“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
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This had to have flown 250
I know @Jman and a few others have mentioned less fade bias, but wondering if anything else stands out?
I love the previous version, so this new one is definitely on the radar for the Grandaddy!
I couldn’t get the first version off the ground, but I can this one, so that’s a big one
I mean, it’s one of those that people will either look down at and be “NICE!” Or “eh….That’s different”.
Thing is, the tech does shine through. I’ve put it into the hands of about 6 people now from 8 HCP to +3 and it’s been an absolute rocket launcher for each.
Hole 1 – a dogleg right, uphill to landing area with a large tree right in the middle of the line you’d prefer to take. Wind slightly in my face. Solid swing, a little heely, but it’s a mid launched baby fade that carries through fairway and settles a few feet into the rough with Shotscope pegging it at 238 yards. Fantastic start.
Hole 2 – not a whole lot here, but it’s going uphill all the way to the hole. Wind again in my face, but it’s not blowing hard. Catch it low on the face but, as I saw at the range, it still elevates to a mid-low trajectory and is pretty much dead straight. Shotscope pegs this one at 236 yards which is mind boggling considering how low on the face I know I caught this one.
Hole 7 – dogleg left with bunkers that you can fly and cut the corner at 210 but can’t go too long. Perfect opportunity. Now admittedly the tee is a bit elevated here but I catch this one nicely and this is a high launch, dead straight that elicits the comment "that’s going to bring rain" from my buddy. Got a little bit lucky as it almost went too far, winding up in the rough, but Shotscope pegged this one at 251.
Hole 12 – another dogleg left that takes driver out of your hands. Another elevated tee box so distance is probably slightly inflated. I put a pretty lousy swing on this to be honest, and was expecting a big ole ugly slice. What I got was high launched push, with a hint of fade that actually stayed in play and (elevation inflated) got out to 256 yards.
I am truly blown away by the combination of forgiveness and distance they’ve wrapped into this. None of the above mentioned shots were flushed, but they were all great results considering. If you can get your hands on one of these I can’t recommend it enough.
Super excited to see where that club takes your game Don!
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I totally agree on the shaft, it’s just not great. I have an older KuroKage from a fairway wood I played in the past that I’ll maybe cut down and replace it with at some point.
Or maybe it would be fun to keep it at the longer length and try it that way.
Only hit it a handful of times off the tee, but so far I’m digging the potential here! First couple were just ok, but even with just OK contact this thing was rolling out to nearly even or in some cases just past my playable but not great drives. On 4 I hit a heel fade with my first driver attempt. Hit the ESH just ok and ended up a touch past.
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After that I moved the Optifit adapter up to +1/S and that’s where it stayed the rest of the round. Put me in a great spot, but not as far as my (pretty well smoked) driver on 6, leaving me a GW in. I usually hit 4W on this hole, and this was comparable to my good results there. On 8 I hit my best tee shot with the ESH. Left me a few feet into the right rough, but extremely playable and as deep as I my just ok drives on that hole. Once I ticked it up to 17? I had no issues with height. At the end I may settle back to 16? as it was almost bordering on too high, but time will tell.
Only hit it off the deck once on 1. It was at the 16? setting and I thinned it a bit on my second shot into a dogleg par 5. Even not getting more than 20 feet off the ground it rolled out to just shy of 220 leaving me a SW into the green.
Liking this one enough that I’m benching my 4W for my round this weekend. It is a bit of an adjustment getting used to the head size/shape vs. my Mavrik hybrids. Have to focus on hitting it like a hybrid instead of a fairway wood! Feel is definitely different. Need some more time before I can really put it to words though.
Let me know if anyone has any questions. I ordered mine with the Catalyst 85 stiff if anyone’s curious. I have never gotten along with SteeFibers.
The first time was on a par 5. I was about 265 out on my second shot with a hook lie (downhill sloped down toward me. I caught the ball just slightly on the toe, not bad though, and the ball started out right of the green and drew back nicely. It landed on the left side of the fairway and hit the sidehill and rolled in to the rough. I was left with about 30 yards to the pin so it was a nice little 235ish yard shot off the deck.
The second time was off the tee and was one of those shots I forced myself to use it even though it was totally the wrong club. I figured I’d better try it anyway. Well, that doubt killed me and I put a horrible swing on it and flared it way right and in to a hazard. That was totally on me and my mental state.
The final shot was again off the tee and this time it worked out beautifully. I struck it well and the trajectory was a thing of beauty. It started out lower and piercing but gradually rose up to its peak and then dropped back down at a great descent angle. Man I loved that flight! It went about 240 with the southeast draw and ended on the right side of the fairway.
I hate to admit it but I was pretty skeptical of these coming in to the testing. I’ve been very pleasantly surprised though and haven’t been tempted to put my 5 wood back in. At some point I’d really like to put in a different shaft to see if it livens it up a little more. It’s been a really fun club so far!
Still working on dialing mine in but my 4W is officially relegated to the backup bag for the time being.
My next casual round out I might dial the loft down and see what that does for me. I’m curious how much distance I can get out of this.
Does this take the second driver out of the bag?
Ive basically decided I hit it 4 wood distance. For real.
Biggest thing is I’m getting away with more than I should on misses, and im still shocked I can elevate it.
But that ball speed is unlike anything I’ve ever seen in a hybrid. Ever.
Not necessarily, but maybe? Once the lessons continue I will be able to really sit down snd figure this thing out. It might happen though.
You guys talking it being more left biased makes me want to try this, but I really have no spot it could go. I don’t need to replace my 3w or 5w and I love hitting my 4-iron….
That doesn’t sound like any hybrid I have ever hit. It sounds so dull, but that is a good thing!
But what it fit was easier than the 5w? Theoretically of course!
But honestly, that’s a similar situation as me, it’s not about it it’s good, it’s where it fits!
I love hitting my 5w. My Mavrik Max is so easy to hit and I just can’t justify pulling it from the bag when it’s so good. Same for the 3w. That’s my dillema. It doesn’t stop me from wanting to try it though, lol.
But if it was easier and more versatile…..
that’s an expensive BUT to not be sure lol. I think I would have to try it first before buying as much as it costs.
I think people would be crazy to not try before they buy on this one. That price has to be part of the conversation, it just does.
I totally agree with this. This isn’t really an "experiment" type of club at that price for most people.
Agreed. Took the words right out of my mouth!
Definitely a bold club to have a random late night trigger pull on.
But, if people hit it…they’ll be finding funds pretty quick imo.
I agree. I honestly LOVE my Mav hybrids, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t already pondering a 3H in the ESH. Not until I get more comfortable with the 2H though.
Which one replaces your 3 wood? 3H or 2H?
3h. It is 18 degree. It definitely doesn’t go as far as my SIM2 Max 15 degree on perfect hits. But as a 19.6 HC I rarely hit my 3 wood perfectly. I am sure that if I hit 50 balls each I would definitely average the same distance. Next time I am on a monitor I might do a mini test of this. Off a tee I might lose some but not enough to matter. Most of the time I use my 3wood off the tee I only need 200-210 anyway to give myself a decent second shot.
My buddy hits one though and it takes off with a great trajectory little draw that is high enough to get good carry but low enough to cut through the wind that was into us. We had both smashed our driver with similar flights as the hybrid he struck and we were literally a yard apart with the drivers. The hybrid he hit was only about 40 yards behind those which means it was probably 240-250 into the wind. The thing he noted was that it felt really good off the face like he could feel the forgiveness in it but that it rocketed off. He also said he really like the Steelfiber shaft in it and liked the kick he could feel. His dad is the GM of a club so I can see him having his dad order him one haha.
Had a couple of very nice tee shots with the 16 today. This club is legit. I was hitting it without a tee. This whole is downhill, but my typical 4w had been about 245 according to shot scope. This was mid trajectory that ran out to the perfect spot.
Second tee shot with the 16*
I am not a crazy long hitter but I have always hit hybrids well. This is a great hybrid. I am hoping to get 245 on a regular basis and it looks quite possible at this point. I will be using this from the tee for the most part but I will use it from the fairway when i need that extra yardage. The differences between this version vs the original are quite impressive.
I usually hit hybrids pretty well. 245 would be massive for me. Consistent 230 and I’d be plenty happy.
Hit the 3H.
They look great, and are very easy to hit. I do need to go back when I have more than 10 min to play around, but initial impressions have me really excited for December.
Strong hybrid player I fly the 2019 Big Bertha 19 225, so I ordered the 16 to see what I can get out of this. Not a typical long player except with my hybrids so very excited to get this in the hands, before that February pilgrimage to Bandon.