Differences Between Callaway FT-5 and FT-9 Drivers

Whether you are in the market for a new golf driver, or you currently own a Callaway FT-5 or FT-9, reviewing the differences between these two drivers can be helpful. Both the FT-5 and FT-9 are 45 inches long and are available with four different lofts: 9, 10, 11 and 13HT. As of the date of this publication, Callaway Golf Co. sells pre-owned FT-5 drivers at a starting price of $88.99 and pre-owned FT-9 drivers starting at $84.99. New FT Tour drivers start at $399.

  1. Lie Angle

    • The lie angle of a driver refers to the angle between the center-line of the driver's hosel, which is the piece connecting the club's shaft to its head, and the ground-line, which is where the center of the club's sole, or bottom, makes contact with the ground. While the FT-5 driver has a lie angle of 56 degrees, the FT-9 driver has a lie angle of 58 degrees. For shorter golfers, the FT-5 will likely offer better performance, while for taller golfers, the FT-9 well likely be superior. This is because shorter players need sufficiently flat clubs -- closer to 0 degrees -- to prevent hooking, or pulling shots to the left, whereas taller players need more upright clubs -- closer to 90 degrees -- to prevent slicing, or hitting shots to the right.

    Face Angle

    • Due to the large heads of the FT-5 and FT-9 drivers, Callaway designed the majority of them with closed face angles. Face angle refers to the angle of the front face of a club's head when the club's shaft is perpendicular to the golf ball's line of flight. Most of the FT-5 and FT-9 drivers have 1.0-degree closed face angles. However, the 13HT-loft FT-5 driver has a 2.0-degree closed face angle. The greater closed face angle forces the ball more to the left, which makes the 13HT-loft FT-5 driver a good choice for golfers who tend to slice their drives.

    Swing Weight

    • Swing weight refers to how weight is distributed throughout a golf club. Manufacturers determine swing weight using the 14-inch scale method, which takes into account the total weight of the club as well as the static balance point of the club. While all FT-5 drivers have swing weights of D2, all FT-9 drivers have swing weights of D3. These specifications indicate that the FT-9 has a greater swing weight then the FT-5. While greater swing weights allow for longer drives, they make it more difficult to hit. For this reason, beginners will likely find the FT-5 more effective, whereas experienced golfers will likely enjoy the distance advantage that the FT-9 affords.

    Shaft Specifications

    • The FT-5 and FT-9 drivers both utilize Fujikura shafts, which come in three different flex types: light-R2, regular and stiff. For the most part, these shafts have similar specifications. The FT-5 versions offer different kick-points: The light-R2 is low, the regular is mid and the stiff is mid-high. Both the light-R2 and stiff versions are 60g, while the regular weighs 59g. All three of FT-9 shafts have low kick-points. The light-R2 shaft weighs 60g and both the regular and stiff versions are 59g. Kick-point refers to the area of a club's shaft that bends -- or flexes -- during a swing.