Are Callaway Epic Irons Good for High Handicappers? – Are They Forgiving for Beginners?

Are Callaway Epic Irons Good for High Handicappers? – Are They Forgiving for Beginners?

“The Callaway Epic irons have a unique look and a loft profile that belies their status as game improvement irons.”

The Callaway Epic irons were released in an era when it was very popular to pair high spinning irons with strong lofts.

The Epic irons bear this unique combination. They were designed to produce better ball speed for the mid/high handicap player.

But are they really any good for beginners and high handicappers?

We tested the Callaway Epic irons with a party made exclusively of high handicap testers in order to find out.

Overview of the Callaway Epic Irons

“The Callaway Epic irons have a unique cavity design.”

Yes, they are cavity back irons. However, the undercut is very understated. In fact, it’s easy to miss if you’re not paying attention.

Running the length of the cavity from top to bottom are a pair of bracing arms that join the crown and sole.

The cavity is also filled with carbon fiber and bears the “Callaway” and “Epic” branding.

As we mentioned, the loft profile is pretty strong. For instance, the 9-iron checks in at 39°.

But you still get moderate to high spin rates. While this isn’t the best quality for high handicappers, it will make it easier for them to stay on the green when they get within striking distance.

The Callaway Epic irons also feature moderate top lines and soles. The offset is minimal and the length from heel to toe is actually pretty short.

You do get a moderate face depth to work with though.

What Type of Irons Are They?

The Callaway Epic irons are definitely game improvement irons.

They are built for distance more than anything; but there is enough periphery forgiveness to make them a viable play for high handicappers.

How Forgiving Are the Callaway Epic Irons for High Handicappers?

“One thing we noticed about the Callaway Epic irons was that they produced good ball speed across the face.”

The speed consistency was excellent. Whether we mis-hit near the toe or the heel, the divergence in ball speed was never out of control.

For instance, when we were able to pure the ball with the 7-iron, we got carry distances in the range of 155 – 164 yards. When we mis-hit with the same club, we were in the range of 152 – 160 yards.

Our group of high handicap testers were very impressed with the distance and consistency of these irons.

With that all being said, we did notice that it took some time to actually find the sweet spot on these irons – and even more time to get into a groove in which we could nail the sweet spot consistently.

The Callaway Epic irons will take some time to figure out. But once you get into that groove, you will be rewarded with excellent distance and consistency.

Shaft Options

“Callaway gives you the choice between stock steel and graphite shafts.”

The graphite option is a UST Mamiya Recoil ES 760/780 in light, regular and stiff flex. The steel option is a Project X LZ 95 in regular and stiff flex.

Workability Assessment

“The relatively short heel to toe length makes these irons surprisingly workable.”

Some of us were able to bend the ball to a moderate degree. But even more impressive was the fact that the Callaway Epic irons allow for quite a bit of up-and-down workability.

They have relatively strong lofts; but in the right hands, the ball can be lofted upward.

Distance Assessment

“For the most part, the Callaway Epic irons played one iron’s worth longer.”

This is in comparison to the irons that our testers normally game. Most of that distance came from improved ball speed.

However, it is claimed that the Callaway Epic has a stiffer outer body and thinner face that allows for more flexion and stability.

The science is a bit muddled in our opinion but you can’t argue with results. The Callaway Epic irons play long.

Accuracy & Consistency Assessment

“Consistency was very impressive.”

Ball speeds never dropped off by a staggering amount on mis-hits. The accuracy was also adequate.

For the most part, these are point and shoot irons. However, topping the ball will lead to some weak ball flight and likely, frustration.

Do They Have A Beginner Friendly Price?

The price for a complete Callaway Epic iron set varies.

In general though, you are looking at a price range of $600 to $1000.

Callaway Epic Pros & Cons

Pros:

• They feature progressive CG
• Tungsten weighted for optimal CG throughout the set
• Consistent ball speeds on mis-hits
• They look forgiving at address
• They play long
• Excellent ball speed

Cons:

• They don’t play well from the rough
• The short blade length may be a deterrent for beginners

Overall Score: 96/100

Check Out More Reviews Here:

Other Beginner Irons to Consider

Taylormade M5 Irons

“The M5 irons feature the Speed Pocket that makes them more forgiving on low-face strikes.”

We love how active the faces of these irons are. Ball flight is stable thanks to the Speed Bridge, distance is great and the consistency is really impressive. Plus, they look really clean in the bag.

Overall Score: 97/100

Check Out More Reviews Here:

Cobra Aerojet Irons

“The Cobra Aerojet irons have a very simple and clean look.”

They feature a suspended weight that joins the heel and toe. The weight is layered with soft polymer to give these irons a smoother feel. Overall, they produce great ball speed and easy distance gains.

Overall Score: 96/100

Check Out More Reviews Here:

Tour Edge Hot Launch E523

“These are hybrid irons that would be great for beginners.”

Tour Edge combined a massive sole with a shallow face design to help players keep the ball on the fairway and launch it high.

Overall Score: 94/100

Check Out More Reviews Here:

Our Recommendation

“The Callaway Epic irons are great for high handicappers who primarily struggle with distance.”

Are they good for pure beginners? Yes, but not the best. 18-25 handicappers will benefit the most from the distance gains that can be had by gaming the Callaway Epic.