Callaway Elyte Driver Review

Callaway are back with a new driver line-up and retro colour scheme. The styling may feel a little old scheme but the technology certainly isn’t. Designed to for faster speeds, will this driver help you to gain more distance off the tee? Let’s dive in to our Callaway Elyte Driver review……

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NCG SUMMARY

This driver is a great option for club golfers everywhere. Low spin rate will help you to develop a lower and more penetrating ball flight for extra distance.

A firm feeling driver that looks excellent both at address and in the golf bag. Ball striking was made a joy and I loved the ball flight I was finding on a consistent basis.

PROS

• Great distance
• Low spin for a more optimal ball flight
• Looks great

CONS

• None

First Impressions

I’m a big fan of the green colour way. It disappeared from Callaway drivers after the release of the Epic Flash but has now made its long awaited return. I think it helps to frame the club really well and I also like how the weight ports towards the back of the club are silver, making everything stand out.

The styling of the new crown is also a big plus for me. I have always like the aesthetic of a carbon crown.

Callaway has also unveiled a new shape that differs from anything we’ve seen before. It’s a nice round shape and slightly more aerodynamic so I was able to swing this a bit faster. Like with what we are seeing from other brands the Callaway Elyte driver has lines included on the face of the club for easier and more efficient alignment.

All in all, I love the way this driver looks. The classic Callaway chevron is a stunning addition in the middle of the face to help line the club up. The engraving of the Elyte badge in the sole of the driver and carbon styling is also a lovely little touch.

NCG Verdict

Of all the equipment changes I have undergone over the years I have still never had a Callaway driver in my bag. Historically I have always been a Titleist guy when it comes to drivers, but after the impressive numbers I received, when testing this out in Spain at the La Cala Resort, of this big stick it’s certainly a contender to put in play going forward in 2025.

The crown is constructed from a new thermoforged carbon which makes it lighter than ever before, including the Paradym series, which allows Callaway to redistribute the weight around the head. This redistribution helps to deliver enhanced launch, spin and ball speed because they are able to optimise the heads of the drivers better.

Callaway have incorporated their own grip that is made by Golf Pride and I must say I am a fan. I think when a golf brand uses manufacturers grip instead of their own it just feels better when sat in your hands. It’s a bit more familiar and there is no need for a breaking in period.

The Callaway Elyte standard head driver felt a lot firmer than what I was expecting. Encouragingly, there is a considerable drop in spin rate which helps to maximise the distance. This isn’t even Callaway’s low spin option which is extremely promising.

As you can see from the data graphic, the low spin rate is consistent throughout testing. I’m generally a player who is a high spin player and struggle to get it down but with the Elyte driver I was launching optimally.

Having an average spin rate of around 2500 is also beneficial for most club golfers as it will deliver a more penetrating ball flight for better control and enhanced distance.

Striking the ball is made a joy with this driver and I really enjoyed the ball flight. An average carry of 267 yards is a relatively good return for me considering I wouldn’t particularly be fit into a standard driver head.

A driver that does what it says on the tin. Throughout my time testing drivers this is not always the case. Performance wise, I have no complaints. Delivered good distances, strong ball speeds and an impressively low, consistent spin rate.

I believe the Callaway Elyte driver is one that can be utilised by a range of golfers. A great option for those who are looking to extract a further carry off the tee.

Callaway Elyte Driver Review: The Details

Available: Pre-sale from the 15th of January. Retail from the 31st of January.

RRP: £569 / $599.99

Shafts: True Temper Project X Denali Charcoal and Mitsubishi Chemical Vanquish PL

Lofts: 9°, 10.5° and 12°

More information: Callaway UK / Callaway US

La Cala Resort

We were fortunate enough to head out to the La Cala Resort in Spain to conduct some of our equipment reviews. A picturesque resort that is located in the Sierra de Mijas, just 30 minutes from Málaga Airport and 20 minutes from Marbella.

The place offers outstanding views of the Andalusian countryside and the Mediterranean Sea as well as three magnificent golf courses. All three were designed by Cabell B. Robinson and it’s a popular choice for players seeking variety, challenge, and stunning scenery. For more information head to La Cala Resort’s website here.

• RELATED: Callaway Elyte X Driver Review
• RELATED: Callaway Elyte Triple Diamond Driver Review
• RELATED: Callaway Elyte Drivers: Everything You Need To Know!