When Ely Callaway started the Callaway golf company so many decades ago, he was a man on a mission. He wanted to build a driver that changed the way golfers experienced the game from the tee. Before long, the Callaway Great Big Bertha was born and quickly became the most popular driver ever sold.
Since then, Callaway has continued a long tradition of producing some of the best performing, most popular drivers in the game. That continues with the latest generation of drivers – the Epic Max, Max LS, and Speed.
Key Features
AI-designed Jailbreak Speed Frame increases stability across the face for faster ball speed and more distance.
AI-designed Flash Face works in conjunction with Jailbreak Speed Frame to increase COR and provide greater distance on both solid shots and mishits.
Adjustable perimeter weighting makes for easy customization and allows for more control.
Design and Technology
o say that Callaway is leading the way in using technology in driver design is an understatement. AI-informed head and face designs are said to be some of the most revolutionary breakthroughs the game has seen since the introduction of the original Great Big Bertha in the early 1990’s.
The Callaway Epic Speed and Max drivers build on technological and design features from the previous generation of Mavrik drivers. On the other hand, the Max LS is a bit more of a departure from what we’ve seen from Callaway in the recent past.
Let’s have a closer look at each driver individually.
Callaway Epic Speed Driver
As its name would suggest, the Epic Speed driver is the fastest in Callaway’s lineup for 2021.
This is due in large part to the cyclone-shaped head which is the most aerodynamic in the family. More specifically, the transition from the sole to the back edge of the crown is quite pronounced allowing for less drag during the swing. The end result is faster swing speed.
When we say “fast”, we’re talking about ball speed too. The CG in the Epic Speed is more forward than in the other Epic heads. This design feature alone should equate to faster ball speeds for most players.
The Epic Speed driver also has an inherent draw bias which should help golfers who struggle with slicing keep it in the fairway.
Callaway Epic Max Driver
The Epic Max driver is the most forgiving of the three. This is due in large part to a high MOI. Combined with adjustable perimeter weighting, it’s not hard to see why this driver is perfect for players that want more out of off-center shots.
The head also features a 17-gram movable weight that further allows golfers to create their desired shot shape with nothing more than the turn of a wrench. In testing, Callaway found that shot corrections of up to 16 yards could be realized by moving this weight.
Callaway Epic Max LS Driver
The “LS” in this driver’s name stands for low spin. This is a desirable characteristic for better players with fast swing speeds and high ball flights. It makes sense too, lower flights with less spin aren’t as susceptible to being blown off line in the wind.
Everything about this club’s design is “neutral”. From a CG aligned in the center of the face, to zero open and close face biases, this driver will produce shots reflective of the swing you make, nothing more.
With all that being said, the Epic Max LS is more forgiving than you might think.
Callaway Epic Max Driver
The Callaway Epic Max driver is designed to offer maximum forgiveness and distance, making it an ideal choice for golfers seeking to improve their accuracy and consistency off the tee. With its large footprint, adjustable features, and advanced technology such as the A.I.-designed Jailbreak Speed Frame and Flash Face SS21, this driver aims to provide a high level of forgiveness and ball speed across the face. Here's a closer look at how it performs and what makes it stand out.
PROS
- Multiple head designs can be tailored to nearly any player.
- AI-informed Jailbreak Speed Frame and Flash Face design work in conjunction to create some of the most stable driver faces on the market. The result is more ball speed and increased distance.
- A host of customizable shaft and head options make fitting any player a breeze.
CONS
- Price point is quite high at over $500.
- Shipping times may be variable based on demand.
- Epic Max LS head may not be preferable for most players
Our Experience
I’ve long been a fan of Callaway drivers. Even though my garage, office, and basement are littered with bags stuffed full of drivers from other manufacturers (much to my wife’s chagrin), Callaway has consistently produced drivers that meet my needs.
Most recently, I had the chance to hit the Epic Max. As the most forgiving of the lot, I found this head to be the best for my game. It’s many adjustability options allowed me to finetune weighting, loft, and lie angle to my liking. With the settings set all the way for max draw bias, I’ll say that my slice turned into more of a misdemeanor than a felony.
One of our writers currently plays the Max LS. He’s a good player (though he readily admits he ain’t as good as he once was) and swings the club at a high rate of speed. What he loves most about the Epic LS is the freedom it gives him to move the ball left and right and control trajectory. When I asked him what he thought about this club specifically, he was all too emphatic that it wasn’t the club for weekend warriors like me. Guess he still thinks he’s too cool for school!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Left-Handed Golfers Also Benefit From the Forgiveness and Distance of the Callaway Epic Max Driver?
Yes, left-handed golfers can benefit from the forgiveness and distance of the Callaway Epic Max driver. Its A.I.-designed features and adjustable weight allow for high forgiveness and shot shape correction, providing distance for all golfers.
How Does the Use of Artificial Intelligence Enhance the Performance of the Epic Max Driver?
Using AI technology, the Epic Max driver’s performance is enhanced by optimizing ball speeds with the A.I.-designed Jailbreak Speed Frame and Flash Face. This results in higher forgiveness and extensive adjustability for up to 20 yards of shot shape correction.
What Specific Features of the Epic Max Driver Contribute to Its Ai-Designed Distance and Forgiveness?
The AI-designed technology in the Epic Max driver enhances distance and forgiveness. The graphite shaft and performance enhancement contribute to its exceptional features. With AI-designed Jailbreak Speed Frame and Flash Face, the driver offers impressive speed and forgiveness.
What Is the Significance of the Graphite Shaft Material Used in the Epic Max Driver?
As I swing, the graphite shaft in my Epic MAX driver brings fluidity to my game, enhancing performance. The AI technology and left-handed compatibility further elevate my experience, resulting in remarkable forgiveness and distance.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Using the Callaway Epic Max Driver on the Golf Course?
Using the Callaway Epic Max driver on the golf course has several pros, including performance enhancement and left-handed benefits. However, some cons may include the need for practice to fully utilize its adjustable features.
Conclusion
The technology and terminology in driver design today continue to blow my mind. While it’s my job to understand it, and I feel like I do more than the average person, I can’t believe we’re to the point that drivers are being designed by AI.
With that being said, the folks in Callaway’s R&D Department (who are a hell of a lot smarter than I’ll ever be) really seem to have this stuff figured out. The reviews that all three of the 2021 Epic drivers have received have been resoundingly positive.
If you’re a golfer looking to maximize technology’s edge in your own game, one of the Callaway Epic drivers will be right at home in your bag.
Paul Liberatore
As the Founder of Golfers Authority Paul Liberatore Esq. has spent the last 7+ years writing about the best golf equipment or instruction from the top golf instructors in the world. He has been a contributing writer for Sports Illustrated Golf and GolfWRX. After graduating with honors from Purdue University, he realized that he had a passion for the golf business and the law. When he's not practicing law, or creating golf content on YouTube, he can be found on his syndicated Behind the Golf Brand podcast talking with the most prolific leaders in the golf industry.
