Callaway Rogue ST Pro, Max, Max OS and Max OS Lite Iron Review

Published: 04 January 2022 Last updated: 31 January 2024

At a glance
TG Rating 5 out of 5
Owner Rating Not yet rated
RRP £849.00

What we say...

The four-model Callaway Rogue ST iron family offer players’, mid – high handicappers and moderate-speed players optimal ball speed, launch and forgiveness.

Any company that can count the brilliant forged Apex iron family within their ranks will face a challenge when introducing competing new models. But Callaway insist thanks to the company cleverly pitching the Apex as the best iron they make last year, consumers are now more primed to understand the differences between Apex and four new Rogue ST models.

Apex are the best golf irons Callaway make because they’re forged and cost over £1K a set. But Callaway know not everyone is willing to pay a premium price to play forged irons so there’s plenty of space for four new Rogue ST irons in 2022. Here’s what you need to know about each of them.

Callaway Rogue ST Pro iron

RRP: £949 (s) £1149 (g)

Availability: 3 – PW, AW

Stock shaft: Project X Rifle Tour Flighted (s) Mitsubishi Tensei AV White (g)

7-iron loft: 30.5°

Forgiveness rating: 2.5 (Players’ Distance Iron)

Callaway have taken inspiration from the ‘personalised performance’ story behind their 2022 Rogue ST Max drivers to come up with four new Rogue ST irons. Each is more tailored down to the traits of its intended audience than ever before.

The ST Pro is a cast hollow body iron (where the majority of hollow irons have either a forged body or face), thanks to 48g of tungsten (which is split between toe and heel locations, and 188% more than in the previous Mavrik iron) inside, golfers get the look of a tidy muscleback blade at address but with similar levels of forgiveness to a compact mid-handicap cavity back.

WATCH: Best 2022 Players’ Distance Iron video

Callaway say their engineers have worked hard to position weight higher in the short irons and wedges and lower in the long irons so ball flight windows are optimized for maximum carry distance and control across the set. Thanks to more shock absorbing urethane inside (to the height of the 6^th groove) sound and feel are tuned to levels that decent players expect.

Designed for low-to-mid single figure handicappers Callaway say the Pro are compact and workable as well as being fast and long for the category.

Specs: Callaway Rogue ST Pro iron

Verdict: Callaway Rogue ST Pro iron

The ST Pro is brand new for 2022 and Callaway say if you see the model as sitting between their Apex Pro and Apex 21 irons, you really won’t go too far wrong. Many golfers will likely choose between the three models based on head construction, where the Apex models are forged, the Rogue ST Pro has a cast body, which for some will likely be a sticking point within the Players’ Distance Iron category.

Our test pro commented on liking the feel and sound of the Pro so we reckon many club golfers are likely to not even spot the cast vs forged differential. If you’re one of those players less attention to impact sound the Pro’s are a cracking set of irons, and they’ll set you back less than both Apex models – hence why Callaway created them.

In an extremely tight category (that’s rammed full of very good irons) the ST Pro were right in the mix across our Players’ Distance Iron Test metrics without quite being an outstanding performer in any particular area.

We rate it among the best mid-handicap irons available.

How the Callaway Rogue ST Pro iron compares to other Players’ Distance Irons in data

Callaway Rogue ST Max iron

RRP: £849 (s) £1049 (g)

Availability: 4 – PW, AW, GW, SW

Stock shaft: True Temper Elevate MPH (s) Mitsubishi Tensei AV Blue or Project X Cypher (g)

7-iron loft: 27.5°

Forgiveness rating: 3.5 (Mid-Handicap Iron)

The original Callaway Rogue X iron which launched in 2018 caused quite a stir as it’s 27° 7-iron was the strongest and longest on the market at the time. Callaway have dialled back a fraction on the Max’s new loft (to 27.5°) but categorically they insist the 2022 Rogue is longer thanks to a new, never used in golf before, face material.

After tracking the impact locations of thousands of golfers all four Rogue ST irons have new high strength 450 AI cup faces. The material is stronger and more durable, but essentially also capable of flexing nearly as much as a titanium driver face (0.825 COR, where a driver is limited to 0.830), which is amazing considering the size and material difference.

Watch: Best 2022 Mid-Handicap Iron video

Callaway say thanks to a more stable body (there’s 62g of tungsten weighting inside, which is 260% more than the previous Mavrik iron) energy transfer efficiency is improved so golfers can expect a gain of 1.5 mph in ball speed and 4.2 yards of carry distance over the previous Mavrik iron.

Very much a mid-handicap iron to suit a very wide audience of golfers. Thanks to the strong lofts, in the right hands the Max will be the longest Rogue ST iron in 2022.

Specs: Callaway Rogue ST Max iron
Callaway-Rogue-ST-Max-Iron

Verdict: Callaway Rogue ST Max iron

Golfers talk lots about looks when it comes to irons, even at this end of the scale where models are pitched at mid-handicap players, we’re guilty of it ourselves here at TG. But if you’re the type of golfer who can see past looks and are happy using equipment that truly benefits your game, the Rogue ST is a bit of a monster.

We say that not to knock Callaway’s game improver irons, as they have the beautiful Apex DCB and Apex 21 alternatives, for golfers who put a premium on looks over flat out performance. But because Equipment Ed Simon Daddow has played the previous Callaway Rogue X iron for 4 years because they delivered results, not because they were the most inspiring to look at. Rogue ST Max delivers the same excellent performance in the hands of average club golfers.

Yes the ST’s head is pretty chunky, there’s a wider top edge than much of the competition and the face has a natural tendency to want to roll shut at address. But, those are the exact traits that up forgiveness on off centre hits and help tons of golfers eliminate weak right sided shots (for a right handed golfer), that end up short and right of the green, and often in a bunker.

The ST was tied 2^nd longest in our Best 2022 Mid-Handicap Iron Test (with the PXG 0311 XP Gen4 and TaylorMade Stealth) and was comfortably above avearge for all other test metrics.

How does the Callaway Rogue ST Max Iron compare to other Mid-Handicap Irons in data?

Callaway Rogue ST Max OS iron

RRP: £849 (s) £1049 (g)

Availability: 4 – PW, AW, GW, SW

Stock shaft: True Temper Elevate 85g (s) Mitsubishi Tensei AV Blue & Project X Cypher

7-iron loft: 28.5°

Forgiveness rating: 4 (Mid – High Handicap Iron)

Any new four iron family can feel intimidating, as there’s just so many options and choices to be considered. But remember each of the new Rogue ST irons share similar base technology, before each is individually tailored to a particular target golfers ability, aesthetic desires and typical impact location. So long as you know a bit about your ability and swing speed you should be able to discount half the family and leave yourself with a choice of two.

Compared to the Rogue ST Max the OS have wider soles, extra hosel offset (which creates a little draw bias) and a thicker topline, all of which will help boost confidence for lots of mid – high handicap players. A fraction more loft (than the Rogue ST Max) helps flight shots correctly at more average speeds, so approaches will still stop and hold a green.

WATCH: Best 2022 High-Handicap Iron video

All four Rogue ST sets have unique AI developed face patterns to optimize ball speed, launch and spin based on the typical impact locations for their target golfer. Mid to high handicap golfers will get better performance on toe side misses with the Max OS while better players will get improved results on heel side misses with the Rogue ST Pro.

See the Max OS as a cracking average-speed cavity back iron and one of the best irons for high-handicap players and you really won’t go too far wrong.

Specs: Callaway Rogue ST Max OS iron

Verdict: Callaway Rogue ST Max OS iron

Callaway fans will know the brands game improving mid and high-handicap cast irons are usually pretty beefed up, so they’re just the type of people who’ll understand and accept the extra size that up’s forgiveness when shots are sprayed across the face.

If you’ve seen the previous Mavrik and Rogue irons, the ST Max are very much running from the same vein, with offset hosels and a fast face construction.

We like how this new model has a little more loft (28.5deg – 7-iron) than some in the category. It’s a feature most average speed players will appreciate, and for those who muster less than average club speeds there’s also a Max OS Lite model to factor i to any buying decision.

From their slightly weaker lofts the OS weren’t quite the fastest or longest High-Handicap iron (as we’d expect) we hit this year, what they are though is a very solid mix of speed, launch, backspin, height, descent angle plus raw power which is just what lots of average average club golfers are after.

How does the Callaway Rogue ST Max OS iron compare to other High-Handicap irons in data?

RELATED: Best Irons 2022

Callaway Rogue ST Max OS Lite iron

RRP: £1049 (g)

Availability: 4 – PW, AW, GW, SW

Stock shaft: Project X Cypher

7-iron loft: 31.5°

Forgiveness rating: 4 (High-Handicap / Moderate Swing Speed Iron)

The fact the Max OS Lite is only available with graphite shafts in Women’s, Lite and Regular flexes says everything you need to know about this model.

Callaway say the Lite is absolutely not to be labelled a ladies or senior model, instead it’s the perfect cavity back for golfers who struggle for speed. Not only are the heads lighter, bigger and more oversized than the Max OS, there’s also 3° extra 7-iron loft to ensure moderate swing speed players flight shots to stay in the air longer.

Maximising air-time at slower swing speeds equates to extra carry distance over the stronger lofted Max OS or Max models. If your swing speed is anywhere close to moderate don’t rule the OS Lite out as the best way to more carry distance in 2022.

Specs: Callaway Rogue ST Max OS Lite iron

Got a question about the Callaway Rogue ST irons? Ask us on Twitter.

Which Callaway Rogue ST iron is best for you?

The Callaway 2022 iron line-up

Callaway Apex MB iron

RRP: £1,099

Category: Muscleback blade

Forgiveness rating: 1

Handicap range: 4 and below

7-iron loft: 34°

Our favourite blade of 2021. The Apex MB’s head has lovely straight lines and sharp edges. Thanks to the weight behind the sweetspot elite players can swingweight the set with different shafts without moving the centre of gravity. Only for elite ball strikers.

Callaway Apex 21 TCB iron

RRP: £1,099

Category: Players’ Iron

Forgiveness rating: 2

Handicap range: Four and below

7-iron loft: 34°

The iron played by world #1 Jon Rahm. TCB stands for Tour Cavity Back which should spell out very clearly how this model is for the games best ball strikers and those who prefer a forged tour level cavity back over a muscleback blade.

If your ball striking is good enough the TCB are a stunning set.

Callaway Apex 21 Pro iron

RRP: £1,099 (s) £1,399 (g)

Category: Players’ Distance Iron

Forgiveness rating: 2.5

Handicap range: Eight and below

7-iron loft: 33°

A compact forged hollow body players iron with the added benefit of internal tungsten weighting for stability and a fast flexible face for extra ball speed. A brilliant, slightly more playable alternative to a full-on tour level forged cavity back.

Callaway Rogue ST Pro iron

RRP: £949 (s) £1149 (g)

Category: Players’ Distance Iron

Forgiveness rating: 2.5

Handicap range: 10 and below

7-iron loft: 30.5°

Lots of decent players will find themselves choosing between the Apex 21 Pro and this model in 2022. Decisions will come down to whether players put a premium on their irons being forged (Apex 21 Pro) or how much they want to chase distance (the stronger lofted Rogue ST Pro). Either way the Rogue ST Pro will offer a cost saving.

Callaway Apex 21 iron

RRP: £1,099 (s) £1,399 (g)

Category: Players’ Distance to Mid-Handicap Iron

Forgiveness rating: 3

Handicap range: 14 and below

7-iron loft: 30.5°

A brilliant forged cavity back iron which will suit the speed, look and distance desires of a huge amount of decent club golfers. So long as you have reasonable amounts of club speed this is Callaway’s longest Apex iron.

Callaway Rogue ST Max iron

RRP: £849 (s) £1049 (g)

Category: Mid-Handicap Iron

Forgiveness rating: 3.5

Handicap range: 12 and above

7-iron loft: 27.5°

A brilliant cast mid-handicap iron. Perfect for golfers who put less of a premium on how their irons look, feel and sound and are happy in exchange to get more power and forgiveness. Thanks to having cast not forged heads the Max will come in for less than the equivalent Apex DCB.

Callaway Apex DCB iron

RRP: £1,099 (s) £1,399 (g)

Category: Mid-Handicap Iron

Forgiveness rating: 3.5

Handicap range: 14 and above

7-iron loft: 30°

Forged irons never used to target Mid-High Handicap golfers. Thanks though to the DCB it no longer matters what your ability or club speed, it’s possible to play a lovely desirable forged iron. You won’t find many better looking Mid-High Handicap irons, and few forged iron alternatives will be better set up for moderate swing speed players.

Callaway Rogue ST Max OS & OS Lite irons

RRP: £849 (s) £1049 (g)

Category: Mid – High Handicap Iron

Forgiveness rating: 4

Handicap range: 28 and below

7-iron loft: OS – 28.5° / OS Lite 31.5°

Maximum forgiveness without employing hybrid style irons. The OS are a great option for golfers who want to rinse as much playability out of their irons as possible. The OS Lite are brilliantly set up for golfers who want ultimate forgiveness but lack speed.