Callaway GBB Epic and Epic Sub Zero: Drivers and Fairways

OspreyCI · January 16, 2017

Just hit the Epic SZ 9* Aldila Max and loved it. Like some others said, every shot feels nutted! I was seeing a few mph increase over the M1 like I was using. What I saw was more consistent drives with a baby fade. The feel is so much better than any TM driver right now. I was seeing my longest drives with the SZ.

I did try the Stock Fuji shaft and did not like it and increased spin by several hundred rpm. Also tried a 10.5 and did not like it. I was launching the SZ 9* N/S setting with the Aldila Max at 13/14* and 2500 rpm (good for me).

Glad I already blindly ordered the Epic SZ 9* Fujikura 665 Evo II TS. That will bring the launch and spin down a hair more than today. Great new driver for 2017. Can't wait to get tracking info on it....

Do you mind sharing your driving speed? I think I read elsewhere you are around me. Might help with shaft selection. Also are you a higher ball hitter or lower?
I have been working on my swing and saw the last two times at PGA SS around 103-104 and some to 106. Last year I was around 99-101. I am usually a high ball hitter due to a flip, but trying to be more penetrating lately. I am a Fuji guy all the way and know that the 665 Evo II TS works for me because extensively tested it in the XR 16 Pro head and loved the feel of it. I know that a Speeder 661 EVO TS tipped 1" from Taylormade was too much for me. Just FYI.

Hope this helps. Oh yea, TM guy also and (for me) this driver is so much better for me than the 2016 M1 and M2.

Is that 665 a "made for"? Also is that low/mid spin and mid launch?

Yes and Yes... you are spot in... just worked for me very well in the XR 16 Pro... Epic SZ don't beat that head by THAT much...

hef63303 · January 16, 2017

Feck I forgot to alter my shaft back to 45" on my Epic SZ order... choking down it will be then

You should be able to get the order changed.

CircleC29 · January 16, 2017

Just hit the Epic SZ 9* Aldila Max and loved it. Like some others said, every shot feels nutted! I was seeing a few mph increase over the M1 like I was using. What I saw was more consistent drives with a baby fade. The feel is so much better than any TM driver right now. I was seeing my longest drives with the SZ.

I did try the Stock Fuji shaft and did not like it and increased spin by several hundred rpm. Also tried a 10.5 and did not like it. I was launching the SZ 9* N/S setting with the Aldila Max at 13/14* and 2500 rpm (good for me).

Glad I already blindly ordered the Epic SZ 9* Fujikura 665 Evo II TS. That will bring the launch and spin down a hair more than today. Great new driver for 2017. Can't wait to get tracking info on it....

Do you mind sharing your driving speed? I think I read elsewhere you are around me. Might help with shaft selection. Also are you a higher ball hitter or lower?
I have been working on my swing and saw the last two times at PGA SS around 103-104 and some to 106. Last year I was around 99-101. I am usually a high ball hitter due to a flip, but trying to be more penetrating lately. I am a Fuji guy all the way and know that the 665 Evo II TS works for me because extensively tested it in the XR 16 Pro head and loved the feel of it. I know that a Speeder 661 EVO TS tipped 1" from Taylormade was too much for me. Just FYI.

Hope this helps. Oh yea, TM guy also and (for me) this driver is so much better for me than the 2016 M1 and M2.

Is that 665 a "made for"? Also is that low/mid spin and mid launch?
Yes and Yes... you are spot in... just worked for me very well in the XR 16 Pro... Epic SZ don't beat that head by THAT much...

OspreyCI, how would you compare the forgiveness between the Epic SZ and Xr16 Pro?Have been reading that the SZ is very forgiving. Would love to hear some comparisons.

Arizonalefty59 · January 16, 2017

So I am the furthest thing from a Callaway supporter but man oh man, I hit the new Epic SZ a little bit ago and it was the best feeling driver I think I have ever hit in my life.

mixxedbag · January 16, 2017

So I am the furthest thing from a Callaway supporter but man oh man, I hit the new Epic SZ a little bit ago and it was the best feeling driver I think I have ever hit in my life.

I concur.

mulliganman30 · January 16, 2017

With all the talk of made fors being offered, is the Kuro Kage silver Tini being offered a made for?

t4t3r · January 16, 2017

Feck I forgot to alter my shaft back to 45" on my Epic SZ order... choking down it will be then
You should be able to get the order changed.

Is it worth calling callaway to try to modify an order?

quietninja72 · January 16, 2017

With all the talk of made fors being offered, is the Kuro Kage silver Tini being offered a made for?

Total conjecture but I'm thinking maybe not? The way I see it, MRC probably made it available as a no up charge option since they're probably trying to clear stock before the new dual core silver Tini is released in a few weeks. But that's a complete guess.

jcg132 · January 16, 2017

Feck I forgot to alter my shaft back to 45" on my Epic SZ order... choking down it will be then
You should be able to get the order changed.

Is it worth calling callaway to try to modify an order?

I called today and modified an order, very easy just call the customer service number on the website.

mulliganman30 · January 16, 2017

With all the talk of made fors being offered, is the Kuro Kage silver Tini being offered a made for?
Total conjecture but I'm thinking maybe not? The way I see it, MRC probably made it available as a no up charge option since they're probably trying to clear stock before the new dual core silver Tini is released in a few weeks. But that's a complete guess.

Thanks for replying. I'm hoping someone can chime in with a definitive answer too

t4t3r · January 16, 2017

Feck I forgot to alter my shaft back to 45" on my Epic SZ order... choking down it will be then
You should be able to get the order changed.

Is it worth calling callaway to try to modify an order?

I called today and modified an order, very easy just call the customer service number on the website.

Thanks, should've mentioned that I didn't place the order through callaway so that option might not be available to me. Still going to try tomorrow.

noodle3872 · January 17, 2017

With all the talk of made fors being offered, is the Kuro Kage silver Tini being offered a made for?

The KK Silver TiNi is not a made for shaft.

http://www.mrc-golf.com/products/silver-tini

noodle3872 · January 17, 2017

With all the talk of made fors being offered, is the Kuro Kage silver Tini being offered a made for?
Total conjecture but I'm thinking maybe not? The way I see it, MRC probably made it available as a no up charge option since they're probably trying to clear stock before the new dual core silver Tini is released in a few weeks. But that's a complete guess.

Thanks for replying. I'm hoping someone can chime in with a definitive answer too

The KK Silver TiNi has been a no charge option for a few years thru Callaway. I was told today Callaway will offer the DC TiNi but there is currently no timetable for it to be added to the shaft menu since the shaft has just been released.

F1King · January 17, 2017

Thx, called Callie and modded

Longdrive1 · January 17, 2017

Must see Callaway Epic Sub Zero Vs M1 460..

Sef · January 17, 2017

My favorite thing about this entire line is that the 3w is 15* again. I know I could buy the 16 and lower it a degree but having it 15* from the manufacturer makes me really happy.

Must be psychological, just seeing 15* on the head makes me feel more comfortable.

Warrick · January 17, 2017

Anyone hit either head with a black tie 6m3, or the Fuji Pro green 62?

I have the 7m3 so am familiar with the shaft.

I have never hit a Fuji Pro.

BreakingPar · January 17, 2017

So I'll preface this by saying that I haven't swung a club in a while (because winter)... but I went to my local shop to get some club work done this weekend, and was able to hit both the new M1 and Epic SubZero.

I was averaging 158 mph ball speed with the Epic SubZero, and this was with the 9* head turned down 1* to 8*, weight back, and stock Fujikura shaft in stiff flex (all they had). Middled shots were at 165mph, and the feel was one of the best I've had with a driver!

I averaged 160mph ball speed with the 2017 M1 460, and this was with a 10.5* head, weight in the middle, and a Hzrdus Yellow 6.5. Nutted ones where at 167mph, and the shaft was just amazing!

It could be the shaft, or I might need to try the Epic SubZero some more with the weight forward, or maybe the regular GBB Epic, but I was a little bit disappointed, because I'd love a few extra mph of ball speed as much as the next guy...

I'm holding off, because winter, but at the moment, M1 is gonna stay on my mind

BreakingPar · January 17, 2017

Btw, also hit the F7+ and Triton. Both pretty decent performers.

But anyone else think they look so alike at address?? It was uncanny, the F7+ looks like a Triton without the alignment aid!

Deuce78 · January 17, 2017

Has anyone hit the epic fairways and 917 fairways for a comparison? I have the ESZ driver and two rounds in, I do like the driver, so looking at maybe the fairways....

JasonPetermann · January 17, 2017

Anyone hit either head with a black tie 6m3, or the Fuji Pro green 62?

I have the 7m3 so am familiar with the shaft.

I have never hit a Fuji Pro.

I hit the Fuji Pro Green today in s flex. Made the difference for me with the regular Epic head. It was very smooth, and gave me great results. I came back to my office to find one to buy (just the shaft) so I could stick it in my GBB head. Cannot find one anywhere yet, but I will! I will likely get the regular Epic, but not until they hit CPO. Not enough difference for the cost for me.

FYI - I was swinging right at 98-100 today (good speeds for me).

Warrick · January 17, 2017

Anyone hit either head with a black tie 6m3, or the Fuji Pro green 62?

I have the 7m3 so am familiar with the shaft.

I have never hit a Fuji Pro.

I hit the Fuji Pro Green today in s flex. Made the difference for me with the regular Epic head. It was very smooth, and gave me great results. I came back to my office to find one to buy (just the shaft) so I could stick it in my GBB head. Cannot find one anywhere yet, but I will! I will likely get the regular Epic, but not until they hit CPO. Not enough difference for the cost for me.

FYI - I was swinging right at 98-100 today (good speeds for me).

Thanks, am just a touch over 100 myself. I have 3 other great shafts for Callaway drivers, so want to try something new if I grab one.

youngunz5840 · January 17, 2017

Has anyone tried the SZ with the Kuro Kage Tini shaft? I have been gaming the D+ but curious to have a little more launch and like 60 gram shafts over 70

scottaz · January 17, 2017

I picked mine up today. I was on flightscope and then out on the range on a cool, damp day. After that, I played few holes with several tee shots on each.

My initial thoughts are the Epic SZ is more forgiving than my M2. By a good amount. The Epic doesn't want to move much. I usually start my tee shot down the right side of the fairway but I just adjusted and started hitting it down the center and it didn't move much. I did have an easier time fading it vs drawing it which is very unusual for me.

I know from the flightscope that my ball speed is a little bit faster with the epic but that's not what I'm looking for. I'm looking for control and playable shots.

I have a few rounds scheduled over the next few days. Great first outing though.

Nice job by Cally getting these pre-orders out early!

noodle3872 · January 17, 2017

Has anyone tried the SZ with the Kuro Kage Tini shaft? I have been gaming the D+ but curious to have a little more launch and like 60 gram shafts over 70

I tested the SZ with KK Silver TiNi 60 stiff against the D+ 70 stiff. The KK launched a touch higher and spun pretty close to the D+.

Swisstrader98 · January 17, 2017

Must see Callaway Epic Sub Zero Vs M1 460..

Must see? that was painful to watch!

Dat_Dude · January 17, 2017

Must see Callaway Epic Sub Zero Vs M1 460..

Must see? that was painful to watch!

I agree that was painful. Is aboutGolf even accurate when it comes to spin/distance?

youngunz5840 · January 17, 2017

Has anyone tried the SZ with the Kuro Kage Tini shaft? I have been gaming the D+ but curious to have a little more launch and like 60 gram shafts over 70

I tested the SZ with KK Silver TiNi 60 stiff against the D+ 70 stiff. The KK launched a touch higher and spun pretty close to the D+.

How was the feel? I love how the diamana shafts feel. Sounds like kk will be a winner

mulliganman30 · January 17, 2017

Has anyone tried the SZ with the Kuro Kage Tini shaft? I have been gaming the D+ but curious to have a little more launch and like 60 gram shafts over 70

I tested the SZ with KK Silver TiNi 60 stiff against the D+ 70 stiff. The KK launched a touch higher and spun pretty close to the D+.

Do you have any numbers you could share performance wise?

HISPL · January 17, 2017

Must see Callaway Epic Sub Zero Vs M1 460..

Must see? that was painful to watch!

I agree that was painful. Is aboutGolf even accurate when it comes to spin/distance?

There are some anomalies when comparing to Flightscope and Trackman data.

I may have mentioned something about it in the past and upset a few people in the process... ?