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!
If I understood your post, the LS was lower spin for you than the Speed? That surprises me. These heads are confusing to me.
Those are impressive gains over Mavrik! Nice!
Epic Max LS and the Speed 3 wood are sick…
Ventus Blue ??????
I heard from a fitter today that the Max LS at his location is near 50% clip for golfers coming in. Which is freaking staggering for a brand agnostic place and not only did he not expect it, but didn’t have the same success with Epic Flash or MAVRIK, despite it doing well.
I know nothing about the type of golfer coming in, but its apparently doing extremely well in fittings.
The ball speed I was getting was just crazy, and the spin was low, but not crazy low like others have noted. Was able to tighten the dispersion against the speed. And the 3 wood was silly. It was like cheating
Lower spin, neutral bias AND forgiveness with GREAT sound/feel……win, win, win AND win!
my word am I excited
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LS is lower for me than Speed. I don’t think that’s uncommon.
I had a fitting at Club Champion in Cleveland this afternoon. I went in for a full long game fitting, as I am pretty happy with my irons.
My current gamer is a GBB Epic 9, set at +2D with a Fujikura Pro Green 70 shaft in stiff.
My 3 wood is also a GBB Epic, same shaft as driver.
With my gamer, I averaged a 110.8 swing speed with 161.2 ball speed, smash factor 1.46. 15 degree launch, and 2700 spin. As you might have guessed, with this shaft, it was pretty wild with misses going both ways. We quickly got to the Fujikura Ventus Blue 6X in the Epic Max LS head which really brought down the dispersion. Spin was lower, smash factor went to 1.48 and 1.49, and even as I wore down and swung a little slower, the ballspeed was still there. Notably, the ball speed was better retained on misses. On the drives where the spin was a bit lower, the launch and ballspeed were still high enough to keep the ball in the air, and my fitter was not worried about it at all. We tested against a few other manufacturer’s heads, but the Epic Max LS was the most consistent. The flight was predictable, with a nice draw. If I can count on hitting a draw every time, instead of the prayer I throw up every time with my gamer right now, it is going to be a great thing.
We went on to 3 wood, and tested a few options before we tried the Epic Speed. Compared to my current 3 wood, I gained 2.8 mph of clubhead speed, 9.1(!) mph of ball speed, and almost 20 yards of carry distance. The smash factors according to the trackman were 1.54 at best, and 1.51 at worst. It took only 4 swings, and we had the fairway for me. Hitting the ball felt like I was hitting a cloud, and it just went like a damn Space X rocket.
Ended up in a Mavrik pro 3 hybrid to fill out the top of the bag, that is for another thread.
I am very happy with my fitting experience at Club Champion. I now have to weigh the cost of these clubs, and whether I will buy from CC or from Callaway. The numbers in the end are coming much closer together than I expected before I sat down to really look at it.
Callaway has a freaking hit on their hands.
The smash factor is outrageously good.
Each model head weight is right around 194G with stock weight and no adapter.
Thanks for this. Anyone else have any MMT vs PX IM 10 comparisons? What great stock shafts to choose from I too am leaning toward the IM 10 in a 10.5 LS. I will be testing the Speed again as well but so far its the LS.
LS in 9° and/or 10.5° with 17G in the weight track was 200-300 rpm lower spinning than Speed 9° -1/N with 14G in the back.
You know I always read you fitting posts and demo posts and think….I should just go off of his recommendation.
https://www.thehackersparadise.com/forum/index.php?threads/live-chat-callaway-epic-apex-and-more.8927972/
Apparently the shaft I was fit into which was a Project X hzrdus smoke 70 gram stiff is on backorder until May…
Has anyone else experienced this?
The only reason I found out about this was because I called them asking for a tracking number.
Since I ordered the club from PGA TOUR Superstore, in order to help with the sting of the news, they are providing me with a tour van fitting experience free of charge.
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Similar for me, though shows April in my online order. Smoke black rdx 70 for my 4 wood.
yeah, that 3 wood is crazy good. Like stupidly good. Like "why do I need a driver?" good. Then you hit the driver and you remember why.
Very cool….making me feel even better going w/ the 4W now.
Did the same thing. 4w for the win.
Just between the IM10 50 and 60, MMT 60, Rogue White, Evenflow lines, Smoke Black and Smoke Black RDX, you’ve got a lot of top-tier "no upcharge" shafts to demo and choose from. I went with the IM10 60 and MMT 60 in the two heads I ordered, since I have already accumulated a bunch of Callaway Rogue White and Evenflow shafts. Really a lot to choose from, and a selling point for Callaway IMHO.
I’m soooo excited about the 4 wood!
I am very interested to hear long term thoughts on it. And more specifically if anyone happens to put the flat adapter in this bad boy. Wonder how much draw bias can be taken out by flattening out the lie angle.
I suppose I can always fall back on the Max LS. It’s no slouch either.
Love the look of the club. Launches high and easy to hit.
That is not good news, in ordered my custom LS head with the RDX black 70. I was hoping to get some sim time with the head prior to the season. Also have a couple of GD AD shafts that I am dying to hit
Don’t love hearing that about the draw bias either. Will have to see how it goes in a demo session.
#Club4Wood
I’m in the same boat. Haven’t heard anything yet but ordered a speed driver and 3w with RDX black 70.
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Did you adjust the sliding weight on the bottom of the LST. I am curious as to how effective that would be in neutralizing the fade bias. I normally dont hook ( unless its a swing that no club could fix). Currently play the Mavrik Max 9 degrees set to ten and well struck drives get a slight draw. Everything i read or hear about the LST Max sounds good. I think less spin would help. Im just worried that the fade bias could turn into a right miss for me. I have decided i will wait till the weather gets to the point where i can hit some demos outside at my own course on a hole im familiar with before i make a decision but i am following this thread with great interest.
I only had the weight in the middle for the LST. After seeing that the Speed didn’t seem to have as much draw bias as I feared, that one quickly took the lead in my mind as I prefer the shape of it. So I didn’t really tinker around with the LST. Have no doubt it could easily turn those into a straight ball though if I wanted to play the LST.
Did you set Max LS the same as your GBB EPIC? 9* head +2/D?
No. We went with a 10.5 degree head set at 11.5 and neutral. With this setting I was hitting a nice draw.
I’m a lefty and haven’t had the chance to hit 10.5* ……Quick, silly question but you haven’t gotten max LS on course yet?
With 10.5 GBB EPIC I’m seeing an amazingly high flight but noticing major amounts of spin…..need to find that 10.5 head
No I have not. I just ordered it and we have over 2 feet of snow on the ground.
The LS at 11.5 degrees and the proper shaft had lower spin than the GBB Epic 9 set at 11.
Now I just put my Epic Flash sub zero 9* head on same shaft lofted up +2/D…….solid but not as high of a launch.. ..I really believe the LS will be the unicorn! Keep me posted please
I had similar results when I hit the LS with the Ventus Blue. Although my SS is a little slower. The dispersion was also very tight and had the highest ball speed for me.
I ordered the LS with a Ling Q Purple as I already have the Ventus Blue. Also the 3 wood and Heavenwood.
I liked the view from the top better on the Speed but like the slider weight of the Max LS. Anyone try both?
As designed, the Max LS was lower spin and less left of the starting line than the speed. They both looked pretty good to me.
I could play either by the looks, for sure. The tech makes me want the Max LS.
Today, I was finally able to test the Epic Max. Despite my preference for a smaller shape and deeper face, the Max looks really good. I plugged it into my Ventus Red, which has sat headless since last summer. I was pretty sore after a massage yesterday afternoon, so my swing wasn’t great, but I did get to fully test the forgiveness. I was pretty wowed by some drives that were struck on the far toe—better than expected carry. More centered strikes felt amazing and produced some nice high bombs (10.5 head played at -1/N).
Perhaps due to comfort level, I struck the Mav/Ventus Blue much better, so it wasn’t exactly a fair fight today. For whatever reason, I just feel like the Mavrik is easier to swing than the more elongated heads. So I am happy with my decision to wait, because now I HAVE to test the Speed next weekend.