Callaway Epic Driver buyers. Love it or buyers remorse.

[IsleOfMan]

Got my 6Q3 Red Tie in and I'm pretty much completely off the fence. DTG sent the wrong color (red instead of black), so after getting them to agree to sending a replacement an letting me keep the incorrect one, I built it to R flex and 44.5" playing length and headed to a PGASS practice bay since it was raining. I'm getting around 250 total regardless of playing 10.5* or 11.5*, just with a different balance of carry and roll, with 10.5* carrying around 235 at 10* launch and 2500RPM spin, while 11.5* launches around 12* at 3000RPM... this compared to around 225 carry and 235 total on the same sim bay with my '14 Bertha 10.5* at +1/D on GD G60 Stiff @ 45.5". The Epic on the GD G60 Stiff @ 45.5" was pretty similar, but about 5 yards shorter, but that difference could be all up to better striking at 44.5", as I could see noticeably tighter dispersion with the Red Tie @ 44.5" too.

 

So long story short, a pretty scientifically flawed comparisson of the shafts, but the head definitely seemed to make a legit difference and I'm liking the Epic + 6Q3 Red Tie combo, and the numbers tell me I can set the loft based on course conditions and preference for carry vs. run.

[spiffdogxl]

Yup no SZ for at least another 3 weeks. Will likely have waited 2 months by the time I get mine.

 

Right there with you.

[pitchinwedge]

Interesting thing this delay... hypothetically one could argue almost two months worth of Epic driver sales have now effectively been pre-ordered. Meaning, the money's left the consumer's wallet and no product delivered until two months later. Whatever the reasons are doesn't matter.

 

So, here's one way to look at it. Callaway has had the consumer provide them with 60 days of interest free financing. Or maybe another perspective. Callaway should be earning nearly a quarter's worth of yield on the timely cash flow provided by consumers of the Epic. Either way, it should be great for ELY's bottom line.

 

Wish I was a better analyst to be able to draw up some cool conclusions, haha.

[mbb14]

Got my Epic SZ 9* last week wait was 2 weeks but put a Fujikura Speeder Platinum in it. Club is awesome and the shaft are the right combination for my game. Was gaming a Ping G30 LS before but gained some distance and the dispersion much better found a lot more fairways this weekend. Overall I cant be happier with the club

[Gem]

Remorse,

Both are hook machines. Although more bs, more spin. M1 was superior. Z765 beat it too. Bought into hype. seem a few returned as well. Glad you guys like it but there are better. From what I see not that much different from last years models. Will await the bars to start breaking the head.

I find it amusing that people blame clubs for their hooks, slices, etc.

Couldn't possibly be the one swinging it?

I'm sure the OEMs build all their clubs to hook/slice, especially those designed for 'skilled' or 'better' players....

 

You would think so but I saw it for myself. Same shafts in different clubs and my usual one has a nice straight to fade flight yet the Epic SZ just wanted to go left.

Had to sell it on.

[Hotdocta]

I have tested everything. It has come down to sz vs 2017 m1. I CAN't decide. IMO epic sounds way better, tm looks way better. My numbers were virtually identical....HELP!

[Gem]

I have tested everything. It has come down to sz vs 2017 m1. I CAN't decide. IMO epic sounds way better, tm looks way better. My numbers were virtually identical....HELP!

 

I also liked the feel from the Epic SZ but hated the way it looked. I much preferred the XR16 SZ with it's clean lines.

 

I would go with the TM but then I did sell my Epic. I just think as long as you don't hate the way the TM feels and sounds then looks can help with confidence.

[nsxguy]

Interesting thing this delay... hypothetically one could argue almost two months worth of Epic driver sales have now effectively been pre-ordered. Meaning, the money's left the consumer's wallet and no product delivered until two months later. Whatever the reasons are doesn't matter.

 

So, here's one way to look at it. Callaway has had the consumer provide them with 60 days of interest free financing. Or maybe another perspective. Callaway should be earning nearly a quarter's worth of yield on the timely cash flow provided by consumers of the Epic. Either way, it should be great for ELY's bottom line.

 

Wish I was a better analyst to be able to draw up some cool conclusions, haha.

 

Or maybe $100-150 (or even the full price) has left the customer's wallet and is in the hands of the STORE to compensate in case of "loss of profit" :ok: if the buyer fails to complete the purchase and they're stuck with the "custom order" to sell to someone else for less than the original retail price.

 

And all the store actually did was place the order and will pay on delivery.

 

So another way to look at it is Callaway has ZERO days of interest free financing and it affects ELY's bottom line not one whit.

 

Just anudder way of looking at it. :dntknw:

 

 

[jmck]

Interesting thing this delay... hypothetically one could argue almost two months worth of Epic driver sales have now effectively been pre-ordered. Meaning, the money's left the consumer's wallet and no product delivered until two months later. Whatever the reasons are doesn't matter.

 

So, here's one way to look at it. Callaway has had the consumer provide them with 60 days of interest free financing. Or maybe another perspective. Callaway should be earning nearly a quarter's worth of yield on the timely cash flow provided by consumers of the Epic. Either way, it should be great for ELY's bottom line.

 

Wish I was a better analyst to be able to draw up some cool conclusions, haha.

 

While I appreciate conspiracy theories as much as the next guy, I don't think we need to get the tinfoil out yet. Bit of a thread jack, but you're not talking about any sort of policy that Callaway has set, you're talking about how resellers are dealing with Callaway not being able to keep up with orders. If you order an Epic through a green-grass shop that has a Callaway account, that green-grass shop takes your money and places an order directly with Callaway. Then you wait two or three weeks for the club to show up. Callaway wants their money from the green-grass shop up front for the same reason the green-grass shop wants your money up front: it reduces cancellations to almost zero. That's what they're going for, they're not trying to scam interest free financing out of anyone.

 

Or you could pay the fitting fee at a green-grass shop (or not and just guess at what will work best for you) and order an Epic through an ebay/other online retailer who ordered a bunch of Epics two or three weeks ago in a bunch of common specs. They'll take your money and FedEx the club to you in two days, after having paid Callaway up front two or three weeks ago (see above).

 

Anyway, yes, the Epic is good enough that Callaway is having a hard time keeping up with demand.

[Warrick]

I was just notified by the retailer I went through, that Callaway sent 2 dozen balls (CS, or CSX) for having received a damaged club, and having to wait for a replacement.

 

He was shipping out to me today.

 

Nicely done Callaway.

[HISPL]

I've had my Epic SZ since in launched, it delivers on everything promised!

 

Forgiving, longer than anything else out there and the feel and sound suits me just fine!

 

I like the more "muted" "thwack" type sound than the hollow metallic sound of some other drivers like the Titleist 917 and Ping G.

 

I work at a Callaway account and it is incredible how many we have sold through and how many we have back ordered too!

[Mob]

My first couple of rounds with the Epic were very satisfying. I have a golf trip that I leave for tomorrow. I am playing 4-5 rounds in 3 days and will report back. I suspect that the Epic is going to edge out the Cobra King LTD. but it will be a close battle. I think all the OEM's have a good driver option these days, it really is just a matter of finding the one that suits you best.

[spiffdogxl]

I'm starting my 4th week since I ordered. 10.5 degree SZ head, with a Rogue Max 75x.

 

Was really hoping to have it in time for a scramble I played in last Saturday. Bummed.

[JohnKHawk]

My buddy cracked his Epic SZ. I think it was left in his trunk overnight & temp went down to under 32 degrees. Then he played with it in 40-45 degree temp & it just cracked up. He's now on the back order list waiting for a new one.

[safetyguystl]

Absolutely love it! Sound feel ball flight fits me the way I think a driver should. It may be different to some people as each has their own likes and dislikes.

[Left Rough]

Interesting thing this delay... hypothetically one could argue almost two months worth of Epic driver sales have now effectively been pre-ordered. Meaning, the money's left the consumer's wallet and no product delivered until two months later. Whatever the reasons are doesn't matter.

 

So, here's one way to look at it. Callaway has had the consumer provide them with 60 days of interest free financing. Or maybe another perspective. Callaway should be earning nearly a quarter's worth of yield on the timely cash flow provided by consumers of the Epic. Either way, it should be great for ELY's bottom line.

 

Wish I was a better analyst to be able to draw up some cool conclusions, haha.

 

Not sure Cally can take this as revenue, probably a rev rec issue if they do. So not great for revenue, but good for bookings. I may try and load up more shares before earnings. Strongest product launch for ELY in years!

[Palauan Hammer]

I genuinely feel for those of you waiting for your orders! I hope you get your clubs soon.

 

I say it's worth the wait, this driver continues to impress me every time I hit it. Biggest attribute by far is it's forgiveness, really, really easy club to hit.

[pitchinwedge]

Interesting thing this delay... hypothetically one could argue almost two months worth of Epic driver sales have now effectively been pre-ordered. Meaning, the money's left the consumer's wallet and no product delivered until two months later. Whatever the reasons are doesn't matter.

 

So, here's one way to look at it. Callaway has had the consumer provide them with 60 days of interest free financing. Or maybe another perspective. Callaway should be earning nearly a quarter's worth of yield on the timely cash flow provided by consumers of the Epic. Either way, it should be great for ELY's bottom line.

 

Wish I was a better analyst to be able to draw up some cool conclusions, haha.

 

Not sure Cally can take this as revenue, probably a rev rec issue if they do. So not great for revenue, but good for bookings. I may try and load up more shares before earnings. Strongest product launch for ELY in years!

 

Still a gamble but glad at least one person gets the gist....

[MG 1977]

Epic by name epic by nature... I honestly can't believe how good the miss hits are with my SZ. Good strikes are awesome, high towering low spin and as long or longer than anything I've ever had including well hit sldr drives. I love the dull thwack, this head doesn't need any hotmelt. The miss hits fly a little flatter but look like my old gamers (tour issue m2) ball flight. Since I got mine 2 other of my golfing pals have bought one. Best driver since sldr, this is high launch low spin like sldr but much more forgiving on the bad ones. I don't know how they did it but this is the best modern driver I've used.

[bu11dog]

I have tested everything. It has come down to sz vs 2017 m1. I CAN't decide. IMO epic sounds way better, tm looks way better. My numbers were virtually identical....HELP!

 

The only response that counts here is that you need to buy both. Anything else would result in an immediate reprimand.

[totally_addicted]

Played roughly 7-8 rounds with it so far and I'm a fan. I have been a Titleist driver guy for a long time, but at the end of last season I bought an M1 and played it for about 2 months. While I did get better ball speeds and distance, my accuracy suffered a bit. About a month ago I went to get fit for a different shaft but ended up walking out with the Epic. Every shaft and driver combo I hit, basically carried around 260, Titleist 915, 917, TM M1, M2. My fitter asked me to try the Epic and I said that I had tried it before and it was a hook machine for me. Well the Fuji Pro shaft in the regular Epic head ended up giving me a carry of 270. I then went back to the other drivers to make sure it wasn't my swing, back to 260. At that point I was sold and now after playing it for a bunch of rounds I can report it's longer, has better dispersion and is more forgiving on my mishits. Never imagined I would be playing a Callaway driver, but I can argue with the results.

[Roadking_6]

I was just notified by the retailer I went through, that Callaway sent 2 dozen balls (CS, or CSX) for having received a damaged club, and having to wait for a replacement.

 

He was shipping out to me today.

 

Nicely done Callaway.

2 dozen?? Man that is nice. I had to wait 2 weeks on a replacement weight and they sent me 1 sleeve with the weight.

[Tcann32]

I love the thing. It performs like my 816 but is as easy to hit as my old X-hot. I've had a few range sessions outdoors with it at this point, one of which was into a 15mph wind, and this thing was showing it's true colors there. Shots were straighter than I could've imagined, and not one shot ever ballooned. My current set up is incredible and I have zero interest in switching to another club.

[pitchinwedge]

Played roughly 7-8 rounds with it so far and I'm a fan. I have been a Titleist driver guy for a long time, but at the end of last season I bought an M1 and played it for about 2 months. While I did get better ball speeds and distance, my accuracy suffered a bit. About a month ago I went to get fit for a different shaft but ended up walking out with the Epic. Every shaft and driver combo I hit, basically carried around 260, Titleist 915, 917, TM M1, M2. My fitter asked me to try the Epic and I said that I had tried it before and it was a hook machine for me. Well the Fuji Pro shaft in the regular Epic head ended up giving me a carry of 270. I then went back to the other drivers to make sure it wasn't my swing, back to 260. At that point I was sold and now after playing it for a bunch of rounds I can report it's longer, has better dispersion and is more forgiving on my mishits. Never imagined I would be playing a Callaway driver, but I can argue with the results.

 

Great to hear your getting 270 vs 260. Do you know why the Epic is going farther? Any increase in distance should be quantifiable. Not trying to knock on you, just interested in where the gains are coming from.

 

I've been able to quantify a portion of my gains to more ball speed, which in turn is a result of the longer playing length.

[Warrick]

I was just notified by the retailer I went through, that Callaway sent 2 dozen balls (CS, or CSX) for having received a damaged club, and having to wait for a replacement.

 

He was shipping out to me today.

 

Nicely done Callaway.

2 dozen?? Man that is nice. I had to wait 2 weeks on a replacement weight and they sent me 1 sleeve with the weight.

 

I was shocked, arriving tomorrow, guessing not the new CSX, but I am happy either way.

 

I also just had the T800 65 - 6.0 show up for the SZ 3+ to test. I hope I like it as much as the driver shaft.

[xjohnx]

I was just notified by the retailer I went through, that Callaway sent 2 dozen balls (CS, or CSX) for having received a damaged club, and having to wait for a replacement.

 

He was shipping out to me today.

 

Nicely done Callaway.

2 dozen?? Man that is nice. I had to wait 2 weeks on a replacement weight and they sent me 1 sleeve with the weight.

 

I was shocked, arriving tomorrow, guessing not the new CSX, but I am happy either way.

 

I also just had the T800 65 - 6.0 show up for the SZ 3+ to test. I hope I like it as much as the driver shaft.

 

I bet they will the the CSX just like I bet you are going to love the t800 in the 3 wood!

[IsleOfMan]

If I wanted to get a backup for my Epic that's a previous generation Callaway product, what would you recommend? My backup back also doubles as my walking bag, so playing similar is a benefit, even if less distance. I'm thinking '15 Great Big Bertha? I'll have identical 6Q3 Red Tie shafts for both.

 

Also, would a 9* set to +2/D and a 12* set to -1/D setup the same, and a 10.5* at +1/D be fairly close...or would there be major lie angle differences? My Epic is 10.5* and +1/D and S/D play about the same, with the former rolling more and the latter carrying more.

[Kale_m]

Got a 12g weight finally to replace my 14g. Weight feels spot on now. About D5.

 

This thing still wants to go left on me. I don't know why. I hit all my other clubs straight or with a flight fade. With my old G30 I never had to worry about the left side. Butter cut all day.

 

Going to give it a couple more range sessions and it might be up for sale if I can't get it to work.

 

This driver just does not feel very forgiving to me either.

 

[Gem]

Got a 12g weight finally to replace my 14g. Weight feels spot on now. About D5.

 

This thing still wants to go left on me. I don't know why. I hit all my other clubs straight or with a flight fade. With my old G30 I never had to worry about the left side. Butter cut all day.

 

Going to give it a couple more range sessions and it might be up for sale if I can't get it to work.

 

This driver just does not feel very forgiving to me either.

 

I just couldn't hit this club with any consistency and I tried over 10 different shafts but the tendency to go left far too easily meant I had to sell it on.

 

I liked the feel of this and the head shape but hated the colour and wished they had went with the simple looks of the XR16 as.

 

There seem to be plenty that are very happy though.

[IsleOfMan]

Are the SZ weights the same as the weights from the last few generations of Callaway drivers? If so, I have a 9g and 15g 3rd-party I bought for a '14 Big Bertha that I traded on before they arrived.

 

Also, where can additional/heavier slider weights for the regular Epic be found? Playing mine at 44.5" and would like to add another for SW... also thinking lowering CG and softening the shaft just a bit might make 10.5* S/D my ideal combo, where right now I'm teetering between S/D and +1/D.