- Callaway is releasing three new Epic drivers: Epic Speed, Epic Max and Epic Max LS.
- The Speed and Max build on the previous generation while Max LS is something new entirely.
- Retail price is $529.99. Retail availability begins Feb. 18.
With every release, Callaway likes to call our attention to a first. Epic Speed, Epic Max and Epic Max LS drivers are the result of the FIRST time that AI has been used to design Callaway’s AI face and Jailbreak technology concurrently.
As you may know, for the last several generations of products, Callaway has leveraged a farm’s worth of supercomputers, artificial intelligence and machine learning to accelerate its design objectives.
While most manufacturers use some flavor of supercomputing, Callaway believes nobody else is using AI to the extent it is nor is it playing as prevalent a role in what ultimately comes to market.
Callaway Epic Drivers – AI Speed Frame
This time around, the defining feature created (at least in part) by the machine is what Callaway has branded AI Speed Frame. Speed Frame builds upon both AI Speed Face and Jailbreak technology by further stiffening the connection between crown and sole and adding more contact points to create additional horizontal and torsional stiffness.
It’s a hard value to quantify in absolute terms but saying the new design reduces crown deflection by 20 percent would put you within a reasonable ballpark.
Basically, the AI Speed Frame design tightens internal connection points which results in less energy lost to deflection and more energy returned to the ball.
Short version: More speed. There’s always more speed.
No, It’s Not Green
As an aside, you may have seen images of the AI Speed Frame on Callaway’s social media channels. While the bright green thing Callaway staffers are holding up is a reasonable representation of the technology, the actual AI Speed Frame is fixed into the head during the casting process. There’s definitely a bit of manufacturing ingenuity involved but it’s worth mentioning that production versions of the AI Speed Frame are made of titanium and aren’t green.
Callaway Epic Drivers – Three Models
As become standard for Callaway and nearly everyone else, there are three models in the Callaway lineup. Differences in movable weight technologies aside, two of the three aren’t significantly different than what we saw in last year’s Mavrik line.
The third – the Epic Max LS – is a fairly significant departure from what Callaway has done over the last several iterations. It’s not what I expected from Callaway and that makes it all the more intriguing.
Here’s the breakdown of the three models.
Callaway Epic Speed Driver
The quick version of the story is that the Callaway Epic Speed driver is the fastest in the 2021 lineup. There are a couple of ways to consider fast and either provides adequate justification for the claim.
Callaway Epic Speed – Cyclone Shape
The first angle is that Epic Speed, which is built on the cyclone shape we saw with last year’s Mavrik, is the most aerodynamically advanced of the three models and, therefore, should produce the highest swing speeds.
Your refresher on the cyclone design is that it creates a bit of an anti-SpeedBack (COBRA) anti-Inertia Generator (TaylorMade) look. The crown is taller and flatter and the transition from the sole to the tailing edge of the crown is more aggressive than we see in traditional driver shapes.
Callaway says the end result is lower drag during the downswing to the tune of .8-1.5 mph relative to Epic Flash. Faster players might get more, slower players will get less. As always, your actual mileage may vary.
The second angle is ball speed. A more forward CG typically means faster peak ball speed and since Epic Speed has the most forward center of gravity of the three new Epic drivers, it should be a tick faster than the others.
As far as launch and spin are concerned, the Epic Speed is similar to Mavrik. Callaway describes it as mid-spin, though for some golfers it will be the lowest-spinning driver in the new Epic lineup.
Epic Speed Forgiveness
By conventional metrics, Epic Speed could be considered unforgiving but, as was the case with Mavrik, Callaway maintains that forgiveness in the Epic Speed driver comes from AI Face design and the spin robustness (consistency) provided by the more forward center of gravity.
The thinking has merit. As centers of gravity move back, you get more ball speed robustness. As they move forward, you get better spin robustness. Depending on the golfer, one may be more effective at preserving distance than the other.
Despite the somewhat unusual shape, a slight draw bias and the most forward center of gravity in the 2021 Epic lineup, the Epic Speed should prove to be the best fit for the majority of golfers.
The Callaway Epic Speed is available in nine, 10.5 and 12 degrees of loft.
Callaway Epic MAX
Of the new Callaway Epic drivers, the Epic Max is perhaps the easiest to explain. Relative to the other two Epic models, the Epic Max offers the highest MOI. It’s forgiving in the most conventional sense.
Like TaylorMade and Titleist, Callaway’s design philosophy doesn’t involve chasing MOI to the greatest extent possible. Callaway believes there’s a point of diminishing returns at which the ball speed penalty isn’t worth paying.
In practical terms, Epic MAX won’t have the highest MOI on the market but it should be forgiving-enough. “We like where we’re at,” says Alan Hockenell, VP of R&D for Callaway Golf.
Where they’re at is a front-to-back MOI in the mid-5,000s and a combined MOI over 9,000. It’s not PING but it reasonably qualifies as a mid-to-high level of conventional forgiveness.
Again, so much of these types of conversations are rooted in design philosophies at the brand level. There isn’t a clear right or wrong, just a company position. Within that context, Callaway is where it wants to be right now.
Callaway Epic Max – Movable Weight
The Epic Max features Callaway’s sliding weight track. That adds a fair amount of intuitive and demonstrable shot-shaping capabilities to the design. The 17-gram weight allows for upwards of 16 yards of shot-shape correction.
It’s not the same level of correction you might find from a dedicated draw-bias club but it does make the Callaway Epic Max a viable option for the golfer who has a slice and is trying to correct it.
Draw bias now, neutral later. That sort of thing.
The Callaway Epic Max is available in nine, 10.5 and 12 degrees.
Callaway Epic MAX LS Driver
That brings to the Epic MAX LS which might not be what you’re expecting from Callaway. It certainly caught me by surprise.
As you’ve no doubt surmised, the LS does, in fact, stand for Low Spin, but don’t take that to mean the Epic Max LS is this year’s version of the Sub Zero.
It’s not.
LS is a relative term. The Epic Max LS is low spin relative to the Epic Max but should generate appreciably more spin than Mavrik Sub Zero did. In fact, if you’re looking for a new Callaway driver that offers launch and spin characteristics on par with last year’s Sub Zero, your best bet is to buy the Epic Speed and turn loft down by one degree.
Let me say it again. LS ain’t SZ.
Epic Max LS – A New Generation of Low Spin
Sub Zero and similar competitive designs were born of what Hocknell describes as a “launch and spin Olympics” among manufacturers. What arguably started with the TaylorMade SLDR, Loft Up and 17°/1700 RPM evolved into an annual low spin competition. Before long, nearly everyone had a driver that flirted with the idea of topspin at launch.
I’m exaggerating a bit but I think its fair to say the majority of manufacturers offered something to spin just a tick more than a Tim Wakefield knuckleball.
Low Spin Isn’t a Thing On Tour
The quest for low spin hasn’t played out to the same extent on the PGA TOUR. Since 2008, average spin rates have averaged around 2,600 rpm and have never dipped below 2,500.
Low spin has never been an obsession across the Tour and while Epic Max LS acknowledges that reality, it’s also designed to meet the needs of the next generation of Tour player. With the emergence of launch monitors and a better understanding of how to optimize distance, coaching has evolved. Some would say for the better.
There are no universal truths but more golfers are hitting up on the ball, paths are zeroing out (becoming more neutral) and fewer elite golfers are trying to work the ball from one side of the fairway to the other.
Simple works.
The Callaway Epic Max LS is designed to meet the needs of these younger Tour players, elite amateurs and anyone else who is, by some measure, trying to remove the golf club from the equation.
What does that mean?
The Epic Max LS was designed to be as neutral as it can be. The face isn’t a little open or a little closed. It’s not meant to be slightly draw-biased or slightly fade-biased. The center of gravity is more closely aligned with the center of the face.
Again, neutral.
For all intents and purposes, the Epic Max LS is designed to get out of the way, not offer any specific protections (above and beyond the standard mishit stuff), not enhance anything and not kill all the spin. The idea is to bring the full suite of Callaway technology to the table but otherwise just be.
Let the golfer do the rest.
Whether you want to hit a little fade or a little draw, the Epic Max LS is designed to let you do what you do without getting in the way.
Lower spin by comparison. Neutral by design.
Callaway Epic Max LS – Forgiveness
Because the Epic Max LS is way more Max than it is Sub Zero, that conventional forgiveness number (MOI) is higher than you might expect. Callaway says total MOI is above 8,400 and I’d project a front-to-back number in the high 4,000s to low 5,000s depending on the weight setting.
If you’re looking for a market comparison, it’s a compelling one. The closest comp you’re likely to find is the PING G425 LST.
Epic Max LS – Movable Weight (If You Want It)
Neutral though it may be, shot shape correction (a little bit of draw or a little fade) is provided by the 13-gram sliding weight at the back of the club.
For some golfers, the Epic Max LS will be the lowest spinning of the three new Epic drivers. For others, it will be the Epic Speed. It really boils down to the CG location differences, how you deliver the club and how you make impact.
The Callaway Epic Max LS is available in nine and 10.5 degrees.
Callaway Epic Drivers – Stock Shafts
The stock shaft offerings for the Callaway Epic Driver lineup:
- Callaway Epic Speed driver: Project X Cypher (40 grams), HZRDUS Smoke IM10 (50 and 60 grams)
- Epic MAX driver: Project X Cypher (40 grams), HZRDUS Smoke IM10 (50 and 60 grams)
- Epic MAX LS driver: Mitsubishi MMT (60 and 70 grams)
Retail price for all Callaway Epic drivers is $529.99. Full availability begins Feb. 18.
For more information, visit CallawayGolf.com.
James
2 years agoHow much does the Epic Speed head weigh?
Lars
2 years agoSo, is the Epic Max LS a good fit for someone with average swing speed, slices a lot but too high launch and too much spin?
I haven’t been able to get fit since covid as they no longer do it around here, so trying to narrow things down through research.
Bob Hill
2 years agoSame old same old…….
DaveyD
2 years agoSaw some of the testing of these drivers on youtube. I’ve got to say I’m underwhelmed by these clubs. Nothing to make me think about changing.
Oldharold
2 years agoSo is this AI improved technique really that accurate or is it just better QC that works like the old golf ball test… The one that bounces the highest must be the 100 compression one?
tscdave
2 years agoCONFUSING TO ME, JUST TRYING TO REINVENT THE WHEEL?
THOMAS
2 years agoIts the only way manufactures can keep the price increasin and up. Just keep marketing new buzz word phrases
TonyG
2 years agoDisappointed they have clung to the glossy finish. Ever since their matte finish model, I have been hooked. Have since switched to Ping for simply that reason. There is so many adjustment options, you can get any driver to fit your swing, but can’t change the finish without ruining the club.
Stage1350
2 years agoNot having a Sub Zero model seems like a mistake. I get that the tour guys might not need spin reduction since their angles are already optimal. But a lot of us NEED spin reduction.
I think Callaway is going to regret removing that from their line. I was going to look at this driver, but I may have to pick up a Mavrik SZ instead.
John S
2 years agoit seems like the max LS is essentially a SZ
LABillyboy
2 years agoI’ve owned every version of Callaway Driver since RAZR and am now using the Mavrik SubZ… nice they haven’t changed the adaptor as I have a dozen shafts I can test with. I can see a Max LS in my bag soon. BTW I also have several Ping’s that I find easier to hit, but not as long when you hit the sweet spot. G35 to 400….
mackdaddy9
2 years agoWow you might want to go get fit before you drop another $600
mackdaddy9
2 years agoWow you might want to go get fit before you drop another $600
Randall Partin
2 years agoMany of the fitting websites and YouTube videos rarely recommend Senior Shafts for Drivers. One fitter actually said Senior Shafts do little to add distance but drastically increase dispersion and slow swing speeds would do better with a regular shaft. Your thoughts?
Paul
2 years agoIt’s all player dependent, get an actual fitting to see what works best for YOU. Fitting websites and YouTube really don’t matter to your game specifically.
HAC
2 years agoI have seen a number of senior golfers who hit the ball significantly further with XXIOs.
Jack B.
2 years agoThank you for the review. Callaway’s design philosophy (neutrality, as you ably describe it) for the Epic Max LS has great appeal.
Two questions: 1) Why is body deflection bad and face deflection (trampoline) good? It seems to me the body becoming taller for an instant and then snapping back would contribute to trampoline effect. 2) Your review referenced front-to-back MOI twice. What is the significance of this flavor of MOI?
I also spotted what looks to be a mistake. Did you intend to say Epic Speed in the following sentence?
“As far as launch and spin are concerned, the Epic Flash is similar to Mavrik.”
Thanks for all your efforts keeping us readers informed.
Scott Francis
2 years agoI do think the Apex Pro irons will be a home run for callaway
Scott Francis
2 years agoBusy soleplate in my opinion. I saw earlier versions of the LS one with a front weight screw a la SZ. Also disnt they tout the 2019 Epic flash using AI in the “flash face”??
CalTitleist
2 years agoC’mon Franny – you’re a Callaway Fan-boy and aren’t supposed to say anything negative!!
Theo Miron
2 years agoIt’s cool to hear about these subtle new developments in driver technology, but to be honest, the reason I’m excited about these new Epics is that it will help decrease the price on the old line of Mavrik’s!
Clint
2 years agoThey look like they came out of a box set.
Kevin S
2 years agoAlthough I have always liked Callaway Drivers/Woods and owned many of them over the years dating back to original Big Bertha, I will not consider them this spring when I look to upgrade driver/3W. Why? Myself and numerous others at my club have had quality issues with Callaway drivers. I guess their quality control with club making isn’t much better than their ball manufacturing. My Epic started rattling around- under warranty they did replace it with an Epic Flash Head. My Epic 3W developed a surface crack running the length of the face on the topside of the club.. They did replace that with a whole new Mavrk 3-wood (not a fan of it). They do stand behind their products with honoring warranty claims and a defect now and then is expected, but it seems like too high of a percentage of Callaway Driver owners have a :”story” to tell. Granted, we all play A LOT and all winter as long as there isn’t any snow cover, but still….. Has anyone else had Callaway clubs break through normal usage?
Joe M
2 years agoAgree with you Kevin, I’ve been a big fan of Callaway drivers but both my Epic and Epic flash had to be refunded. Last year i decided to get the voucher to get Cobra SZ, still happy. I was tired or returns, couldn’t trust Callaway anymore. I won’t upgrade to any of their drivers soon.
Alex
2 years agoHad me Epic SZ crown crack all the way along the trailing edge. 6 months out of warranty so customer service wouldn’t honor a replacement. My local Callaway rep was able to get me a Mavrik SZ for $350 so it lesser the pain a bit
David R
2 years agoMy Epic SZ has developed a crack starting at high toe and slowly moving across to the middle. I’m therefore interested in the new offerings, but would not have changed otherwise
David Lewis
2 years agoHave to say I see no reason to change from Epic Flash. Like the new irons, but not knocked out by new drivers. 🤔
Scott Francis
2 years agoAgeee 100% love my Epic Flash drivers regular one amd SZ
Geoffrey Hochenstein
2 years agoBall speed equals more distance. Based upon the latest releases of drivers over the past 5 years, I should be carrying it 400+ this season. /Marketing
Stephen
2 years agoActually I think the marketing has strayed from that message of farther and farther. For the past fee years they’ve been focused on saying that new drivers are helping golfers to reduce distance loss on off center hits and poor contact.
ryebread
2 years agoI think that’s actually a little more “honest” marketing.