Saw some new Callaway Woods last night (The Epic Thread)

[HISPL]

How the heck do you pre-order without a VIP account? Must. Save. Christmas!!!

 

Have a good relationship with a retailer, we have put in pre orders for stock already and could have ordered extras for good clients.

[tincup_jeff]

I gotta say I really want the new Callaway Epic driver after reading all of this. I have the 3 and 5 wood in the XR 16 and the face is amazingly hot.

 

I've learned my lesson when I go to get for a driver though (everyone has a different swing). I spin the ball WAY too much (step swing) and need something to keep the RPM's down.

 

I'll try to keep an open mind with testing...Its between The Epic and the new M1 for me! I'll have to wait until 01/20!

[Mob]

I have been told that you should really demo/try both before deciding which one is for you. You maybe surprised with the results, as to which one is a better fit for you.

[The Mad Bomber]

I'll preface this by saying I've liked and used Callaway drivers in the past starting with the first FT-2 and I haven't hit the Epic's so have no idea how they perform other than the enthusiastic comments here so far. One thing I have noted as of the past few years with Callaway drivers however regarding the face size is that they always seem to be on the smaller side when compared to others. When I look at them I can't help but think that they don't really instill confidence and that if you miss toe side (common miss for the common man) these might not be the right choice. Has anyone else felt this way?

 

I don't really understand this? In reading your comment, you must look down at a 3-wood and be absolutely terrified? I don't mean that to sound sarcastic, but how could the face size of a driver degrade your confidence when it's the biggest club in your bag?

[Hot Rod 71]

I have been told that you should really demo/try both before deciding which one is for you. You maybe surprised with the results, as to which one is a better fit for you.

 

This is absolutely true. I tried both and got the best numbers with the standard version, but thought I would hit the low spin version the best.....I was wrong.

 

I think some folks misunderstand the low spin version and think its some magical driver. I think its really designed for those who have a negative AoA and put excessive spin on the ball as a result.

[MtlJeff]

I have been told that you should really demo/try both before deciding which one is for you. You maybe surprised with the results, as to which one is a better fit for you.

 

This is absolutely true. I tried both and got the best numbers with the standard version, but thought I would hit the low spin version the best.....I was wrong.

 

I think some folks misunderstand the low spin version and think its some magical driver. I think its really designed for those who have a negative AoA and put excessive spin on the ball as a result.

 

If you wanted the SZ they would have had to put us in a steel cage with the head hanging high above it and a ladder, WWE style

 

(for those at home Callaway had i believe 2 lefty heads, one a regular and one an SZ, and there were 2 lefties. Let's just say that me and Rod were fit into different heads was.....convenient)

[Sef]

I have been told that you should really demo/try both before deciding which one is for you. You maybe surprised with the results, as to which one is a better fit for you.

 

This is absolutely true. I tried both and got the best numbers with the standard version, but thought I would hit the low spin version the best.....I was wrong.

 

I think some folks misunderstand the low spin version and think its some magical driver. I think its really designed for those who have a negative AoA and put excessive spin on the ball as a result.

 

That is a good point. I expect to end up in the SZ with the heavy weight back if these follow tradition and the SZ is more compact with a deeper face at address. If not and they have the same profile and face depth then it's going to be like Thunderdome.

 

Can you guys comment on if there is a difference in profile and face depth between the standard and low spin versions? I believe this is Callaway approved vernacular.

[Hot Rod 71]

I have been told that you should really demo/try both before deciding which one is for you. You maybe surprised with the results, as to which one is a better fit for you.

 

This is absolutely true. I tried both and got the best numbers with the standard version, but thought I would hit the low spin version the best.....I was wrong.

 

I think some folks misunderstand the low spin version and think its some magical driver. I think its really designed for those who have a negative AoA and put excessive spin on the ball as a result.

 

That is a good point. I expect to end up in the SZ with the heavy weight back if these follow tradition and the SZ is more compact with a deeper face at address. If not and they have the same profile and face depth then it's going to be like Thunderdome.

 

Can you guys comment on if there is a difference in profile and face depth between the standard and low spin versions? I believe this is Callaway approved vernacular.

 

I only hit a few balls with the low spin version, but if memory serves they look very similar if not the same.

[Dpavs]

I'll preface this by saying I've liked and used Callaway drivers in the past starting with the first FT-2 and I haven't hit the Epic's so have no idea how they perform other than the enthusiastic comments here so far. One thing I have noted as of the past few years with Callaway drivers however regarding the face size is that they always seem to be on the smaller side when compared to others. When I look at them I can't help but think that they don't really instill confidence and that if you miss toe side (common miss for the common man) these might not be the right choice. Has anyone else felt this way?

 

I don't really understand this? In reading your comment, you must look down at a 3-wood and be absolutely terrified? I don't mean that to sound sarcastic, but how could the face size of a driver degrade your confidence when it's the biggest club in your bag?

 

Simple answers! Yes I am... 3 woods scare the crap out of me except off the tee and even then I don't have great confidence with them.

As far as the Driver though, It is the largest club in the bag and it has the longest shaft too which also makes it the hardest club in the bag to hit consistently for me. (maybe for most players?)

 

Add to that my knowing that I get really streaky with my driver (some days it's spot on all day and I can't miss other days I can count the fairways hit on one hand) so I want as much confidence when I tee it up as I can muster. Might be psychological but bigger face = more confidence for me. I'd also guess I am not the only one who plays golf that feels this way.

[Les Strokes]

I love all my clubs equally. If I didn't have confidence in one, I would practise with it until I did or replace it. That said, I am always open to finding better equipment! I too was surprised how good the XR16 woods are. Looking forward to testing the 2017 versions.

[Railroading13]

Kind of silly for Callaway to not release the pics already, it does nothing to help sales/build hype IMO. Especially after the WRX trip, I would have thought for sure the pics would be released then. Maybe someone can explain what this does to hype up the club. Seems stupid and pointless to me

[CircleC29]

Not sure if this has been mentioned yet but,

 

For everyone who has hit the new 2017 heads, is anyone currently playing the standard XR16 driver?

 

If so, could you compare the 2 and which 2017 head did you hit best?

 

Thanks

[nbigg]

Kind of silly for Callaway to not release the pics already, it does nothing to help sales/build hype IMO. Especially after the WRX trip, I would have thought for sure the pics would be released then. Maybe someone can explain what this does to hype up the club. Seems stupid and pointless to me

 

Agreed. Crazy when you're not even allowed to mention the driver name when everyone knows about it. A little excessive IMO but I'm sure they know what they're doing.

[ltjackson]

I've played with these.

 

The crown (not sure if it's been posted and I'm not looking through 71 pages) is black with carbon fading into the face. Bottom pictures have been posted so I'm sure you all know what that looks like.

 

Yeah I'm not certain why Callaway hasn't released photos, the pro at my course got a hold of a set and they feel great. I won't be replacing the M2 with them however I can definitely see what the hype is about.

[mackepa]

Kind of silly for Callaway to not release the pics already, it does nothing to help sales/build hype IMO. Especially after the WRX trip, I would have thought for sure the pics would be released then. Maybe someone can explain what this does to hype up the club. Seems stupid and pointless to me

 

Agreed. Crazy when you're not even allowed to mention the driver name when everyone knows about it. A little excessive IMO but I'm sure they know what they're doing.

 

So the way they explained it to us is that everyone knows what the driver is called and they've already let major publications see the driver and asked them to hold off on naming it until their embargo date so they can control the release. The same had to apply for us on the trip. We can't come back here and blab about driver XXX by name but all the major publications can't.

 

You know the name, I know the name, we all know the name but what the public doesn't really know yet is how the technology truly works which is part of the embargo. Callaway has some stuff up their sleeve and they want it all to be on their terms.

[SwingBlues]

That is so stupid. Taylormade made no bones about the 2017 M1 and M2 and they didn't fire anyone for the pictures except p*ss off crossfield which was too funny & Taylormade is a MASTER of marketing.

 

Sssssh. I look at all these "signatures of the 8" - Callaway 2017 LS driver etc etc...gee whiz.

 

You can do better Callaway.

[Hot Rod 71]

That is so stupid. Taylormade made no bones about the 2017 M1 and M2 and they didn't fire anyone for the pictures except p*ss off crossfield which was too funny & Taylormade is a MASTER of marketing.

 

Sssssh. I look at all these "signatures of the 8" - Callaway 2017 LS driver etc etc...gee whiz.

 

You can do better Callaway.

 

Sounds like jealousy talking.....

 

Every company has a different strategy. Just because you don't agree with Callaway's strategy doesn't make it wrong. We'll see how well TM does with their 2017 models. It appears there is no discernible difference between them and the 2016 models other than some minor aesthetic changes (which should boost sales, right?).

 

If you don't like Callaway, then don't buy it; no one has a gun to your head.

[MtlJeff]

For those of you who are frustrated by this i understand. But i can confirm for you that sources have told me the name of the driver is indeed in the title of this thread.

 

My money is on "Callaway Night" or "Callaway Saw"

[SwingBlues]

That is so stupid. Taylormade made no bones about the 2017 M1 and M2 and they didn't fire anyone for the pictures except p*ss off crossfield which was too funny & Taylormade is a MASTER of marketing.

 

Sssssh. I look at all these "signatures of the 8" - Callaway 2017 LS driver etc etc...gee whiz.

 

You can do better Callaway.

 

Sounds like jealousy talking.....

 

If you don't like Callaway, then don't buy it; no one has a gun to your head.

 

Not jealous, just pointing out the absurdity of the signatures and the "no name". In contrast you can see the reviews of the 2017 M1 and M2, even place an order at some places and over here, you cannot even name "Epic"

 

"Epic". Thats not jealousy my friend, thats absurdity and any normal day you would have called it that. But not today.

 

ps I have no hate or dislike any OEM, I use whatever I can get my hands on regardless of brand that works for me. Epic is exciting and I plan to get it along with the 2017 M1 as well.

[Hot Rod 71]

That is so stupid. Taylormade made no bones about the 2017 M1 and M2 and they didn't fire anyone for the pictures except p*ss off crossfield which was too funny & Taylormade is a MASTER of marketing.

 

Sssssh. I look at all these "signatures of the 8" - Callaway 2017 LS driver etc etc...gee whiz.

 

You can do better Callaway.

 

Sounds like jealousy talking.....

 

If you don't like Callaway, then don't buy it; no one has a gun to your head.

 

Not jealous, just pointing out the absurdity of the signatures and the "no name". In contrast you can see the reviews of the 2017 M1 and M2, even place an order at some places and over here, you cannot even name "Epic"

 

"Epic". Thats not jealousy my friend, thats absurdity and any normal day you would have called it that. But not today.

 

I've seen them.....not impressed. As I said, no discernible difference in the 2016 and 2017 other than aesthetics.

 

The eight of us had to sign NDAs when we arrived in Carlsbad. Was I supposed to say "oh, so I can't mention the name of the driver until January? Hmmmm.....scratches head......let me think about it........hmmmmmm........I'll go ahead and leave now because this is absurd". "Thanks for the offer of a professional fitting and free clubs, this is just absurd......farewell"......... :cheesy:

 

If you like the M1/M2 then buy one, its your money.

[misplacedtexan83]

.

 

You can do better Callaway.

 

By the sound of the reviews from the 8s and others, they are doing better.

 

 

[misplacedtexan83]

I'll add another thing...

 

Why does it matter? We all know the names and some of us know what they look like.

 

It comes out 1/27 the only important thing that matters now, imo

[Hot Rod 71]

.

 

You can do better Callaway.

 

By the sound of the reviews from the 8s and others, they are doing better.

 

I think Callaway has come along way over the past five years, and I think TaylorMade is hearing their footsteps.

 

For full disclosure....I've been playing Callaway for the past 5 or 6 years in one form or another. The 2017 driver is the best I've seen from Callaway.

[MtlJeff]

Obviously it's kind of silly, on Facebook my home club pro asked me if i hit the [insert name] while i was in SD (my friends new what i was doing obviously). And i was like "yeah but i don't know the name dude" ....and he was like "It's [insert name], that's what it is"....And i was like, oh OK cool if you say so! i don't know anything about that!

 

When we were there they acknowledged many people knew the name. Didn't tell us why they wouldn't allow us to use

 

Maybe it's because many out there (casual golfers) don't know about this club yet and they have some calculated release for it. Or maybe this is just part of a corporate strategy to control the message

 

Who knows, kind of silly i guess. But it doesn't change anything about the club or mislead anyone about anything.

[TaylorGreen]

I can't find one locally anywhere, but I have a question.

 

Why hasn't anyone that has seen and/or hit this thing taken a picture of the crown? Surely someone could grab a quick shot or two with their phone!!!

I was at my club the other night as the Callaway reps were having a little "get together" with our pros. Was able to compare the SZ and the regular model. I didn't want to impose by asking to take pics as they were being treated to food/drinks/testing the driver on our indoor simulator ++ I don't want to put them in any awkward situation with their Callaway account.

 

That being said, I'm hitting these bad boys on Saturday morning in the sim with their Callaway rep. PLEASE don't tell my wife OR my Fusion driver (which I absolutely love and will take a near miraculous showing from the Epic to kick out of my bag any time soon). Black crown with the same fadeout to composite graphics that are on the Fusion. The outside toe area is green with the Callaway logo. The soles are completely different from one another. The regular Epic still has the arcing weight ring like the GBB. The SZ did not. Sorry. Had a couple of drinks and wasn't taking notes.

**am also going to roll the Toulon San Diego putter that is in our shop as I'm curious to see how it looks and feels.

[nbigg]

That is so stupid. Taylormade made no bones about the 2017 M1 and M2 and they didn't fire anyone for the pictures except p*ss off crossfield which was too funny & Taylormade is a MASTER of marketing.

 

Sssssh. I look at all these "signatures of the 8" - Callaway 2017 LS driver etc etc...gee whiz.

 

You can do better Callaway.

 

Sounds like jealousy talking.....

 

If you don't like Callaway, then don't buy it; no one has a gun to your head.

 

Not jealous, just pointing out the absurdity of the signatures and the "no name". In contrast you can see the reviews of the 2017 M1 and M2, even place an order at some places and over here, you cannot even name "Epic"

 

"Epic". Thats not jealousy my friend, thats absurdity and any normal day you would have called it that. But not today.

 

I've seen them.....not impressed. As I said, no discernible difference in the 2016 and 2017 other than aesthetics.

 

The eight of us had to sign NDAs when we arrived in Carlsbad. Was I supposed to say "oh, so I can't mention the name of the driver until January? Hmmmm.....scratches head......let me think about it........hmmmmmm........I'll go ahead and leave now because this is absurd". "Thanks for the offer of a professional fitting and free clubs, this is just absurd......farewell"......... :cheesy:

 

If you like the M1/M2 then buy one, its your money.

 

Not questioning why you guys can't name them, that makes perfect sense with a NDA in place. Questioning Callaway's strategy to be so secretive when it's impossible to keep secrets in this day and age. Btw lots of non WRX golfers have heard about it already. No point in arguing about it as it is what it is. I think it's ridiculous and that's just my opinion. Not biased to any company either. I can't wait to try one but the marketing strategy is kind of a turn off. To be honest, if the M1 was released right now I'd probably buy it just because of all the info that's out. Although I'm a ho so the Cally would end up in my bag at some point. Lol

[3woodvt]

What's the top selling months for Drivers for you shop owners? Does it correlate to the release date, the weather, or after the talk about it, etc...?

[3woodvt]

I'd be curious to see people compare the F7+ and the Epic driver. The F7+ seems to be a real sleeper and looks very good to boot.

[JaxBeachNole]

So when is the unveiling and release date? I haven't been able to keep up with all the pages on Callaway recently.

 

 

[bruinsPATSirish]

What's the top selling months for Drivers for you shop owners? Does it correlate to the release date, the weather, or after the talk about it, etc...?

 

First month of the season, last month of the season, and whatever month it came out