The Callaway X Hot driver lived up to its name with higher ball speeds for all golfers. How exactly did they do it? Well, Callaway combined two of their best technologies: a Speed Frame Face and the innovative Forged Cup Face design. These features save weight, optimize stress distribution across the face. These features help produce more energy transfer to the ball, higher ball speeds across the entire face, and more consistent distance.
The X Hot also uses Callaway’s Opti-Fit Hosel System. This allows for an easy of interchanging shafts from head to head throughout the Callaway lineup if necessary (RAZR Fit, X Hot Pro, and RAZR Fit Xtreme) rather than requiring a unique shaft adapter. The Opti-Fit adapter allows for three different face settings, square, open, and close. When the driver is in the square (S) position it has a square face angle, an open (O) position will open the face angle 2.5 degrees while the effective loft will decrease 1 degree. Finally, with the club in a closed (C) position the face will close 1.5 degrees while the effective loft will increase 1 degree. Confusing? Essentially, a 9.5° driver set in the (C) closed position have a loft of 10.5° and if it’s set in the (O) open position it will have a loft of 8.5.
This driver was one of the best in 2013 creating a buzz around distance and forgiveness for all golfers, even on mis-hits.
Callaway took everything about XHot and made it better in the X2 Hot driver. They took the Speed Frame Face and made it into a Hyper Speed Face for even faster ball speeds. This innovation increased the sweet spot by 10% which gives you more ball speed across the entire face, especially on those off-center hits. The average golfer misses the center of the face 65% of the time, so you need all the help you can get. One of the biggest implementations is the addition of the Advanced Adjustable Hosel seen in the OptiForce line from 2013. This hosel feature takes shot shaping to another level. The X2Hot also features the new Aldila Tour Blue shaft as a stock option. This shaft is typically associated with an upcharge, but Callaway is offering it as their go-to shaft with this driver.This shaft delivers excellent feel and control and is a perfect complement to optimize launch conditions.
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After testing both of these clubs out on the course, I can say that they are both hot drivers worthy of purchase. Their ease of use is outstanding, while shots off the toe and heel have more punch than other drivers on the market. The additions of a Pro model for both lines make these clubs’ success the ability to put it play no matter what your handicap; a 30 handicap all the way down to scratch and pro players alike.
It’s easy to see why Callaway is successful in the driver category. Their continued improvement in technology is making other manufacturers take notice. Not to mention their clubs look good, a traditional, deep face design that appeals to many golfers.
And the Winner Is…The X2 Hot.
It’s easier to hit than XHot, but not by a very slim margin. If you already own the XHot, don’t worry because you have a great driver.
Are you looking for more adjust-ability and shot shaping? Do you struggle with too much fade or draw?
I would recommend checking out the X2 Hot due to its advanced hosel settings. This is the best reason for the X Hot owner to pick up the X2 Hot, it will help you influence shot-shape trajectory as where the XHot could only influence height.