“Driver DNA in a Hybrid”
That’s quite the bold claim, but then again, Callaway has never shied away from the bold. If anything, they run headlong into the fray seeking to be the bold.
Two years ago, they did that with the introduction of the Super Hybrid. In 2021, they’re bringing it back, and this time they are throwing everything at it.
2021 Callaway Epic Super Hybrid
The original Super Hybrid was the prime example of, in my opinion, Callaway when they are at their best. A fall release which isn’t attached to any major line and instead can be aimed at a specific segment of golfers, a niche if you will. For the Super Hybrid, it was for better players who wanted a fairway wood replacement with launch and power, but without the left bias that anything other than a utility iron typically carries. The release was a hit, even at the price it came in at, so naturally this time there will be more of everything, more tech, more accessibility, more playability, more distance, and yes, more money.
When I say Callaway is throwing everything at this one, I mean it. Literally every major technical design feature is in play here, in a hybrid. The body remains titanium which is what allows so much to be packed into this one, the material offers strength and stiffness at the lowest possible weight, a key with this kind of speed potential. The face is also titanium with all the A.I. design optimization which Callaway is leads the industry.
Of course, the Jailbreak A.I. Velocity blades are here as well, and with the new angled and widened position within the head it means there is even more allowance for the face to flex and produce massive ball speeds while still keeping the vertical stiffness intact to maximize energy transfer. Add in the Triaxial Carbon crown which puts even more weight savings in play and the most extreme tungsten weighting (up to 90g) Callaway has ever put into a hybrid, literally custom shaped for the head design, then you have the checklist that is unparalleled in the entire segment.
With all the tech, it’s easy to lose sight of some important aspects. First, according to Callaway this is a more robust offering than the first version. There is a higher MOI, more spin potential in the right places, and more overall playability while still holding true to the tenets of the original. Oh, and their internal testing has even shown it to go toe to toe with the rocket launching Epic Speed Fairways, which is crazy to think about.
It is nice that the message here remains, this is a multi-objective club. But to make it more so, they are expanding the loft options from 16° to 27°. Interestingly, Callaway has recognized the different needs within that loft range, so there are two different head and face shapes within the single line. First, the 16° and 18° appeal more as the fairway replacements and as such have more camber across the leading edge as well as a symmetrical looking crown that peaks in the center. On the other hand, the 21°, 24°, and 27° have a squarer toe accompanied by a crown that peaks towards the toe looking more iron like overall. It’s a savvy progression decision which both expands the playability while staying true to its roots.
Naturally, the Opti-Fit 3 adapter is being utilized here as the adjustable sole weight in order to really dial in the club to one’s specific needs. The stock pairing here will be the Aerotech Steelfiber FC Hyrbid shaft in 60g (Light), 70g (R, S), and 80g (X). For initial reference, the 16° plays 41.5” stock, and the 27° at 39”. Additionally, the 18°, 21°, and 24° are also available in LH.
Now, the heavy part of the conversation that will 100% be the conversation driver most focus on, for better or worse. The 2021 Epic Super Hybrid comes with a price tag of $399.99, and no, you did not read that incorrectly. So yes, that is one heck of a price tag, and I won’t sit here and try to get you to rationalize it, but what I will say is there is little doubt this is the most technologically advanced hybrid ever made. Is that worth it? Well, only you can answer that when you get out and hit them to see for yourself. Stay tuned to THP as we will have much more with the new Callaway Epic Super Hybrid to come.
The Details
Availability: 8/26/21 Pre-Order, 9/9/21 Retail
Lofts: 16°, 18°, 21°, 24°, 27°
Shaft: Aerotech Steelfiber FC Hybrid (60g, 70g, 80g)
Price: $399.99
DEEP face! That’s a tech WOW for the player for which it is intended.
Can’t wait to see photos of this in the wild. Hope to try out, any idea of this is what was talked about in the Off Course podcast last week?
Great write up!
Very interesting option for the bag.
Price seems high, but if it delivers….why not.
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How’s the face height set up compared to a ball on these? Face seems deep which I’ve really grown to like on longer end of the bag.
Lots of tech here and I’m liking how Callaway is continuing to push the limits of each line.
[QUOTE=”hedley_lamarr08, post: 10051639, member: 37622″]
I seen this last night as I was randomly looking and posted the pic in a thread. Didn’t know the release/review was today. ?
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We always cover the releases, and honor embargo, unlike other places. :LOL:;)
Lot of interesting things with this guy, most of all the price. ?
The SuperHybrid was the only club that carried over in my bag from last year. It’s so good.
i cannot wait to see this one and give it a few swings.
Interesting choice with the steel fiber being stock shaft.
[QUOTE=”Golfers Anonymous, post: 10051668, member: 59233″]
How’s the face height set up compared to a ball on these? Face seems deep which I’ve really grown to like on longer end of the bag.
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Thanks!
Tech and extended lofts sound awesome. Like the steelfiber shaft offering. At that list price it better have some magic in it. Great write up and great job of Callaway pushing this kind of tech out in a hybrid.
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 10051674, member: 1579″]
We always cover the releases, and honor embargo, unlike other places. :LOL:;)
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i seen it around 2am. That picture was a screen shot of the Callaway Website. I didn’t know it was coming out. ?
So is this callaways competitor to TM’s mini driver? They kind of feel the same with different branding. Super hybrid or mini driver…lol
Does only go down to 16 degrees tho so maybe not, but interesting comparison for me.
[QUOTE=”V14_Heels, post: 10051715, member: 53564″]
So is this callaways competitor to TM’s mini driver? They kind of feel the same with different branding. Super hybrid or mini driver…lol
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Oh no. They are drastically different clubs.
I have the 17 and 20 degree Super Hybrid in my bag and while they do what I need from them they do not get a lot of use. There was a time that I struggled badly with driver but the Epic Max LS has been so good that I rarely use the 17* from the tee box. The Apex DCB 4 iron has taken a lot of work away from the 20* on the tee and fairway. After two years I still do not want a fairway wood but at 4 bills each I will stay with the originals.
I hope it’s not lost sight of that yes, the price is what it is, and it’s a bit crazy even for me, but also that this literally has every piece of tech Callaway is using in it. That’s impressive.
Good looking club but not meant for me.
[QUOTE=”V14_Heels, post: 10051715, member: 53564″]
So is this callaways competitor to TM’s mini driver? They kind of feel the same with different branding. Super hybrid or mini driver…lol
Does only go down to 16 degrees tho so maybe not, but interesting comparison for me.
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They legitimately couldn’t be any more different I believe.
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I think I just found my hybrid!
This looks great. I toyed with the first one in 17* and ultimately moved on because I couldn’t make it work off the deck.
But yeah, I can’t see myself dropping $400 USD (probably 550 CAD?) on a hybrid.
Well that just looks amazing now doesn’t it! My goodness…
Price tag is a big one but I wouldn’t be surprised to see more of this. We’re seeing costs rise in almost every other sector.
[USER=3]@JB[/USER] – Well…I mean I definitely see quite a few similarities, but…
I was just thinking more from a usability standpoint the TM mini driver that can be cranked up to 15.5 degrees vs. the 16 degree super hybrid feel like they would fit a very similar spot in the bag. I guess the hybrid has better utility out of rough, vs. the mini driver at that would play a little better off the tee maybe?
But I can definitely see alot of differences here without a doubt, appreciate the comparison pictures for sure. It’s a lot more HYBRID than I thought without that comparison picture. I was thinking the club head was much bigger.
[QUOTE=”V14_Heels, post: 10051762, member: 53564″]
[USER=3]@JB[/USER] – Well…I mean I definitely see quite a few similarities, but….
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I’m genuinely curious what you see similar? I guess by that idea, the mini driver is just an answer to every fw wood?
Wow, that’s a whole lot going on. It’s a hybrid hybrid – maybe making a new category.
Price is on the high side but looking at these as a fairway wood replacement for some brings them into that realm especially being titanium faced which isn’t seen typically in a hybrid let alone some woods. Which if viewed from that perspective puts it in line with the going rates and although high in the hybrid crowd it’s even in the woods arena for the most part.
I am really liking this club, but I cannot for the life of me get over the price at $400. I know that I have trouble cracking my wallet (but that is just a me as a dad thing), I could get this club if I wanted it enough, however the price – well I guess they have a strong and specific clientele for this model and type of club. The thing is, as people get older (myself as a very small sample) we are hitting more hybrids and 5 woods and longer irons – as we play the game and fight for distance. But still, in my round Sunday, I only hit my hybrid about 4 or 5 times max, and one was as bump and run under a tree. So again, I scratch my head based on cost.
I hope to see this new line with new tech be 100% successful – so I can get it next year (on sale!).
James – as always great write up, very interesting article.
That’s a hefty price tag, but I’m excited about what I hear. My WITB prediction for December made it less than 24 hours.
Oh man. I need to hit one. I passed over on the last super hybrid, but I love all the tech they have packed into this one. Perhaps in that heavenwood spot that’s been so secure for so long now…it might have competition
Great write up and exquisite photos [USER=1579]@Jman[/USER]. This is a very interesting release with all the loft options. The price when you got to it automatically made me almost forget everything nice you had already said about the club though. This strikes me as a throw it out there and see if we can get away with it price. Given the current hot market it may serve as a heat check for Callaway to see what they can realistically charge.
Great write up and nice looking hybrid. Price is high but it if works for your bag and game its worth it IMO. Always been happy with Callaway Clubs and customer service. I’m sure this would not disappoint as well.
[QUOTE=”DataDude, post: 10051788, member: 47057″]
Great write up and exquisite photos [USER=1579]@Jman[/USER]. This is a very interesting release with all the loft options. The price when you got to it automatically made me almost forget everything nice you had already said about the club though. This strikes me as a throw it out there and see if we can get away with it price. Given the current hot market it may serve as a heat check for Callaway to see what they can realistically charge.
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The price is high. Absolutely. But this isn’t a throw it out there release, this is a niche release like the original SH before it, which at the time made people recoil at its price, until they hit it (unless you were me and couldn’t get it airborn haha)
Thanks for the pictures and writeup. These seem a bit smaller in head size than the Super Hybrids, which was a big complaint for a number of folks (I didn’t mind it at all). I do wish they had gone back to Tensei for the hybrid as stock; I thought the real deal Tensei Orange with the last iteration of Super Hybrids was a fantastic shaft
I can’t wait to demo these in person!! I’m interested to see how they sit behind the ball and if they are draw biased or more neutral
[QUOTE=”93civiccpe, post: 10051811, member: 41068″]
I can’t wait to demo these in person!! I’m interested to see how they sit behind the ball and if they are draw biased or more neutral
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They are definitely not more draw biased. If you see THP Instagram Reels, there is a shot of it directly behind the ball.
Love my Super Hybrid and will definitely try one of these. Probably wait until next spring when they’re on CPO for 50%. That’s a hefty price tag.
[QUOTE=”ArmyGolf, post: 10051757, member: 11776″]
This looks great. I toyed with the first one in 17* and ultimately moved on because I couldn’t make it work off the deck.
But yeah, I can’t see myself dropping $400 USD (probably 550 CAD?) on a hybrid.
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That conversion just sounds harsh. ?
Wow at that price point. Strangely, it makes me even more curious to test them. Which loft would fit in what spot in the bag? Hmmm…
[QUOTE=”Bryndom, post: 10051806, member: 53516″]
Thanks for the pictures and writeup. These seem a bit smaller in head size than the Super Hybrids, which was a big complaint for a number of folks (I didn’t mind it at all). I do wish they had gone back to Tensei for the hybrid as stock; I thought the real deal Tensei Orange with the last iteration of Super Hybrids was a fantastic shaft
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One thing Callaway has absolutely done better than most out there is selecting their stock shaft. They’ve used the FC before with the Epic irons, so using a hybrid version could be pretty solid.
Very interesting club. If it is a club that sticks in your bag for a long period of time I don’t see the issue with price. I purchased a 3W at TrueSpec golf 3 years ago and paid a lot of money for it. I still have that club in my bag and haven’t thought about changing it. To me that was good value. Previously I had rolled through 3 woods every year or more looking for the perfect fit. I haven’t even looked at a 3 wood for a couple of years. I am in an M6 so I am starting to think about it just because I like new stuff but I still hit that 3 wood great all the time.
I recently spent for a 9W that I hit 0-6 times a round depending on the course but if it sticks in the bag for 3 years it will be a good purchase. I have had 5 different hybrids and utility irons trying to fill that gap over the past 2 years.
The hybrid is a club in my bag that seems to be a spot I can never dial in. Not for lack of options, but I am convinced that spot is more mental than the club. I like the Apex I have now, but I really like the look the Super Hybrid sets at address. I need to dig into these more and see if one of these makes sense for me.
[QUOTE=”JB, post: 10051818, member: 3″]
They are definitely not more draw biased. If you see THP Instagram Reels, there is a shot of it directly behind the ball.
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Thank you JB, i just looked it up. That looks perfect behind the ball. Just added to my ponder list. I will be hitting this as soon as my local fitter gets them in!!
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 10051846, member: 1579″]
One thing Callaway has absolutely done better than most out there is selecting their stock shaft. They’ve used the FC before with the Epic irons, so using a hybrid version could be pretty solid.
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I definitely agree with that. And, fortunately, this is adjustable for those that maybe don’t get on with the FC shafts.
This is a fun club and legit fairway wood competitor at lower lofts. The price is steed but if you compare it to other titanium fairway wood options out there it is in line.
The trick is to tell yourself this is a fairway wood replacement and not a iron replacement.
But, still $400 is a lot. Lol..
Pretty interesting the loft range they offer in addition to the two different head shapes. Must have found some really good benefits to the driver tech to offer a 6h at $399.
I’m a big fan of the original super hybrid so will try to hold off till these hit CPO
As someone who has the original Super Hybrid in the traditional 5W spot, this launch has my attention…
I know it’s a hybrid-hybrid….a little hybrid, a little fairway wood, but $399.99 for a “hybrid” seems steep! I would love to try it though!
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Price aside I’ll be looking for somewhere to hit one of these. I just flat out didn’t get along with the original Super Hybrid, but based on the tech in these, I’ll give them a go. I’m extremely happy with my Mavrik hybrids, but you never know!
Oh yeah, the storied obsession with Super Hybrid continues.
Time to dig into this one.
Can we just talk about the 16 degree head for a minute?
With the deep face and mega tech push on this, are we officially challenging fairway woods the way utilities are challenging hybrids?