end of January 2005.

They are seriously nice clubs if you like cavity backs.

I hit these irons at the Belfry when my friend was fitted for some Titliest 690mb's,

I use the Callaway X16 Pro Series these also I found to be an excelent club. I moved from a blade type Taylormade last year because I fell in love with Callaway.

I did hit the X18 which was just as good as mine but they are a little to similar to the X16 to swop.

I can't see me moving from Callaway ever.


Ian.

TeachingPro,

Have you tried the BB Fusions? I have those clubs and wonder how they compare to the X-18's. I'm thinking about possibly returning the Fusions if infact the X-18s play better.

I use a fireform ERT, they are a clone of the callaway x16, I have hit the x16 and these they look the same and feel the same and hit the same. I find they have the softest sweet spot and they hit very long, I get almost a clublenght more out of these than any other club.

Yes, I have tried the Fusions - great clubs, like all Callaway products! There is quite a big feel difference between the X-18's and Fusions. I liked the response at impact from the Fusions where as the X18's had a bit of 'nothing feeling' irrespective of where I hit it.

I didn't like the top line of the Fusions and I couldn't work them like I could the x18's Pros. That's what won the X18's over for me ... I like working the ball.

I'm the first to admit that I am not a cavity back club fan. I've played blades ever since I started at 13 and still use blades, but if I had to play cavity backs from Callaway, I'd probably play the X18's.

I'd suggest you try the X18's and then decide.

__________________
Golf is easy ... once you know how.
Graham Arnott, teaching professional
Kelrosa Golf Studios
www.kelrosagolf.com
Class 'A' PGA Member
Full Member: World Golf Teachers Federation (GB&I)

Yea, decent bats had a shot but nothing special. Much the same feel as the Bertha's and not as good as the X-14's (Callaways best iron)...

However.....

They look just like a cross between the 2004 model Big Bertha's and the Fusions.........YAWN I remember when this lot were innovators. They have the demo's at my Pro's but they are just plain ugly, the chromed finish does nothing for them. I much prefer the purer look of the X-14's. I havent seen the X-Tours yet but I'm hoping they at least point callaway in a new direction (or are they just a smaller headed version of the X-18's trying to palm them off as 'blades'), the X-18's are very much the emperor's new clothes. Unfortunately some people wont see past this and will part with their £700 or so and not even realise you can get a set of X-14's for £300 a really great set of clubs and you can spend the £400 you saved on a driver a fairway wood and a couple of wedges....think about it....No doubt huge saturation of the golf mags and enormous ad hoardings at the local golf store will result in massive sales.....the MacDonalds of golf strikes again

Where can I find X-14 info? (Pics, prices, etc).

I'm looking for new clubs... but can't afford the $5000 price tag of a new set of X18's!

LowPost, go to www.golfsmith.com I think they are currently selling X-14's for $500 (thats the Standard or the Pro Series both are the same price) If you check the site they have a list of their stores across the US but they are mainly in California and the eastern states. If you are in europe www.americangolf.co.uk are selling the same clubs for £299.99 I would imagine in both cases the stock is limited since I dont think Callaway make this model anymore.


D.

I went to golfsmith today and tried out the X-18s compared to my Fusions.. and you are right that the Fusions did have a better feel. I'm going to keep them.


However, I'm kinda pissed since they are cast irons, I was told they wouldnt have a lot of wear in the bag without iron covers, and well, they've taken a good beating to only have been played a few times.

This is what I'm talking about.
http://home.austin.rr.com/viewpt/DSCN0920.JPG

BDR444,

I can't believe they have scared like the picture in only a few rounds, I would take them back to Callaway, they should swop them straght away.

I have the X16 Pro series and I don't use head protectors, there are no marks on mine.

Is it the same on them all?????

A good start would be to e-mail Callaway via there feedback section on their web site http://www.callawaygolf.com/uk/custo...?pid=contactus

On there website the Fusion iron is there opening page.

Good Luck

Ian.

BDR444,

I can't believe they have scared like the picture in only a few rounds, I would take them back to Callaway, they should swop them straight away.

I have the X16 Pro series and I don't use head protectors, there are no marks on mine.

Is it the same on them all?????

A good start would be to e-mail Callaway via there feedback section on their web site http://www.callawaygolf.com/uk/custo...?pid=contactus

On there website the Fusion iron is there opening page.

Good Luck

Ian.

BDR444,

No way ... take them back. I'd sh1t myself if they were my clubs! Cast or not cast ... no way should a new set of irons scuff up like that.

Either take them back to the retailer/pro you bought them from or get hold of Callaway directly. Their contact details are on the website.

That club in the picture hasn't actually been through a couple of rounds, maybe hit a few times during one round and maybe a few times at the range. I was supprised how little it took them to get dinged up, because I also have a set of X-12's & 14's that are several years old and have been played a lot and still look like new. I know one is chrome and one isn't, but still.

I emailed Callaway right before I posted the picture. I asked if there was anyway to remove or clean the marks off, however, I'm pretty sure there won't be a way. I know Callaway's support is very nice and I wouldn't be supprised if they offered to switch them out. If they don't, then I'll ask to get them replaced.
Thanks for the support guys, I was a little upset about it too.

And yes, most of the clubs are like that. The weights on everyone have been scratched from the club next to it in the bag. The only clubs that aren't so scratched up are my 3,4,5 irons. My 9 iron has taken the most beating, however, I should have posted it.

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