Four years ago, Jailbreak revolutionized drivers, and two short years later A.I. did the same. Now, Callaway’s A.I. technology is actually revolutionizing the Jailbreak system, in a big way.
Today, Callaway is officially announcing their new Epic Speed metal woods lineup and looks to build on why is has been the #1 selling driver in golf as well as on worldwide Tour’s. There is much pressure that comes with the Epic name given the success of the past iterations, but as would be expected, Callaway believes they’ve taken yet another jump in performance and overall fitting potential.
For this article we will dive first into the drivers, and then the fairways. Are you ready?
Callaway Epic Speed Drivers
Being real, the Epic driver and Jailbreak is what cemented Callaway as being right at the top of the game, it was, and frankly remains, a cutting-edge design. There are a few companies out there who might have just ridden that wave as long as they could adding some slight tweaks here and there but not messing with the overall formula. Well, Callaway doesn’t do that, they only know one way, and that is forward at all times.
The inclusion of A.I., and we are talking true A.I. that is learning and evolving itself with each use, not just a simple computer program that companies have been using for years and now have slapped the A.I. name on for marketing, was another game changer with Epic Flash. The ability to use the face design in order to accomplish things that were only possible before with head shape and internals has unlocked another world of performance possibility.
With Epic Speed, Callaway turned the A.I. not just toward the face design, but also the Jailbreak design, and the result is what they are calling Jailbreak A.I. Speed Frame technology. By designing the Jailbreak simultaneously with the clubfaces they’ve found a more efficient design which you might have been seeing on the company’s various social media outlets featuring their players. The original design uncoupled CT and COR from each other, and this design now works with Flash Face to create and even higher overall COR at a set CT, translation? More speed through the more effective geometry as well as the way the now four connection points stiffen the body vertically and horizontally.
Speaking of Flash Face SS21, each driver does indeed have a unique face design to maximize performance aspects in relation to where golfers for each model typically strike the face. The other big aspect to the Epic Speed driver designs is the Advanced Composite Design. As the name indicates, Callaway has sought to utilize their Triaxial Carbon more effectively and with the Speed drivers the crown to body connection has been moved more toward the face which means more composite being used, and a savings of over 18 grams that could be repositioned. Additionally, they are using a “Toe Patch” on the sole which has enabled a more effective internal weight shift for the designs.
Now, to the options.
The Epic Speed will be the fastest driver head of the trio within the lineup. This one utilizes the Cyclone Aero Shape which originated for Callaway with the standard Mavrik model. Compared to the Epic Flash, this shape is considerably lower drag which in their testing has shown up to a 1.5 MPH increase in overall clubhead speed. This head also has the same forward CG as the Mavrik, but with a higher MOI through the weight savings from the amount of Triaxial Carbon in the design, the head will also have a mid-spin profile and moderate natural draw bias. While there is no sliding weight on the Speed model, it does still utilize Callaway’s adjustable adapter.
Next, the Epic Max is what Callaway considers their most forgiving Epic driver ever. It will also be the highest launching head of the lineup, but the improved aerodynamics compared to the Mavrik Max set it apart with speed potential as well as a higher overall MOI. The Epic Max is the most draw biased of the options but also features an adjustable adapter and a 17g sliding weight in order to fine tune for each player.
Finally, there is no Sub Zero this go around because the movement on Tour is currently away from a super low spinning driver with players actively seeking out a spin profile more in the mid 2,000 RPM range. So, the Epic Max LS has been born. This is the “better player” driver of the lineup, but it is a totally different configuration than Sub Zero possessing the aforementioned spin profile but also over 8,400 MOI, making it shockingly forgiving. The goal here is a super neutral driver which also has the most fade potential of the three heads. The Max LS also features an adjustable adapter and utilizes a 13g APW weight.
All three drivers will be available in 9°, 10.5°, and 12° versions with the Project X Cypher (40g, W/L), and Project X HZRDUS Smoke IM10 (50g, R/S and 60g, S) as standard options for the Epic Speed and Epic Max, with the Mitsubishi MMT (60g, S/X and 70g, S/X) for the Epic Max LS.
Callaway Epic Speed and Epic Max Fairways
It wouldn’t be a release without Callaway flexing their muscles with new fairway woods which aim to continue on the lineage they have established as some of the longest and most playable on the market. For the Epic Speed line there are two models, both focused on playability and firepower.
Both options also feature Flash Face SS21 utilizing a forged C300 maraging face and high strength Face Cup which is a big part of what makes their fairways so effective. As is expected, A.I. is here and each model and every single loft of each have a uniquely designed face which is optimal for how that club is typically utilized.
However, it is important to mention that the fairways don’t use the same Jailbreak which the drivers do. Because of the differences in size, profile, and design features like the Face Cup, a new design was necessary for the fairways. So, the Jailbreak A.I. Velocity Blades were born. This also increases the horizontal and vertical stiffness of the head for better energy retention and transfer, but it fits the needs of the fairway woods and even increases the torsional stiffness. A huge aspect to this design falls in Callaway aiming for these fairways to have the same CT as drivers, and the new Velocity Blades ensure the Face Cup can flex and help create that energy. The Mavrik fairways approached driver CT, but Callaway is claiming these reach it, and if that is the case, then hold on tight.
The Epic Speed Fairway has the more forward CG of the two options and according to Callaway is lower spinning when compared to the Mavrik. With that, there is a new leading edge which has helped optimize tee and turf performance as well as the previously discussed design elements placing this one into an area falling between what the Mavrik and Mavrik SZ fairways were, distance with launch and forgiveness. The shaft options for the Speed will be the new Project X Cypher (40g, W/L), Project X HZRDUS Smoke IM10 (60g, R/S and 70g, S), as well as the Mitsubishi MMT (70g, X – with 80g custom order) and will be available in 3+, 3W, 4W, 5W, 7W (13.5°, 15°, 16.5°, 18°, 21°).
On the other side, there is the Epic Max Fairway. This is the shallower faced of the two, but it also has the larger, somewhat oversized profile. After talking with their fitters about the Mavrik Max designs, Callaway realized that the sole weight to the draw side didn’t really influence things all that much, so it has now been replaced with a front and back weighting design which is reminiscent of the old 816 in terms of placement.
This is a 14g and 2g adjustable system which can be used to influence the spin and MOI possibilities. Additionally, the company believes that the better player who fits into the Epic Max LS driver can play either of these because of the ability to put that heavy weight forward and bring down the spin. The shaft options for the Epic Max will be the new Project X Cypher (40g, W/L) and Project X HZRDUS Smoke IM10 (60g, R/S and 70g, S). It will be available in 3+, 3W, 5W, HW, 7W, 9W, and 11W (13.5°, 15°, 18°, 20°, 21°. 23°, 25°).
The Details
Callaway’s new Epic lineup will begin hitting fitters everywhere on 2/4/21 and be on the shelf come 2/18/21. Prices for the Epic Speed, Epic Max, and Epic Max LS drivers will come in at $529.99 alongside the Epic Max and Epic Speed fairways at $299.99. Additionally, at the time of release, Callaway will be offering the new clubs through their Callaway Customs program which will undoubtedly make many golfers happy.
Are you excited or curious about the new Epic lineup from Callaway? Be sure to let us know what you think both below as well as on the THP community. Rest assured, we will have these in hand very soon with much more to come!
Ok THP, I got out this morning to settle this one out. A little windy, but overall nothing weather wise to make me think I didn’t get some good information to compare. Nothing scientific other than aiming at the 270 flag, hitting 10-15 balls each then alternating to keep the swings consistent and watching where the balls landed along with how tight the dispersion was.
1. This one was the longest carry but wider in the dispersion. Took the right out of play, but had a tough time syncing up. All the shots would be playable, but when I wasn’t within my tempo it moved more left but was long. Mid-High ball flight.
2. This one was the tightest dispersion of them all, but the shortest. Not by much but if I had to guess it was anywhere from 7-10 yds of carry. Felt great, could feel the head through the swing and produced a straight shot or a slight fade. I had a couple of draws but mostly straight or left to right. Highest ball flight of the three but was holding the line well. Didn’t feel like it was spinning too much.
3. This one was between both yardage wise and dispersion. It felt the best and could work the ball both ways, but the majority of the swings went straight or slight fade. Between the longest and this one, again eye balling, I would guess it was short by +-5 yds. Launched in that Mid-High window and didn’t lose the line.
Tough to figure out spin on these, but I would say they didn’t move a ton either way and were not going up and falling down. All three produced a ball that rose to the apex and held the line if that makes sense.
I have a pretty good idea which way I am going, but wanted to get your thoughts.
Sounds like 2 and 3. But could use more testing.
the 5w was hit a few times and it has so much pop to it. Easy 215-220 when I need it and that is pretty cool to be able to lean on when I need it.
I feel the same way about the 5 wood. Love how it feels and sounds. Its a beast of a club for me
Initially I fought some dispersion issues with the V2, but it was all operator error and once I settled in with a consistent swing thought/tempo, I hit some great drives that launched where I like and are giving me the distance I need. A couple of times I tried to add some extra speed and I was rewarded. Usually that’s not the case because the harder I try to swing, the results are worse.
I usually live in the 220-230 carry range and depending on roll a 250+ drive Is really good for me. This was one drive over the weekend I was really proud of. Visually intimidating off the tee and as you can see not much room to miss. I decides to let loose and was rewarded.
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The main thing I wanted to work on was my path and making sure I was square at set up. My last time out some lazy swings allowed my OTT to creep in and I pushed some drives to the right. Overall I was making great contact and with range balls I didn’t focus too much on distance. I just wanted to see the ball in that flight window I like and making sure the ball was starting and relatively staying on my intended line.
I will say the forgiveness is there with this line. I know there have been a few release since this line was introduced but the pop and ball speed retention is there. I have a 5w with my same shaft in it and it takes a pretty crappy swing to not get some great distance out of it. Even on mishits I’m seeing some distances that still have me scratching my head
funny thing today where my miss is usually heel side, all my misses today where from toe strikes, but this driver rewarded me with minimal distance loss. Leading up to ShaftUp#3 I’m trying to get as consistent as I can to get a great fitting. I’m purposely not getting on a launch monitor or getting any “numbers” in my head so I can keep swinging free and let @DannyLe work his magic.
I brought it back into play to cure poor driving with my TM Stealth 2. Turns out my ball position was extreme in that it was in front of my foot in an effort to improve an upward strike. Fixed ball position with the Epic, and it’s been a beast.
Not only am I back to 280y drives, but they are about as straight as I ever remember hitting the ball.
It’s point and shoot. Cut corners, hold a line just past some trees. It’s been a revelation out of the tee box. 9.0 set to +1 N.
As my confidence grew, so has the distances.
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the best part even away from center I was getting good distances. I can wait for @DannyLe to tighten up my dispersion and hopefully find a few more yards.