About this Review: This review is my honest opinion of the golf club, which I tested for one day in August of 2022.

My take

The Callaway Rogue ST Max OS irons are great clubs for the high handicapper. I think it is one of the most forgiving irons I've ever hit, but it also makes sure it doesn't lose any distance. It is a tad heavy, but an OS lite version is also available if the head feels too heavy in one’s hands.

About the club I tested

• Model: Callaway Rogue ST Max OS
• Loft setting: 28.5 degrees
• Shaft type: Project X rifle steel shaft
• Shaft flex: 6.0 (stiff)

About me

• Average score: 72
• Handicap: +3
• Experience : 20+ years of golf
• Right/Left-Handed: Left-handed
• Typical ball flight: Draw
• Golf ball used: Titleist Pro V1
• Club swing speed: Driver—120 mph

Test conditions

• When I tested the club:August 2022
• Days tested: One day
• Where I’ve tested it: This club was used in a covered, indoor-to-outdoor hitting bay with flightscope technology to track ball flight numbers
• Weather and wind conditions: Early morning, sunny conditions

How it performs

What I was looking for

I wanted to test this club to see how forgiving it would be for the high handicapper struggling with their ball striking. I was looking for a club that didn't sound heavy or chucky but still offered a player the ability to hit it high and help any major slices or hooks.

Why I chose this club

I wanted to test this club to be able to recommend the best forgiving club for a high handicapper looking to enjoy the game and shoot lower scores. I also tested the Taylormade Stealth irons, but I really felt that the Rogue MAX OS is more forgiving. I mean, honestly, I know this sounds crazy, but I was struggling to not hit one straight.

What I love about it

• Distance: I loved the distance I gained in this club, I feel like it will easily gain a golfer at least 5 yards through the set. I definitely see more yardage with each club.
• Forgiveness: One of the most forgiving irons I've ever tested. Even on off-center hits, the club did not have any real big misses. I could definitely control my shots.
• Sound: The sound for a large iron was surprisingly not clunky and very smooth through the turf; a very compact sound.
• Adjustability: With testing and fitting available, the amount of shaft and head combinations are very wide ranging to find the perfect fit. Make sure to talk with a Curated Expert to get the proper fitting.
• Shaft Feel: I tested the Project X Rifle Shaft in a stiff flex. I do like this shaft to help make sure I have the launch I personally like (medium trajectory), but this club has the capability to hit a higher shot as well—which is great for the high-handicap golfer
• Launch Angle: I enjoyed the launch angle. A mid-to-high launching iron that I can get in the air.

Issues I’ve encountered

• Feel: I do think the feel is good, but I would prefer a softer feel at my swing speed to feel the ball a little more. But for a high to mid handicapper, I feel that the feel would be good; yes there are better forged models out there, but not in such a forgiving club
• Workability: These clubs are not for the player looking to work the ball both ways. I think once a player reaches that ability, they will want to look into a less forgiving iron.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Aesthetically, I do not like the thick top line on the top of the club. But it does give me the feeling of forgiveness and confidence that I won’t hit this club poorly.
• Spin: The spin rate was normal, spinning about 1000 rpm per club, so the 7 iron was roughly 7,000 rpm to maybe a tad lower. I don’t feel like spin is an important factor here, but hitting high-launching iron shots is more the priority.

Best shot with this club

During testing, I noticed the ease of availability to hit high draws. The best part being, it was hard to turn a draw over too much. But I didn't feel like I could majorly slice the ball either.

Value for the money vs. other options

I think this is where the club shines. Compared to other more expensive, forgiving distance irons, like the Taylormade Sim 2 Max or even the Taylormade Stealth irons, these new irons are a great value for the price. A super forgiving club that won't hurt the wallet.

Final verdict

For the price, I think these irons from Callaway are a steal. Any iron that is so hard to not hit straight at this price is something a high handicapper who struggles with ball striking needs to check out.