Callaway Steelhead XR Fairway Wood Review

Like any other industry, golf equipment changes with the advancement of new technologies, designs and materials. Callaway, however, has dug deep into its history with the launch of the Steelhead XR line of fairway woods.

Around the turn of the century Callaway released the original Steelhead fairway wood and it quickly became a top favorite for golfers of all abilities. Acceptance on the PGA Tour helped propel the Steelhead into Callaway’s top selling fairway wood. The new Steelhead XR woods pay homage to its heritage by combining the legendary Steelhead shape with modern technology.

The Callaway Steelhead XR 3-wood

Moving away from the green of its Epic line, the Steelhead XR has an eye pleasing black and blue head color scheme-which is how the ball must feel after being crunched by this rocket of a club. While the head size is industry average, the blue J-36 carbon fiber crown adorned with a simple Chevron logo on top, in combination with the unique Steelhead shaping produces a head shape that appears more compact than its peers. This visual might not appeal to all golfers. Yet for those seeking a powerful, versatile club that can be played from all turf conditions-jump right in.

So what makes this Steelhead different from the previous generation? The perfect blend of new technology with proven classic styling:

• Classic Steelhead shape with modern Hawkeye sole
• Next-generation face cup technology creates faster ball speeds-even on off center hits
• Speed Step Technology produces faster head speed
• Shorter hosel and the J-36 carbon crown delivers extreme foregiveness-even for a compact looking head

Another reason the Steelhead is so appealing are the options available for the golfer. Ranging in lofts from 13.5 degrees to 24 degrees, including a 20.5 degree Heavenwood, there are plenty of Steelehad XR lofts to fill any gap in the long end of the bag. Stock shafts include two versions of the graphite Mitsubishi Tensei CK Blue. The 68 gram shaft tested, in a 16 degree 4 wood, while feeling light at first, was well balanced and a perfect fit for the Steelhead head.



The Steelhead XR woods are designed for versatility and performance. From the tee to the rough this club is a throwback in that its designers have steered away from modern designs of larger, high MOI heads with high core faces. Despite the compact design, the Steelhead produces a low-spin high launch flight for the perfect marriage of increased distance off the tee and nice soft approach shots.

In an environment of adjustability, the Steelhead comes with a fixed hosel, and has no adjustability, so if you are looking to tinker around with your clubs, the Steelehead XR woods might not be for you. That being said, the lack of adjustability is reflected in the price, and at $229 a club the Steelehead XR line of metal woods, and its broad offering of lofts, are a great value for any golfer.