Our Callaway XR 16 Driver Review was as interesting as they can get. What we’ve learnt regarding the partnership between Callaway and Boeing with regard to this driver is quite something.
We reviewed the Callaway XR 16 as part of our Best Drivers Review, see here.
If you already own the Callaway XR 16 please leave your review in the customer review box at the end of this article.
See more Callaway driver reviews: Callaway GBB Epic and Rogue.
Callaway XR 16 Driver
Our Assessment
Almost a flat 'A' for the XR 16 Driver, an all-round solid effort from the designers at Callaway and Boeing for producing an exceptionally long and forgiving club that most players will appreciate.
Very forgiving and also at a great price so value for money wise it is a cut above the rest. The clubface is slightly on the wide side, which makes the ball look tiny behind the face at address. This does however aid confidence by knowing there's a good chance you'll be striking it decently!
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Pros
Cons
Key Facts
Features | Details |
|---|---|
Launch RRP | $349.00 |
Gender | Mens |
Handicap Range | Low to High |
Hand Availability | Right & Left Hand |
Lie | Adjustable |
Right Handed Lofts | 9°, 10.5°, 13.5° (all adjustable) |
Left Handed Lofts | 9°, 10.5°, 13.5° (all adjustable) |
Swing Weight | D3 |
Length | 45.75″ |
Shaft Type and Name | Fujikura |
Grip | Golf Pride Tour Velvet |
Manufacturer's Website |
Official Video
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Callaway XR 16 Driver Detailed Review
Design & Appearance
As mentioned earlier an association with Boeing in terms of construction and design has made the XR 16 a beautiful piece of gear for anyone’s bag. The club is finished with a matte black coating which is really striking to the eye.
There is dominant ‘rib’ wavy structure on the sole of the club which adds an attractive look to the head and doesn’t really have an effect on club-head speed or distance; it is purely cosmetic.
A large 460cc head has a very wide appearance and perhaps not to everyone’s liking, but at least it provides the forgiveness which most players are in search of.
The XR 16 Pro has a slightly smaller deeper club-head, which we prefer as it results in a more penetrating ball flight.
Image Credit: Official Callaway Image
Build Quality
In terms of build quality, what Boeing suggested was having portions of raised titanium just behind the club-face in order to keep airflow tight to the surface and reduce drag. This provides maximum club-head speed particularly on the downswing and as a result is the XR 16 is the longest driver we’ve tested in some time.
Callaway have also used a slightly lighter titanium, which has saved a few grams.
Control / Feel
Phenomenal feel, one of the best feeling drivers you are going to hit in our opinion. The sound is loud and almost a ‘clattering’ effect and it draws attention. Whether you’ve struck it out the middle or off-center, people will still think you have bombed it!
The XR 16 has a slightly draw bias to it which most average golfers will enjoy, but better golfers would likely favor the XR 16 Pro.
Image Credit: Official Callaway Image
Performance
Exceptional distance…in fact the longest driver we have tested for some time now. It is simply explosive!
High launch angle with slightly higher spin than we would’ve liked, but still a long carry distance recorded. The trouble with higher spin though is that it is more susceptible to dispersion left and right of target. The XR 16 is very forgiving as well, which increases the player target market bringing the higher handicap into the mix.
Image Credit: Official Callaway Image
Value for Money
Brilliant value for money! You’re going to struggle to find anything better than the Callaway XR 16 Driver for the same price. One thing we’ve noticed too with this particular driver is it holds it’s value very well. You try find one of these anywhere at a big discount and I’ll be impressed.
A worthy option for the mid handicap player that will definitely add yards to your current driver if setup correctly for you. Without a doubt!