“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
It’s the perfect shape, like a cross between my epic speed 4 wood, and previous gen SuperHybrid.
Throwing a new grip on it, and cutting it down a bit is happening tonight! Going to give the steelfiber a shot, but I’ve got a rogue black shaft ready to go, and need to put a tip on a hzrdus black.
I’m not much of a shaft aficionado but I got on with mine from day 1. Whether that’s the SH being that damn good or if the Steelfiber shaft is also a good shaft for me…????
I’ve never hit a steelfiber shaft before, so not sure how I’ll get along with it. The other two I mentioned I’ve played before and know what to expect.
I should have a LinQ black in the next few days as well to try with this!
I’ve never hit a steelfiber shaft before, so not sure how I’ll get along with it. The other two I mentioned I’ve played before and know what to expect.
I should have a LinQ black in the next few days as well to try with this!
Can you po
can you post a pic of those showing the face? Thanks
That shaft is electric! Congrats on the eagle!!!
The only one in my possession right now is the HyWood…
Thanks ccfor reply
View attachment 9039484
Looks like a fun one!
Did hit this with the Steelfiber shaft. I’m not historically a fan, but could easily game it. It’s a really good pairing with this head (obviously). I still like the Catalyst in my 2H but good to know if I ever change my mind. I still think the 2H fits my needs in the spot it’s in and expect to play it into next season at least. Went ahead and got my 2H regripped while I was there.
extremley happy with this out of the rough. I think the one learning curve with this one is that I need to play it a bit more center of my stance than I’m used to, which once I made that correction it really started to shine. Some of the rough shots today would usually be a 6 iron, but I’m very confident with the SuperHybrid there now, and getting great distance.
hole 5 2nd shot
View attachment 9039830
Here are some others (garmin has it tagged 1h right now)
View attachment 9039831
View attachment 9039833
View attachment 9039835
View attachment 9039834
I’m not a hybrid guy overall but I’ve been pretty blown away by it.
Dropped it off at the shop for a tip and grip, can’t wait to hit it later this week!
View attachment 9040462
Here are 2 shots yesterday in 40° weather that I could not have been happier with. Both were 2nd shots on par 5s. Just wants to go straight. I can’t wait to hit it more!
View attachment 9041166
View attachment 9041167
Talk to me about the shaft in this thing. What is it comparable to?
I’ve just gotten more and more comfortable with this club. Perfect for me off the tee. Real good on par 5s.
I’m going to let my dad hit this one for a little bit and I have another buddy who really wants to try it out more. He hit an absolute p**s missile with it the one time he it.
I wish I could help you here but I’m shaft illiterate when it comes to comparisons.
It’s not my favorite feeling shaft, I think others feel more smooth, but it’s also helping provide a straight ball flight for me.
That’s too bad it hasn’t worked well for you but it goes to show what’s great for some isn’t for others. Hopefully it works well for your dad or your buddy!
Course was long so didn’t hit it off the tee much but def can’t wait to try it.
Consider the 2H locked into that spot in the bag for a while. This thing is amazing.
Can’t wait to see live round event posts with this in play, as well as that new driver.
This club is an absolute weapon, and fits my game so perfectly.
Last week, I played a cheeky little greenside chip shot. Tight fescue lie, shortsided to the flag about 4 feet above my feet, downhill lie. Hit it like a putt and made the 8 foot comebacker to get up and down. Fun linksy shot with the versatile Super Hybrid.
View attachment 9047152
Man that was an aggressive line. Nice Shot!
Sounds like you have 11 smart players on your team!
I had to read this multiple times because I was about to ask who WASN’T excited to hit it
? Be honest how long did it take? ?
Four times
My guess would be the 3h in Super Hybrid would be a 5 or 7 wood equivalent. My p-ave with the Super Hybrid 2h at 16* is 250, while my driver is 275. Not sure what usual gapping is but I don’t see myself adding anything to the top end of the bag.
View attachment 9048112
Just received the spoils from the Dream Foursome victory! Can’t wait to experience this thing.
Enjoy the spoils of victory. I hope it works out well for you. I’ll be interested in hearing your feedback as to its performance.
I can’t wait to hear your thoughts on this. I genuinely believe my 2h is the easiest long club I’ve ever hit and it’s not that close
Now that winter is here, I am going to get some indoor swings with launch monitor in to get some head-to-head numbers.
well…. this ponder only lasted 3 hours! Just won an eBay auction for a 3h w/ ventus blue for $326!