Callaway’s new Epic driver series is not a subtle refinement on previous models, but a more thorough reimagining from the inside out. Breakthrough technology provides the foundation for what the company believes is its fastest, most forgiving driver line to date.
Epic is available now in-store and online. Here’s everything you need to know about Callaway’s driver lineup.
Improved Jailbreak
Jailbreak has been one of Callaway’s key pieces of driver tech since it was first introduced in 2017, so it’s no surprise the new Epic series is leveraging this tried and proven feature. But Callaway didn’t get complacent and simply settle with what worked, instead they’ve made significant improvements to Jailbreak, offering golfers more of what they want—distance and forgiveness.
So, how does it work? Jailbreak initially consisted of two vertical bars located behind the clubface. These fortifying pillars optimized face tension at impact, which allowed for more energy to be returned to the ball instead of it reverberating throughout the clubhead. Originally these bars were, well, just that—bars, but now they’re more technical. By leveraging A.I. in the design process, Callaway has developed an entirely new Jailbreak Speed Frame, one that delivers horizontal as well as torsional stability.
“Bringing A.I. to Jailbreak for the first time was a huge challenge. Many different designs were tested with the supercomputer. The goal was more speed but also more stability across the face,” says Dave Neville, Callaway’s Senior Director of Brand and Product Management. Instead of a cylindrical shape, the freshly imagined system is more prong-like, with eight touchpoints that offer all-encompassing stability.
Flash Face SS21—More distance, more forgiveness
Like any successful jail break, you need a partner in crime to pull it off. Once again, Callaway’s relied on super-computing to improve their Flash Face SS21. Made of super thin titanium, Flash Face works in tandem with Jailbreak to provide faster ball speeds across more of the face, meaning you don’t need to flush it out of the centre for long drives. More distance and forgiveness across a larger area—now that’s epic. Additionally, each face is unique to each driver model, designed to optimize the geometrical shaping of the different clubheads.
In addition to Jailbreak and Flash Face, Epic has introduced a new Triaxial carbon crown that reduces 16 grams of overall club weight. This newfound discretionary weight has been strategically repositioned throughout the clubhead for more forgiveness than Callaway’s previous Mavrik model. “In Epic we have pushed the crown joint even farther towards the face, which saves additional weight which is used to increase the MOI of the club. The second part is the carbon toe patch, which is an innovate way to increase draw bias without the need for a heel weight,” says Neville.
The Epic Lineup
Callaway’s developed three unique driver models in the Epic series suited to meet the needs of every player: Epic Speed, Epic Max and Epic LS.
Epic Speed
The fastest in its class, Epic Speed gains a lot of its speed from its Cyclone Aero head shape. First introduced in Mavrik, this innovative head shape provides an elevated crown with a truncated tail, resulting in up to 60% less drag when compared to the older Epic Flash model and .8 to 1.5 mph faster clubhead speed. But Epic Speed doesn’t just outpace Epic Flash, it outperforms Mavrik also.
“The improvement over Mavrik is to really increase the MOI while staying with our unconventional forgiveness set up—the more forward centre of gravity. Great ball speed, robustness and spin robustness, combined, now gives us greater downrange forgiveness and a boost in overall distance,” says Dr. Alan Hocknell, Callaway’s Senior VP of Research and Development.
Is it for me?
If you’re in the market for a great driver that’s not going to overly complicate your game, then Epic Speed is your choice. If you’re really struggling to get the ball in play off the tee, you may be wise to take a look at the Epic Max—it’s a bit more forgiving. That said, this driver suits the widest range of skill levels, which is why Callaway expects it to be their best seller.
Epic Max
Needing to maximize your skill level (then again, aren’t we all)? Look no further. Callaway’s most forgiving driver release ever, Epic Max is a significant improvement on the company’s wildly successful Mavrik Max model, delivering even greater MOI and effortless distance. Epic Max’s 17-gram perimeter weighting system allows golfers to dial in their shot shapes to help straighten out the wayward miss, while the significant draw-bias design mitigates slicing. If you’re looking to launch it higher, farther and straighter more often, you’ve found what Callaway believes is their most player-friendly model yet.
Is it for me?
Haven’t found a fairway in two weeks? Don’t sweat it, this driver is destined to get your game straightened out. The draw bias and super generous impact zone appeals to players who need some confidence on the tee deck.
Epic Max LS
If you’re playing off a low single digit handicap or maybe just really need to get your spin rate down, then the Epic Max LS (low spin) is the ticket. Unlike the Epic Max, the LS model has a neutral set up, which is more conducive to hitting a soft fade as opposed to a rope draw. But that’s not to say you can’t work this driver both ways, because like the Max model it also has a perimeter weighting system to allow for extensive adjustability. And although it’s low spin, Max LS isn’t a knuckle-baller by any means. If you have too little spin, the ball won’t stay in flight. Max LS offers the best of both worlds.
“It’s lower spin than other models, like the Max, but not really super low spin. Even on tour they’re not really searching for the lowest possible spin anymore, they’re playing golf with spin rates around 2600-2700 rpm average,” explains Hocknell.
Is it for me?
Epic Max LS is for the better player who can sacrifice a bit of forgiveness in exchange for a little more pop off the clubface. If you tend to slice the ball, you’re not going to enjoy this neutral set up, and you’re far better off looking at the Epic Speed or the draw-bias set up of the Epic Max.
The Epic Speed and Max drivers are available in 9°, 10.5° and 12° lofts, while the Max LS is available in 9° and 10.5°. All models and lofts come in right-handed and left-handed.
Read more about the Callaway Epic fairway woods.