Callaway Epic Speed and Epic Max Fairways Review

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Updated February 16, 2021
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    Callaway’s newest fairway woods are part of the new Epic Speed / Epic Max series that includes three drivers and two fairways. The Epic Speed is the brand’s replacement for the Epic Flash fairway. The promise? Golfers will hit the ball faster, straighter and longer.

    In this new Epic series, Callaway combines Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) used to design 2020’s Mavrik driver and fairways, and combined it with jailbreak technology, which we first saw in the 2017 GBB Epic.

    Jailbreak Velocity Blades

    So, what exactly are Jailbreak Velocity Blades? Two vertical bars inside of the clubhead enhance the vertical and horizontal stability of the club face. This increases ball speed across a wider area of the face and improves dispersion.

    The A.I.-designed SS21 face has been carried over from the Mavrik. It’s a super titanium face that provides speed, forgiveness and spin and offers up faster speeds across a larger area. There are two new features that are unique to the Epic Speed fairways:

    • Forged C300 Maraging Steel Cup Face: offers strength and flexibility with consistent speed and spin
    • Forward Weighted CG: this feature helps with consistent shot shaping and spin. This means you’ll be hitting the ball faster, straighter and longer.
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      Which players use Epic Fairway woods?

      Unlike the Epic Speed drivers, which many tour pros have adopted, most Callaway pros are still using the Mavrik Sub Zero Fairway Woods (GL Link). Francesco Molinari and Matt Woods are two of the first players to use the Epic Speed Fairway Wood on tour.

      Here are some of the players who are already using the Epic Speed driver on tour:

      • Jon Rahm
      • Xander Schauffele
      • Will Gordon
      • Henrik Stenson
      • Matt Wallace
      • Adam Hadwin
      • Alexander Noren
      • Branden Grace

      Classic Epic Design

      Gone is the rust color of the Mavrik series. Callaway returns to a classic Epic driver look with a green, white and flat black color combination. Here are the shaft and grip options. The Mitsubishi MMT grip is only available for the Epic Speed / Epic Max fairways, otherwise the grip and shaft options are the same for the new Epic drivers.

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        Differences Between the Epic Speed and Epic Max

        By offering two main models, Callaway is accommodating golfers with a range of skill levels. The Epic Max is more forgiving, and contains interchangeable weights for more customization.

        In contrast, the Epic Flash is suited for the average golfer and even a lower handicap golfer, and it doesn’t include weights. All of the performance components are built into the club.

        Shafts

        • Project X Cypher
        • Project X Hzrdus Smoke IM10
        • Mitsubishi MMT (additional shaft option compared to the drivers)

        Grip

        • Golf Pride Tour Velvet Align Black

        Epic Speed / Epic Max Models

        • Epic Speed models: 3+, 3, 4, 5, 7
        • Epic Max models: 3+, 3, 5, Heavenwood, 7, 9, 11

        Should You Buy an Epic Speed / Epic Max Fairway?

        Callaway’s new fairway wood has cutting edge technology, and they’ve improved upon the performance of a modern classic, the Epic Flash series. This is a well-rounded fairway that combines modern styling and with solid performance. Read more about the Epic Flash / Epic Max drivers in our GolfLink review.

        The Epic Speed and Epic Max fairways retail for $299 USD each.