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!
Phew, I’m actually really glad to hear that the sound stood out to you as well. I was borderline worried there was something wrong with it . I hit one at the LGS a few weeks ago but didn’t really notice the sound, but out in the real world it definitely caught my attention.
Riptide and I never got along with it in the Mavrik line, so I went with the MMT option in my LS. Currently have it paired with the Velocity though, which has worked out well so far. Still need some good range time though.
I noticed it immediately as well. Figured it wasn’t fair to disparage coming of the standard Mavrik that has such a pleasing sound on centered shots.
The first time I hit it, I was a bit shocked as well, but it’s not terrible. If it’s possible to separate sound from feel, I prefer the feel of the Max LS.
I would agree, it was just a shock coming from the B21. I also agree on feel, I feel like I get better feedback on face contact with Max LS than I did with B21.
As for my play, I’m finding that I just need to focus on a smooth swing and trust what I’ve learned from my lessons. Good contact gives me better results than when I feel like I have to swing harder.
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It also goes 338y landing in Bermuda rough and makes you pull out tricky wedge shots into 485y par 4’s, so we might need to get reacquainted.
We’re not playing at 7000 yards.
Good share. Tell your friends a lot of pros are saying that their stock shot with today’s drivers is a power cut. See John Rahm.
I will say that the blacked out version does look super sharp. I also think the MMT 60 is a solid shaft.
It’s always interesting to see how personal preferences and bias play a role in how people react to things. So I’ll say this. I like Callaway drivers. They’ve served me very well. I’ve also maintained from my very first time out with it when it was released that the Max LS is SERIOUSLY loud, and not in a good way, to me. It surprised me and I think the exact quote in Live Round was "Holy hell!"
Had a couple guys with me yesterday, one I’d never played with. After crushing one and announcing that I still think it sound like hell, new guy said "It is REALLY Ping-y". And I’m laughing. A hole later after my buddy hits ‘IS that a Ping (driver)?’ (It is) ‘I actually like that better’.
And yet people come down on the G425’s so hard for the sound, and not a lot of hate for these. To be clear, I don’t enjoy either, but if you like the look and performance that can be enough, and what really matters right?
Still have a Speed head, but no regrets about moving on from the Max LS for me.
Problem was, I just haven’t benn all that impressed with the Super. Definitely not at what they’re asking for it, despite the adjustability. So I started thinking FW again. Unfortunately, having not played one in a LOT of rounds (I’m over 200 on the year) when I took out my old favorite 3W I had definitely lost some comfortability hitting a FW. And the 3W still wasn’t useful for me.
Went to grab a wedge and came across a used (barely) Speed 5W with an MMT 70X shaft and a really weird grip on the rack. Gave it a wiggle and it seemed a little short. Measured and it was, so I went to talk to one of the guys I know when about this setup that surely NO ONE would ever want, and what they would take for it. Sticker said $288.
Walked out with it for $155 , regripped it, swapped weights, and got it where I thought it would suit in all of 15 minutes.
Well I took it out today, and I will freely admit that at a steal of a price I am beyond impressed. First shot was into a par 5 without so much as a practice swing and it went well, and things mostly only went more well from there. I have the first and a few of the ones after.
Landing like a feather at 250 with easy, unsure initial swings, living in the 270+ range off the tee all day in soft conditions, and going 5W-5W to greenside on 550y par 5’s is more than enough to impress me in something so damn easy to hit. The seconde one into that last par 5 was a bit of a miss, but you’d never know it from the result.
NONE of the things that were bugging me a little about the Super Hybrid. Looks and feels great, LOVED how easy I could play it to spin and land soft or knock some spin off from the tee, ease of getting it up without turning it compared to my hybrid, etc. etc.
So.. I’m glad I didn’t get the 4W because it was still pretty long for me at the time and I think the 5 is going to be more useful. I didn’t have to support the non-adjustability that just costs all of us more money because someone else bought it new and it was already out there and local, and since it was cut down it plays flatter like I would have adjusted one to. It looks sounds feels and flies better than the Super Hybrid for me. It was barely used for about half retail and WAY less than the Super Hybrid.
Yup. Consider me a fan already.
Happy it’s working for you
Well, I am the guy who needs the length of a 4 wood. Bought the Speed several months ago (trade up-trade in) and put it in the bag in August – Riptide 60 Shaft at 42.5 inches, put a heavier weight in to get it to D2-3. Before using the Stack System, flight was low mid, now it’s high like it should be … I am also using the Speed 7 wood. These are the first Callaway Woods I’ve liked in a long time.
I laughed out loud at your comment about the sound. It was startling to me the first time I hit it. Coming from the B21, which was very muted by comparison, this sounds like a cannon .
I still need some time to try to dial my Max LS in since I’m testing the Super Hybrid I’ve been focused on using that when I get a chance. I was definitely pleased with the initial results and am hoping that moving the weight to a new position will help put this right where I want
Oh man. Yeah, I bet that difference was a surprise.
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One gives up some forgiveness, if needed, for some speed and better feel/sound and a better looking head.
Yep. I had the same shaft in my max ls just in a 70g so it felt heavy but I like the looks of the max ls at address a little better but it’s a toss up. My spin was between 2800-3200
Yes sir I have haha. I’d like to see what it is when I’m warmed up and can really put a swing on it but I’m seriously thinking of putting the max ls up for trade for a 9* Speed head.
What’s the launch like for you between them?
The max ls launches a little lower I think if I remember correctly. I hit the max ls today too and my bs was around 150-151
Makes sense. Speed flies a little higher for me too. Something about the shape of the face.
That’s part of why I moved on from the LS. Could hit these EPIC bombs on occasion but it actually lags a little bit for me overall. Bunch of meh/middling results on good strikes that made me and was frustrating to think I was leaving something out there.
If you were to loosen your weight in order to slide it, but instead keep unscrewing, the weight will just pop out. Just leave the piece that is in the channel, and then screw the new weight into that piece. I use the same stock screw even when swapping weights. Really easy peasy to swap out weights.
My driver is a full inch shorter than standard, so chances are I’d need to add a second weight. Again, however, I’m not certain because I haven’t actually measured the swing weight yet.
Use the wrench that came with the driver – lefty loosey, righty, tighty. That works on my Speed.
The reason I said that is because on their website nobody seemed to know how to replace them because of the bottom piece.
Oh, yes, they are different from the Speed. You can adjust with the wrench. Replace? Ask Callaway how to animalize them.
It’s really not difficult at all. You’ll be fine.
i have a line on the new Lin-Q shafts, so should be trying some of those in the coming weeks
Ping drivers are always the drivers I feel I should play, love looking down at, but never seem to work great for me out on the course. So, a week or two ago, I picked up a cheap Smoke im10 50 6.0 from CPO, and that seems to be my goldilocks with the 9* Epic Max head. A little lighter to get the club around, but a little stiffer to be stable and cut down on dispersion. Works beautifully, and have had my best driving rounds of the season over the past few rounds with this combo. Looking forward to closing out this season with this head and shaft.
I am now at a point where next March or April, getting out for the start of next season, if nothing else has bumped this combo, I will have full confidence going in which is rare for me.