Callaway Epic Speed driver Review

Maximising clubhead speed to deliver maximum distance – the Callaway Epic Speed driver uses a simple formula that golfers will love.

The new Epic range is all about speed, and this model is the fastest of the three, so that should tell you that it’s pretty fast. It’s likely to be between 0.8-1.5mph faster than the Epic MAX or Epic MAX LS. Given that every 1mph of clubhead speed equals roughly 3 yards in distance, that’s not to be sniffed at.

RELATED: Best Golf Drivers

It’s also impressive that Callaway have created the extra speed without simply reducing the head size, which was a classic way for manufacturers to create “fast” driver models. The Epic Speed features a full-size 460cc head; the extra speed is possible thanks to an advanced aerodynamic head construction that promotes less drag.

RELATED: WITB Phil Mickelson

But the Epic Speed’s enhanced speed doesn’t mean sacrifices elsewhere. Epic Speed is a direct replacement for the Callaway Epic Flash, and offers increased MOI (moment of inertia) over its predecessor, which makes the clubhead more stable and less prone to twisting, helping to keep shots on target. That’s thanks to a new, larger carbon crown and toe section, which frees up 16g of weight that Callaway have been able to relocate to improve MOI and help increase forgiveness.

RELATED: Callaway Epic Max driver review

Golfers can expect slightly higher launching shots compared to the Callaway Mavrik, along with medium spin rates and a moderate draw bias (thanks to the carbon toe section).

Watch: Everything you need to know about the Epic 21 drivers

The Epic Speed (along with Max and Max LS) can also be colour-customised for an additional £50 (£549). Each of five different zones (crown, sole and the Jailbreak Speed Frame Medallions) can be changed into 12 different colours, meaning the new range has 248,832 possible colour combinations. The colour-customised Epic drivers also come with an exclusive and premium ‘Customs’ headcover.

The new Epic drivers join Mavrik, Big Bertha B21 and Rogue in Callaway’s driver line-up for 2021.

Callaway Epic Speed driver – Our Verdict

The Callaway Epic Speed won’t be for everyone. It’s not as forgiving as the Epic Max, so if your strike location tends to be quite inconsistent, you’ll probably be better off with the Epic Max as it will help boost ball speeds on off-centre strikes.

But for golfers who make solid impact reasonably consistently, the Epic Speed generates very fast ball speeds and, as a result, long drives.

RELATED: Tested – Which Callaway iron is right for me?

WATCH: Best 2021 Driver video

In fact, at the time of testing upon its release, it was three yards longer than any other driver we’ve tested in 2021 (and we’ve tested a lot). It was also the fourth best at protecting carry distance on mishits, with distances dropping by just 4.9% on imperfect strikes.

The clever face design manages spin levels superbly, helping to control dispersion.

RELATED: Love KBS iron shafts? Should you try the new KBS TD driver shaft?

Callaway Epic Speed driver

RRP: £499

Headsize: 460cc