The New Callaway XR 16 Sub Zero Driver
The sole of the XR 16 Sub Zero has two weight ports
that allow players to further tune ball flight
The latest product to come from Callaway's partnership with aerospace giant Boeing, the XR 16 driver, now has a version specially designed for the best players.
It's called the XR 16 Sub Zero. And it has the lowest center of gravity that Callaway has ever produced in a driver, thus appealing to high swing speed players who desire less spin. (It's in Phil Mickelson's bag now, just to give you an idea.)
It's not surprising that Callaway would fine-tune the XR 16 -- it's been very successful since it's introduction, on Tour and retail. The standard version of the 460cc XR 16 was designed to fit a wide variety of players. And the combination of Callaway and Boeing has really resonated. You've probably seen the commercial "forgiveness meets fast" -- if you think about it you get more out of off center hits from a driver that is aerodynamically designed to speed up clubhead speed on ALL swings; that's a great combination.
The 450cc XR 16 Pro version added a deeper face to the mix, lowering the center of gravity. So why have a third version (the XR 16 Sub Zero) and how did they move the CG so low that it's below the club's neutral axis?
First off, Callaway engineers designed a new Carbon Triax crown that’s their lightest carbon crown ever. So if you’re a higher swing speed player that can take advantage of lower spin with a deep face design, you’ll be picking up more distance.
On top of that, they added two interchangeable weights in the head (2g and 10g). You can place the weights in the forward or rearward position to help control your trajectory and shot shape. Place the heavy weight forward for the lowest spinning, flattest trajectory or move the heavy weight back to promote a slightly higher trajectory and more forgiveness.
If that's not enough fine tuning, you can dial things in to your exact swing speed and tempo by choosing from 20 premium, no upcharge shafts.
The XR 16 is available April 1. It comes in lofts of 9 degrees, (adjustable through the in right handed models only, at a retail price of $449.99.