Thanks for checking out my Callaway Rogue ST Max driver vs Ping G425 Max driver comparison.
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 on the range for 4 sessions and got it out on the course for 1 round.
I tested the G425 Max on the range twice and played one round with it.
Summary – The Ping G425 Max is a touch more forgiving & longer on off-center hits than the Callaway Rogue ST Max. But, The Rogue ST Max looks, feels, and sounds better. You also get better customization options with the Rogue ST Max.
Driver Specs
- Loft – 10.5 degree
- Shaft – Project X HZRDUS Smoke IM10 60 Graphite Stiff Flex
Callaway bills the Rogue ST Max as their fastest, most stable driver ever. Emphasis on “stable.” It’s supposed to give you tighter shot dispersion without giving up distance.
I found this to be the case. It’s as long as any driver I’ve tested this year and I had waaaay more playable misses.
- Loft – 10.5 degree
- Shaft – Ping Alta CB 55g Slate Graphite
The G425 Max is an easy-to-hit driver. And, I say that as a mediocre and streaky driver of the golf ball. You do NOT have to try to kill this thing to get plenty distance.
In fact, I concentrated on swinging easy and feeling like I only took a three-quarter backswing. I ended up with long beautiful draws down the fairway (or at least very playable) with this method.
Testing the Rogue ST Max & G425 Max Drivers
Rogue ST Max – 4 Range Sessions and 1 round.
Simple, warm up with 10 or 20 iron shots, then switch to driver. I switched out between the Rogue ST Max and the Epic Max for the 3 days of driver testing.
I hit every drive in front of my Swing Caddie launch monitor and I recorded all drives. I threw out severe mishits because they told me nothing about the Rogue ST Max’s performance.
I probably hit 45 or so drives during my testing.
G425 Max – 2 Range Sessions and 1 round. I hit around 10-15 drives per session and swung the Lag Shot Driver in between drives to help my tempo and timing.
Are there big differences between the Rogue ST Max and G425 Max drivers?
Yes. Sound and feel jump right out at me.
Recent Callaway drivers are known for their solid muted sound and feel at impact. The Rogue ST Max delivers on this in spades.
I hadn’t hit a Ping driver since I don’t know when, so I didn’t know what to expect. What I got was a springy feeling and an equally springy-hollow sound on center-contact.
I feel I got more out of off-center hits from the G425 Max too.
Looks
G425 Max (B-)
- There’s certainly nothing flashy about the G425 Max driver. It’s got an “industrial” look to it – all business. Colors are shades of black, grey, and silver. It sets up great behind the ball at address and I’ve got no problem with the non-premium design.
Rogue ST Max (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 graphics look high-end and are reminiscent of the original Rogue, but has copper colored accents. It sits nicely behind the ball at address and I feel confident looking down at it.
Winner: Rogue ST Max
Sound/Feel
Rogue ST Max: (A) Superb sound and feel. Reminds me of the Mavrik.
G425 Max: (A-) The face feels “springy”, kind of like a trampoline effect at impact (which I loved). Muted, slightly hollow sound. The ball sounds like it’s going to go far.
Winner: Rogue ST Max
Playability/Ball Flight
Rogue ST Max: Long high draws with my good swings and playable hooks and pushes with my bad swings.
G425 Max: (A) Semi-high penetrating draw with decent swing and contact. Semi-high push or hook with less good swings. A little easier to hit well and keep in play.
Winner: Rogue ST Max
Forgiveness
Rogue ST Max: (A) Kept most of my drives playable during my round, but I ended up taking a few penalties off the tee box. I fully accept this is most likely due to operator error.
G425 Max: (A+) Excellent. I hit bad drives, but I had to put effort into it.
Winner: G425 Max
Distance
Rogue ST Max: (A) This is a long driver, but my swing deteriorated on the second and third day testing at the range. I got good distance on the course.
G425 Max: (A+) As long as any – especially on off-center contact. Hit it on the button and it goes forever. Miss the button a little bit, and it goes a little less than forever.
Note: I tested the Rogue ST Max in April when it was MUCH cooler than now (in July). We are hitting triple digits pretty much every day and the ball is traveling a lot further.
Carry Yards | Ball Speed | Swing Speed | Smash Factor | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Rogue ST Max | 257.5 | 151 | 105 | 1.43 |
G425 Max | 269 | 152 | 106 | 1.43 |
Winner: G425 Max
Price
Rogue ST Max – $549.99 New
G425 Max – $549.99 New
Winner – Draw
Conclusion of Callaway Rogue ST Max driver vs Ping G425 Max driver
I would choose the Ping G425 Max by the slimmest of margins because it’s more forgiving. (my highest priority in a driver) I would put the Rogue ST Max in play tomorrow, no problem.
The major drawback with the G425 Max is shaft selection – it’s minimal and falls WAY behind Callaway’s and other major manufacturers’.
Having said that, I would have no problem owning and playing either of these drivers.
My #1 suggestion is to test both clubs 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.
Remember, each driver has 3 or 4 head variations. This test involved 1.
Thanks for checking out my comparison of the Callaway Rogue ST Max driver vs Ping G425 Max driver.
Let me know in the comments if I’m leaving out anything you think is important or tell me about your experience with either club.
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Editor's Pick
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Runner Up
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4.7
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4.7
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New & Used clubs available Get 8%off from Global Golf with Code: GolferGeek |
New & Used clubs available Get 8%off from Global Golf with Code: GolferGeek |
- Great for mediocre drivers (like me)
- Long & Forgiving
- Med-high penetrating ball flight
- Stock shafts aren't great & it gets expensive to get a better one
- Looks aren't premium (like the price)
New & Used clubs available
Get 8%off from Global Golf with Code: GolferGeek
- Long & Forgiving
- Easier to keep in play
- Great Looking
- Expensive
New & Used clubs available
Get 8%off from Global Golf with Code: GolferGeek
Thank you! I’m turning 50, getting back into golf after a 20+ year absence and shipping fire my first non hand-me-down clubs. Your comparison was super helpful. Thank you again!
Thanks, Tom. And, welcome back!