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!
You piped it.. it was one of your best drives of the day.. you need to get one!! ?
View attachment 9019862
Some of these tee shots are downhill, so major caveat there.
Hole 1: first swing without warmup, downhill 293 total.
Hole 3: Uphill par 5. 291.
Hole 5: Very downhill 3 wood: 309. Felt like Henrik Stenson there.
Hole 6: Uphill, but if you carry it about 275, and get it on the right edge of a narrow fairway, it will roll down and to the left, ending just on the fairway: 315 total, a record with this driver.
Hole 9: 284.
The ball is just jumping off the face. Getting professional eyes on my swing gave me the confidence I need to line it up and swing hard. These were the results I needed to see after a lesson!
I’ve talked a bit in here about how well the Speed has worked for me on the toe side, how forgiving it is, how it’s kept me in play when I haven’t deserved it and so on. Well I’ve started finding the center of the face and the sound and feel of this thing is freaking addicting!
I had a TM SIM last season and thought that was my favorite sound and feel in a driver and that nothing would really come close to that. And I was hard set on that belief all the way up until this last Sunday and continuing on to tonight. The feeling of a ball coming out of the center of the Speed is second to none for me That very well could be my excitement of actually connecting with a ball, because that has been a rarity so far, but either way it’s true to me right now.
The ball is FLYING off the face exactly where I want to see it and I’m getting some of my most consistent distances I’ve ever seen! It’s crazy how much confidence I have looking down at that ball right now. It’s not a feeling I’ve had in a long time.
I totally understand that this is the result of the work I put in and I’d probably see success with any driver I had in the bag at the time. But THIS driver is the one I’m using right now and couldn’t be happier with the sound, the feel, and the performance!
Have you tried moving the heavy weight toward the face (up front)? Should help drop spin.
Ironically when I first got it the heavy weight was already forward so I kinda had no where to go with it. I appreciate the response though. ?
So with that said , after my covid-ity battle , my son and I headed over to fun little executive course……I get the chance to hit driver probably 8 times during the round…..not because I need to , I WANT to. Didn’t miss a beat…..the Speed /Tensei Blue combo is just on cruise control…… everything I want , just need rounds!?
Great shooting Tex! Is the TSI3 still lead dawg? Haven’t seen your YT vids in a minute…..what gives? I live vicariously through you nowadays
Yes, the other head is still lead dawg, but the newness is
View attachment 9020456
this bad boy. Which will surely see some time in the Speed head too.
Status just changed to being packaged so it looks like it will get here one day too late. That timing.
Consolation though is I have been hitting my Epic Flash really well the last couple weeks.
Funny you say that, I kind of came in here reading up with the same thought. I’ve made some swing changes and suddenly (granted over two rounds so limited sample size) my B21 is going left pretty hard consistently. Definitely still have some tricks in the bag to see if I can straighten it out but need some range time to figure out if I can adjust my way there or if it might be time to try a different head. My brother recently picked up the Max LS and when I played a tournament and a regular round with him a couple weekends ago he was an absolute monster with it so this head has been on my mind since then (would stick with my UST shaft).
When I picked up the B21 I was fighting a big right miss. That miss still creeps up now and then but not as bad as it was. I’m not missing it far left; most are pretty straight. The B21 is not a high spin head by any means but it seems like the LS would be lower spin and still fairly forgiving. I am hoping to get a comparison within the next few weeks.
Definitely look forward to your thoughts.
I just hit the most insanely long toe shot I’ve hit in my memory. The club twisted wide open through the ball, went dead straight and further than some of my great drives on the hole.
Followed that one up with one of the longest drives I’ve hit on an up hill par 4.
This is on my home course, which I’ve played thousands of times.
View attachment 9020847
View attachment 9020848
It can do some freak things when you catch it right, that’s for sure.
Driver is insane at times. I hit 4 bombs today. Couple stinkers.
If there is a high launch, low spin driver….this has to be it.
That looks like my combo. Max LS 10.5 with a Tensei Pro Orange 70 gram stiff shaft. I have hit the toe floater shot you described above a few times. Mine is a slight push that does not curve an inch and goes forever.
I could not believe it didnt dive into the ground with me yelling…”please stop!” Lol.
It was a super high, flat bomb. When we got up to the ball it was like 15 past some of my typical great drives.
As soon as the ball came off the face I was like “ah no”…. guys in the group looked at me and said “what was wrong with that”. I was just shaking my head in bewilderment.
Cheers.
I have an 8g weight in the back and that seems to be the "sweet weight" for me right now. Kinda tempted to find a heavier shaft, but in a regular flex that is usually an issue.
I go for a fitting this week. Feel like it will be tough to beat this Speed for my swing!
I’ll measure my driver shaft at lunch today. My build is 45 1/2" from club champion.
Easy to tell where you hit if you miss center.
View attachment 9021147
I didn’t read through all the posts, but is this the common sound you get with the Max fairway woods?
It is in the Speed, I haven’t hit the max but I suspect they’re similar – very soft sound and feel
Thanks!
45 1/2" build has the shaft measuring 44 5/16" from the end of the grip to the tip of the adapter.
View attachment 9021172
I hit the Max LS up against the B21 today on an indoor trackman. I didn’t have as much time as I would have liked and I would have liked to have hit the B21 again after hitting the LS, but I saw, on average, the Max LS spinning about 600 rpms lower than with the same shaft as the B21. The Max LS was averaging around 2620 and the B21 3220. As a result, I was seeing more carry distance with the LS and it was also more accurate for me. The biggest surprise was how consistent the spin numbers were on the LS. I had one or two with the B21 in the 3800 range and one almost 4200. I think my course has an LS head to demo so I am going to get out there and see how it translates.