With the success of its Great Big Bertha titanium drivers, Callaway has continued to produce industry-leading woods. One of its latest breakthroughs is the FT family of drivers. The FT-5 Tour (Mens 8.5 degrees, right-handed) features carbon fiber/titanium construction and a large face. The FT-5 is made with Callaway's Fusion Technology, which, the company claims, results in a unique weight distribution. Despite being discontinued, the FT-5 is still a reliable club and heavily traded in the pre-owned market and available new from select retailers. The 8.5-degree model, equipped with an extra stiff Fujikara E-360 graphite shaft is an exceptional performer for the advanced player.
Carbon Composite Body
While titanium is still a leading material in driver construction, Callaway's FT-5 series clubheads are made from a carbon composite. The process involves blending a mixture of fine carbon fibers, each placed in different directions, which, according to the company, adds strength as the metals harden inside the clubhead mold. Each layer of fiber is heated and compressed and bonded with epoxy, creating a strong, single alloy.
Titanium Cup Face
With its unique carbon body, the FT-5 is championed by Callaway's signature VFT (Variable Face Thickness) face design. Made of titanium, the FT-5's face contains varied levels of thickness to create a springboard effect at different locations on the surface. The face unit (cup) is bonded to the composite body.
Fusion Technology
With its 460cc head, FT-5 drivers were designed using Callaway's Fusion Technology, which uniquely places 50 grams of weight in the body of the club head. This--Callaway calls it a discretionary weighting system--distributes the weight from heel to toe. Twenty-five grams of this discretionary weight is located toward the heel, where it allows a significantly low center of gravity for low, penetrating ball flights.
Performance
The 8.5-degree FT-5 (right-handed and neutral only), fitted with a X-Stiff Fujikara E-360 graphite shaft, is a true player's big stick. Designed for better players with significantly fast and powerful swing speeds, it has minimal torque and good-to-exceptional workability. Shot-shaping is comfortable with minimal distance lost. The low center of gravity and 8.5 degrees of loft keep the ball down, creating nice trajectories. The VFT face is responsive and explosive, especially shots at the center.
The mid to high handicapper might find the tour shape of the 8.5-degree club head coupled with the stiffness of the X-Stiff E-360 a bit difficult to tame. But with a more flexible shaft , the driver makes a more-forgiving club, even for those who don't hit a ton off the tee.
Price and Availability
New Callaway FT-5, 8.5-degree drivers stocked with X-Stiff shafts are hard to come by. Some retailers (2009) have some left, but used outlets, namely Callway's pre-owned outlet, are letting them go in the in the $150 to $225 range, depending on the condition of the club.
About The Author
Jim Hagerty is a freelance writer and journalist. In addition to the hundreds of Web-based articles to his credit, he's a staff writer for "The Rock River Times," where he covers arts and entertainment, outdoors and human interest news events. Hagerty holds a Bachelor of Science in public relations and journalism from Northern Michigan University in Marquette.
