Callaway Epic Max Driver Review

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. 

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!