Callaway Epic Speed vs Epic Max Driver Review & Comparison

Callaway Epic Speed vs Epic Max Driver Review & Comparison

Are you having trouble deciding which Callaway driver to buy? Then you’re in the same boat as a lot of people. Callaway is known for performance.

Their clubs are used on tour by some of the top pros. It’s hard to go wrong with any Callaway driver but making the optimal choice is still difficult.

The Epic speed is typically for players with a fast swing speed. The weight is more evenly distributed and it is geared for a lower and further flight trajectory. The Epic Max is more forgiving for higher handicappers and players that don’t swing the club quite as fast. The weight is lower and deeper for a higher flight and easy launch. it also has a sliding weight to correct any swing flaws.

For example, a driver can be high performance in the hands of one golfer but no so much in the hands of another.

You have to be very aware of your game. But to help you with the tangibles, we compared the Callaway Epic Speed and Epic Max drivers side by side.

 

Epic Speed Vs Epic Max Overview

 

The Epic series targets players who are looking for a good combination of forgiveness and distance.

Both The Epic Speed and Epic Max feature the thin SS21 Flash Face and the Jailbreak internal bars that help stabilize the face.

The Epic Speed driver felt really nice on the downswing thanks in part to the aerodynamic head design.

The adjustable rear weight of the Epic Max makes it comfortable in the hands of more different types of players.

 

Quick Comparison – Key Facts

	Callaway Epic Speed	Callaway Epic Max
Adjustable weight?	No	Yes
Key technology	Cyclone Aero head shape	Flash face SS21
Lofts	9, 10.5 and 12	9, 10.5 and 12
Weight	D2, D3 and D4	D2, D3 and D4
Price	$530	$530
Overall Rating	95/100	94/100

 

Callaway Epic Speed Key Features

 

The Callaway Epic Speed driver features an A.I. designed jailbreak internal ribbing system and face. There is also a triaxial carbon crown to help keep the weight down.

While it lacks an adjustable weight, it does have the Cyclone Aero head design which, should help you get your swing speed up.

 

Callaway Epic Max Key Features

The Epic Max driver features an adjustable 16 gram rear weight.

It works in tandem with the OptiFit hosel to achieve pretty much any type of ball flight you want.

Like the Epic Speed, the Epic Max features A.I. designed jailbreak bars and Flash Face SS21 technology.

 

Similarities and Differences

Right off the bat, the Epic Speed and Epic Max drivers have very similar features.

They both feature multi-material construction (improves feel and helps keep weight down) and both have thin, stainless steel faces that promote ball speed.

 

The main differences are that the Epic Max driver has an adjustable weight and the Epic Speed doesn’t. Also, the Epic Speed has a more aerodynamic head design than the Epic Max driver.

 

Epic Speed Vs. Mavrik

The Epic Speed driver has some advancements over the Callawy Mavrik, which is understandable given that the Mavrik is considerably older.

The Mavrik does not have the A.I. designed Jailbreak bars that the Epic Speed does. However, both drivers feature the Cyclone Aero design.

 

Epic Max Vs. Big Bertha

The Big Bertha is definitely a driver more concerned with distance than anything else.

The sole shape is a bit awkward which, can be a problem for high handicappers.

Still, the Big Bertha has Callaway’s SS21 Flash Face design and a triaxial carbon crown.

 

Epic Max Options

• Project X Cypher 40 Graphite shaft
• Project X HZRDUS Smoke iM10 50 Graphite shaft
• Project X HZRDUS Smoke iM10 60 Graphite shaft
• Light, regular and stiff flexes

 

Epic Speed Options

• Project X Cypher 40 Graphite shaft
• Project X HZRDUS Smoke iM10 50 Graphite shaft
• Project X HZRDUS Smoke iM10 60 Graphite shaft
• Light, regular and stiff flexes

 

Who Is Each Driver For?

If you are having trouble increasing your swing speed, the Epic Speed driver can certainly help.

It has a  head shape more congenial to high handicappers and promotes high swing speed.

If you like versatility in your drivers though, we would recommend the Epic Max driver with it’s adjustable weight.

 

Performance Comparison

Both drivers were very similar in almost every category of performance.

However, we were getting an average of 4-8 extra yards with the Epic Speed which, we could only attribute to the lower spin it produces from the tee. The Epic Max however, was the more forgiving of the two.

 

Price Comparison

At most retailers, you will pay as much for the Callaway Epic Speed as you would for the Epic Max.

Both drivers hover within the $530 range.

 

Callaway Epic Speed Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Cyclone Aero head shape
• Produces very little spin off the tee
• It generally plays a bit longer than the Epic Max
• It Doesn’t have a huge footprint
• It’s good for helping you increase your swing speed
• Comes stock with some really nice shafts

Cons:

• No adjustable weight
• Not as forgiving as the Epic Max
• Not great for low handicappers
• A bit pricey

Overall Score: 95/100

Check Out More Reviews Here:

 

Callaway Epic Max Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Has an adjustable weight
• Very forgiving
• Produces high launch angles
• A.I. designed Flash Face technology
• Feels very solid on impact
• The sweet spot is very large

Cons:

• Produces considerable spin off the tee
• Doesn’t have the Cyclone Aero head shape
• It has a large footprint
• It generally doesn’t play as long as the Epic Speed

Overall Score: 95/100

Check Out More Reviews Here:

 

Final Assessment

At the top of our review, we mentioned that it helps to be self-aware when choosing a driver. This is especially true when you are choosing between the Callaway Epic Max and the Epic Speed drivers.

Both of these drivers have a great feel but after playing them, we got the distinct feeling that they were made for different types of players.

For example, if you like to custom shape your shot and are in need of a more forgiving, workable driver, the Callaway Epic Max would be the better driver for you.

If you are more focused on distance and swing speed, we would recommend the Epic Speed.

And since we love distance, our overall recommendation would be the Epic Speed. It feels great and gets more yardage than the Epic Max so be sure to check it out.