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FIRST LOOK: Callaway Epic Flash drivers and fairway woods

January 4, 2019

When the original GBB Epic line of drivers and fairway woods was introduced they jolted the equipment world with the very first iteration of Callaway’s speed-inducing Jailbreak technology. Creating new woods that produced even more ball speed and distance at a time when a lot of players thought USGA rules made that reality unlikely is big news, and the company’s designers have done it once again with the new Callaway Epic Flash driver and wood family.

Comprised of both standard and Sub Zero drivers and fairways, the new line includes a number of new and/or improved technologies that increase performance, with the big one being Flash Face. Take a look below to learn more about a wood family you’ll definitely want to give a try in the new year:

Epic Flash and Epic Flash Sub Zero drivers / $530 each

A look at the Callaway Epic Flash driver from multiple angles.
A look at the Callaway Epic Flash driver from multiple angles.

If you were a fan of the previous Epic or Rogue drivers, and even if you weren’t, the Callaway Epic Flash is certain to impress. The “Flash” in the name isn’t just a slick marketing term for “Epic II,” it’s a brand-new face technology for increased ball speed that was developed using a supercomputer with AI programming. Yes, we’re officially in the future, as according to Evan Gibbs, Callaway’s R&D Director for Woods, the over 15,000 iterations of Flash face geometry completed through the use of AI would take about 35 years to do on your desktop. And the computer didn’t need to work within the confines of typical face geometry, in which variable face thicknesses often are thicker in the middle and thinner on the perimeter to optimize ball speed on hits across the face.

Instead, Flash has what Gibbs calls a “non-intuitive,” thickness pattern (subtle ripples flowing from heel to toe) that would never exist without AI working on the problem.

The Callaway Epic Flash Sub Zero driver.
The Callaway Epic Flash Sub Zero driver.

The new Epic Flash (and the lower-spinning Sub Zero model) also feature Callaway’s Jailbreak technology to stiffen the clubhead for more face flex and speed, a new triaxial carbon crown for more weight savings and increased MOI, and adjustable perimeter weighting (16g sliding weight in the standard model, 12g in the Sub Zero) for shot shape customization.

The end result of all the impressive technology – more forgiving and tunable Callaway drivers that provide up to 2 mph more ball speed than previous models.

Epic Flash and Epic Flash Sub Zero fairway woods / $300 each

Like the drivers, the new Callaway Epic Flash fairway woods are built with clubfaces designed with Flash Face technology for more ball speed at impact. Unlike the drivers, however, the fairways feature forged Carpenter Steel construction which, when combined with Face Cup technology produces not only more speed but also more forgiveness on off-center hits.

A closer view of Callaway's new Epic Flash fairway wood.
A closer view of Callaway’s new Epic Flash fairway wood.

To ensure max distance, both Epic Flash models are also built with Jailbreak technology, which features internal bars behind the face that stiffen the body for more face flex.

Rounding out the features is a new, lighter and shorter OptiFit hosel, which not only allows for loft and face angle adjustment but also helps create a lower CG location for improved launch from both the tee and the fairway. The Sub Zero model also has adjustable sole weights (16g and 2g) that can be swapped from front to back for launch and spin rate tuning.

All new Epic Flash metalwoods will be available at retail on February 1st.

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