Callaway Diablo Octane Black Driver Review

Tested: March 2011

Test Team:

Chris Ryan (Pro)

Jon Greathead (HCP 8)

Bryan Slater (HCP 12)

Darren Slater (HCP 16)

Verdict: A drivers test wouldn’t be complete without an impressive performance from Callaway, and the new Diablo Octane Black was very popular with the Testers.

Callaway engineered a new material called Forged Composite which the manufacturer says is lighter and stronger than titanium, the material that many other drivers are made from. In fact, the light crown and longer shaft combine to make the new Diablo product on average eight yards longer than the previous Diablo Edge model.

Tester Darren was a big fan of the aesthetics, and duly awarded maximum marks in this category as well as reporting back a 5/5 rating for feel, sound and forgiveness too. Jon also liked the look of the crown, although preferred the Tour model at address with the graphic design of the normal version giving way to a super-slick black finish.

Chris struggled a little with the consistency, and this ultimately set the club back a little in the final reckoning.

Looks: 3.9

Feel: 4.6

Sound: 4.6

Forgiveness: 4

Distance: 4.5

Dispersion: 3.5

Overall: 4 stars

Like the RAZR driver, the new Octane big boy features the forged composite material which is the lightest and strongest Callaway have ever used. That makes it possible for engineers to reposition the weight to optimise MOI, making the club more forgiving. Callaway say the new incarnation is considerably longer than the Diablo Edge driver from last year. The 46-inch high performance shaft, designed with input from Callaway's Tour pros, also helps to increase swing speed, giving you even more distance.

◗ www.callawaygolf.com or 0800 096 4591

Left Handed available	Yes
Custom-Fit available	Yes
Adjustability	No
Grip Type	Golf Pride New Decade
Head Size	460cc
Lofts	9.5°, 10.5°, 11.5°, 13.5°
Shafts	Grafalloy Project X 6E7