What’s new? How much does it cost? And, how they perform? Max McVittie brings you the lowdown on the new Callaway Elyte fairways and hybrids.
Callaway are in the midst of a strong run in terms of fairway woods. The brand currently the number one in market and on the various professional tours around the world for fairway woods. Callaway believe that their new Elyte fairways and hybrids ranges are even better.
In trying to elevate their product even further, they have focused on two areas where golfers struggle with their metalwoods the most. They have looked to improve the performance of low misses off the face of the club as well as being able to make solid contact in general.
Let’s take a look at how they have went about improving these key performance areas, as well as the other technological advancements in both the fairway woods and the hybrids.
Callaway Elyte Fairways and Hybrids: The Technology
The first technology development Callaway have introduced to help improve low-centre strikes is an all-new tungsten speed wave. This is featured on the 3-7 wood and is a 35g weight that promotes fast ball speeds through positioning mass low and forward.
The Elyte range uses almost double the amount of tungsten that what is evident in the Ai Smoke line-up and has been removed from the sole. In doing this, this prevents any stiffness in the club head to allow for more deflection on the face whilst maintaining a low and forward Centre of Gravity.
Whilst the new tungsten provides more forgiveness on low misses the step sole design of the fairway woods helps to prevent them. This allows players to get the leading edge of the club into the turf without any bouncing or skidding off the ground.
The new design has seen a 57% reduction in the sole contact area which provides golfers with smoother and more solid strikes. Callaway’s studies show a better turf interaction and a 25% reduction in low-centred strikes.
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Also included in the Elyte fairway woods is Callaway’s new Ai 10x face technology which makes it the brand’s most advanced face so far. It delivers 10 times the control than that of the Ai Smart Face and is designed to produce enhanced ball speeds. This is due to the C300 face cup that also aids in promoting a tighter dispersion and higher launch across the face.
In terms of hybrids, Callaway believe the Elyte models are their most adjustable hybrids yet. Their OptiFit 4 hosel system allows for this adjustability as it offers seven loft and lie angle combinations for a more optimised launch and ball flight. Golfers can be fit into the product without having to adjust their swing.
The stand out feature is the top of the bag versatility of the hybrids. Callaway have included interchangeable heel to toe weights for the first time which provides up to 12 yards of shot workability.
The 13g of tungsten and 3g aluminium weights can be swapped and to favour a draw biased ball flight or a one that is more neutral.
Callaway’s Elyte hybrids also use the new Ai 10x face technology for more optimal distance, control and launch.
Here’s the specialised benefits for each of fairway wood and hybrid…
Callaway Elyte Fairways and Hybrids: The Line-up
The Callaway Elyte range features three fairway models: Callaway Elyte, Callaway Elyte X and Callaway Elyte HL. It also includes two hybrid models: Callaway Elyte and Callaway Elyte X.
Callaway Elyte Fairway
Looks: Uses progressive shaping.
Main Attributes: Designed to provide a neutral ball flight and consistent launch. The model that will fit the majority of players.
Who is it for?: For golfers looking for more reliable performance from their fairway wood.
Callaway Elyte X Fairway
Looks: A confidence-inspiring design at address for a larger footprint behind the ball. Also has a shallower club face.
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Main Attributes: Designed to be easy to launch and deliver a higher ball flight and a draw bias shot shape.
Who is it for?: For golfers who want more forgiveness and an easy to hit fairway wood.
Callaway Elyte Triple Diamond Fairway
Looks: A more compact shape and a deeper club face.
Main Attributes: Designed to be a lower spinning club that allows golfers to shape their shots easier. Better control and workability.
Who is it for?: For golfers who prefer to use player clubs and smaller club heads.
Callaway Elyte Hybrid
Looks: A mid-sized profile.
Main Attributes: Designed to produce a neutral ball flight.
Who is it for?: For those looking for a straight ball flight.
Callaway Elyte X Hybrid
Looks: An oversized club head and a taller face.
Main Attributes: Designed to promote a semi-draw ball flight.
Who is it for?: For those looking for more forgiveness from their hybrid.
The Details
Available: Pre-sale from the 15th January. Fairways available from retail from the 31st of January and hybrids the 21st of February.
