GOLFNEWS.CO.UK
■ ROGUE STANDARD: MATT SADDLER
EQUIPMENT | APRIL 2018
■ ROGUE PRO: MIKE ABBOTT
CALLAWAY ROGUE X
TECHS & SPECS: Aimed at mid to high handicap golfers looking for extra distance, the Rogue X has a slightly longer blade length compared to the standard model, as well as a wider sole, stronger lofts, and slightly more offset. Despite that, the overall weight is lighter, and the stock shaft is also slightly longer and lighter, which launches the ball at the same angle as the standard model, but generates less spin, more ball speed and more distance.
PETER RIDDEN
AGE: 64 HANDICAP: 11 CURRENT IRONS: Callaway X2 HOT CLUBHEAD/BALL SPEED (mph): 72/88 CARRY/DISTANCE (7-iron): 116/137 yards SHOT SHAPE: Straight/draw
■ ROGUE X: PETER RIDDEN
■ ROGUE WOMEN’S: HEATHER BISH
CALLAWAY ROGUE W
TECHS & SPECS: The Women’s model enjoys all the benefits of Rogue technologies, combining an ultra-lightweight design with wide sole, large cavity and low centre of gravity to help slower swingers build more head speed and launch the ball higher for longer carry and more distance. The lofts are 1.5-2 degrees weaker than the standard irons, to encourage more carry distance and easy launch. They come with graphite shafts only.
■ THE ROGUE IRONS ARE PACKED WITH PERFORMANCE-ENHANCING TECHNOLOGY INCLUDING URETHANE MICROSPHERES WHICH IMPROVE SOUND AND FEEL
HEATHER BISH
HANDICAP: 26 CURRENT IRONS: Yonex EZone GT CLUBHEAD/BALL SPEED (mph): 60/80 CARRY/DISTANCE (7-iron): 97/125 yards SHOT SHAPE: SLIGHT DRAW
ROGUE X (Aldila Synergy, Lite flex)
ROGUE W (Quaranta 40g women’s flex)
CLUBHEAD SPEED/BALL SPEED (mph): 75/97(+3/+9) CARRY/TOTAL DISTANCE (yards): 135/160 (+17/+23) SMASH FACTOR: 1.29 LAUNCH ANGLE: 15.8 degrees SHOT SHAPE: Straight/draw
HEAD/BALL SPEED (mph): 64/84 (+4/+4) CARRY/TOTAL DISTANCE (yards): 111/137 (+14/+12) SMASH FACTOR: 1.31 LAUNCH ANGLE: 16.5 degrees SHOT SHAPE: Straight/draw
PETER SAYS: I’ve had my X2 hot irons for three years, and I’m pretty happy with them, although as I’ve got older I’m finding I’m losing a bit of clubhead speed, so anything that can give me a few extra yards would be useful. The Rogue X irons look quite similar to my X2s, with a large, forgiving head and fairly pronounced cavity and topline. Yet they felt a bit lighter, which, when combined with the lighter graphite shaft, allowed me to swing a bit faster without any extra effort. After starting out with a regular flex shaft, Mark switched me to a Lite flex. I was delighted to get an extra 5-7mph ball speed, and upwards of 20 yards more distance than my current irons, especially as I didn’t have to swing any harder. I liked the sound off the face, which felt soft yet solid, and the extra carry will really help when playing in soft conditions, when there’s not much roll on the ball.
[53]
HEATHER SAYS: I’ve only been playing for two years, since retiring, but I play several times a week and enjoy getting out on the course in between lessons. I bought my Yonex irons from new, and I like their look and feel, but haven’t really had the chance to compare them with anything else. After hitting around 20 shots with the Rogue irons, I was really impressed with how soft they felt off the middle of the clubface, and also how my miss-hits still seemed to go a good distance, and there were no vibrations up the shaft when I didn’t quite catch one. It was easy to get the ball up in the air, and I was really pleased to get an extra ten yards distance, as that’s a big difference when you’re a beginner. It’s hard to justify buying new equipment when you’re just starting out in the game, but these just might appear on a future shopping list!
BOOK YOUR CUSTOM FITTING AT MID SUSSEX GC The test was carried out at Mid Sussex Golf Club in East Sussex, where custom fittings by PGA-trained professionals for many of the major equipment brands can be booked at its two indoor fitting bays using Flightscope technology. Prices start from £30 for a one-hour session. To book, call 01273 846567 or email lee@midsussexgolfclub.co.uk.
For more details, visit www.midsussexgolfclub.co.uk.