Callaway Epic Speed Drivers Review: Epic Performance for Every Golfer

Callaway has long been an industry leader in ball speed. Now their engineers have created a new formula for speed that pushes the envelope even further. The new Epic Speed and Epic Max drivers offer more distance for every player with uniquely fast performance. TGW takes you inside these 2021 drivers to learn about the new technology and to see them in action in our exclusive video reviews.

Callaway Epic Speed Driver Review by TGW

Callaway Epic Max Driver Review by TGW

Callaway Epic Max LS Driver Review by TGW

Technology

The Callaway Epic Speed drivers are made even faster by new innovations to their signature Jailbreak Technology. With the help of artificial intelligence, Callaway created the Jailbreak A.I. Speed Frame. While previous Jailbreak models stiffened the body of the driver vertically, this breakthrough design also makes the club head more stable horizontally. That results in faster ball speed all across the club face, from top to bottom and from heel to toe.

Callaway also employs artificial intelligence design in their Flash Face SS21 club face. Each face, loft, and head features a unique geometry that protects ball speed across a larger area. It is also made of super-strong titanium for faster speed, greater forgiveness, and more robust spin performance. The result is optimized ball speed on center and off-center shots.

Callaway’s Epic Speed driver model features a Cyclone Aero shape with a taller ribbon and flatter crown designed to lower drag and boost club head speed. They also included their Triaxial carbon crown that is 18 grams lighter than a titanium crown. That weight was repositioned to make the Epic Speed driver more forgiving. Callaway also placed a patch of Triaxial carbon material in the toe to add a little draw bias.

The Callaway Epic Max driver includes all of the before-mentioned technology with a few changes to create a more forgiving golf club. It features a different shape from the Epic Speed model designed for a deep center of gravity and draw bias. There is also a 17-gram sliding rear weight to promote more customizable ball flight. Callaway also created an Epic Max LS (Low Spin) version for mid to low handicap golfers that want all the speed, distance, and forgiveness of the Epic Max with reduced spin.

Performance

We tested these new Callaway drivers with the help of Rick Hatfield, head golf pro at Flint Hills National Golf Club and TGW’s resident product expert. Rick’s average swing speed during testing was 98-99 mph. First up was the Callaway Epic Speed driver. Hitting the 9° driver lofted down to 8°, Rick averaged a ball speed of 145 mph with a higher launch at 15.6°. We also saw a super low spin rate of 2,142 rpm. Overall Rick increased his carry distance with this driver, averaging 251 yards.

Next up was the Callaway Epic Max driver. For this test Rick used the 10.5° driver lofted down to 9.5°. He averaged 143 mph of ball speed and launched the ball higher once again at 16.5°. The spin was a little higher when compared to Epic Speed but still appropriate for a driver at an average of 2,592 rpm. Rick averaged 240 yards of carry distance with an outstanding ability to control his shot direction with the sliding weight.

Finally we tested the Callaway Epic Max LS driver. Rick hit the 9° driver lofted down to 8° for this test. He averaged a ball speed of 146 mph and another nice high launch at 16°. Most notable with the Low Spin version of this driver was the incredibly low spin rate. Rick’s average spin rate with this golf club was 1,950 rpm. Overall, this club produce a more penetrating ball flight and shallower decent for an average of 250 yards of carry distance.

Who It’s For

The Callaway Epic Speed driver is a good match for all types of golfers. It provides speed, distance, and forgiveness in a no-nonsense approach to achieving those goals. There are no movable weights or sliding tracks here. All of the performance is built right into the golf club and every golfer can benefit from this technology.

The Callaway Epic Max driver is designed for golfers who need added forgiveness off the tee. It is the most forgiving Epic driver, with a sliding weight on the back to help you move more weight where you need it to neutralize your miss with your driver while still benefiting from all the speed and distance in the new Epic lineup.

The Callaway Epic Max LS driver is made for mid to low handicap players who need to reduce their spin off the tee. These players can benefit from the new Epic technology but their faster swing speeds may be causing them to lose distance due to too much spin. The Epic Max LS helps lower spin and get that distance back.

Appearance

Callaway’s Epic Speed drivers are sleek-looking golf clubs. They feature a flat black crown that eliminates all distractions when placed down by the golf ball. Callaway accented the clubs with signature pops of green but they do not look flashy when you pull off the head cover.

Feel & Sound

The feel and sound of these drivers is solid and powerful, exactly what golfers have come to expect from Callaway. They are pleasing to hit and responsive to let you know you have made solid contact with the golf ball. The sound is metallic but muted which Rick described as phenomenal and pleasing.

Callaway Epic Max LS Driver