Callaway Epic Driver Review

By Paul Liberatore

|

Published:

|

Last Updated:

There was a great amount of hype surrounding the release of the Callaway Epic Driver in 2017. Most likely it had a lot to do with Callaway promoting it’s all new Jailbreak Technology as a game changer in driver performance and design.


What it this Jailbreak Technology? In a nutshell the Jailbreak Technology helps to solve the problem of the crown and sole separating as the club face is stretched vertically at impact. It is this separation that results in a loss of energy that transfers to the ball. So, does the Jailbreak Technology work, yes absolutely, and is why the Callaway Epic Driver is perfect for the mid to high handicap golfer looking to improve their game.

Key Features

The Callaway Epic Driver provides greater distance from its Jailbreak Technology. This innovative design changes how the club head behaves at impact, which helps to promote more speed across a larger area of the club face.

The Callaway Epic Driver provides maximum forgiveness, high launch, and low spin from the innovative combination of its titanium Exon Cage and triaxial carbon construction.

The redesigned Adjustable Perimeter Weighting allows players to tweak the club to their swing, providing 21 yards of shot correction for more distance and control.

Design and Technology

The Callaway Epic Driver combines the very best in technology and design. The marquee of the Callaway Epic Driver is its Jailbreak Technology. This technology is made up of the structure found behind the clubface that is made up of two parallel titanium rods that connect the sole to the crown. These titanium rods help to stiffen the crown and sole, so they don’t flex as much at impact. It is this separation that results in a loss of energy that transfers to the ball. With this technology, the Callaway Epic Driver can create more energy to the ball on impact that produces more distance and ball speed.

Callaway Epic Driver


The Callaway Epic Driver is designed to deliver exceptional distance and forgiveness, thanks to its innovative Jailbreak technology and advanced materials. 

Jailbreak technology features two internal, hourglass-shaped bars that connect the crown to the sole, stabilizing and stiffening these parts at impact to generate faster ball speed. Combined with a lightweight triaxial carbon fabric in the crown and a forged titanium insert in the face, the Epic Driver reduces weight and increases MOI for better distance and accuracy on off-center hits. 

With adjustable perimeter weighting that allows golfers to easily promote draws, fades, or a straighter flight, the Epic Driver is engineered to provide significant gains in ball speed and distance, making it an excellent choice for golfers seeking improved performance off the tee.

The Callaway Epic Driver also incorporates the impressive Exo Cage Construction. This construction allows for Callaway to integrate more carbon fiber into the design of the clubhead, which helps the Jailbreak Technology to really shine through.

The Callaway Epic Driver also incorporates an Adjustable Perimeter Weight (“APM”). The APM is really a sliding movable weight that can be used to alter the flight of the ball. The APM is not something new, it first came out in 2015 with the Great Big Bertha. However, the APM in the Callaway Epic Driver is 7 grams heavier than its predecessor. This additional weight helps golfers to tweak the club to their swing, providing 21 yards of shot correction for more distance and control.

PROS

  • Impressive distance regardless of where you hit the ball
  • Sound at impact is much more muted than other drivers
  • Jailbreak Technology expands the sweet spot of the club

CONS

  • Some golfers may not benefit from the extra draw bi
  • A little costly, the Epic may be out of the budget of some golfers
  • Some golfers may think that the club is a little light

Our Experience

The Callaway Epic driver is an impressive club that delivers impressive performance through advanced technologies. Here is our experience with the Callaway Epic driver:


The Epic driver features Callaway's use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to optimize the clubhead design for maximum ball speed and forgiveness. This AI-powered design has resulted in the "Jailbreak A.I. Speed Frame" which increases ball speeds, even on off-center hits.


We found the Epic driver to be extremely forgiving, with a high MOI (moment of inertia) and adjustable weighting that allows golfers to fine-tune the launch and shot shape. The Epic MAX model in particular is well-suited for high handicap golfers, providing a draw bias and high launch to help get the ball airborne.


In our testing, the Epic driver provided a noticeable boost in ball speed and carry distance compared to our previous drivers. One reviewer noted picking up 6 mph in ball speed and an extra 5-9 yards of carry distance on both good and just okay shots. The sound and feel at impact is also quite solid and satisfying.


The only potential downside we encountered was that the sound can be a bit loud and "ting-y" at first, though this seemed to subside after some use. Overall, the Callaway Epic driver is an excellent choice that combines distance, forgiveness, and adjustability in an attractive package. It's no wonder it has become one of the most popular drivers on the market.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Driver Suitable for Beginners or High-Handicap Golfers?

As a beginner or high-handicap golfer, the Epic driver offers forgiveness and distance control. It’s crucial to focus on swing mechanics and club fitting to maximize its benefits. I’ve found it to be a game-changer.

Can the Driver Be Customized With Different Shaft Options?

Can the driver be customized with different shaft options? Yes, the Epic driver offers four high-performance stock shaft options, allowing for personalized customization to enhance performance. Comparing the results of different shafts can help determine the optimal configuration for individual playing styles.

How Does the Driver Perform in Windy Conditions?

In windy conditions, the Epic driver excels at distance control. The ball flight characteristics are impressive, with the ability to maintain a consistent trajectory even in challenging wind. It offers reliability and precision in adverse weather.

Are There Any Specific Maintenance or Care Instructions for the Driver?

I’ve found that regular cleaning and proper storage are crucial for maintaining my driver’s performance. I follow Callaway’s recommendations for cleaning and storage to ensure long-term durability. Additionally, using the driver correctly is essential.

Does the Driver Come With a Warranty or Guarantee for Durability and Performance?

The driver comes with a warranty that covers durability and performance guarantee. I’ve had positive experiences with customer service for a broken driver. Some users have mixed opinions on its value, but overall, the warranty provides reassurance.

Conclusion

The Callaway Epic Driver was one of the most hyped up clubs of 2017, and while rarely do we see things live up to its billing, this driver has certainly done just that. With loads of adjustability, full customization, and a modern design the Callaway Epic Driver is an amazing driver. If you are looking for a driver that will give you the best in technology and design, with plenty of adjustability and ball flight optimization, then the Callaway Epic Driver may be the right club for you.

Paul Liberatore

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. 

Latest Articles

View all

Mizuno ST-Z 230 Driver Review
  • by Paul Liberatore

Mizuno ST-Z 230 Driver Review

The Mizuno ST-Z 230 driver delivers straight, stable, low-spin performance. Excellent forgiveness and feel make it a strong all-around performer for many golfers.

Read more

Ping G430 Max 10k Driver Review
  • by Paul Liberatore

Ping G430 Max 10k Driver Review

Explore the Ping G430 Max 10K Driver review for expert insights on performance and technology in 2024's top golfing equipment.

Read more

Titleist TSR2 Driver Review
  • by Paul Liberatore

Titleist TSR2 Driver Review

The Titleist TSR2 driver delivers exceptional forgiveness, consistent distance, and a soft feel. Its standout features make it a top performer for a wide range of golfers.

Read more

Titleist TSR3 Driver Review
  • by Paul Liberatore

Titleist TSR3 Driver Review

The Titleist TSR3 driver delivers exceptional performance with advanced aerodynamics, adjustable features, and a powerful feel for low-handicap golfers seeking precision.

Read more

Ping G430 SFT Driver Review
  • by Paul Liberatore

Ping G430 SFT Driver Review

Comprehensive review of the Ping G430 SFT driver. Explore its draw bias, forgiveness, adjustability, and performance for golfers fighting a slice.

Read more

Ping G430 LST Driver Review
  • by Paul Liberatore

Ping G430 LST Driver Review

Explore the features of the Ping G430 LST Driver and decide if it’s the perfect fit for your golfing needs.

Read more

Cobra DarkSpeed X Driver Review
  • by Paul Liberatore

Cobra DarkSpeed X Driver Review

The Cobra DARKSPEED X driver delivers extreme speed and forgiveness. Aerodynamic design, low spin, mid launch. Dual weights for shot shaping. Sleek matte black finish.

Read more

TaylorMade Qi10 Max Driver Review
  • by Paul Liberatore

TaylorMade Qi10 Max Driver Review

TaylorMade's Qi10 Max Driver offers unparalleled forgiveness with 10K MOI. Discover its performance, design, and how it can improve your game in this comprehensive review.

Read more

TaylorMade Qi10 Driver Review
  • by Paul Liberatore

TaylorMade Qi10 Driver Review

Experience unmatched forgiveness and distance with the TaylorMade Qi10 Driver. Our comprehensive review explores its innovative features and performance on the course.

Read more

Golf Club Loft
  • by Paul Liberatore

The Loft Effect: How Club Angles Influence Your Shots and Scores

The loft of a golf club is the angle between the clubface and the shaft, measured when the club sits in its normal address position. This angle points the clubface upward and is a critical factor in how the golf...

Read more

Cobra DarkSpeed Max Review
  • by Paul Liberatore

Cobra DarkSpeed Max Review

Experience unmatched forgiveness and draw bias with the Cobra DarkSpeed Max driver. Sleek design, powerful performance, and slice-fighting technology for golfers of all levels.

Read more

Cobra DarkSpeed LS Review
  • by Paul Liberatore

Cobra DarkSpeed LS Review

Unleash maximum speed and precision with Cobra's DarkSpeed LS driver. Low spin, high workability, and advanced aerodynamics for elite players seeking ultimate performance.

Read more