“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
