Choosing between the FT-i Driver and the FT-5 Driver from Callaway Golf is not easy: Should you play the driver that goes really straight and far, or the one that goes really far and straight. In the end, deciding which one to put in your bag is a matter of personal preference and depends on your swing and your goals off the tee. To make an informed decision, try hitting each club for yourself at your local retailer. That said, there are some simple points to consider that will help you choose the right driver for your game.
The club specialists at the Ely Callaway Performance Center at Callaway Golf headquarters see every type of swing imaginable as they fit golfers of all ability levels into new equipment. Over time, they are able to gauge what types of players are better suited to the FT-i and FT-5.
Both the FT-i and FT-5 are a new step in the evolutionary process of Fusion drivers, following on the heels of the Fusion FT-3 Driver. The FT-3 was a resounding success, both on professional tours and with consumers of all playing abilities. For that reason, improving on the FT-3 was a challenge, according to Alan Hocknell, Callaway Golf’s Vice President of Innovation and Advanced Design.
“The biggest advances in FT-5 and FT-i over FT-3 are in robustness,” says Hocknell. “In other words, in ball speed and spin variation relative to a center impact. This translates to greater average ball speeds and straighter (less curved) ball flight.”
“The improvements are due to increases in Moment of Inertia (MOI) and very exact placement of the center of gravity (CG),” Hocknell adds. “Achieving both of these things and still providing Draw and Neutral versions requires Fusion Technology.”
The FT-i Driver is the latest and greatest in a long line of technologically innovative Callaway Golf drivers. If you’re the type of golfer who loves having the latest technology to help your game, look no further than the FT-i. Part of the reason Callaway Golf Staff Professional Ernie Els uses the FT-i Driver is because its straightness allows him to be more aggressive off the tee, and therefore hit longer drives that keep pace with the younger generation of big-hitting PGA Tour Pros.
“Players looking for more backspin to increase their carry distance seem to be more suited to the FT-i Driver,” says Randy Peterson, Callaway Golf’s Director of Fitting and Instruction.
The square shape of the FT-i precisely positions weight to the extreme corners of the clubhead, producing an extremely high Moment of Inertia, unmatched by any driver Callaway Golf has ever produced. The result is unparalleled forgiveness. Peterson says players looking to tighten their dispersion and get more consistent results on off-center hits will find the FT-i to be a great fit.