2009 [1]: Callaway launches the FT-9, built around a Fusion titanium-and-carbon head with draw and neutral versions. 2026: the Callaway Quantum Max is on shop shelves. This page puts the two side by side and gives a straight verdict on whether the old club still earns a place in your bag.
The FT-9 in 2009: what it was
The FT-9 was built around a Fusion titanium-and-carbon head with draw and neutral versions. It sat on the forgiving side of the lineup, for players who wanted help on off-centre strikes. The 460cc head is the same size limit drivers are built to today.
Is the FT-9 worth buying in 2026? Only at a very low price
The head is a full 460cc, so it is still forgiving, but the glued hosel means the loft on the head is the loft you get, and the shaft can't be swapped easily. Worth it only as a cheap first driver for a beginner.
What Callaway changed after the FT-9
The models below are the Callaway drivers we cover that came after the FT-9. Each one is a step you skip by buying the old club.
| Year | Model | Main change | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Callaway Epic Flash | Flash Face, a face design worked out with AI | Check Price |
| 2020 | Callaway Mavrik | An AI-designed Flash Face SS20 with Cyclone Aero shaping | Check Price |
| 2020 | Callaway Big Bertha B21 | A draw-biased, high-launch build for slower swingers | Check Price |
| 2021 | Callaway Epic Speed | Jailbreak AI Speed Frame and a low-spin profile | Check Price |
| 2021 | Callaway Epic Max | Jailbreak AI Speed Frame with a sliding rear weight | Check Price |
| 2022 | Callaway Rogue ST Max | A 26g tungsten weight low and back for stability | Check Price |
| 2022 | Callaway Rogue ST Triple Diamond LS | A compact low-spin tour head | Check Price |
| 2026 | Callaway Quantum Max | Current model | Check Price |
Showing the 8 most recent steps.
Then vs now: FT-9 vs Callaway Quantum Max
| Spec | Callaway FT-9 | Callaway Quantum Max |
|---|---|---|
| Release year | 2009 [1] | 2026 [2] |
| Head size | 460cc | — |
| Adjustable hosel | No (glued) | Yes (8-way) |
| Weighting | — | Adjustable rear + front weights |
| Lofts | See listing (fixed per head) | 9°, 10.5°, 12° |
| Launch price (new) | — | $649.99 |
| Price | Check Price | Check Price |
We list only specs we could tie to a source. A dash means we could not confirm the figure. We do not have our own launch-monitor numbers for either club.
Who should still buy one?
- Buy it if you want a forgiving club on a small budget and can try it before you pay.
- Skip it if you can stretch to a recent used model (the last three or four years) — the forgiveness gap is bigger than the price gap.
- Skip it if you need a different loft than the one stamped on the head; it can't be changed.
Check current listings on Amazon
Buying a used FT-9: checklist
- Loft: read the loft stamped on the sole. Because the hosel is glued, that number is final.
- Face: look for cracks, dents or a caved-in look at the centre. A cracked face can't be repaired.
- Crown: sky marks and paint chips are cosmetic; dents are not.
- Shaft and grip: check the flex label. A worn grip costs little to replace; a shaft that is too stiff costs you carry.
- Price check: we could not verify current used prices, so compare recent sold listings before you buy (eBay sold listings).
FAQ
When did the Callaway FT-9 come out?
2009.
Is the Callaway FT-9 still a good driver?
Only at a very low price. The head is a full 460cc, so it is still forgiving, but the glued hosel means the loft on the head is the loft you get, and the shaft can't be swapped easily. Worth it only as a cheap first driver for a beginner.
Is the FT-9 adjustable?
No. The hosel is glued, so loft and lie are fixed.
What replaced the FT-9?
Callaway's current equivalent is the Callaway Quantum Max (2026). Launch price: $649.99.
Sources
- Golfspan — Callaway Drivers by Year (Feb 2026)
- Callaway Media — Quantum drivers (intro 16 Jan 2026, retail 13 Feb 2026, pricing)