Multi-materials have long been a way forward for equipment engineers seeking to squeeze out a little more speed from clubs.
“Our north star, when it comes to drivers, is about ball speed, which is where we focused our attention this year,” said Zack Oakley, Callaway’s Senior Manager of Product Strategy, adding “distance is twice as valuable as accuracy.”
In the quest for more distance, Callaway has created the Tri-Force Face, a multi-material concept using a mix of carbon and titanium, held together by a polymer created for military projects. “It is a fully integrated performance system designed for maximum ball speed,” says Brian Williams, Vice-President of Research and Development for Callaway.
Callaway had long stuck with titanium for the faces of its drivers, but the company found it had gotten as thin as it could without having reliability problems. The key to the Quantum driver is to mix titanium with carbon, allowing engineers to go thinner and increase speed. The result is a faster driver, with discretionary weight designed to improve forgiveness. “Our true goal is making the driver longer, but we have to make sure we’re not losing other variables,” said Oakley.
Key technologies
Tri-Force Face
The key to the Quantum driver, the new mix of carbon and titanium, which is 14 percent thinner than the Elyte driver from last year, is reinforcing the face so it doesn’t struggle with durability. Callaway considered options for binding titanium together, like epoxies, but they had shortcomings. The polymer, which was used in military products, improves the strength properties of the face. “It doesn’t stiffen the face—it allows it to be more flexible,” said Williams. “We have a carbon fiber reinforcement sitting behind the titanium that catches that titanium and turns it into ball speed.” The carbon allows the face to be both lightweight and strong, as well as flex on the strike, transferring more energy as the face stretches inward.
AI
With new thinner titanium and carbon interacting, Callaway used AI to “tune” the face to optimize spin, launch and accuracy. “We’ve improved our models and coding to account for multi-materials that want to deflect differently,” said Williams. “It gave us more levers and controls over micro-deflections.”
New shape
Callaway designed the shape of the main model in the line to be low to mid-spin, with a neutral center of gravity and a look at address that instills confidence. Callaway calls Quantum “our most versatile driver for a wide range of skills.”
OptiFit Hosel
Allowing for independent loft and lie adjustments, the fitting system offers eight total configurations to dial in shot shape.
Which one is for me?
Max
The main model that will fit most golfers, this incorporates the Tri-Force Face and comes in a shape that should instill confidence for most golfers.
Max D
The draw model in the line, this is designed to offset slice tendencies and offer a high launch conditions without sacrificing control.
Max Fast
The lightweight model in the line, this is a highly forgiving driver with a shallower face, all designed to help generate more speed for slower swinging golfers.
Triple Diamond
Tour-inspired and compact, Quantum Triple Diamond is built for better players with higher swing speeds seeking lower spin, workability, and a penetrating flight.
Triple Diamond Max
Tour-inspired with added forgiveness, the Diamond Max is built for better players seeking speed and lower spin in a full 460 cc shape.