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!
I’m not sure why you wouldn’t use the number of customer reviews as a barometer.
You’re saying the majority of people don’t buy them until Cally puts clubs on CPO? I don’t see that as a good thing. People can just as easily review them on the retail sites where they bought them, but they haven’t done that either.
I’m not saying that at all. I’m saying using reviews from a past release, when I mentioned that 98 of 139 reviews for Mavrik, that you’re using as a barometer yourself, have been put on there in the last year. Which is well outside it’s release window that you’re criticizing the Speed for.
That means that 41 reviews of the Mav were either on CPO or the Callaway website while it was “in season” for that line. That’s pretty close to the 34 that you’re saying is a bad sign for the Speed line. I also gave Mav a full year of reviews. The Speed has only been out for 10 months since they didn’t release until the end of January
And yet you’re saying that the Mav and Rogue, which is three releases behind the Speed, sold well because of their review count. Of course they have more reviews. They’ve been out much longer. The Rogue has 658 reviews on CPO. By your argument, that sold better than the Mav and the Speed combined multiple times over
Not trying to be confrontational, just trying to point out that when comparing the number of reviews, the older clubs are always going to have more because they’ve had longer to get in hands of more consumers. Especially when people have a chance to pick them up for cheaper. It’s still money for Callaway since now they’ve sold the club twice lol
They aren’t selling poorly.
I would have bet a large amount of money on that lol
Ah, okay. I misunderstood what you were saying…
I‘d be surprised if they were also. Like I said earlier, I think they’re very good, I own two of them.
I was just surprised to see how few people have reviewed them on Callaway and other retail sites. I’m going to go compare that to the other OEMs FWs that were released this year.
Edit TGW # of FW reviews
PING G425 205
Sim Max 140
TSi2. 40
Epic 38
Rad 12
The only conclusions I can come to here are either PING and Taylormade are killing it in FW sales, or that people who buy Titleist, Callaway and Cobra woods don’t review their purchases.
The data you provided only points to one conclusion and it is limited to where the data came from. That conclusion is that more Ping G425and TM SIM Max have more reviews than TSi2, Epic and Rad on TGW.com. You can’t equate reviews to sales when anybody can write a review.
How do you explain the small # of reviews on the Callaway site for them?
I play the Speed FWs and like them. I was just pointing out the discrepancy, and it is a big one. Like it or not.
I also think you’re bending over backwards to dismiss a correlation to sales, but whatever… ????
Bending over backward? Not like your theory isn’t blind stab. Lol. Are people compelled to write reviews for products they buy? Is reviewing the club part of the purchase contract?
Go Google Callaway’s sales numbers for the past year versus other OEM’s for the same period. That’s an indication of how sales have gone not how many online reviews exist.
I’m not talking about the quality of the club (I have two of them), or financial bottom line of a mega corporation like Callaway.
Blind stab? I’m asking about the seeming unpopularity (if that’s the right word) of ONE of their products based upon the surprisingly low number of reviews for the Speed FWs compared to those of the other OEMs’21 releases on both Callaway’s and retailers sites.
You’re intent on dismissing the possibility of them being a poor selling club entirely. It makes me wonder if you would still feel the same were it another product, by any other manufacturer (even if not golf related)? I’m going to guess no.
Based on the list you provided previously, there is no correlation to number of reviews on that site to market share.
It is not a poor selling club based on any measurable metric.
Based on the data you provided, there is no correlation at all between number of reviews on those retail sites and market share. None whatsoever actually.
Being able to let loose, with a good ball and no consequences of loosing anything, I was really able to relax and get my swing back to how I’m used to. I also showed myself why this driver was absolutely on fire up to midway through the season. (when the mental block kicked in)
The mental block is for another thread, but the sim time really got my confidence back up with this club!
Was at the sim again this weekend still grinding for December. In my post that I quoted, I mentioned my dispersion for the Ventus was "pretty fantastic". Well that dispersion was being put up against what I’ve normally done with my driver.
Had a friend let me try an Aldila Rogue Silver MSI 130 Tour Stiff shaft that the Callaway rep left for them in the pro shop. All I have to say is I didn’t know what fantastic dispersion was. I know it’s preached. I know people beat a dead horse about it. But man having the properly paired shaft in the club is a freaking game changer. The Speed paired with the right shaft is even better than I thought it was previously.
He also gave me one small tip about my swing sequencing and I immediately got rid of my two way miss. After two times to the sim, I’m finally having fun with my the Speed again after a rough couple months.
CAN NOT WAIT to be fit in a few weeks!
After the PXG beat out the SIM2 pretty easily I didnt look for a driver all year although I felt lacking in some areas. Finally gave both Epic Speed and Epic Max LS a try and man im pissed I waited so long. Ended up buying the Epic Max LS bc it was the best blend of forgiveness and spin. Consistently kept spin around 2500 which really helped with dispersion and ease of use. The PXG Gen4 would drop below 2000 spin all the time which is partly my fault with a 7.5* driver but led to some very long drives
The plan is to play the Epic Max LS the next 2 months and see how it goes. I bought from PGA store with the 90 day playability so worst comes to worst I can exchange the Epic Max LS for the new Rogue bc who doesnt like new shiny things
It was a shorter course so only used it 8 times but I did hit 4 fairways. In 35* Chicago weather I hit some darn good tee shots with it that flew surprisingly far considering the temperature. I think this club for me will be tough to beat next summer
#SPEEDRULZ
Our club pro recommended that I give the Titleist TSi2 a try the next time I’m at the course. He also said Callaway was releasing a new Rogue after the first of the year. Right now I’m just trying to find something that I feel more comfortable and confident with. I could definitely play the Epic Max, but I’m going to give the TSi2 a try and see how I like it. Figured I might as well try everything and see if anything stands out.
With my current epic speed and the same shaft turned up to 10 degrees, so theoretically a little closed, I’m hitting fades to slices.
Seems counterintuitive but I’m sticking with the Max LS if this continues.
Wish the LS sounded and felt like the speed though.
Did I mention the CONSISTENCY I’m having with SPEED? Hehe
It has been solid since day 1 but the near endless improvement I’ve been seeing is a big surprise. I have such a high confidence level when swinging this club.
All my rounds for the next few months will be in the simulator but it’s nice to see the numbers climbing as the rounds tick off.
In league I’m seeing 300 plus drives with 108-109 mph club speed. Spin rates are 1900-2300. These numbers have eluded me the past couple of years. Being able to see steady 285 yard drives puts the rest of my game back to where it used to be.
Sent from my SM-G998U using Tapatalk
OMG.
DM me if you don’t have luck.
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I hadn’t hit a golf ball for almost two months. We have had a break in the weather. It warmed up to low 40’s. So, yesterday, I played 18. To say it was muddy, was an understatement. Look at my caddy and shoes.
First swing was a tee shot on a straight, fairly short par 4. A tight, flat draw that went over 300 yards. Yes, it is 4000 feet elevation, but it also was 43* in very soft conditions. It is about as good as any drive I have ever had on that hole, given the cold air and mud.
The next driving hole was a par 5. Another drive over 280 yards. The driver was consistently giving me these nice flat draws. Towards the middle of the round, I struggled with some toe hooks, but I figured out it was a set up issue and the last three driving holes reverted back to what I was seeing out of the gate.
It is strange. I picked up this head from another THPer late last May or early June. It didn’t work very well, but I had a different shaft in it. I also had it set up differently. Yesterday, I used Hzrdus Smoke Black RDX 60, 6.0 and -1/N for the setting. It is a 10.5* head, so it was playing at 9.5*. I took it out just kind of for kicks, thinking that I was going to sell it, but now I am definitely holding off to see if it was a one time anomaly, or if I have stumbled into something.
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which head?
Ha ha. That might be useful info. Epic Speed Triple Diamond LS
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So now I’m thinking about buying one and looking for some feedback on them from people who have used them for a while. My order of interest would be Max LS, Max then Speed.
Haha, how many drivers since this session? So far I been able to hold off ordering anything and plan to test against my Tsi4 before committing. It has been hard and still may fail as it’s taking forever for all the heads to show up here
“Need” vs “want” are two different things. I truly enjoy trying different offerings. I truly have no illusions about anything improving my game in a way that would manifest itself in significantly lower scores.
I am ? with you
I did like the Epic Speed 4 wood – very consistent as was the Epic 7 wd. They performed. But I have found other true loves.
I went all-in on the Rogue ST – so my former clubs are currently residing at callawaygolfpreowned while I wait for the Rogue ST Max 9 and 3HL Fwy to arrive.
I think you will find better feel and easier launch than the original Rogue.
That changes tomorrow, as we’re finally about to break the 50* barrier. I’m looking forward to giving them a go.
Melt snow, melt!