Callaway is no stranger to forgiving, high-launching drivers which deliver optimal yardage for the average golfer. In this post, I provide a detailed Callaway Epic Max driver review to help you determine if it suits your swing.
You’ll find this driver produces high forgiveness, rampant ball speed, and moderate spin for a consistently elevated launch. In addition, its draw bias profile helps amateur golfers fight slices for straighter drivers.
So, how does it achieve this? Read further to learn about the inner workings of the most forgiving of the Epic drivers.
Callaway Epic Max Driver
Epic MAX creates exceptionally high forgiveness, starting with a lighter, stronger Triaxial Carbon material that saves over 19 grams of weight vs. titanium. Callaway’s engineers have redistributed that saved weight to promote high launch and more forgiveness.
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Features
A.I Designed Jailbreak Speed Frame
At times I feel Mark Zuckerberg is pulling strings at Callaway, given their liberal use of artificial intelligence (A.I.) in their products. I am not complaining because it takes forgiveness and consistency to another level.
Previous jailbreak architectures only stabilized the clubface vertically, while the new construction provides torsional direction stability. In my experience, this generated consistent ball speed across an expanded zone for consistent yardage on all shots.
A.I Designed Flash Face
You can see what I mean when I say Callaway engineers enjoy AI. The engineers designed the clubface with AI, to optimize the spin and speed over a wider area of the clubface. You’ll notice this prompts fast speeds, even on heel and toe mishits, to mitigate a loss of yards.
Lighter Triaxial Carbon Material
Another stroke of genius in the production of the Callaway Epic Max driver is the use of a triaxial carbon material. You’ll notice the frame is constructed with this material instead of titanium, enabling the engineers to save 19 grams of weight.
They then took this mass and applied it low and deep for a low center of gravity (CG) and high moment of inertia (MOI). I produced a consistent, elevated launch on all shots due to the CG position, while the MOI kept my clubface square for straighter shots.
Sliding Rear Weight
Sticking with mass-related features, I introduce you to the 17-gram sliding rear weight. You’ll find a simple tweak of the position alters the shot bias of your drives. Its factory setting is a draw bias to help restrict side spin and prompt straighter flight, but you can change it as you see fit.
If you find the draw bias setup is delivering hooks, you can alter the position to a neutral or fade bias. Callaway suggests the weight can correct your shot shape by 20-yards, but I achieved an average of 12-yards.
Optifit Hosel
In addition to the CG shifting rear weight, the Epic Max is equipped with an Optifit hosel, which enables you to adjust the loft and lie angle of the clubface. You’ll see that it has four adjustment settings to strengthen, weaken or keep it neutral.
I found the hosel allowed me to reduce loft by 1 degree to lower my launch and spin off the tee. Conversely, I reduced the loft by 2 degrees when I wanted a high, consistent tee shot. For example, if I acquire a 10.5-degree, I can strengthen the driver loft to 9.5-degrees and weaken it up to 12.5-degrees.
Lofts
As with most drivers, the forgiving Epic Max is offered in 3 loft profiles to cater to slow, moderate, and fast swing speeds. You’ll notice your lowest lofted option is a 9-degree driver, which you can reduce to 8 degrees or weaken to 11 degrees.
A 10.5-degree lofted design is the middle child in the series and provides the ideal platform for golfers with moderate speeds to produce a medium-level flight. However, if the flight is too high for you, you can strengthen the loft to 9.5-degrees or increase it to 12.5-degrees.
Your final option is a 12-degree setup, which is brilliant for slower swing speeds, such as seniors or beginners. In addition, you can shave off a degree and set it at 11 degrees for a lower launch. Conversely, you can increase it to 14 degrees for an easier high launch.
Shafts
A stock Callaway Epic Max driver is constructed with two shaft options from the Project X stable. The two shafts offer more choices for moderate and higher swing speeds in the form of regular, stiff, and extra-stiff shafts.
The Project X Cypher 40 shafts are the best bet for slower swing speeds, as it is the only construction offered in a senior flex. In addition, this graphite shaft carries a regular, stiff, and extra-stiff shaft. Naturally, you’ll find these flex designs are ideal for moderate and faster swing speeds.
I found the Cypher 40 shafts helped me achieve an incredibly increased apex, which higher handicappers may appreciate. In my case, I felt like I ballooned my shots and lost carry and total distance.
Contrarily, the HZRDOUS Smoke IM10 shafts are a wise choice for golfers seeking a mid-to-low launch for greater control off the tee box. You’ll find these are only offered in a stiff and regular flex which works for moderate and fast driver swing speeds.
Performance
Price
Despite its mature age in the artillery of Callaway driver releases, the Epic Max is not the cheapest pick out there. Permitted, it is lower than the latest release, the Rogue ST range, but still expensive for an older model.
However, it possesses advanced game improvement technology to offer forgiveness and consistency and is constructed with premium materials. Therefore, it is a durable, reliable golf club that will carry you in the years ahead.
Feel and Sound
I found the Epic Max provided a solid feel and I could feel my ball springing off the face. Plus, it produced a clean-sounding ping off the super strong titanium face, which every golfer will appreciate.
Spin
I produced more spin than usual, reaching 3500 RPM on average. As you can imagine, this resulted in a higher launch, perfect for slower-swinging mid and high-handicappers. However, my apex was too high for my liking, causing me to lose carry and total distance.
Let’s not get bogged down with my preferences. I feel the escalated spin will benefit those who struggle to consistently get their ball airborne. Players seeking a lower launch without sacrificing forgiveness should test the Callaway Epic Max LS driver.
Forgiveness
You’ll find this edition offers superior forgiveness compared to the Callaway Epic Flash driver, thanks to its draw bias profile and enlarged sweet spot. Although it will not eradicate your slices, it will reduce the severity of the curve.
What I Like About The Callaway Epic Max
Consistent Ball Speed
I appreciated the consistency of my ball speed provided by the A. I designed Jailbreak Speed Frame and A.I. constructed flash face. Together, helped me maintain ball speed on heel and toe strikes to produce adequate distance on all shots.
Accuracy
You’ll find the combination of a high MOI construction and draw bias profile help high handicappers combat slices. In addition, the high MOI setup is designed to help you square your clubface at impact and produce straighter ball flight.
Forgiveness
From promoting straighter shots and a high launch and maintaining ball speed on all strikes, the Epic Max is incredibly lenient. I feel it is ideal for high handicappers struggling to find fairways or produce a consistently elevated launch.
Versatility
I never suggest tinkering with your loft and weight position, but it is nice to know that you have the option. The optifit hosel allows you to alter your driver loft and lie angle to produce a higher or lower trajectory. Plus, the rear sliding weight helps you set up the driver for a draw, fade, or neutral shape.
High Launch
Finally, I must mention the high launch produced by this driver, as it is highly beneficial to slow-swinging golfers. It is not my preference, but it is easy to swing and launch high on every shot.
What I Dislike About The Callaway Epic Max
Price
Even though Callaway has released the Rogue ST range of the Epic drivers, the Max still carries a lofty price tag.
Spin
I did not enjoy the elevated spin rate because it caused me to balloon tee shots and lose carry distance. However, this will suit slower swingers. If you have the same feeling, look at the Epic Max low-spin driver.
Limited Workability
The high MOI design and draw bias profile prevented me from inducing a draw or a fade. This is not important for high handicappers who need to focus on hitting straight but may annoy you later as you enter the ranks of a mid-handicapper.
Overall Rating and Thoughts
Overall, my Callaway Epic Max driver review has revealed that I am mostly optimistic about the performance. I felt it provided exceptional forgiveness, consistent ball speed and encourages straighter ball flight.
Mid-handicappers can benefit from the forgiveness and consistency of this golf club. However, I feel it is high-handicap golfers who stand to extract the highest value from this forgiving driver.
Overall Rating: 91/100
Callaway Epic Max Driver
Epic MAX creates exceptionally high forgiveness, starting with a lighter, stronger Triaxial Carbon material that saves over 19 grams of weight vs. titanium. Callaway’s engineers have redistributed that saved weight to promote high launch and more forgiveness.
Check Price on Amazon
Matt Stevens
Matt Callcott-Stevens started playing golf at the age of 4 when Rory Sabattini’s father put a 7-iron and putter in his hand. He has experienced all the highs and lows the game can throw at you and has now settled down as a professional golf writer. He holds a Postgraduate in Sports Marketing and has played golf for 28 years.
