Expert Review: Callaway Mavrik Driver
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About this Review: This review is my honest opinion of the driver, which I tested for two days between December 2021 and July 2022.
My take
The Callaway Mavrik Driver offers great distance while maintaining consistency with its performance when the ball is struck in the middle of the face or on the toe or heel. I was pleased with the results I was having off the tee and believe the average golfer would benefit from adding this club to their bag.
About the club I tested
- Model: 2021 Callaway Mavrik Driver
- Loft setting: 9 degrees
- Shaft type: Project X HZRDUS Smoke Shaft 60g
- Shaft flex: Regular
About me
- Average score: 79
- Handicap: 7
- Experience: 22 years of playing golf
- Right/Left-handed: Left-handed
- Typical ball flight: High
- Golf ball used: Titleist Practice Ball
- Club swing speed: 97 mph
Test conditions
- When I tested the club: December 2021, July 2022
- Days tested: Two days
- Where I’ve used it: Range and simulator
- Weather and wind conditions: Inside and outdoor at a heated range in winter
How it performs
What I was looking for
I was looking for a driver with a lower launch angle as I tend to have a higher ball flight.
Why I chose this club
I decided to test the Callaway Mavrik because I heard a lot of positive feedback about its performance. I heard it was forgiving and had a lower launch which would create less spin, thus creating more distance.
What I love about it
- Distance: The distance was consistent. I was averaging around 270-280 yards which is what I currently get with my Callaway XR16 driver.
- Forgiveness: The forgiveness with this driver was positive. Each swing—whether it was hit square, on the toe, or the heel—traveled within an average distance of 15 yards of each other.
- Feel: The feel was good as I was able to tell when I hit it pure and when I hit a shot off centered. This gave me instant feedback and the results on the simulator conveyed this.
- Sound: The sound is pretty typical, nothing flashy, which is what I prefer.
- Adjustability: The driver is adjustable and can be set up in a fade or draw position. I tested it with a neutral setting which is my preference.
- Aesthetic Appeal: The orange and black design is appealing as it has a sharp look to it.
- Grip Feel: The grip was a standard Lamkin and had a nice feel to it overall.
- Spin: The spin was lower than with my current Callaway XR16 driver, and created roll out more consistently.
Issues I’ve encountered
- Workability: With the 9-degree loft I wasn’t able to work the ball as much as I would have liked because the ball flight was much lower than what I am used to.
- Shaft Feel: The shaft feel was good, but too lightweight for me.
- Shaft Performance: The 60g shaft was lighter than the 65g I normally play with so I believe it was too light and created some inconsistency within my swings. I would have liked to test the Mavrik again with a 65g shaft.
- Launch Angle: The launch angle was lower than I typically prefer as I play with a 9.5 and the Mavrik I tested was a 9.0. My carry distance averaged around 250 yards, which is lower than what I would have liked.
Best shot with this club
My best shot was three shots into testing when I was able to carry the ball 257 yards and it rolled out to 282 yards right down the middle of the fairway.
Value for the money vs. other options
I think this driver has a really good price point compared to other drivers. There are other good options out there that have a similar price point, like the Wilson D7 or the Taylormade M4, but the Mavrik provides better value for its performance.
Final verdict
I think the Callaway Mavrik driver is a great option for its value. It is forgiving, but doesn’t sacrifice distance or feel while doing so. The ball launches quickly off the face allowing that confidence to unfold when hitting bombs. Ultimately, I believe any mid-to-high handicapper would benefit from using this driver.
Callaway Mavrik Driver
- Free shipping
- We price match
- Returnable