50 Words or Less
The Callaway Rogue ST MAX hybrid is packed with modern technology for ball speed and forgiveness. Very versatile. Long but also capable of holding greens.
Introduction
When hybrids were first introduced, their appeal was built on being “do anything” clubs. In the last few years, we’ve seen more hybrids move toward specialization – distance, iron-replacement, etc. The Callaway Rogue ST MAX hybrid is a bit of a throwback in that it can do a little bit of everything.
Looks
As you would expect, the Callaway Rogue ST MAX hybrid is noticeably larger than the Rogue ST Pro hybrid [review HERE]. This is mainly due to being longer from front to back. The MAX is also slightly taller faced with a more squared toe. Both are, however, similarly shaped in that there’s a touch more bulk to the toe side.
Comparing the MAX to the rest of the hybrid market, I would rate it as roughly average in size. There is a little bit of offset, and it wants to sit a touch closed at address.
In the bag, the Rogue ST MAX is nearly identical to its brothers the Pro and MAX OS. All three highlight their Jailbreak ST technology at the leading edge of the sole. Additionally, each one slides its “Callaway” and “Rogue ST” branding in between taller segments of the sole.
Sound & Feel
Interestingly, the Rogue ST MAX is significantly quieter at impact than the Rogue ST Pro. Where the Pro has the sound of a fairway wood, the MAX has a mid-pitched “snap.” I’d rate this sound as fairly typical for a hybrid, though it’s on the quieter side.
The feel of impact is fairly solid and fast. It meshes well with the sound. Overall, each strike makes you think the ball is going to be sent a long way.
Performance
The Callaway Rogue ST MAX hybrid is billed as the longest of the three hybrids. That starts with great ball speed. Smash factors in the high 1.4s are routine with this club. That speed can be attributed to the AI-designed face and the new Jailbreak system. Both of these technologies also fuel the strong forgiveness. There is a noticeable improvement in consistency in the MAX over the Pro.
In addition to being more forgiving than the Pro, the Rogue ST MAX hybrid is also higher launching. That fuels both longer carry distances and softer landings. The MAX is slightly higher spinning than the Pro, but it’s not a high-spin club overall. I would rate it as mid spin, leaning neither too far toward distance or stopping ability.
Overall, Callaway hit the nail on the head when they touted the “all-around performance” of this club. It’s long, but it’s not a pure distance hybrid. It can hold a green, but it’s not a pure iron replacement. The shaping makes it comfortable off the tee and the turf.
Comparing the Rogue ST MAX hybrid to the other Rogue ST hybrids reveals that it’s the middle child in most ways. It’s “mid sized,” not “over sized” or “compact.” Per Callaway, it has a semi-draw bias which fits between the neutral flight of the Pro and full draw bias of the MAX OS [review HERE]. The MAX does align with the MAX OS in being high launching with mid spin.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a hybrid that has all the best technology but isn’t focused purely on the distance, the Callaway Rogue ST MAX is for you. This club can replace your long irons, hold a green, and also bomb it into the green on long par 5s. Get fit for the right loft and shaft, and you’ll have a flexible long range weapon in your bag.
Visit Callaway HERE
Callaway Rogue ST MAX Hybrid Price & Specs
Matt Saternus
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How would this hybrid compare to the Ping G 425 hybrid in terms of distance and forgiveness? Any problems with a draw bias for the Callaway? Thanks for the review.
Russell,
We have a full review of the G425 hybrid here: https://pluggedingolf.com/ping-g425-hybrid-review/
Regarding the draw bias, I did not find it to be very pronounced.
Best,
Matt
Hey Matt, I read both this review and your review of last year’s Apex 21 hybrid, which was glowing — you even mentioned you were considering putting it in your bag. I know Callaway typically sticks with similar hybrid head shapes (though I realize the Pro model is a bit of a departure in that regard). Would you say the sizes and performance, as you recall them, are roughly in the same ballpark with the Apex 21 and the Rogue ST Max? Or is there a major, glaring difference?
I’m in the market for a hybrid, and I’m considering jumping on Callaway’s current 50% trade-in bonus promotion since I have a few clubs sitting unused in the closet that I’d love to get rid of. I won’t have time to hit these before that promotion runs out in a few days. I have hit the Rogue ST Max, but haven’t hit the Apex 21 and want to make sure I’m not missing anything in terms of major differences between the two models. Thanks, as always!
Eric,
My recollection is that the Apex 21 is smaller than the Rogue ST Max and geared toward a better player.
-Matt
I bought the Rogue ST Max 3 hybrid a few weeks ago and it is a rocket launcher. Granted, I haven’t bought a new hybrid in several years but this thing is almost like a mini driver to me. With a 98 mph swing I am getting ball speeds of 144 mph, carry around 230 yds and launch angles of 14-15*. If I really step on one I can get 245 carry which rolls out to 260 yds. For reference, I only hit my driver around 265-270 yds. This club changed how I thought about Callaway (never really got along with their stuff before). It will turn the ball over a tad but I already play a draw and, so far, have not hit any hooks with it.