The club I demoed was the Callaway 454. It was a 9 degree with the stock RCH 65S shaft. My current driver is the Titleist 983K 10.5 degree with the stock ProLite Grafalloy stiff shaft.

A little info on me. I'm about a 6 or 7 handicap. Right handed.
6'2" 185 lbs. Driver SS is 107-110 mph.

I decided that rather than hit a ball of the tee with each driver I'd just take my 983 out of my bag and just bring the 454. I had hit it on the range the day before and noticed quite a few differences from my 983. First off, the feel... As most of you know, there is quite a large difference in the feel of these two families of drivers (Titleist/Callaway). Titleist has the sturdy, solid feel and sound...while Callaway has a light, ping-esque feel and sound.

Once on the course, I noticed the second and most extreme difference in the two drivers...the distance. The Callaway was so much longer than my 983. I drove a 317 yard par 4 for the first time on this course. I had driven some greens on this course before, but never this hole. Before I make it seem like I'm some long hitter or something I'm probably a little above average (approx. 280+ yds). This particular swing was probably my best in a couple of years. Either way, I've hit some fantastic balls with my 983 on this hole and still come up about 10 yards short everytime. I will get a 9.5 degree when I purchase.

Accuracy was only slightly better than my 983, but it's still an improvement none the less. I hit most fairways that were draw oriented and missed the fade oriented or hit a one iron off the tee of the fade oriented hole.

I've never EVER been impressed with Callaway's stock shaft and this one was only marginally better. Since I'm not a club or shaft "HO" I'm not sure exactly what shaft I would put in, but I would change the shaft eventually on the 454 (probably the Fujikura 652 stiff or the NV 65 stiff).

I'm currently hitting the Fusion. I played with the 454 last week, and really liked it. It was the same distance as the fusion, but with a little less effort. It's also more forgiving, but the larger head helps with that. The face of the 454 will be the same face callaway puts in their new comp driver that will come out in June.

the 454 is great

I hated the feel. Didn't feel like there was anything behind it (felt similar to the Ping G2). I tend to like the more sturdy, muted drivers (Titleist, some TM). Just my $.02.

I have the 454 in an Aldila NVS 65-R and love it, long and accurate. I am no longer the short hitter in the group, hope it stays this way. All of the new models I tried are good but this 454 performs best for me.

Since Mickelson has joined them, Callaway, to me is a much more welcome company for more skilled golfers. It has also shaped up its design and research for new materials and technology in the last few years. I too liked the way the 454 prefomed. I found it pretty solid at impact. I Can't wait for the new Cop-ti driver they have coming in June( BB Fusion FT3). Its a super-sized 460.

Great Driver, Can be worked easily. Long as anything out there and you dont have to look at the MOON !! :whistle:

i tried the 454 last week and i liked it also. it had the Aldila nv 65 stiff in mine. you might want to give that a whirl over the rch shaft

Nice driver, but i've got to see the new fusion if I'm going to buy any callaway drivers.

I have one if you are looking to buy one has a great shaft upgrade and in great condition.

I couldn't believe the 4º hook face on the 454's "Hi-Loft" version.

There's absolutely no excuse for hook faces on drivers. It encourages people to keep casting the club over the top instead of learning to hit more from outside in.

"Since Mickelson has joined them, Callaway, to me is a much more welcome company for more skilled golfers. "--sly sam

All the while, I had thought that Annika had the skilled golfer thing covered!

GeneralLee: Was that the "firm" flex in that stick? :callaway:

I have a 454 - 8* with a stock Callaway X Flex Shaft 44" long. As a high ball hitter this combination has dropped my ball flight down reduced backspin and I picked up 30 yards easy with this driver vs. the Taylor Made I hit last year.

I had a 454 with an Aldila NV 65-S, very nice Driver. Nice feel off the face, good distance, control, just a real "user friendly" stick. I would say if you liked the Callaway 454, give the Cleveland 460 Comp a try. I found it to be just as easy to hit, but with a little better distance.