Phil’s Driver is Coming to a Store Near You

Shocking absolutely nobody, Callaway has announced that the XR Sub Zero driver currently in Phil Mickelson’s bag is coming to retail on April 15th. In what is perhaps the cruelest of ironies, the retail version will be available in right-hand only.

Admit it…that’s kind of funny. Supply and demand, people.

Yes, It’s a Lot of Drivers

The arguments have been made. Yes, Callaway (and others) release a fair amount of drivers. What gets lost is that inventory management is more reasonable and policies towards retailers are a bit friendlier, and frankly, from what we can tell it’s not hurting the market, so we should probably be good with it…even if we all wish our new shiny things stayed new and shiny for a bit longer than they do.

I should also mention that while 5 (the updated number of drivers in Callaway’s 2016 lineup) might sound like a lot, if manufacturers actively sought to produce a driver for each of the different swing types that exist, the number would be substantially higher. I’m perfectly okay with being labeled insane, but from what I can tell – as long as they’re properly differentiated, and the consumer is properly educated (that’s not easy) – 5…maybe 6 drivers seems like a reasonable compromise.

But again, I digress, so back to the subject at hand.

What Exactly is Sub Zero?

Sub Zero is a 440cc variant of the XR driver…well sort of.

It doesn’t offer a Boeing-assisted Speed Step crown, but what it does offer is a center of gravity location that Callaway claims is below the neutral axis. In case you’re not yet familiar with the phrase neutral axis, here’s why it matters.

As a matter of fair discussion, Callaway’s policy is not to disclose its CG locations, so we’ll have to wait until we can measure to find out what’s real. Of course, the upside of that is that Callaway also doesn’t stretch the the quantifiable truth about its CG locations either.

Callaway’s story is that it was able to save weight (which it then repositioned low) by thinning the crown of the standard XR. I suspect removing Speed Step helped quite a bit as well. It will be interesting to find out exactly how low Callaway was actually able to go, but my suspicion is that we’re talking about a low/forward placement with relatively low MOI.

Here’s why:

Callaway’s adjustable hosel adapter is one of the largest and heaviest in the industry, and in a situation where every gram matters, it almost certainly limits how far down Callaway was able to push mass. When your ability to push down is limited, the only way to get below the neutral axis is to stay forward.

A two-weight system (10g & 2g) does provide some flexibility for altering ball flight (heavy weight front for penetrating, heavy weight rear for higher ball flight). Remember, the effectiveness of a moveable weight system is dictated by both the amount of mass moved, and the distance over which that mass is moved. What we see in the sole design suggests XR Sub Zero users will be able to move that 8 grams over a fairly wide area, but probably not enough to move it into truly forgiving territory.

The Competitive Set

Call it educated speculation, but I would expect XR Sub Zero to play somewhat similarly to TaylorMade’s M1 430 and possibly Mizuno’s JPX-850. Less similar, but not far off would be Cobra’s King F6+, and based on its sub-zero CG location, the Cobra KING Ltd. Pro.

Who is XR Sub Zero For?

Let’s give Callaway credit for not mixing words. Sub Zero is being billed as offering extremely low spin. In no uncertain terms, the XR Sub Zero is ideally suited for higher swing speed players with negative angles of attack. Basically, it’s for guys who swing hard and hit down with the driver.

Hey…that’s me!

Specs, Pricing, and Availability

The Callaway XR will be available in 9.5° only (opti-fit hosel for loft/face angle adjustability). You’re free to choose from any one of Callaway’s no charge upgrade shafts.

Pre-orders start 4/1. Street price will be $449 when the XR Sub Zero hits retail on April 15th.