Callaway Rogue ST Max D Driver Review

This is Golfer Geeks’ review of the Callaway Rogue ST Max D driver.

I’m an avid golfer, a 9.2 handicap on my way to a 2 (been a 5.6) and frequent tester of golf clubs and equipment since 2015.

I tested the Rogue ST Max D during 1 range sessions and 3 rounds of golf. My swing was way off so I had to have that third round to give the Max D its due. 

Summary: The Rogue ST Max D has stellar forgiveness, distance, sound & feel, and looks. I normally play a draw and my good swings produced a nice gentle draw or straight drive down the fairway. My marginal swings still went and gave me good looks at the green. Exactly what I want out of a driver. 

In this Callaway Rogue ST Max D driver review, I discuss my experience with the clubs, unique features and benefits, as well as customer reviews and potential alternatives. 

Callaway Rogue ST Max D Driver Overview

The Max D is made to promote a draw (duh), but is also made to be more forgiving than most draw bias drivers. The face is hot and forgiving and it looks premium. Any average player would be happy to play this driver.

Why Consider the Rogue ST Max D driver

It’s long, forgiving, premium-looking, and does much to move your slices closer to the fairway and back into play. Low handicaps – talking to you too. I’m one and the Max D performed well for me when I put any kind of decent swing on it. 

(Boring) Features & Benefits

1) Tungsten Speed Cartridge

• 26 grams of tungsten are placed low and deep in the head to increase forgiveness thanks to a high MOI and increase speed on off-center hits. 

2) Jailbreak Speed Frame

• Provides added stability for more speed across the face

3) A.I. Designed Flash Face

• Reduces spin and increases forgiveness.
• Launches the ball easier and and faster

4) Precision Unibody Frame Construction

• The frame is made of titanium and the crown and sole are proprietary Triaxial Carbon. The weight savings from using these materials is distributed elsewhere in the clubhead to increase forgiveness, improve launch, and give a slight draw bias.

5) Maximum Shot Shape Correction

• Callaway built the Max D with high MOI (moment of inertia – stability), an upright lie, plus other stuff I don’t quite understand. All of which, deliver draw bias. 

Testing the Rogue ST Max D Driver

The bulk of my testing for the Rogue ST Max D came on the course over 3 rounds. My 1 range session accomplished nothing. 

My Experience with the Callaway Rogue ST Max D Driver

My range session was garbage because my swing was ALL over the place. I would’ve made any driver look like poo poo.  

I ended up playing 3 rounds with the Rogue ST Max D for one reason…My first two rounds were TERRIBLE with a capital TERRIBLE. Not the driver – me. I was terrible.

So, I got to work on a couple drills at home so I could re-locate (find) the slot. And, I found it. I murdered the ball in that third round. Long, high draws almost on repeat and beaucoup good looks at the green. 

Below are the numbers from my pathetic range session. 

My Pathetic Range Session #’s	Carry Yards	Ball Speed	Swing Speed	Smash Factor
Rogue ST Max D	252	148.6	104	1.43

Review of the Callaway Rogue ST Max D Driver

Looks (A)

I’m a fan of the mat black finish on the crown. The face graphics are fine, but nothing to write home about. The sole is reminiscent of the original rogue, but with copper-colored accents. It sits nicely behind the ball at address and I feel confident looking down at it. 

Sound/ Feel (A)

Solid and muted at impact. Just the way I love it. Reminds me of the Mavrik driver, but not quite as awesome. 

Distance (A)

Plenty – It’s as long as you would expect over a large part of the face. You don’t need perfect impact. I sure didn’t. 

Forgiveness (A)

Loads of it. It fought hard to keep my marginal swings in play and gave me a nice distance boost too. 

Flight / Accuracy

I hit high piercing draws once I got my swing back. My natural shape is a draw, so I expect to see one. I didn’t suffer from over hooking or too much draw at any point with decent swings.    

Customer Reviews

91% of buyers would recommend the Rogue ST Max D to a friend. Two main comments from callawaygolf.com

• Helped their slice
• Was longer than whatever they were playing before

Who’s the Rogue ST Max D driver for?

I see any golfer that wants a little help hitting a consistent draw or fighting a slice playing this driver.

Low handicaps (Yes) Put your pride down for a second. Not all low handicaps are good drivers (ask me how I know). This driver is good anti-slice medicine and as long as you need. Always worth testing. 
Mid handicaps (Yes) See above
High handicaps (Yes) Make sure you test the regular Max version. It has more forgiveness than this one.

Potential Alternatives

Our Verdict

The Rogue ST Max D ended up being an excellent driver for me. It helped with all but my worst swings.

It needs to be on the list for any golfer that wants a forgiving driver, help with distance, and a little help fighting a slice.

My #1 suggestion is to test before you buy. Either at your local golf store or take advantage of Global Golf’s Utry trial program. I use it and recommend it. 

Thanks for checking out our Callaway Rogue ST Max D driver review and let us know how they work for you.