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!
Yes , evidently the ATTAS gogo profile has to be a perfect match for me …..no , I’m not claiming 15yds of distance gains but what I have seen with LS head over 17 Epic is lower spin, more ballspeed and more stability…..the 17 Epic has been very good in my hands and yet gains are available albeit subtle to most……
As @JB mentioned before , STUPID describes this club overall…….
The word MASSIVE comes to mind also….
I would have blocked his number had he not going clean crown
I believe you. Haha.
it looks so good. Just ready for it to ship.
clean crown
But Spieth is not consistent with the Driver. He looks terrible at times with it. I mean, it’s puzzling how bad he is at times, even recently, with the Driver.
It’s early in the season for Callaway. And we’re talking Driver, right?
Edit, no need to basically repeat the post you quoted.
What does how Spieth is hitting his driver have to do with the amount of buzz he creates?
I would argue only one in that list “moves the needle” when it comes to equipment.
While I am not sold on Xander moving the needle, Spieth as a needle mover for equipment leaves a little to be desired. Great guy and solid for the game, but doesn’t have his equipment logo on himself or his bag. If he moved the needle as well as being stated, Titleist would be much more successful in iron or wood sales the last two releases.
Players that move the needle are the ones that are visible on the weekends with the largest audience.
Totally agree with this.
Up nail the last few weeks, I’d have agreed with you about Spieth, I’d forgotten how popular he was. He has star quality, and that’s “buzz”.
I’m with you that he probably doesn’t drive sales of Titleist clubs very much (nobody does)but he’s been the poster boy for Under Armour Golf.
I agree, but Buzz is buzz right?
Buzz is buzz but only certain kinds of buzz move the needle on equipment sales.
But how many outside of Texas are running out to buy UA because of Spieth?
Facts.
Based on current market share (at retail stores) 6.3% of the golfers are buying UA shirts. .4% behind PUMA and .9% behind Travis. Well behind Nike and adidas and FJ.
As he returns to form (and I think he will), that might go up a tad.
Not really much to do with this thread however, although maybe a driver change would help him hit a damn fairway haha.
Titleist will run 30 ball ads for every club ad. Nobody on tour creates buzz about their equipment.
Granted it not the same as clubs, but Spieth had/has enough star quality to be the poster boy for UA golf. The camera loves the guy, so do announcers and fans. Hence, buzz,
Buzz for Spieth, not the clothes.
The Max LS is a must hit for me. Naked only though…so trade in time?
Do you think Spieth slumping the last few years had an effect on that?
When he signed with UA it was a great signing for them. It put them on the golf map.
In other news, Club Champion fitting is tomorrow. No snow can hold us down! (Sorry, the whole South)
We have a great thread on Jordan Spieth in the tour section that this stuff seems perfect for. It can be found here.
https://www.thehackersparadise.com/forum/index.php?threads/the-jordan-spieth-thread.53358/
Man, I cannot wait to hear how it goes!
I would say their uninspiring designs have more an effect on that.
you and me both! bye bye money
Lord, I know how that goes lately
I;ll be hitting mine at my sim league tonight to see how it goes. Nothing like having no time to dial it in before hitting a course ( even if virtual ). I’ll have to see if I can catch some numbers during warm up.
What shaft did you end up with?
Currently going with Hzrdous Smoke Black 70g. Also taking my spare Oban Isawa Red shaft with me from my old Epic Flash SZ 2 different shaft profiles to play with. One low/low, the other mid/mid. At some point, I’ll be switching adapters on my LINQ Purple 7F5 and give that a run as well.
With Spieth, I don’t think he does anything for Titleist or Club Champion.
He does not create equipment buzz with that driver swing. When I go to the first tee, I’m always telling the group that I want to swing a Titleist Driver 60 yards right, just like Spieth.
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well hello beautiful. A foot of snow on the ground but I’m giddy to have this in hand! Like @Tevenor, I also have sim league that I will be busting this out in. It’s to get in to playoffs though so I don’t know if I’ll commit to it for the night. Otherwise I will do a head to head with my SIM this weekend!
I can’t keep derailing this thread to explain what I meant about which players on Tour have a buzz about them, and which don’t.
For some reason you’re fixated on Spieth struggling with his driver, so I’ll end this with a question. Then you can have the last word….
When Tiger and Phil were at their peak, they could be all over the place with their driver. Do you think they created a buzz even though they were missing fairways?
As a fellow lefty, looking forward to your H2H …..
@Muchmore18
Ditto on the H2H and the lefty thing….?
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That’s a killer combo!!!
I thought someone put down the Epic Buzz and mentioned Spieth … Like Jordan, ? he went to a local high school, but he’s not creating buzz with say, a Titleist driver, which you say is not what you meant — thought you meant driver buzz.
But c’mon, don’t take this sh$t seriously.
Mine is sitting at UPS nearby, and has been for the last few days. Every time they try to deliver, they cut their routes short for the day due to weather. Took extra 3 days for my Apex irons last week for the same.
I know i can’t go hit it with the weather, but I just want to hold it, look at it, pet it, and tell it what a good boy it is and how much fun we’re going to have together this year.
That is a great transition then. Awesome to hear.
Great stuff there. Those are about perfect numbers.
My willpower to hold off on doing the same is getting weaker every day.
Man, we have a mental illness.