Callaway Quantum Max Driver Review: A step forward, but not quite a quantum leap

Looks & features

While they look pretty similar at first glance , there's actually more differentiating the Callaway Quantum Max and Max-D models than you'd think. And despite their names suggesting both are ultra-forgiving, high MOI models, they're actually not. 

The Quantum Max is more akin to a core-model driver, with a neutral bias, moveable rear weight (that can be set to either neutral or draw) and what Callaway calls a mid-to-low spin profile.

These differences to approach become immediately clear when you have both drivers in hand. Despite the 'Max' moniker, the standard Max has a much more streamlined profile. It's not exactly what we'd call Tour-shaped in the manner of models like the Triple Diamond, but it doesn't look as voluminous as the big as the larger 10K models we've seen become the norm over the years. 

The two Quantum Max drivers do, however, share a lot of the same new technologies Callaway is introducing across the Quantum range for 2026. The headliner among these is the brand's new Tri-Force face, which layers titanium and Poly Mesh over an internal carbon fibre insert – a combination of materials Callaway says has never been used in a driver before. 

This face has been further engineered with the use of Ai to produce more flex and speed at optimum points across the face, delivering blistering ball speeds and far more forgiveness and consistency on off-centre strikes.

Aesthetically, the Quantum had big shoes to fill following on from the gorgeous and quite unique Elyte model, however we feel Callaway have played it perhaps a little safe with the design of their new range. The decision to use red ensures plenty of continuity with their new putter ranges, but there's something in the finish and choice of accents that, to our eye at least, gives off less premium vibes compared to Callaway drivers of years past.

Performance

Callaway made some pretty big claims in the lead-up to unveiling this driver, chief among them being that the Quantum name represents the 'quantum leap' its new face would provide in terms of ball speed and distance. And make no mistake about it: this is a fast club, but it's not quite the game-changer the brand would probably like you to believe it is.

The Quantum Max delivered consistently fast speeds in our testing and impressive distances, with some of the best numbers we've seen in any of the core model drivers we've tested so far this year. The new Tri-Force face also provides a much meatier, powerful sensation compared to some of Callaway's softer previous models, which you'll no-doubt like if you prefer a firmer-feeling driver.

However a small issue remains in the fact that last year's Elyte was, according to a lot of testers, among the fastest drivers on the market, meaning you'll likely only see very marginal gains between the two rather than the huge leap promised in the name.

There's definitely a clear distinction in forgiveness between the Quantum Max and Max-D, particularly if you're a player prone to missing fairways to the right. What you do get with the Quantum Max, however, is versatility, with the adjustable weight providing the option of promoting a slight but not unmanageable draw bias, or a neutral flight for slightly more controlled players. 

You'll likely find a slight reduction in speed on less ideal strikes with the Max due to its less forgiving nature, as we found some poor strikes liable to tail off by a few miles an hour. However thanks to its lower spin properties, we found it far more effective at converting ball speed into carry distance when struck well compared to its bigger brother.

Should you buy the Callaway Quantum Max driver?

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Callaway QUANTUM MAX Golf Driverfrom £599.00 at Scottsdale Golf

Both of Callaway's new flagship drivers challenge the very upper echelons of distance and speed in the driver category for 2026, and we wouldn't be surprised if external testing revealed the Quantum range, whether in its Max or Triple Diamond form, sat at the very upper end of speed and distance tests once again in 2026.

Is it the 'quantum' leap Callaway are promising? Not quite, but such a leap is always going to be hard to attain with every manufacturer hitting USGA limits already – especially in the case of Callaway which has the unenviable task of one-upping itself over and over again.

All the same, Callaway have a very fast, very versatile driver for 2026 in the Quantum Max, with a good degree of adjustability and plenty of distance for players who want a little more assistance working the ball off the tee and a slightly more traditional profile.

The price of the Max is perhaps a small issue, coming in at £599 (£50 more than the TaylorMade Qi4D and a full £120 more than a Cobra's new OPTM X). We expect that might cost it a few sales in the showroom when push comes to shove, especially with the Qi4D core model being so much more forgiving (and, in our opinion, better looking) than the Max. 

However you like the looks and can afford the extra outlay, this is still a driver well worth testing.