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

[jdub_ut]

Got fitted for my Epic today. Indoor with a Trackman. We were doing a lot during the hour I had booked, so I didn't get to take many pics along the way. This is a bit of an abbreviated review, so feel free to ask any questions.

 

My gamer is a TM R15 10' with an Alidla Tour Green 65x. My swing has changed a bit since I got fit for that and Trackman was showing I was spinning it too much. 2800-3000 rpm's and ball speed in the middle 150's. My swing speed was about 105-106 mph. Carrying in the 250's. Ok but not great.

 

Moved to the regular Epic 9' (non-Sub Zero) and tried out an assortment of 65g and 75g shafts. Much better overall numbers but still a bit spinny no matter what shaft we used. Really impressed with the driver overall, though.

 

So we switched to the Sub Zero 9' (which I was nervous about not being forgiving enough). My fears were completely unfounded. Got it fairly dialed in with the 75g Aldila Max in stiff flex, and then my pro pulled out his Epic with a HZRDUS Black 75x and fitted it to the Sub Zero I was testing. Boom. That combo just absolutely clicked for me. Nice gentle draws with perfect (for me) numbers. So my pro is finalizing the pricing with his Callaway rep, and I'll have it on order that first day.

 

My summation of numbers was:

107 avg swing speed

Ball speed sticking right around 160-162 (Smash Factor 1.49-1.51)

Carry yardages consistently into the 270's, with 2 I was able to get to roll out to 300

 

I absolutely fell in love with that HZRDUS Black. I've never swung a more smooth and perfectly-feeling shaft. Same with the Sub Zero head. Amazingly consistent and easy to hit (had the heavy weight in the back). It does have a solid feel to it. I was worried it would feel too harsh, but that wasn't the case. I even liked the slightly muted sound.

 

Beautiful setup. Callaway website shows the HZRDUS Black Handcrafted as a $250 upcharge in the Fusion driver. Should be the same for EPIC.

[shmitty18]

Got fitted for my Epic today. Indoor with a Trackman. We were doing a lot during the hour I had booked, so I didn't get to take many pics along the way. This is a bit of an abbreviated review, so feel free to ask any questions.

 

My gamer is a TM R15 10' with an Alidla Tour Green 65x. My swing has changed a bit since I got fit for that and Trackman was showing I was spinning it too much. 2800-3000 rpm's and ball speed in the middle 150's. My swing speed was about 105-106 mph. Carrying in the 250's. Ok but not great.

 

Moved to the regular Epic 9' (non-Sub Zero) and tried out an assortment of 65g and 75g shafts. Much better overall numbers but still a bit spinny no matter what shaft we used. Really impressed with the driver overall, though.

 

So we switched to the Sub Zero 9' (which I was nervous about not being forgiving enough). My fears were completely unfounded. Got it fairly dialed in with the 75g Aldila Max in stiff flex, and then my pro pulled out his Epic with a HZRDUS Black 75x and fitted it to the Sub Zero I was testing. Boom. That combo just absolutely clicked for me. Nice gentle draws with perfect (for me) numbers. So my pro is finalizing the pricing with his Callaway rep, and I'll have it on order that first day.

 

My summation of numbers was:

107 avg swing speed

Ball speed sticking right around 160-162 (Smash Factor 1.49-1.51)

Carry yardages consistently into the 270's, with 2 I was able to get to roll out to 300

 

I absolutely fell in love with that HZRDUS Black. I've never swung a more smooth and perfectly-feeling shaft. Same with the Sub Zero head. Amazingly consistent and easy to hit (had the heavy weight in the back). It does have a solid feel to it. I was worried it would feel too harsh, but that wasn't the case. I even liked the slightly muted sound.

 

 

 

 

I'm also coming from an r15. Would you say the epic sz is more or less fade biased than the r15. I found the R15 to be a little fade biased.

[SwingBlues]

I am excited, just placed an order with DD for the Epic SZ and T800 65gm shaft finished 44 1/2". Can't wait...it'll be Ping G LS vs the SZ. Be the 2nd Callaway driver I've owned since the X 460 driver sooo many years ago. Thanks for all the data guys :)

[tommaso05]

I'm also coming from an r15. Would you say the epic sz is more or less fade biased than the r15. I found the R15 to be a little fade biased.

 

My driver swing hasn't been a model of consistency the past 2 (err...20, actually) seasons, but I would say the R15 is slightly more fade-biased than the Epic SZ. In what limited amounts I was able to hit both yesterday, I would say they're really close to the same in that regard. But I was also hitting them in different lofts with different shafts, so it's not an apples-to-apples comparison.

[nbigg]

I got a chance to hit the Epic SZ and 2017 M1 440 today at lunchtime and I can safely say that the Epic SZ will be in the bag to start the year. I’ve tried everything and I mean everything out there (as it’s always the driver’s fault) and the Epic SZ is just on another level for distance on mishits. I’m a big believer (for me) that most if not all properly fit driver shaft combos should be in the same ballpark when hit perfectly. I don’t want to make claims about distances because I was hitting the Rogue Max which felt a little loose to me but the drives were very long and the mishits were in the same neighborhood. It felt effortless. Shots where I felt like I popped it up and flared it to the right were still going 270-280 with my 103-105 winter ss. I had no problems rolling out just past 300 which I’d be happy with with a swing like today’s. The M1 440 is a real looker but I couldn’t get comfortable with it. I was hitting high flares (which again were more me than the club) but they were only going 260 range.

 

I’ve hit every club in the book there and Ping G LS, 2016 M1 and Cobra LTD were the only three in the same area and that was summer swings. Excited for the snow to melt!

[Z1ggy16]

Does the D4 swing weight help make the HZRDUS Black feel a little less "board" like? I swung that shaft in a Fusion, which I assume is probably stock D2 or something, and it felt like swinging a steel iron shaft. I really couldn't load it, even though I was right around the 105mph SS mark (stiff flex even).

 

I thought I saw on the shaft thread the T1100 will be even more tip stiff than the Black now? That may help me get my spin down (was still around 2600 even using a 75g black tie XS shaft) but I def worry I won't be able to load it right. I've found on the few swings where my conditions are right, my launch angle needs to be coupled with no more than 2300 RPM spin.

[cvvorst]

I got a chance to hit the Epic SZ and 2017 M1 440 today at lunchtime and I can safely say that the Epic SZ will be in the bag to start the year. I’ve tried everything and I mean everything out there (as it’s always the driver’s fault) and the Epic SZ is just on another level for distance on mishits. I’m a big believer (for me) that most if not all properly fit driver shaft combos should be in the same ballpark when hit perfectly. I don’t want to make claims about distances because I was hitting the Rogue Max which felt a little loose to me but the drives were very long and the mishits were in the same neighborhood. It felt effortless. Shots where I felt like I popped it up and flared it to the right were still going 270-280 with my 103-105 winter ss. I had no problems rolling out just past 300 which I’d be happy with with a swing like today’s. The M1 440 is a real looker but I couldn’t get comfortable with it. I was hitting high flares (which again were more me than the club) but they were only going 260 range.

 

I’ve hit every club in the book there and Ping G LS, 2016 M1 and Cobra LTD were the only three in the same area and that was summer swings. Excited for the snow to melt!

 

 

A 40 yard difference? Or are you saying the epic had 270 carry and the m1 440 had 260 carry?

[Lacey Underall]

Epic Sub Zero + Hzrdus Black = $750 correct?

That thing better be game changing! $$$$

[ell_13]

Epic Sub Zero + Hzrdus Black = $750 correct?

That thing better be game changing! $$$$

I'm getting an upcharge shaft because I already have the Hzrdus thank goodness. It's a great shaft for me. I don't find it like a board at all. I have a very fast temp though. So far the D+ 70 x-flex has given me my best results after hitting the Epic SZ at my local golftec a few times. But they have a new shaft pack coming in soon and I'm hoping to try the Rogue Silver 60 and maybe a speeder.

[nbigg]

I got a chance to hit the Epic SZ and 2017 M1 440 today at lunchtime and I can safely say that the Epic SZ will be in the bag to start the year. I’ve tried everything and I mean everything out there (as it’s always the driver’s fault) and the Epic SZ is just on another level for distance on mishits. I’m a big believer (for me) that most if not all properly fit driver shaft combos should be in the same ballpark when hit perfectly. I don’t want to make claims about distances because I was hitting the Rogue Max which felt a little loose to me but the drives were very long and the mishits were in the same neighborhood. It felt effortless. Shots where I felt like I popped it up and flared it to the right were still going 270-280 with my 103-105 winter ss. I had no problems rolling out just past 300 which I’d be happy with with a swing like today’s. The M1 440 is a real looker but I couldn’t get comfortable with it. I was hitting high flares (which again were more me than the club) but they were only going 260 range.

 

I’ve hit every club in the book there and Ping G LS, 2016 M1 and Cobra LTD were the only three in the same area and that was summer swings. Excited for the snow to melt!

 

 

A 40 yard difference? Or are you saying the epic had 270 carry and the m1 440 had 260 carry?

 

No no I was only referencing the bad shots with the M1 which were in the 260 range total. Bad shots with SZ were 270-280 range total. Good shots were rolling past 300. Never got comfortable with the M1 so I gave up on it pretty quick and didn't hit very many good ones to compare.

 

I don't expect the variance to be anywhere near that if both were properly fit. I was just hitting the SZ so far with bad swings that never bothered giving the M1 a second look. I thought last year's M1 was a beast so I don't expect anything different from the new one.

 

Hope that clarifies. Cheers!

[NicholasP]

I'm looking forward to giving it a test run. I just picked up an M2 though, and for my 106SS, my #'s were really dialed in.

 

I'm also looking forward to seeing what guys like Koepka, Casey, Woods, Finau, etc. are hitting in 2017. Obviously most went right to TM, so if the Epic is as good as being stated, it will be interesting to watch.....

[GC70]

I'm looking forward to giving it a test run. I just picked up an M2 though, and for my 106SS, my #'s were really dialed in.

 

I'm also looking forward to seeing what guys like Koepka, Casey, Woods, Finau, etc. are hitting in 2017. Obviously most went right to TM, so if the Epic is as good as being stated, it will be interesting to watch.....

 

[NicholasP]

I'm looking forward to giving it a test run. I just picked up an M2 though, and for my 106SS, my #'s were really dialed in.

 

I'm also looking forward to seeing what guys like Koepka, Casey, Woods, Finau, etc. are hitting in 2017. Obviously most went right to TM, so if the Epic is as good as being stated, it will be interesting to watch.....

 

 

Well that escalated quickly

[GC70]

I'm looking forward to giving it a test run. I just picked up an M2 though, and for my 106SS, my #'s were really dialed in.

 

I'm also looking forward to seeing what guys like Koepka, Casey, Woods, Finau, etc. are hitting in 2017. Obviously most went right to TM, so if the Epic is as good as being stated, it will be interesting to watch.....

 

 

Well that escalated quickly

BREAKING: @TaylorMadeGolf has signed 6 free agents incl Paul Casey, Smylie Kaufman, Sueng Yul Noh, Nick Watney, Kyle Stanley, Jon Curran

 

[WesP]

So its all in one place...

 

Best Results: They only had 10.5* heads in, Diamana Whiteboard 70x (which is what my 917d3 is)

 

At first glance:

LOVE the look of the driver (SZ), color scheme is cool, looks nice when you look down at the top of the club, etc etc. Only thing that was a little weird was sitting the club down on the ground it would automatically sits open which is why i think i hit a consistent draw, not that big a deal though.

 

Feel:

Like most of you have read the club feel super solid, like the clubhead is a full piece of metal. Feels like the face is very think, due to the Jailbait, i mean Jailbreak technology (see what i did there). I personally loved the solid feeling.

 

Accuracy:

The one thing i noticed about the accuracy of the ball flight (at least for me) was that i consistently hit a draw. Never really missed it right at all. Which for me is okay, bc that eliminates one side of the course. If i had to aim this thing OB right, i would feel comfortable that it would come back into play. Given im not able to practice on a consistent basis, some of my numbers fluctuated, which is why we collected a big sample size.

 

Overall:

Im planning on getting the SZ in a 9*, which will help with some of the high spin number we were seeing, and hopefully increase accuracy. Ill have to play around with some different shaft to get the right combo, which will be okay with me, Iv been fitted for a Hzrdus Black 6.5 twice in the past, so im guessing that will be a good combo, just need to get the shaft. Also planning on getting the regular Epic 3 wood. The last 7 swings on the second pick show some 3 wood results with the t800 in a S. Felt super solid and more of a pingy sound vs the driver.

 

Not much more can really be said until i get some time in on the course. Ill be able to compare the Titleist and Callaway Drivers/3W's side by side. Whichever i feel more comfortable with will be my tournament choice. I really dont think you can go wrong with either one, i just saw a slight increase in ball speed with the SZ vs 917....

 

SZ (heavy weight in front)

 

3w

 

Little spinny, but i think the 9* head will help bring those numbers down.

 

 

Some driver and 3 wood results (last 7 are 3 wood)

 

 

Quick Video as well

https://www.instagra...aken-by=wphelps

 

Not sure if this really helps, but i was definitely glad i had the chance to hit it sooner rather than later.

 

 

 

 

917d3 8.5* set to c1 with Whiteboard 70x

 

Old Xr 3w with Oban Kiyoshi Gold VS 917f3 Diamana 80X

[NicholasP]

So its all in one place...

 

Best Results: They only had 10.5* heads in, Diamana Whiteboard 70x (which is what my 917d3 is)

 

At first glance:

LOVE the look of the driver (SZ), color scheme is cool, looks nice when you look down at the top of the club, etc etc. Only thing that was a little weird was sitting the club down on the ground it would automatically sits open which is why i think i hit a consistent draw, not that big a deal though.

 

Feel:

Like most of you have read the club feel super solid, like the clubhead is a full piece of metal. Feels like the face is very think, due to the Jailbait, i mean Jailbreak technology (see what i did there). I personally loved the solid feeling.

 

Accuracy:

The one thing i noticed about the accuracy of the ball flight (at least for me) was that i consistently hit a draw. Never really missed it right at all. Which for me is okay, bc that eliminates one side of the course. If i had to aim this thing OB right, i would feel comfortable that it would come back into play. Given im not able to practice on a consistent basis, some of my numbers fluctuated, which is why we collected a big sample size.

 

Overall:

Im planning on getting the SZ in a 9*, which will help with some of the high spin number we were seeing, and hopefully increase accuracy. Ill have to play around with some different shaft to get the right combo, which will be okay with me, Iv been fitted for a Hzrdus Black 6.5 twice in the past, so im guessing that will be a good combo, just need to get the shaft. Also planning on getting the regular Epic 3 wood. The last 7 swings on the second pick show some 3 wood results with the t800 in a S. Felt super solid and more of a pingy sound vs the driver.

 

Not much more can really be said until i get some time in on the course. Ill be able to compare the Titleist and Callaway Drivers/3W's side by side. Whichever i feel more comfortable with will be my tournament choice. I really dont think you can go wrong with either one, i just saw a slight increase in ball speed with the SZ vs 917....

 

SZ (heavy weight in front)

 

3w

 

Little spinny, but i think the 9* head will help bring those numbers down.

 

 

Some driver and 3 wood results (last 7 are 3 wood)

 

 

Quick Video as well

https://www.instagra...aken-by=wphelps

 

Not sure if this really helps, but i was definitely glad i had the chance to hit it sooner rather than later.

 

 

 

 

917d3 8.5* set to c1 with Whiteboard 70x

 

Old Xr 3w with Oban Kiyoshi Gold VS 917f3 Diamana 80X

 

Your a beast

[scottaz]

Having the Black 75 6.5 in will take the spin down plenty.

[foggedz]

At this moment 10 of the last 13 most recently commented on threads in this forum have to do with new Callaway offerings.....

[HISPL]

At this moment 10 of the last 13 most recently commented on threads in this forum have to do with new Callaway offerings.....

 

And yet there were a number of forum posts about how Callaway don't market themselves in the right way and leak info sooner on products to create more interest...

 

I'm thinking they know EXACTLY what they are doing!

[drbonesvt]

I'm looking forward to giving it a test run. I just picked up an M2 though, and for my 106SS, my #'s were really dialed in.

 

I'm also looking forward to seeing what guys like Koepka, Casey, Woods, Finau, etc. are hitting in 2017. Obviously most went right to TM, so if the Epic is as good as being stated, it will be interesting to watch.....

 

 

Finau ping G series - would out drive just about anyone even with persimmon

[Sef]

For those interested Callaway said Udesign will be available March 15th. I posted this in another thread as well, but a custom color is not worth another 2 months of waiting for me since we are seeing weather in the 60's down here in GA.

[hurricanes7]

thx for the review

[Noke]

At this moment 10 of the last 13 most recently commented on threads in this forum have to do with new Callaway offerings.....

 

Unsurprising.

 

These are glory days for Cally. TM being sold, PING their usual conservative selves. It's a one horse race ?.

[tbowles411]

At this moment 10 of the last 13 most recently commented on threads in this forum have to do with new Callaway offerings.....

 

Unsurprising.

 

These are glory days for Cally. TM being sold, PING their usual conservative selves. It's a one horse race .

I wouldn't go that far. Everyone is making good stuff. It comes down to preference and performance. Cally is making great stuff, but there is more than enough love to go around.

[Les Strokes]

Got fitted for my Epic today. Indoor with a Trackman. We were doing a lot during the hour I had booked, so I didn't get to take many pics along the way. This is a bit of an abbreviated review, so feel free to ask any questions.

 

great info, thanks for the post

 

re Crossfield, can't stand the guy. Who's the best reviewer?

[Les Strokes]

WesP, where the results page says "Cobra" are those the results for the Epic?

[balladm]

I hit both of the epics today and was not very impressed. The sz felt better but numbers were much worse than my 915 d3. I know part of it was a lack of shaft availability but it was enough for me to exclude the driver from my want to buy list. I will say i hit both of the callaways dead straight. It didn't matter what i did, they went straight but i was giving up lots of yardage to spin and other aspects. My d3 was consistently 285 carry spin around 2k. Also going from 44.5 to 45.5 was extremely difficult to adjust to.

[wundej]

I hit both of the epics today and was not very impressed. The sz felt better but numbers were much worse than my 915 d3. I know part of it was a lack of shaft availability but it was enough for me to exclude the driver from my want to buy list. I will say i hit both of the callaways dead straight. It didn't matter what i did, they went straight but i was giving up lots of yardage to spin and other aspects. My d3 was consistently 285 carry spin around 2k. Also going from 44.5 to 45.5 was extremely difficult to adjust to.

This is exactly why it's important to get fit. Albeit it wasn't apples to apples since it sounds like they didn't have shafts that fit you or a comparable shaft length. I have that same issue since I am short and can't deal with those 45.5" stocks, last time I was fitted we were using 3w shafts. Amazing how much better I was hitting the ball, just with that.

 

Curious if you were making quality contact. Either way, I'm sure that most of us would be happy to say "I don't need to go out and buy another driver."

[misplacedtexan83]

I hit both of the epics today and was not very impressed. The sz felt better but numbers were much worse than my 915 d3. I know part of it was a lack of shaft availability but it was enough for me to exclude the driver from my want to buy list. I will say i hit both of the callaways dead straight. It didn't matter what i did, they went straight but i was giving up lots of yardage to spin and other aspects. My d3 was consistently 285 carry spin around 2k. Also going from 44.5 to 45.5 was extremely difficult to adjust to.

 

Did you ask or did they have a Fusion 44.5 shaft in?

 

Sucks that it would be taken off the list without trying to find a way to get it close to your gamer.

 

 

 

 

[rgk5]

I did an extensive test today comparing the Epic SZ to:

 

- my Cobra King Ltd.

 

- the new M2 and M1

 

- Ping G

 

The Epic had the Hazrdous "R" flex,the King Ltd.the Rogue Black "R" flex, the M1 and M2 the Fuji Pro "R" flex, the G the Alta R flex, all set at 10.5*. The King Ltd was still the longest by seven yards and was on average 3-5 yards more accurate, +/- six yards off line. Launch angles were similar, between 12 and 14 degrees.

 

All are excellent drivers and your results may be quite different.

 

The Epic had the second best feel at impact.