Callaway Diablo Octane Driver Review

Okay, it's confession time. I know you're here to read my review of the Callaway Diablo Octane driver. But before I begin, I need to confess …

... If I were going to buy a driver today, I would buy this driver. I've tested a lot of drivers, but I've known for months that this is the one for me. Or, at least until something new comes out that I like even more.

That's my confession. I feel that it's important that you know just how much I like the Callaway Diablo Octane driver. That way, as you're reading this review, you'll know where I'm coming from. It's been a very long time since I've played or tested any driver that I've liked as much as this one. Actually, my first hits with this driver literally blew me away. My drives were suddenly 15 to 20 yards longer, and down the middle or with a slight draw.

Your mileage may differ, of course, but for what they're worth, here are my thoughts:

Callaway has a new "partner" in developing materials for drivers and fairway woods - Lamborghini. And yes, it's "that" Lamborghini. Together they developed a new material called "Forged Composite." Callaway claims Forged Composite is lighter and stronger than titanium, and it's using it in Callaway Diablo Octane driver heads. It claims they're the lightest, fastest, strongest driver heads available.

A lighter club head promotes club head speed, and the more club head speed, the more energy the club will impart to the ball. In other words, less weight often translates into longer hits. Of course, accuracy and forgiveness also come into play.

Well, I haven't put the Callaway Diablo Octane driver onto a scale. I haven't measured its strength or speed. But I do know that this is one racy beast and it's capable of unleashing some pretty long bombs. And I am just as impressed with this club's accuracy.

The first time I hit a Callaway Diablo Octane driver was in a simulator at a nearby Edwin Watts store (it's handy). I selected the 10.5 degree loft with a regular flex Project X graphite shaft. My first hit was down the middle and about 15 yards longer than with my own driver. Normally it takes me a few swings to "warm up" to a new club, so I was a bit surprised. The second hit was about 20 yards longer than normal, and I started to wonder what was going on. Was I just having a "good driver day?" As I continued hitting, it got to be almost surreal. Time after time, the ball went high, long and straight or with a slight draw. I must have hit 50 balls, and not a single bad drive. The ball was just jumping off the face, and the sweet spot seemed huge. I couldn't believe I was hitting it this well, and I figured it was because I was in a simulator. "Things will be different when I take it out onto a course," I said to myself.

Well, guess what. I borrowed a demo Callaway Diablo Octane driver as soon as I could and played two rounds back-to-back. The results were the same as in the simulator. During both rounds it was bang down the middle and long, hole after hole. Ball flight is high, but I didn't see any ballooning. I also liked the way the club looks at address and the way it squared itself to the ball almost automatically.

Men's and women's versions of the Callaway Diablo Octane driver are available in 9.5, 10.5, 11.5 and 13.5 degree lofts. A 46-inch Project X graphite shaft in stiff, regular, senior or ladies flex is standard, but you can order a custom shaft if you prefer.

The Bottom Line: If you're looking for extra distance off the tee, the Callaway Diablo Octane driver is a keeper. It's said to be 8 yards longer than its titanium predecessor, the Callaway Diablo Edge driver. The only thing holding me back from adding a Callaway Diablo Octane driver to my bag right now is the fact that I currently have a backlog of drivers to review for this site. Once I catch up, I'm off to my local Edwin Watts. Or maybe I'll order online, since I already know the exact specifications I want. It's a great maximum game-improvement driver, but it can help golfers of all skill levels.

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