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!
Not us yet, but we have a fun video coming up testing length.
I really liked how the Max setup at address turned down a degree. I was not worried about the lefts, but I still put the weight out in the toe to start. I actually left a few early swings out right, and put it back into neutral and noticed a difference. I’m not sure I can say that about sliding weights I’ve tried before.
Next weekend I’ll test the Epic Max and Speed in the Ventus Blue, because I’m wondering if my differing strike patterns were shaft related.
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Towards the end of last season and this whole winter sim season, I’ve lost all confidence with my driver and my driver swing. I had a two way miss, I was almost missing the ball on contact and everything was going wrong. Currently, I’m just working on getting a swing back but I’d be lying if I didn’t say the Epic Speed is greatly helping with that.
I’ve also recently slowed my swing down to a more controllable 100 mph to try to get a solid foundation and then speed back up once I’ve worked through my newfound struggle with the big stick. So everything that follows is related to how I feel with this club with a slowed down swing.
First thing is the sound. Man I love it! This may skew some of y’alls views on my opinion for this, but I didn’t mind the Epic Flash in regards to sound. However, this is just far and away in a different class. It has the most satisfying “CRACK” when you center one and even on mishits, the Speed still sounds great and like you came relatively close to the center. So you’ll still get playing partners saying "it sounded good" even if you hook or slice one OB . This is all done indoors. I know sound is different when compared to outside but man if this is how good it sounds indoors, I can’t wait to get it out on the course.
Next thing I neeeeeeeed to touch on because of my struggles with the driver recently, is the forgiveness on this thing. It’s through the freaking roof! They weren’t all going perfectly straight because like I said, swing=trash right now, but the consistency on distance is honestly something I haven’t seen in other drivers I’ve hit. My distance, when I was done with my swings, was essentially the same across the board (unless it was a real thin one or an almost hosel shot. Putting that in here since it may have happened once each) and they would still absolutely be in play most of the time dispersion wise. Especially on my home course. The accuracy is something I will be working on myself, but the consistency with distance I’m getting, is already getting my confidence up! My swing has a lot to do with confidence and it was pretty much shot at the end of last season and through the winter. Granted it could be because the Speed is "new and shiny" but I have a feeling that this driver is on its way to helping me get over that.
For the shot shape I was seeing, I will have to go outside to truly test. Our simulator (even last year) has consistently told me I have a draw which couldn’t be further from the truth. I’ve never had a draw shot shape in my life and that is proven whenever I’m outside. So while the simulator showed a draw shape, I’m skeptical of that right now until I’m able to be out on a real range or the course. I’m bringing that up because the last two drivers I’ve had both had sliding weights that I set to draw to help me out with my fade. With the lighter toe patch in the Speed making up for no additional heel weighting and no sliding weight, this driver was made with a draw bias in mind. The jury will continue to be out on that one.
Number wise, I was seeing increased spin up to around 2500-2600 while also increasing my launch to around 11-13. Off the top of my head, I know my launch was regularly 8-10 with my SIM and sitting at 2300. Sim was a 9* set to one click up at 9.75*. Speed is a 10.5* head dropped to 9.5*. I was trying to at least get relatively comparable specs since I didn’t actually do a head to head like I was planning on. I brought it, but was just too enthralled with hitting the Speed. I will get some comparison numbers later. I just wanted to get my first impressions out there since I’ve been sitting on this driver for two weeks now.
All I can say is I couldn’t be more excited to have this in the bag for the season and see what kind of damage I can do with it!
Spin and club head speed/ball speed were all better than the Ping. Employee there was worthless. I had to tell him how to change the settings on the Trackman so I could compare drivers after 10 or so shots each. I haven’t liked a Callaway driver since my beloved XR16 but this is different. I’m still waiting on CC to get all the LH heads in so I can do a proper driver fitting, waiting patiently. The guy there keeps me updated by email so it’s going to happen. But this Epic Max LS is something else. My clubhead speed was 102 with the Epic LS vs 98 with Ping.
They only had a 9* Epic MAX LS in LH, I think I would have to loft it up to 10* or go to a 10.5 head. I wasn’t getting a lot height at 9*.
Im currently playing the Mavrik Max . 9* but i add one degree and play it at 10*. Did you try the demo at plus one. If i go Max LS im thinking of doing the same and hope the plus one might neutralize the draw bias a little. I thought about going with a higher standard loft but like the idea of plus one if it might help minimize any fade bias.
Yeah I’m Lefty also and really wanted to hit LS head in 10.5* …..currently using Epic flash sub zero in 9* (spin too low) and 17 gbb epic that I’m kinda getting dialed in but spin might be too high…..hoping LS will be the hybrid model of these two heads!
I didn’t get to change the loft I was kinda short on time but that’s OK because I’m going to treat myself to a CC fitting and let them do their magic. No question I need more loft with this head though. The flight is definitely lower with lower spin than my current gamer G400 MAX 9*.
I just want to be able to hit all these heads beforehand to get a good idea of what I like looks wise etc. so I can narrow it down a bit before I go to CC. But the MAX LS sits so nice and feels and sounds great. I was stunned by how much I liked it last nite in 10-15 swings.
My best strikes were around 14* launch spinning 1800 ish and carrying 240. I was swing petty well for not swinging all winter.
I was 96-101 SS. Smash was 1.36 if I remember that part correctly.
The tee was a pinch to short or way to tall. All of these were on the small tee.
Shot shape was a skin fade to straight.
I’m thinking a slightly taller tee (1/4") and and maybe a 10.5* moved down to 9.5* might work.
Not to mention a striking it better than a 1.36 smash
Sounded/felt good. I can see why the MMT is liked.
Can’t wait until tomorrow when I can get on the course but first impressions are we have a leader! View attachment 8994967View attachment 8994968
Who else would be willing to game a 47” driver? I forgiving Epic head on a longer shaft to get some more speed potential sounds like it could be a massive bomber.
Saw that as well. Looks like the Paderson kinetixx shaft is one of the LD options too which is cool.
Callaway Golf Official Site | Golf Clubs, Golf Balls & Gear
http://www.callawaygolf.com
That looks like @MattyD-MPLS stock ready to go
a degree or so?
It definitely did for me, and peak height was much higher with the speed too
Does that count Kohl’s, Macy’s and Dicks Sporting Goods golf clothing sales for UA ? I know when I buy my UA golf shirts it’s rarely at a golf retailer as they rarely put them on sale. The other retailers outside of the golf industry have much better deals.
I saw the email today and my eyes grew very wide! They look like a lot of fun to test.
Awesome, you bought a MAX LS. That tells me the triple diamond will probably be along shortly. Or, they’re waiting for me to pull the trigger before they drop it. Don’t know how long I can wait!
I’m guessing the TripD won’t have the sliding weight..? If that’s the case, I’m def happy to stick with the LS.
From what I’ve seen in terms of tour pics, it does not.
Appears to be a no on the weight.
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Yeah, I like the track because I like to ability to dial in the placement. Also like the option to go animal style on a shorter shaft build setup. I think my Epic TripD shined at like 44.75” with two weights.
I want shot by shot analysis
Ha-Ha…..that would be something. Exhausting but something.
I mean if anyone could do it. With shot tracer. I would put my money on you.
I have Shot Tracker on my phone & it’s frustrating as hell to get spot on. If I did that we might be pushing a 7 hr round & playing partners might never call me again.
I have every desire to see how it works out for y’all though. Please don’t make me change my mind. Please…
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i want to be like you when I grow up. The amount of gear you’ve had your hands on is impressive.
I heard April as well the other night when I went to get fitted… I went to PGA Superstore after hearing this cause they felt bad…turns out, the "Smoke Black" is the same shaft as the RDX… Fitter was super nice and asked the manager if they could give me the Smoke Black off the fitting cart, which is what I was fit into and they accommodated me. I was super pumped – so they simply cancelled the order I had made originally.
Epic has UST ATTAS GOGO 5R
LS Tensei Blue AV 65R
I tried attas in LS and performance was underwhelming but stumbled across the Tensei setup
Short story about the round : LS was 5-10yds longer using same ball…..2019 prov1x
Epic is fun for me to hit EXCEPT into the wind!
LS is strong obviously but only issue is I can’t draw it ……I can hit ANY window I desire…..high or low but only with a cut …..
I might change grip on tensei to slightly one less wrap to encourage harder release but until then, I’ll keep cutting….
More to come
Or get another shaft or ball to get more spin?
More loft can decrease ballspeed
The shaft was pretty much perfect 95% of the time. I was using an old ball so my testing continues. I do need another degree up at least for launch and spin
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! ????
Both the Speed and Max have that classic face depth which I’ve seen in Callaway drivers for a long time but that Max LS really caught my eye.
Triple diamond-esque concept shaping….
Higher MOI with mid/lowish spin …..confident inspiring shape for my eye…..I’m surprised by the launch during my extremely limited exposure