Callaway is taking its impressive fairway wood game to all new heights with the release of GBB Epic and Epic Sub Zero fairways, as both models are delivering ball speed numbers the likes of which the company has never seen before.
Unlike the Epic drivers, you won’t see Jailbreak Technology utilized in the Epic fairway woods, and the reason for that is pretty simple.
“The fairway woods don’t have Jailbreak Technology because of the heights of the clubface,” explained Dave Neville, Callaway’s Senior Director of Brand Management.
Fear not, however, said Neville, who added, “but this is the best ball speed producing technology we’ve ever had in a fairway wood. It’s extremely, extremely hot.”
Face Cup Technology has been the key ingredient in Callaway’s fairway wood success in recent years, and the Fourth Generation Face Cup being utilized in the Epic fairway woods is more efficient than ever on off-center hits, which is creating faster ball speeds from impact points across the clubface.
But also crucial to the improved performance of the Epic fairway woods has been the use of a Triaxial Carbon Crown, which is significantly lighter than the steel crown that Callaway has predominantly used in its fairways, including the highly successful XR 16 line.
“The big thing is the Triaxial Carbon Crown on both of the fairways,” Neville said. “When you go from 26 to 5.8 grams, that’s a huge number in terms of being able to get the MOI and ball speeds up.”
More specifically, Neville said the new, lightweight crown design creates MOI that’s 11 percent higher than XR 16. The weight that’s saved also allows for a lower, deeper CG placement that is creating effortless launch conditions with less spin, a combination that is equating to shots that are more accurate and longer from the fairway or a tee.
Players will also see that a Speed Step has been included on the crown of the Epic fairway woods. That technology was a result of Callaway’s collaboration with aerospace expert Boeing and helps create more clubhead speed, another component that enables more distance.
As mentioned previously, there are two different Epic models in the lineup, the standard GBB Epic and the Epic Sub Zero.
The biggest difference between the two is that the Sub Zero model has two adjustable weights to be utilized in ports in the front and back of the sole, one weighing 22 grams and the other weighing three grams. By positioning the heavier weight in the back position, players can expect higher launch and trajectory, as well as increased spin and MOI. The heavier weight being positioned forward, however, will create lower spin rates, launch, and trajectory.
The Sub Zero, which is available in lofts of 13.5, 15, and 18 degrees, also has a slightly more compact profile than the standard Epic, but it is not a club that was built solely with lower-handicappers in mind.
“The size is slightly smaller, but not a ton,” Neville said. “From a shaping standpoint it might be more for a little better player but not from a performance standpoint. With the 22-gram weight in the back, the MOI is close to the standard (Epic), within 10-15 points.”
While the standard Epic fairway woods don’t feature moveable weights, there are a number of additional lofts to choose from to help players fill the gaps in their bag. There are 15- and 18-degree models like the Sub Zero, as well as lofts of 14, 21, and 24 degrees, along with the 20.5-degree Heavenwood, which has more loft but specs and a clubhead size similar to many 4-woods.
Both models also feature Callaway’s OptiFit adjustable hosel, which allows loft to be adjusted by one degree stronger or two degrees weaker while also providing draw bias settings.
Another impressive aspect of the Epic fairway woods, as is also the case with the drivers, is the quality and scope of the stock shaft offerings, as Callaway has partnered with some of the most popular and successful shaft manufacturers in the world.
The four stock shaft options for the Epic fairway woods are the Diamana M+ Green, the Project X Hzrdus T800, the Fujikura Pro Green, and the Aldila Rogue Max, all of which are available in multiple flexes and weight classes to fit any player’s needs. The two stock shaft options for the Epic Sub Zero fairway woods, meanwhile, are the the Fujikura Pro Green and the Aldila Rogue Max.
“We’re really excited about the stock shafts we have,” Neville said. “We feel like we have the most comprehensive stock shaft lineup. We think 90-95 percent of players will fit into one of these stock shafts, and we’re also offering all our no-upcharge shafts for Fusion for Epic as well.”
From a profile standpoint, the new Diamana Green is a lightweight shaft (weight range from the high 40s to high 50s) that will produce high launch and high spin. It will be a great option for players who don’t generate a lot of clubhead speed and need to maximize carry distance.
The Hzrdus T800 is a mid-weight option (55 or 65 grams) that will deliver mid-launch and mid-spin conditions with a smoother, more active feel than some of its more stout Hzrdus counterparts, most notably the Black and Yellow versions.
The Pro Green, which is also new, is a stable shaft that will suit more aggressive, stronger players and produce low-to-mid launch and spin conditions. It is available in weight ranges from the low 60s to mid 70s.
And finally, the Rogue Max is the heaviest of the stock shafts and also features the lowest torque, which will give it a stout feel at impact. High swing speed players who are looking for low launch and low spin will be great candidates for the Max, which is available in 65-, 75-, and 85-gram models.
