Can A Square Driver From 2007 Still Compete With A 2023 Model?
Joe Ferguson tests this unorthodox driver from 2007 to see how it stacks up versus a current model from the same brand
Our new Retro Review series is where we’ll be going back in time and taking a look at some iconic pieces of equipment to see if they still compete against their modern-day equivalents. First up is the Callaway Fusion FT-i driver, which caused quite a stir back when it launched 17 years ago. When you take the headcover off, it becomes apparent why… it’s square!
WATCH: Joe Ferguson compares the square Fusion FT-i driver with the current Paradym model
Original launch date: April 2007
Original RRP: £399
Price we paid: £63.99 from GolfClubs4Cash
Who used it on tour? No-one but Ernie Els, Phil Mickelson and Michael Campbell used the tour version
What was the tech?
The idea behind the Fusion FT-i was very much centred around high MOI and straight hitting thanks to the weight being spread as far into the corners as possible due to the geometry of the driver head. A lightweight carbon composite body helped further.
The shape itself will, and certainly did, divide opinion, but I actually found the straight lines really useful in terms of face alignment. The face sits very much onset from the shaft, which is an unusual look.
How did it perform?
For comparison, I put the Fusion FT-i up against 2023’s Callaway Paradym driver and the latter model certainly produced more appealing numbers when testing on Trackman. However, the Fusion FT-i was not without its own small victories. First, if you are a player who struggles with launch and getting enough height and hang time on your drives, the Fusion FT-i can provide this in abundance. The second benefit was some truly exceptional dispersion numbers – the Fusion FT-i produced some very tight groupings, to the point where I actually found it very difficult to miss a fairway! The feel and sound of the two drivers was very different, with the old driver producing a louder and more hollow acoustic than the Paradym. I have to say the feel off the face of the 2023 driver was more solid.
Conclusion
I thoroughly enjoyed my trip down memory lane hitting a driver that I actually had in the bag back in the day. While the Callaway Paradym very much held the advantage in key performance metrics, the FT-i was not without its merits. If you are a slower swinger looking for an easy-to-launch fairway-finding machine, then it will still do a good job for you.
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Joe has worked in the golf industry for nearly 20 years in a variety of roles. After a successful amateur career being involved in England squads at every age group, Joe completed his PGA degree qualification in 2014 as one of the top ten graduates in his training year and subsequently went on to become Head PGA Professional at Ryder Cup venue The Celtic Manor Resort. Equipment has always been a huge passion of Joe’s, and during his time at Celtic Manor, he headed up the National Fitting Centres for both Titleist and Taylormade. He’s excited to bring his knowledge of hardware to Golf Monthly in the form of equipment reviews and buying advice.
Joe lives in North Devon and still plays sporadically on the PGA West region circuit. His best round in recent years came earlier in 2023 where he managed a 9 under par 63 at Trevose GC in a Devon & Cornwall PGA Tournament.
Joe's current What's In The Bag?
Driver: Ping G430 Max 10K 9 degree - Fujikura Ventus Red 6X 45.75"
Fairway wood: TaylorMade Qi10 Tour - Mitsubishi Tensei 1K Pro White shaft 70TX 43.25"
Irons: Callaway Apex CB 24' 3-11 - Project X LS 6.5 shafts
Wedges: PXG Sugar Daddy 54 and 60 degree - Project X LS 6.0 shafts
Putter: Odyssey Toe Up #9
Ball: TaylorMade 2024 TP5x
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