GolfWRX.com

  • Remember me Not recommended on shared computers

Forgot your password?

Tour Issue Callaway Epic Flash Driver

wdaig1

By wdaig1 May 13, 2020 in Equipment

  • Reply to this topic
  • Start new topic

Recommended Posts

What is the difference in spin and ball speed (performance) from the Tour Issue Epic Flash regular drivers (not diamond or Sub Zero) compared to the retail Sub Zero for those that have hit both?

Link to comment

Share on other sites.

  • Created 3 yr
  • Last Reply 3 yr

Top Posters In This Topic

Tree Levino

Popular Days

wdaig1 2 posts

Tree Levino 1 post

GolfCsty 1 post

TonyKim 1 post

May 13 2020

Feb 26 2021

Feb 27 2021

May 12 2020

Popular Posts

jds101086

February 27, 2021

In the past it's been: Single - Same spin as retail, Draw biased. Mavrik had 440cc single diamond.  Double - Lowest spin, neutral. Triple- Fade biased, more forgiving, and actually high

Short answer: Same difference you would see between retail Epic Flash and retail Sub-Zero.

Long Answer: If you’re just comparing a same model and loft there’s no intentional performance difference from the manufacturer. The difference is in the loft, lie, and weight tolerances which, obviously, affect performance.

There are huge manufacturing tolerances in drivers with respect to loft and lie. It’s necessary to keep costs down. This is why we can often hit a demo or a friends club great then buy one for ourselves and it just doesn’t perform as well. The demo “10.5” could have actually been anywhere between 9.5 and 11.5 degrees of loft. Same goes for lie and weight. You just never know the true specs of an off the rack club. It’s best to buy the friend’s or the demo club when you find one that works.

Tour issue heads have been measured after manufacturing so the van and players know the true specs. They’ll still be stamped 9 or 10.5 (or whatever) but should have the loft, lie, and weight written on a sticker or piece of paper attached to the head. If you buy a tour issue head you may also find a hot melt port already drilled in.

In my opinion the advantage in buying tour issue is knowing exactly what specs you have in case you lose/damage a driver. You can likely find a tour issue head within a few tenths of a degree and/or grams of weight of the original driver. Don’t buy tour issue if the seller can’t provide that information. Otherwise, you may as well buy off the rack. Also, pay attention to the listed weight especially if it does have a hot melt port. It’s possible it’s already been altered with hot melt and that could be something you do or don’t want.

All that said occasionally there are models and lofts which are only made available to the tour players. Club hos and collectors like to get their hands on those. More power to them since that’s something they enjoy but, outside of the different specs those models offer, there’s no magic juice in those bottles.

Thanks for the reply. I do have a lot of experience hitting Tour heads. In particular for this Epic Flash Head, I was just curious if anyone had hit this version compared to the Diamond Sub Zero heads. I am guessing the regular non Sub Zero heads spin more than the Sub Zero diamonds? Just curious if anyone hit them.

  • 9 months later...

Diamond heads tends to fade a bit more then normal heads.

Tree Levino

14 hours ago, TonyKim said: Diamond heads tends to fade a bit more then normal heads.

True for double and triple. Single diamond is in fact draw bias. 

me05501

It's a bit out there to think that an OEM would have several different molds or components for "tour" heads when they are changing their entire line over every 18-24 months. That would represent an incredible expense for a tiny marginal outcome.

More likely they could have different faces, crowns, weights and adjustment sleeves to tweak the clubs to better suit their staff players.

The *most* likely thing is that Tour heads are hand selected from among the normal production output due to specific characteristics that those players prefer. I suspect that the final quality control people are instructed to set aside any heads that meet certain specs (like a slightly more open face). 

Paradym TD 10.5/Tensei Blue 65R

TM BRNR Mini 13.5

Callaway Rogue Max D 3 wood

Paradym 4 hybrid

Srixon ZX5 /  ZX7 on MMT 125S

Srixon Z785 AW

Cleveland RTX6 54/58

Cleveland Huntington Beach Soft 11S

Collings OM1-ESS

On 5/13/2020 at 4:20 AM, wdaig1 said: Thanks for the reply. I do have a lot of experience hitting Tour heads. In particular for this Epic Flash Head, I was just curious if anyone had hit this version compared to the Diamond Sub Zero heads. I am guessing the regular non Sub Zero heads spin more than the Sub Zero diamonds? Just curious if anyone hit them.

In the past it's been:

Single - Same spin as retail, Draw biased. Mavrik had 440cc single diamond. 

Double - Lowest spin, neutral.

Triple- Fade biased, more forgiving, and actually higher spin than retail SZ.

TI regular Mav and SZ are the same heads, just weight and loft sorted.

Like

Taylormade Stealth Plus 10.5 - Fujikura Evo II 665 X

Callaway Mavrik SZ 16.5* - Fujikura Speeder Evo V 757 X

4-PW Titleist CNCPT CP02 True Temper Monaco X

46, 50, 54, 60 Vokey SM9 Raw - True Temper Monaco X and S

Taylormade Spider Tour

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest

×   Pasted as rich text.    Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.    Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.    Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

  • Insert image from URL
  • Submit Reply

Recently Browsing    0 members

  • No registered users viewing this page.

2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson - Discussion and Links to Photos

2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson - Discussion and Links to Photos

GolfWRX_Spotted posted a topic in Tour and Pre-Release Equipment , April 29

Haha

2024 Zurich Classic - Discussion and Links to Photos

GolfWRX_Spotted posted a topic in Tour and Pre-Release Equipment , April 22

2024 RBC Heritage - Discussion and Links to Photos

2024 RBC Heritage - Discussion and Links to Photos

GolfWRX_Spotted posted a topic in Tour and Pre-Release Equipment , April 15

2024 Masters - Discussion and Links to Photos

2024 Masters - Discussion and Links to Photos

GolfWRX_Spotted posted a topic in Tour and Pre-Release Equipment , April 10

Thanks

Rory McIlroy testing a new TaylorMade "PROTO" 4-iron – 2024 Valero Texas Open

atursky posted a topic in Tour and Pre-Release Equipment , April 3

Popular Now

Bow Hunter

By Bow Hunter Started 2 hours ago

NorthTXGolf

By NorthTXGolf Started 11 hours ago

By Golfquant Started 18 hours ago

ironcat

By ironcat Started 18 hours ago

By romeyjdogg Started 22 hours ago

Welcome. Register Here.

Come on in, the water is fine...

Recent B/S/T

geauxgolf87 · Started 3 minutes ago

champagnechunk

champagnechunk · Started 7 minutes ago

dbornack

dbornack · Started 30 minutes ago

hapa

hapa · Started 33 minutes ago

bmp_golf

bmp_golf · Started 48 minutes ago

GolfWRX_Spotted

GolfWRX_Spotted · Started December 5, 2023

  • Existing user? Sign In

The Bag Room

  • Tour & Pre-Release Equipment
  • WRX Club Techs
  • Golf Sims/GPS/RFs/Apps
  • Golf Style and Accessories

The Club House

  • General Golf Talk
  • Classic Golf And Golfers
  • Courses, Memberships and Travel
  • Groups, Tourneys, and Partners Matching

WRX Academy

  • Instruction & Academy
  • Rules of Golf and Etiquette
  • Swing Videos and Comments

Classifieds & ProShops

  • Deal/No Deal

Website Help

  • Forum Support
  • BST AD Help Forum

My Activity Streams

  • BST/Deal Activity
  • All Activity
  • Unread - No BST/19th
  • Subscriptions

Classifieds

  • For Sale Forum
  • Wanted to Buy
  • Mall of Pro Shops
  • Where Did My Ad Go?
  • Trade In Tool
  • Create New...

Callaway Epic Flash Drivers

Joel Tadman assesses the performance of the new Callaway Epic Flash and Epic Flash Sub Zero drivers

  • Sign up to Golf Monthly Newsletter Newsletter

Callaway Epic Flash Drivers Review

On and around the sweetspot, the Epic Flash drivers are fast and certainly seem to be the longest Callaway driver to date after dialing in the head, shaft and loft combination. The Epic Flash combines distance and forgiveness for the average player, while the Sub Zero model provides the stronger, low spin flight better players demand with off-centre assistance noticeable too.

The two models cover the launch conditions required by all player types who will likely experience an increase in ball speed and overall distance.

Grey line on the crown is distracting. High-pitched sound of the Sub Zero model won’t be to everyone’s taste. Relatively limited adjustability.

Why you can trust Golf Monthly Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test .

Joel Tadman

Callaway Epic Flash Drivers Review - Joel Tadman assesses the performance of the new Callaway Epic Flash and Epic Flash Sub Zero drivers

Callaway Epic Flash Drivers Review

The Callaway Epic Flash drivers represent a first in golf, specifically the Flash Face that used a super computer and machine learning to create a more efficient design. You can read all about the technology here .

But does it work? Well we tested both the Epic Flash and Epic Flash Sub Zero models on the Foresight Sports HQ using a reputable premium golf ball in the stock Project X HZRDUS Smoke 6.5 shaft.

callaway-epic-flash-drivers-web

We first hit some shots with our Rogue Sub Zero model in the setting we use it in out on the course – 9° of loft with the heavier weight at the back for more forgiveness – to provide a comparison.

Before we talk numbers, lets assess the looks. Both have a green and yellow colour scheme reminiscent of the Jamaican flag. This is not necessarily a bad thing; it certainly catches your eye from afar.

callaway-epic-flash-address-outdoor-web

At address, the standard model is noticeably longer from front to back than the Sub Zero – nothing new here. But what is new is the lack of Speed Step and the grey line just behind the front of the crown. It’s purpose is a mystery to us – it’s curved, so doesn’t help with alignment (if anything it makes it harder) and nor does it represent a step in the crown.

Personally, I don’t think it adds anything useful and would rather it was removed – I’ve heard some tour players think the same. The graphics on the face do help position the ball centrally and otherwise it’s pleasing on the eye.

Strike a few away and you notice the sound is different too. On the standard Epic Flash, it is noticeably louder and higher pitched than the Rogue. Move into the Sub Zero model and this becomes even more exaggerated. It’s very loud and has a very high-pitched ‘ping’ sound that does take some getting used to. It’s fair to say that it won’t be everyone’s cup of tea.

Performance wise, you’ll see we did experience an increase in ball speed when switching from the Rogue SZ to the Epic Flash. This increased further when we lofted down and even further still when we switched into the Sub Zero model.

callaway epic flash tour issue

In fairness, our clubhead speed was increasing all the time too but nevertheless, we hit two shots with 161mph ball speed – something we’ve rarely experienced before.

The average carry of 284 yards was also very encouraging, with one shot carrying 290 yards. The Epic Flash gave us some smash factor readings in the region of 1.48, which is startling efficiency given we averaged 1.43 with Rogue SZ and the Epic Flash Sub Zero. This suggests there are some gains to be had by upgrading, although with a like-for-like club speed they’re likely to be marginal.

callaway epic flash tour issue

Like with the previous generation of Epic, the standard model launches higher with more spin – suitable for the slower swing speed player. For our swing speed of 111mph on average, the Sub Zero was comfortably the best-performing model.

This is the first time a sliding weight has been put on a Sub Zero driver and if shot shape is something you like to accentuate or negate, you will welcome the addition. I personally prefer front-to-back adjustability found on Rogue, switching from low spin/forgiveness to high spin/forgiveness depending on how I’m swinging it.

Rogue is an excellent driver that stays in the range for 2019 and actually has a higher MOI than either of the Epic Flash drivers, so Rogue users likely won't see a huge benefit in switching but if you have a GBB Epic model or older you'll likely experience a fairly significant jump in ball speed and overall performance.

If you decide to buy a Callaway flash driver, take a look at our Callaway coupon codes .

Get the Golf Monthly Newsletter

Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news, equipment news, reviews, head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts.

Joel has worked in the golf industry for over 12 years covering both instruction and more recently equipment. He now oversees all product content here at Golf Monthly, managing a team of talented and passionate writers and presenters in delivering the most thorough and accurate reviews, buying advice, comparisons and deals to help the reader find exactly what they are looking for. So whether it's the latest driver, irons, putter or laser rangefinder, Joel has his finger on the pulse keeping up to date with the latest releases in golf. He is also responsible for all content on irons and golf tech, including distance measuring devices and launch monitors.

One of his career highlights came when covering the 2012 Masters he got to play the sacred Augusta National course on the Monday after the tournament concluded, shooting a respectable 86 with just one par and four birdies. To date, his best ever round of golf is a 5-under 67 back in 2011. He currently plays his golf at Burghley Park Golf Club in Stamford, Lincs, with a handicap index of 3.2.

Joel's current What's In The Bag?  

Driver: Titleist TSR3 , 9° 

Fairway wood: Titleist TSR3 , 15° 

Hybrid: Titleist TSi2 , 18° 

Irons: Ping i230  4-UW

Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM8 , 54°. Titleist Vokey SM9 60° lob wedge, K Grind

Putter: Evnroll ER2V  

Ball: 2023 Titleist Pro V1x

Hongtaek Kim kisses the trophy

Nicknamed King of the Screen, Hongtaek Kim defeated Chonlatit Chuenboonngam in a playoff to win the GS Caltex Maekyung Open

By Matt Cradock Published 5 May 24

Tiger Woods walks down the fairway at Augusta National

If you wanted to get hold of the famous red polo that Tiger dons, you would have had to be quick, as the first batch of the 'All Things Red' Collection sold out rapidly!

taylor pendrith holds a trophy

The Canadian birdied the 72nd hole at TPC Craig Ranch to win in a dramatic finale as Kohles made a shock bogey on the 18th

By James Nursey Last updated 5 May 24

  • Contact Future's experts
  • Terms and conditions
  • Privacy policy
  • Accessibility statement
  • Cookies policy
  • Advertise with us

Golf Monthly is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site . © Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.

The Sand Trap

Golf News, Reviews, and Commentary

Callaway Epic Flash and Epic Flash Sub Zero Drivers Review

The Epic introduced Jailbreak technology. The Epic Flash introduces AI-designed faces. Skynet is here… and it may just get you some extra distance off the tee.

Share this with your golf buddies:

  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)

Callaway Epic Flash Driver

In 2018, Callaway introduced the Rogue. It was an improvement over the Epic in terms of forgiveness and was a very good driver ( we liked it ), but it didn’t fly off shelves the way that the Epic had. Maybe Epic owners didn’t want to upgrade their $500 drivers that quickly. Heck, maybe the teal color scheme didn’t appeal to golfers as well as the Epic’s green.

But Jailbreak truly delivered in both drivers, so when Callaway started to talk about adding its AI-designed Flash Face technology to a new Epic, we couldn’t wait to tee it up.

Watch out for Skynet! Callaway used artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to design the clubface of the new Epic Flash. Using these technologies allowed Callaway to evaluate some 15,000 iterations of the face, while a typical driver goes through 5-7 virtual prototypes. Even better, the computers “learned” from each attempt and used that information to improve the design.

Callaway used AI technology in developing the Flash face

Images of the face more resemble some sort of high tech imaging of barometer readings around the eye of a hurricane or possibly the moment just after a raindrop lands in an oblong container of water. Where we have become fairly familiar with face technology that puts the thickest part of the face in the center of the clubface, Callaway’s Flash Face does that but also adds another couple rings of ridges, bumps and depressions, all designed by AI to maximize ball speed across the entire face. A very cool concept.

This high-tech face gets a boost in stability from Callaway’s Jailbreak technology, which made its debut in the original Epic. Two titanium bars positioned just behind the face connect the crown to the sole and serve to stiffen and stabilize the face to (again) enhance ball speeds.

Epic Faces

While just those two features are very impressive, Callaway has added the forward-thinking Flash Face and Jailbreak technology to a clubhead design that includes most of the cutting-edge features you’d expect to find in any top-of-the-line driver in 2019.

There’s a carbon crown that allows weight to be redistributed low in the clubhead and to the periphery of the sole. Callaway has improved the crown over the original Epic by employing a lighter triaxial carbon fabric called T2C, which enables a tighter weave. Redistributing the weight saved within the head raises MOI for forgiveness on off-center hits.

Soles

Players will be able to tune their Epic Flash drivers to their individual games using the OptiFit hosel, which allows 3° of loft adjustment. In addition, a separately adjustable ring provides a Draw and Neutral setting. One of the things that we like about the OptiFit hosel is that it allows a player to change make adjustments, like adding or subtracting loft, while keeping the shaft and grip in the same orientation (that works out nicely since the stock grip is a Golf Pride MCC Align).

In addition, a 16-gram moveable weight can be moved along an arc at the rear of the sole to promote a draw or fade ball flight. On the original Epic this sliding weight was replaced in the Sub Zero with a pair of center-aligned weights, but in this iteration the sliding arc is found in both models.

In 2017, we had some minor quibbles with the shape of the original Epic. It looked a tad large and maybe a bit long from front to back. The Sub Zero’s more traditional shape suited our eyes better.

Crowns

We must be getting used to the typical geometry of these game improvement-style drivers. While the Sub Zero still wins the eye test, we don’t really mind the look of the Epic Flash, especially not when we find ourselves in the fairway a healthy distance from the tee.

With the Epic Flash, Callaway has continued the black and green theme it gave to the original Epic. In fact, much of the cosmetics are an updated version of those introduced with the Epic. The black carbon crown features a “largish” Callaway chevron alignment aid. Gone are the raised ridges at the front of the crown, replaced with a white/silver gray arc that echoes the face and serves as a secondary alignment aid. As on the original Epic, some thin pinstriping at the rear of the crown provides a tasteful flourish of styling. Though for 2019, the green and white pinstripes have been replaced with a solid green pinstripe around the back of the crown with gold segments toward the toe and heel portions. An “Epic” decal behind the hosel and visible at address finishes the look and assures that you’ll always know what driver you’re playing.

Combo

As with the first iteration of the Epic, the sole of the club has a lot going on, with the movable weight arc and bottom terminus of the Jailbreak bars. Callaway has added ample green to the sole, as well as gold trim.

The face is noticeably different this year. The stylized “X” used in the previous Epic and Rogue has been replaced by what we’ll call a high-tech bullseye. It’s evocative of a reticle you might expect to use while targeting a missile from an F-35 cockpit. It’s a little busy, but pretty cool.

The Epic Flash sounds solid, but has more of a traditional titanium driver sound than many composite heads deliver. It’s maybe a tad louder than the Epic, but not overly so.

Callaway has given us three models of its latest driver: the standard Epic Flash and the lower spinning Epic Sub Zero (both of which are tested here), as well as the low-spin, fade-biased Epic Sub Zero Triple Diamond. (With a name like that latter, we’re really happy the Callaway dropped “Great Big Bertha” from the Epic moniker this year.)

Shafts

We tested a 10.5° Epic Flash driver with a 6.0 60-gram Project X HZRDUS Smoke shaft and an Epic Flash Sub Zero with 6.5 75-gram Project X HZRDUS Smoke shaft.

The Epic Flash, Epic Flash Sub Zero and Epic Flash Sub Zero Triple Diamond all run $529.99 with stock options. If you don’t like green, you can even customize the colors for an additional $70.

Performance

As you can tell from the technology section, Callaway has packed a lot of speed enhancing features into the Epic Flash, and that should translate into a lot of pop. Spoiler alert: the Flash has plenty of firepower.

On both the launch monitor and on (soggy) courses, the Epic Flash delivered. Spin was solidly within the range (2,000-3,000 RPM) that I’m looking for, and overall carry distance was greater than or equal to other recent models tested under the same conditions.

A cold outdoor range session yielded the numbers below. The thing to note is that even though I was bundled up (i.e., restricted) and not swinging quite as well as I should, the Epic Flash still provided ample distance compared to two very recent vintage top-end models (one of which was my go-to gamer just a few weeks ago).

Epic Flash on the launch monitor

On the course, I found the Epic Flash to fly the ball a long way. Though balls were plugging on nearly every tee shot, they were carrying considerable distances. Despite -1 yards of roll (plug and rebound back) on a par five I regularly play, I was able to reach the green in two. It’s not a long five-par, but it plays uphill so I usually only reach it in dry conditions.

In warmer weather, the Epic Flash is a launcher, providing ample rollout despite the high launch and ball flight it generates. Carry and overall distance is very impressive. Variance from the center line was better than many models we tested and overall performance is right there with anything you can throw at it.

Epic Flash Toes

Even on mishits, the Epic Flash tends to move the ball a long way. That Flash Face is apparently more than just marketing hype. Especially in terms of distance, this driver provided better than average forgiveness on just about any shot hit anywhere around that Flash Face. Shots low on the face and off the heel produced the worst results, as you’d expect, but still went a surprising distance compared to what some other drivers deliver on these mishits.

Good swings and contact either hit the fairway or just missed. Naturally, if you block one or flip your hands, nothing is going to save the shot. But if you align correctly and get the face close to square, the club’s MOI is more than likely going to put you in a decent spot from which to play your approach.

A Word on the Sub Zero

As a higher ball-speed player, with an X-flex shaft (which has more to do with my transition than anything), the Sub Zero model has long been the favored variant for me, and the Epic Flash’s version does not disappoint in this regard. Balls come off high but flat, and get to height and coast. Into the wind, the driver continues to drive the ball forward without ballooning.

Yes, the Sub Zero version is a bit less forgiving on mis-hits. If you’re a high-spin player who isn’t a great driver, you may benefit from reducing spin via shaft selection over choosing the Sub Zero. As with George, I found the Rogue a minor disappointment, and echo everything he says about the Epic Flash: it’s not a generational leap forward, but it is progress once again over the Epic, which is all we can ask for these days. If you bought an Epic, do you need a Flash? No. But there are a few more yards out there for you, particularly on mis-hits, which is what the original Epic did so well already.

The Callaway Epic Flash is another great driver from Callaway. The company has produced a steady stream of high performing big sticks lately. The Epic Flash also has a ubiquitous presence on Tour, thanks in part to marketing but also to its ability to perform.

There are a lot of good drivers on the market today, and the Epic Flash compares well with its competition in every category of performance.

Headcovers

The 2017 Great Big Bertha Epic practically flew off the shelves of pro shops. The 2019 Epic Flash is both longer and more forgiving than the original. The price point may be a bit of shocker for some, but the playability and distance will make that a lot more palatable.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

Callaway Epic Flash Driver Review

  • Updated on August 30, 2021

In this Callaway Epic Flash Driver review, I will go into what made this driver so advanced in 2019 and why it still rates as an elite performer in the driver market today.

For their entire 30+ year history, Callaway has been a pioneer in creating innovative design features that have improved the performance of golfers at all levels.  They spend tens of millions of dollars every year on research and design and can now boast of having a patent portfolio of more than 1,200 U.S. patents! 

Clearly, Callaway is — and has been from the start — committed to developing groundbreaking technology that they believe enables their equipment to outperform their competitors.

There are many well-known examples of this, such as when they revolutionized the entire driver industry by introducing the first metal wood back in the early 1990s. Other companies were still using persimmon wood in their drivers. 

Callaway broke new ground and went in a different direction with their release of the initial Big Bertha metal wood.  Every other company eventually followed Callaway’s lead. And there are many other prominent examples we could cite of “Callaway as a technological leader.” 

Highly Recommended

Callaway Epic Flash Driver

  • Solid sound and feel
  • Good forgiveness
  • Great distance and accuracy
  • Really easy to hit

Callaway Epic Flash Driver: Doubling-Down on the Power of Technology

But let’s fast forward to 2019, to the subject of our article today.  When Callaway was designing their new Epic Flash driver , they pushed the boundaries of golf technology even further than had been done for any other driver to that point. 

The Epic Flash is truly a product that leveraged technology to a far greater extent than any other golf club had at that time (I’ll talk about how they did that shortly).

Did it work?  Did the investment in “improvement through technology” pay off?  Well, the results speak for themselves.  To this day, the Callaway Epic Flash driver is one of the most sold drivers ever.  

So what was so compelling about its design that caused such worldwide appeal? 

That’s my focus in this article. This Callaway Epic Flash Driver review will go into what made this driver so advanced and why it’s still an elite performer in the driver market today.

Callaway Epic Flash Driver: A Big Bet on High-Tech 

Until the Epic Flash was introduced, the actual face of driver heads had always been designed by human minds and human hands. But Callaway made a big bet on the power of computers to come up with a better, more optimized face technology.  And they put a lot of money into that strategy.

They invested in a $5 million supercomputer to employ state-of-the-art technologies like Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to approach driver face design in an entirely new way. 

As a part of the process, they programmed the computer with their driver data going back almost two decades, along with all the USGA rules and guidelines on “springiness” and ball speed.  

These advanced computer systems then enabled them to model thousands of potential face designs in the search for the one that would maximize performance. 

The result?  The computer came up with the absolute hottest driver face it thought possible that would help golfers get both more ball speed and distance.

And, with that, Flash Face was born.

Callaway Epic Features and Benefits

So once again, as they had done about 30 years ago when they popularized the metal wood (and through many other examples since), Callaway broke the industry mold and went in a totally new technological direction.

They called this new computer-optimized face design “Flash Face,” and it obviously was the inspiration for the name of the then soon-to-be-released driver, the Callaway Epic Flash.  

So, what exactly is Flash Face and how does it help users of the Epic Flash driver to hit the ball farther? 

1. Flash Face breaks new ground

Well, the magic of the Flash Face design isn’t actually something that you can see…unless you open up the driver head and look at the interior surface of the club face.  During the design process, the computer had revealed that, to produce maximum performance on both center-face hits as well as on mis-hits , the internal structure of the face needed to have variable thickness levels in different areas of the face.

So, if you were to look at the inside surface of the Epic Flash face, you’d see a totally unique pattern of subtle ripples flowing from the heel to the toe. The pattern of these ripples may seem random, but their specific thickness levels and placement were calculated and pre-determined by the computer. 

As a whole, these ripples (in concert with Callaway’s famous Jailbreak technology, which I’ll discuss in a moment) provide optimal face support to create the highest possible ball speeds regardless of where on the face the golfer strikes the ball .

This provides not just distance but forgiveness, too

The concept of forgiveness in a driver is a really important one for amateur golfers.  All amateurs (but particularly high-handicap amateurs) frequently miss the sweet spot when they strike the ball.  These mis-hits result in a loss of ball speed off the face, which obviously can significantly reduce distance.

But Callaway’s unique Flash Face design ensures that the penalty for a mis-hit shot isn’t quite so severe.  The variable thickness levels on the inside of the face enable it to maintain ball speeds across a larger portion of the club face, meaning that even if you make contact on the toe or on the heel, the Epic Flash driver “forgives” those mis-hits and rewards you with a good shot result.

2. Jailbreak Technology Returns

One of the more well-known innovations that Callaway has ever introduced is their famous Jailbreak technology.  It was present in the driver models that immediately preceded the Epic Flash (the original Great Big Bertha Epic and the Rogue), and due to its overwhelming effectiveness and popularity, Callaway carried it forward into the design of the Epic Flash.  By the way, like Flash Face, the Jailbreak feature itself had been developed using extensive computer analysis.   

For those unfamiliar with the Jailbreak feature, it refers to a pair of two vertical, titanium rods that sit just behind the face of the driver head, in effect connecting the crown of the driver to its sole.  

How Jailbreak increases ball speed

The impetus behind Jailbreak was the realization that the crown and the sole of your driver actually flex at impact.   When that occurs, there’s a loss of energy to the face and the golf ball.  Callaway was the first to identify this dynamic so they created Jailbreak as a means of stabilizing the crown and sole.  The titanium posts keep the sole and crown from bulging as much at impact because they’re now connected. 

The net result is a much better energy transfer into the face.  This means more ball speed and more distance.

You can see now why Callaway claims that the combination of this Jailbreak technology , along with their new Flash Face technology, makes the Epic Flash one of the longest, and most forgiving, drivers on the market.

3. Adjustability is Back

For many, the ability to make minor adjustments to the club’s weighting, as a way to modify its performance, is an important feature to have in a driver.  For those golfers, 

you’ll be pleased to learn that Callaway has brought back adjustability in the Epic Flash.

You may recall that it was present in the original Epic driver, but Callaway elected NOT to incorporate it into the subsequent Rogue driver.  But it has returned on the Epic Flash.

The concept is the same as the previous version, but its design and weight is a bit different on the Epic Flash.  It now consists of a simpler, easier to use slider mechanism on the sole of the head that contains a 16-gram movable weight.

If you want to minimize a slice, for example, you would simply slide the weight toward the heel of the club (i.e., toward the word “draw” at the bottom of the slider), and the club would immediately become more draw-biased.

Loft Adjustments, too

Adjustability is enabled in another way as well on the Epic Flash.  The “Opti-Fit” adapter on the hosel allows you to modify the club’s loft to produce the type of trajectory you’d like to see.

The Opti-Fit Adapter lets you reduce the loft  by 1°, or to add loft by either 1° or 2° (in other words, a range of -1° to +2°). 

4. A Lighter Carbon Crown

The final piece to the puzzle of how Callaway increased ball speed with the Epic Flash, and therefore distance, was a brand new, lighter-weight crown.  This new crown uses a lighter carbon fiber – called T2C Triaxial Carbon —  which is 9.7g lighter than the previous one.

Why is this important?  By making the crown lighter, the designers gained a little more discretionary weight that they then re-positioned in other parts of the head.  By doing that, they were able to lower the center-of-gravity, benefitting users with a higher trajectory.

5. Looks / Sound / Feel

The shape of the Epic Flash is basically traditional.  While the original GBB Epic was a bit rounded, and the follow-on Rogue was a bit “triangular,” the Epic Flash fits somewhere in between, appearing to be almost a compromise in both size and depth between its two predecessors.

I give Callaway high marks for the external appearance of the face itself.  They’ve included an interesting pattern of laser-etched lines on the face that not only have a stylish look, but they also frame the ball nicely and serve as an effective alignment aid.

From the perspective of sound, I’d place the volume of impact at about the middle of the sound spectrum.  It’s not too muted, as some composite head drivers are, and it’s not too loud.  It’s very “satisfying” and sounds explosive, giving you feedback that lets you know when you’ve hit the ball solidly.

Specifications: Callaway Epic Flash Driver

Need less spin  callaway epic flash sub zero.

In addition to the standard Epic Flash, Callaway also introduced a lower-spinning version called the Epic Flash Sub Zero .  Those who follow Callaway will remember that some previous driver releases also had a Sub Zero counterpart as an alternative option.

The primary way that Callaway reduces the spin on the Sub Zero is to re-locate the center-of-gravity (CG).  In the standard Epic Flash, the CG is lower and more toward the rear.  In the Sub Zero, the CG is moved forward.   

The fundamentals of CG placement are fairly straightforward.  Forward CG positions produce higher ball speeds, a lower launch, and less spin.  Rear CG positions produce higher ball flights, more spin, and increased forgiveness.

That explains why lower handicappers often seek out the Sub Zero version, while mid-to-high handicappers are usually more attracted to the standard version.

In Callaway’s line of succession, the Callaway Epic Flash followed the Callaway Rogue driver , which had in turn followed the original Great Big Bertha Epic.  

Their design goals with each were similar – an emphasis on making a state-of-the-art driver that was both very long and very forgiving – but their intention was to offer improvements and better performance with each new release.

In keeping with that goal, the Epic Flash took the best features of those predecessors and added new ones which resulted in better overall performance. 

So, while retaining prior innovative features like Jailbreak, Epic Flash upped the ante by also incorporating Flash Face, a brand new technology that leveraged the power of the computer to revolutionize the design of the driver face. 

With Flash Face, now working together with Jailbreak to maximize ball speed and forgiveness, Callaway met its goal of providing continuous improvement in each successive driver release.  

The Epic Flash driver was a strong step forward for Callaway.  Faster ball speeds, better forgiveness across a wider area of the face, and better adjustability. If you’re a mid-to-high handicap golfer and are interested in learning more about this excellent driver, you can click here to read more.  

Share This Post

Disclaimer: We hope you love the products we recommend. Our recommendations are impartial and based on our own experience. We may collect a small commission from qualifying purchases made through the links on this page. There is no additional cost to you. Thank you for reading Simple Golf Path!

Bill Sullivan

Of the month, driver reviews, best golf drivers of all time, callaway rogue driver review, most forgiving driver to improve your game, best drivers for senior golfers, best golf driver for beginners and high handicappers, more club reviews, what is the best putter for beginners, taylormade p790 review, callaway apex pro irons review, best wedges for high handicappers and beginners, the most forgiving irons, best fairway woods for distance, control and consistency, best irons for beginners and high handicappers, best irons for mid handicappers, the best 5 wood you will ever need, best golf irons for seniors, you may also like, reduce your putts per round with proven lag putting tips, 6 saw grip putting tips to instantly improve your putting, which golf club is designed to hit the ball with the highest launch angle, how to organize a golf bag – 4, 5, 6, 8, 14 way, join the community, amazon associates disclaimer.

We are participants in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees from qualifying purchases by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. 

The CJ Cup Byron Nelson

TPC Craig Ranch

Callaway Epic Flash driver family adds new option—provided you've got a tour-ready game

EpicFlashSZ3D.jpg

Callaway’s flagship Epic Flash family of drivers is getting a new addition, but unless you’ve got a space reserved with your name on it in player parking at the next tour event—or at least legitimate aspirations in that direction—it might not exactly be in your wheelhouse.

Appearing earlier this year on the list of conforming driver heads, the Epic Flash Sub Zero Triple Diamond will now be offered in limited quantities.

While the meat of the Epic Flash Sub Zero Triple Diamond features the same artificial intelligence design process in producing its unique face construction as the original Epic Flash , much of the shaping tweaks come directly from Callaway’s work with its team of staff players on the professional tours. Their inputs include a higher toe, more face progression and a straighter top line compared to the two main models in the Epic Flash line .

Slightly but likely unrecognizably smaller than the original Epic Flash 460 cubic-centimeter heads, the 450 cc Epic Flash Sub Zero Triple Diamond features a center of gravity positioned for players who are focused on control. In layman’s speak that means this driver is likely for players who don’t have any difficulty hitting the ball as far as they want.

While the head will feature the rear weight sliding track (12 grams) found in the other Epic Flash drivers, the driver is geared fundamentally to produce a neutral to fade ball flight. Still, because the weight and the track are in the extreme rear perimeter of the sole, the tour-player-friendly driver still measures with what Callaway calls a "high MOI" (moment of inertia, for forgiveness on off-center hits). It will feature the same standard 56-degree lie angle as the Epic Flash Sub Zero driver . The eight-way adjustable head will be offered in both 9- and 10.5-degree models.

The Epic Flash Sub Zero Triple Diamond will be available in limited quantities to select retailers and clubfitter accounts April 12 ($530). To shop the Callaway Epic Flash family of drivers at Golf Galaxy, click here .

More from Golf Digest

Trending now.

Plugged-In-Golf-White-on-Blue-e1597419240829

Get plugged in…

GFore 728 x 90

Callaway Epic Flash Fairway Wood Review

More in reviews:.

Cobra DARKSPEED Irons

50 Words or Less

Incorporating all the latest Callaway technologies, the Epic Flash Fairway Wood produces increased ball speeds with impressive forgiveness – plus the added bonus of stellar looks.

Introduction

It’s been two years since Callaway introduced the world to Jailbreak Technology – exclusively in its Epic Drivers.  Even without Jailbreak, Matt S. declared the 2017 GBB Epic Fairway Woods a “must try.”  The new 2019 Epic Flash Fairways not only include the proven Jailbreak , but also the namesake Flash Face .  Using super computers to evaluate thousands of virtual prototypes, Callaway was able to discover a new face design to optimize ball speed.  Combined with an updated OptiFit hosel, the Epic Flash Fairway Wood is a versatile club for golfers of all levels of play.

The Epic Flash is one of the best looking fairway woods I’ve seen this year .  At address, the head has a wonderfully balanced roundness that sets itself up square on the turf.  The gloss black crown reveals a carbon fiber weave in the back third when it catches the light just right.  The green and yellow pinstripes add visual interest to the trailing edge while a subtle chevron denotes the ideal strike axis.

The sole of the club includes some interesting indentations, a single weight port and the exposed ends of the Jailbreak pillars.  The face of the Epic Flash is a modest height with an elaborate etching that looks like the diagram for a space station docking port.

callaway epic flash tour issue

The Golf Pride MCC grip with matching green Align completes the stellar look of the Epic Flash Fairway Wood.  And don’t overlook the head cover that has a high end, custom look and feel.

Sound & Feel

The forged 455 carpenter steel face of the Epic Flash Fairway produces a moderate volume, crisp metallic “dink” that’s fairly consistent across the face.  The sound was a touch more pure when I caught one flush.  Other than the quintessential heavy heel strike, impact felt solid with minimal feedback.

Performance

After getting to know the Epic Flash Fairway on one of those perfect “winter” afternoons in Central Florida where the ball pops against the blue sky, I was looking forward to getting in front of the launch monitor at Club Champion .  It was fun to see the tracking line paint the same mid trajectory ball flight that I’d experienced outside.  I had already determined that the club was forgiving, but seeing the landings hug the projected center line was an impressive sight.

Across the collected launch monitor data the numbers were super consistent , confirming the Epic Flash Fairway is very forgiving .  Initially I was a bit disappointed with the distance figures, but noting my swing speed was down a bit I grabbed my gamer for a side by side comparison.  With swing speed virtually identical, the Epic Flash gave me a couple more MPH in ball speed while maintaining the spin of my gamer – perfectly in line with Callaway’s claims regarding Flash Face and Jailbreak Technologies.

callaway epic flash tour issue

The Epic Flash Fairway is available in an impressive seven lofts ranging from a strong 3 to an 11 wood.  Equally impressive are the three premium stock shaft choices in 6 weight classes – mine is the Mitsubishi Tensei AV Blue 60.   Truly something for everyone.  To further dial in the optimum club setup, the new OptiFit hosel provides simple adjustments to loft and lie.  A not so obvious benefit of the lighter OptiFit is that the weight savings allowed Callaway designers to reposition the center of gravity for easy launch – something I appreciated when hitting out of some thicker grass.

As often happens when a new club appears on the driving range, folks wanted to hit my Callaway Epic Flash Fairway.  Regardless of the swing, both in terms of speed and path, the results were consistent – excellent forgiveness and wonderful ball flight.  In the bag or in your hands, the Epic Flash Fairway is a great looking club that offers performance for golfers across the swing spectrum.

Callaway Epic Flash Fairway Wood Price & Specs

callaway epic flash tour issue

Recent Posts

Matt Meeker

  • TecTecTec KLYR Laser Rangefinder Review - May 2, 2024
  • 2024 Spring johnnie-O Apparel Review - May 2, 2024
  • Wilson Staff Model ZM Wedge Review - May 1, 2024

17 Comments

' src=

Matt, Is that the correct launch monitor data?

' src=

– Meeks

' src=

I have bought this one but my launch monitor data is different. Please let me know if there was my problem. Because i am a newcomer in golf world.

Launch monitor data is very individual. Your own data is what should be utilized to determine what performs best for you.

' src=

187 yd. 3 wood ?

' src=

Seems to be short

' src=

Stumbled on this review, but is a 187 yard for a 15° standard for you?

That’s a bit under my norm. The Callaway Epic Flash Sub Zero was a better fairway wood for me.

' src=

If 187 was a bit under your norm what would you normally hit a 3 hybrid. I have a Callaway Rogue X 3 hybrid and wasn’t sure if the Callaway Epic Flash 3 wood would complement the 3 hybrid

First off, thanks for reading Dave. You bring up a great point for all golfers – know thy gapping. Matt S. provides some great insight in this feature: https://pluggedingolf.com/course-management-basics-part-6/

Get your current distances and then hit the Flash 3W and see hot it fits into the mix.

Thanks Matt, I do know my club yardages so I have to try out the 3 wood to see how it compares to my 3 hybrid

' src=

I’ve got an Epic 15° and I quite like it’s feel and forgiveness, but Iam considering going to a 4 wood (eg 16.5-17° log) or even a 5 wood to cover a yardage gap that my next club, a 3 hybrid, is too short to cover.

Do you think adjusting the Optifit 1° or 2° weak is the answer, (16°-17°) or getting a true 4 wood?

Cheers, Bryce

Thanks for the question Bryce – but the answer isn’t simple. The first thing to remember is that when you add loft, you are actually closing the club face. So if you are hitting the 3 wood well in the stock neutral settings you may have some issues with ball flight and overall performance adjusting the Optifit. Since you already have that club, its worth investigating adding loft to fill the distance gap before purchasing a 4 wood. But I recommend working with a qualified club fitter who has the knowledge of all the combination of adjustments and can evaluate results.

' src=

order everything cheap off globalgolf.com, try it out and return what you dont want for a $7.00 shipping fee. Been doing this for years, ive tried every fairway on the market and had fun doing it to. Ive realized i hit a 5 wood longer and more consistently than a 3 wood or 4 wood, especially off the deck

' src=

is the epic flash 3 wood for the high handicapper?

The Epic Flash is designed to be appealing to golfers across the handicap spectrum. Your best bet Robert is to get fit and see what club and shaft perform best for you.

Pingback: Charles Schwab Challenge Recap - Plugged In Golf

Leave a Comment Cancel

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Email Address

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

callaway epic flash tour issue

  • Cobra DARKSPEED Irons Review
  • The CJ Cup Byron Nelson Recap
  • Golf News – May 3, 2024
  • PAYNTR X Tour Proto RS Golf Shoe Review
  • TecTecTec KLYR Laser Rangefinder Review

callaway epic flash tour issue

Contact Us Advertise Subscribe

Playwire

Advertise on this site.

Plugged In Golf

PIG_Twitter

Do You Like Free Golf Gear?

Sign up for our weekly newsletter and not only will you get the latest reviews, instruction, and more delivered directly to your inbox, you’ll also be entered into regular giveaways for golf clubs and more.

Callaway Epic Flash Driver Review – Is The Flash Face The Real Deal?

Golfstead is reader-supported. When you buy through links on the site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Our affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network and Amazon Associates.

Callaway Epic Flash Driver Review

In this review, I’ll be taking a look at the Callaway Epic Flash driver .

Machine learning and artificial intelligence was used by Callaway engineers to create what they call the Flash Face, a design that produces even faster ball speeds in the center of the face.

So, how does this Flash Face really perform in practice? Is it an overhyped gimmick, or does it deliver the goods? And is the Epic Flash driver worth its price tag?

Read on to find out what you need to know to make an informed purchase.

Note:  Unless otherwise stated, stock shafts and stock grips are used when evaluating this club. In most cases, the golf clubs reviewed on Golfstead are acquired temporarily for testing purposes and are not purchased. The review that follows is based on the personal experience and research of the author. Because everyone’s swing and body are different, results with a particular club may differ from person to person.

What are the reviews like?

The Epic Flash driver, touted as being “the only driver awarded 20 out of 20 stars in the 2019 Golf Digest Hot List”, has been received extremely well by consumers and critics.

It received an average rating of  4.8/5 (93% recommended)  on the official Callaway website, which, considering the number of reviews, is pretty darn impressive.

It also has the same rating on Callaway Golf Pre-Owned and 4.9/5 on  Global Golf . Almost all of the well-known critics have given the Epic Flash at least a 4.5/5 rating.

What People Like

  • solid hits produce insane ball speed
  • better forgiveness than previous Callaway offerings
  • easy to hit with a straight ball flight
  • sliding weight affords a lot of adjustability

What People Don’t Like

  • some players don’t like how the sweet spot sets up closer to the heel

What are the features?

Flash face technology.

The Epic Flash is the first line of drivers to feature Callaway’s breakthrough Flash Face.

Basically, Callaway’s engineers used a supercomputer and machine learning to come up with more than 15,000 prototypes for a fast face. It learned from each one, and eventually arrived at what is now known as the Flash Face.

The face design is complex, with waves and peaks, and is quite different from anything Callaway has ever done before (like VFT).

The end result is a center region of the face that produces unprecedented ball speeds and hence distance.

Jailbreak Technology

The latest and greatest iteration of Jailbreak, introduced in the previous Rogue driver , makes a return.

Jailbreak consists of titanium bars that vertically connect the crown and sole. This places more impact load on the face, further increasing ball speeds.

T2C Triaxial Carbon

We’ve seen Callaway’s triaxial carbon composite material before. Now, the crown features T2C, a lighter carbon triaxial fabric that has a tighter weave.

This enables even more weight savings, which are distributed in the head to raise the MOI. This, of course, results in more forgiveness.

Adjustable Perimeter Weighting

Just like the previous Epic driver, the Epic Flash features a sliding weight (now 16g) on the sole. Adjusting this promotes fade and draw biases as desired.

The Epic Flash driver is available in 9° , 10.5° , and 12° standard lofts at 460 CC . Also available is the women’s Epic Flash driver in the same lofts.

Every Epic Flash driver comes with an Optifit hosel that allows you to adjust loft and lie. The loft settings are -1, +1, 0 and +2. The lie settings are N (neutral) and D (draw), giving a total of 8 possible configurations.

To adjust the driver, just loosen the screw until the head comes off the hosel, adjust the settings, and screw the head back on.

You can choose from several premium aftermarket graphite shafts including Project X Even Flow Green 40/50 , Project X HZRDUS Smoke Black 60/70 , and the Mitsubishi Tensei AV Blue 60 .

If you’re interested, full information on the driver, shafts, grips and their specs can be found on the CGPO website .

Below are the specs of the Epic Flash driver. Click or zoom to enlarge.

Callaway Epic Flash Driver Review - Specs

How does the driver perform?

We all know that the Epic Flash is long, but how long exactly?

Well, it’s pretty darn long, and it’s definitely up there among the longest drivers I’ve tested. In comparison to the Rogue, I was hitting it about 10 yards longer on average, which is really good.

Just know that exact distance results will vary from golfer to golfer depending on the configuration of the club and your swing. If you find that the ball is flying a bit too high, for example, try reducing the loft setting.

Forgiveness

Let me start off by saying that the forgiveness on mis-hits is definitely better than the previous Epic driver. It rivals the Rogue driver, and I would say that it’s even a bit better.

It’s easy to see why: the latest iterations of Jailbreak and the new T2C fabric really push this driver up there on the “most forgiving” list.

During my testing, a good majority of my strikes that didn’t hit the sweet spot managed to stay in the fairway, and we’re talking about 25-40 yard widths here.

It’s not at the absolute top in terms of driver forgiveness that I’ve ever seen, but it doesn’t have to be. You can even adjust the sliding weight if you feel that you have a consistent miss.

Playability/Trajectory

The playability of the Epic Flash is good. In terms of workability, I could tell practically no difference in comparison to the Rogue.

Similar to the Rogue, I found the ball flight to be straight and fairly high. Adjusting the sliding weight had a noticeable impact on my ball flight.

I found the weighting with the stock shaft to be very comfortable, and this gave me the confidence to really go at it. This is just me though — slower swingers should take care not to get a shaft that’s too heavy, as this can negatively affect feel and performance.

The Epic Flash falls in the game-improvement category, and hence it’s ideal for mid to high handicappers.

What about look, sound & feel?

Compared to the Rogue, the Epic Flash has a bit more of an elongated crown. The alignment aid and sweet spot appear to set up a touch closer to the heel, which can be a positive or negative depending on who you ask.

Moving on to the shape of the face, I would say that it’s sort of a hybrid between the Rogue and the GBB Epic. Compared to the Rogue, it’s a touch taller and more stout.

The crown has a fairly large alignment aid and a new white stripe from top to bottom. The sole design sports green and yellow accents with a bold “Epic” logo splashed across the center.

Overall, I have no problems with the setup at address and think it can inspire a lot of confidence. As an added bonus, the headcover matches the design of the driver beautifully.

The Sound & Feel

It really is an amazing experience when you hit the sweet spot with the Epic Flash. The feel is very solid, satisfying, and explosive all at the same time, while the sound isn’t too hollow nor is it too muted.

Given the amount of forgiveness built into this driver, you would think that the mis-hit feedback would be lacking. Surprisingly, this is largely not the case.

Even though mis-hits retain decent feel, you can still isolate the location of impact through your hands and by taking note of the sound.

All things considered, this is one of the best-feeling drivers from address to follow-through that I’ve ever played.

Where should I buy the Epic Flash driver online?

The Epic Flash driver is now more than a couple seasons old, so you can no longer order it from the official Callaway website.

The best you can do now is look at Callaway Golf Pre-Owned (great money saver) or pick up a steeply discounted set (new or used) on eBay .

For example, CGPO has a fairly large selection of used drivers with a 12-month warranty, 90-day buy-back policy, and headcover included.

You can optionally look at the listings on GG or another golf store.

Callaway continues to deliver with each new driver release, building upon the previous models and turning weaknesses into strengths.

The result is the Epic Flash driver, which is crazy long, exceptionally forgiving, and easy to hit. The Flash Face is not a gimmick; it works.

If you’re looking for a modern, top-of-the-line driver with the best performance, and your budget is high enough, you should seriously consider the Epic Flash, especially if you’re a mid or high handicapper.

Even better players can have great success with this driver.

Are you interested in the Epic Flash driver? Have you tried it yet? What have your results been? Let us know in the comments below.

Callaway Epic Flash Driver Review - Featured

Related Posts

Srixon ZX4 Mk II Irons Review – Uber Forgiveness?

Srixon ZX4 Mk II Irons Review – Uber Forgiveness?

Uneekor EYE XO Launch Monitor Review – For The Golf-Obsessed

Uneekor EYE XO Launch Monitor Review – For The Golf-Obsessed

TaylorMade M5 Tour Driver Review – Slimmer Control

TaylorMade M5 Tour Driver Review – Slimmer Control

' src=

I just purchased this driver and kept the same shaft out of my GBB (previous model) black Kuro Kage stiff as it gave me good numbers on the simulator. I have just taken it out on course and I’m easily 10-20m further. My side spin numbers are in the low 100’s and even when I miss hit it the results are ridiculous. Unless I do an absolutely awful swing my miss hit still go straight and good distance. I do think this club is well worth a look.

' src=

Glad to hear you’re having great results with it!

' src=

What are the swing speeds,for golfer with this,slower swing

It’s impossible for me to say what your swing speed will be.

Leave a Reply Cancel Reply

  • Buying Guides
  • Equipment News
  • Equipment Reviews
  • Instruction

Ping Zone

Callaway Epic Flash Driver Review

Martin Hopley

Whilst we all might be concerned about how Artificial Intelligence is going to take over our lives, if the Callaway Epic Flash driver is the future of golf club design, then I am all for it.

Callaway Epic Flash Driver

This is because Callaway has spent around $5m on a super computer to design the face for the Epic Flash driver. What it came up with had even their R&D guys scratching their heads at first.

Basically, you put in the legal parameters and a few other rules into the computer and let it go and work out the optimum design. It fails quite a lot, but then learns from its mistakes and 15,000 iterations later you have the Flash Face.

Callaway Epic Flash Driver

As you can see from the reverse side below, the Flash Face is a series of thick and thin swirls that looks a bit like an ear.

Callaway Epic Flash Driver

It is very different to the human designed X face, which has a more uniform shape with a thicker section behind the middle to keep it legal.

Callaway Epic Flash Driver

Like the computer, Callaway is still learning how the Flash Face works to increase ball speed, but all you need to know is that it does.

The extra ball speed requires a stronger face to cope with it and the Epic Flash Face is made from 595C Super Aged Forged Titanium, which is tempered for strength and then laser welded on to the head.

Callaway Epic Flash Driver

The face is forged on the inside then milled on the front in order to get the thickness down from 5/1000 to 2/1000 of an inch so that it is consistently closer to the limit.

Callaway Epic Flash Driver

The laser etched lines give a pretty cool look and the five larger rectangles at the end of the lines around the sweet spot are actually etched grooves. This means that when the club is at address you can see two lines of white dots framing the ball for alignment, which is a nice touch.

There is also a new T2C Triaxial Carbon in the crown that is lighter and uses a tighter carbon weave. It weighs just 9.7g and helps to save weight and lower the CG.

Callaway Epic Flash Driver

Thereafter the tech includes the now familiar Jailbreak bars to stiffen the chassis by connecting the sole to the crown to maximise ball speed.

Callaway Epic Flash Driver

Finally, the sliding weight that was in the Epic, but left out of the Rogue, is now back. It now weighs more at 16g and moves across a shorter track than in the Epic, so that the weight does not start to creep too far forward and raise the CG location.

Callaway Epic Flash Driver

So as you can see, there is a lot going on in a head that sits in between the Epic and the Rogue for size and depth.

Callaway Epic Flash Driver

The Epic was renowned for speed, but it could have been more forgiving if you weren't hitting it right. The Rogue solved that issue for a lot of people, but I wasn't a fan of the drawn back shape and in terms of performance I was not getting any big increase in distance.

Callaway Epic Flash Driver

With the Epic Flash I think they have managed to take the best bits of both and then add a faster face. The sound is a little more solid than the Epic, but still with a hint of Callaway carbon in there.

It sits well at address and has the classic Callaway curved line set back from the leading edge.

Callaway Epic Flash Driver

This reminds me of previous FT drivers, but it is not my favourite look for alignment. If the line is replacing the Speed Step, then it is being very subtle about it, as you can just feel something as you run your finger over it.

Callaway Epic Flash Driver

The OptiFit hosel provides the usual adjustment of -1° to +2° and using it to get to around 10°, I prefer going up from 9° rather than down from 10.5° to keep the face angle squarer.

Each of the three stock shafts come with a Golf Pride Align grip that has a raised ridge on the back to help with hand alignment. You can keep this in the correct place when you adjust the loft as both the OptiFit rings are free to rotate independently.

Callaway Epic Flash Driver

I took the Epic Flash, Rogue and original Epic drivers on GC2 with Titleist Pro V1x balls and the Project X HZRDUS shaft that I was fitted for with Epic.

Callaway Epic Flash Driver

In this set up I was getting similar ball speed to the Epic with the Epic Flash. However with a deeper CG than the Epic, I was able to get a higher launch with the Epic Flash for a gain of a couple of yards.

Like the Rogue, I was able to go down in loft compared to the Epic, as the deeper head gave good launch with less spin. This means that you get more forgiveness from the deeper head and more ball speed from the straighter face, so it's a bit of a win-win if you can do this.

However this was not the optimum setting for me, as I will reveal below with the Sub Zero version.

Callaway Epic Flash Sub Zero Driver Review

The Callaway Epic Flash Sub Zero driver has the same features as the standard model, but in a more compact head.

Callaway Epic Flash Sub Zero Driver

The weighting is slightly different to move the CG forward and reduce the spin, with a lighter 12g weight in the rear and a screw weight just behind the face.

Callaway Epic Flash Sub Zero Driver

At address it looks closer in size to the original Epic driver, so it will be larger than the first Epic Sub-Zero.

Callaway Epic Flash Sub Zero Driver

Compared to the standard model, the Epic Flash Sub Zero is the better option for me, because the set up of the head gave 2.5 mph more ball speed, with less spin and the same launch, for an extra 6 yards carry.

The Sub Zero version of the Epic Flash is pretty close in size to the standard Epic, but it seems more forgiving as the head is a little deeper. Therefore you really need to go through a proper fitting process with both the Epic Flash heads and different shafts to find the right head and set up to maximise your distance gains.

Callaway Epic Flash Driver Verdict

Overall this is a pretty impressive bit of innovation by Callaway and the amazing thing about the Flash Face is that the design of the back is unique to this size and shape of head. Therefore in a different type of head, the inside will be a different design, as you can see from the Flash Face shape in the Callaway Epic Flash Fairway .

Like Jailbreak before it, the Flash Face does deliver additional ball speed, so if you can get a set up that creates the right launch and spin then you should also see a distance gain.

Callaway Epic Flash Sub Zero Driver

It's also great to see the Epic name and colours back, as the blue of the Rogue left me a little cold, even if it performed well and was the top selling driver in the market.

If you love your Rogue then it might be worth hanging on to for a bit longer given the premium price of the Epic Flash. In the short term it will still be around and some higher handicappers may appreciate the extra forgiveness it offers.

However if you have the original Epic, then I would consider upgrading in a Flash for the better looks, forgiveness and extra ball speed that the new model offers.

Callaway Epic Flash Drivers

How did callaway make the epic flash driver.

Callaway Epic Flash Driver

Callaway Epic Flash Driver - Product Details

Write a review, facebook comments, related news.

Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Max Hybrid Review

Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Max Hybrid

New Ai Smart Face provides fantastic distance

Ping G430 Max 10K Driver Review

Ping G430 Max 10K Driver Review

Ping return to the 10,000 MOI mark for the first time since 2018

TaylorMade Qi10 LS Driver Review

TaylorMade Qi10 LS Driver Review

TaylorMade chase 10,000 MOI in new low spin driver model for 2024

TaylorMade Qi10 Driver Review

TaylorMade Qi10 Driver Review

TaylorMade swap red for blue as forgiveness comes to the fore

Cobra Darkspeed X Driver Review

Cobra Darkspeed X Driver Review

Extreme Aero Technology features claiming to provide out of this world speed

Mizuno ST-Max 230 Driver Review

Mizuno ST-Max 230 Driver Review

Great looking driver provides forgiveness at a cost...

Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke HL Irons Review

Paradym Ai Smoke HL Irons Review

Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke HL Irons tested!

Callaway Chrome Soft 2024 Golf Ball Review

Callaway Chrome Soft 24 Ball Review

Same great Chrome Soft feel with impressive distance and greenside spin

Callaway Chrome Tour & Chrome Tour X Golf Ball Review

Callaway Chrome Tour Balls Review

Has the Titleist Pro V1 finally been beaten?

Callaway Paradym AI Smoke Irons Review

Callaway Paradym AI Smoke Irons

Ai Smart Face features in the irons as well as the driver

Most Popular

Ecco lt1 golf shoes review, what's in the bag: rory mcilroy, taylormade qi10 max driver review, mizuno pro 245 irons review, what's in the bag: shane lowry, ping i530 irons review, taylormade qi irons review, callaway chrome tour & chrome tour x golf ball review, callaway chrome soft 2024 golf ball review, what's in the bag: scottie scheffler.

Callaway Epic Flash fairway wood Review

Published: 04 January 2019 Last updated: 03 February 2022

callaway epic flash tour issue

At a glance

  • TG Rating 5 out of 5
  • Owner Rating Not yet rated
  • RRP £269.00

What we say...

Callaway’s new epic flash fairway wood features groundbreaking new flash face technology to help golfers of every level and swing speed get more ball speed and distance..

Buy this club now at Golfbidder.

Callaway’s new Epic Flash fairway wood replaces the brand’s 2017 Epic fairway wood, and features the same technology in the brand new Epic Flash and Epic Flash Sub Zero drivers.

RELATED:  Callaway’s 2021 Epic woods reviewed and tested  

Callaway took insights from using Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) and Machine Learning to develop the new Flash Face and Flash Face Sub Zero drivers. And they’ve applied what they learned creating the drivers to come up with an ultra-thin, forged Carpenter 455 steel cup face for Epic Flash fairway woods too.

The result is a uniquely designed clubface that’s expressly engineered for high COR across a large area, to promote fast ball speed on both center and off-center hits.

Within the clubhead, Callaway’s innovative Jailbreak Technology is the engine that promotes increased ball speed. It features two internal bars that connect the crown to the sole, stabilizing and stiffening the two parts, and allowing the face to take on greater impact load to generate faster ball speeds.

Epic Flash fairway woods also have a new, lighter OptiFit Hosel to make it simple for players to dial in easy launch and optimal flight. This saved weight in the hosel which allows Jailbreak and adjustability to be combined for the first time ever in a fairway wood.

Best 2019 Fairway Wood

R&D boss Dr Alan Hocknell told us: “The Flash Face of the fairway looks completely different to the driver, but still embodies the same design principles. 

“A fairway wood is a lot shallower than a driver, and the usage is different – you hit a bunch of shots off a tee that you might hit more centred, but shots from the fairway will be a little bit lower on the face. So we had to take all that into consideration.

“The result is a face that’s still hot from the centre, when you hit it off a tee, but even hotter from the key impact zone low in the face. “So unlike the driver, the thinnest area is low on the face, creating a lot of speed; the centre is relatively thin, too, so there’s sort a face within a face. We were challenged when we first saw it, but we prototyped it and it worked.”

Callaway Epic Flash fairway wood

Callaway Epic Flash Review: TG Verdict

Sit the Epic Flash alongside the Sub Zero and you see immediately how different golfers demand very different equipment. The standard Flash has a bigger, more inviting footprint whereas the Sub Zero is tiny, which should make it a no-no for some club golfers.

Different face grooves and weight set-ups meant the Flash launched shots 3° higher with 600rpm more spin than the Sub Zero, yet carry difference was just two yards (Epic Flash 243 yards; Sub Zero 245), which shows how golfers, especially when it comes to fairways and hybrids, want to flight shots very differently.

For us, the majority of club golfers will find the Epic Flash easier to live with. Two of our testers felt the crown graphics and glossy  finish were a bit distracting, but that’s subjective; we all loved how there’s plenty of loft options in the family.

Callaway Epic Flash fairway wood features and benefits

New Flash Face Technology for Unprecedented Ball Speed

Callaway engineers applied learnings from Artificial Intelligence to create a new fairway wood face design that promotes increased ball speed for longer distance.

Forged Carpenter Steel Face Cup for Fast Speed

A forged 455 Carpenter steel construction combines with Face Cup technology to deliver fast ball speed across the face for distance on center- and off-center hits.

Why we use a Foresight GC Quad launch monitor

Foresight GC Quad

Jailbreak Technology for Fast Ball Speed

Jailbreak tech incorporates two internal bars that stiffen the body, placing more impact load on the face for faster ball speeds.

New OptiFit Hosel for Easy Launch and Optimal Flight

Callaway designed an entirely new hosel system that’s shorter and lighter; the saved weight is used to reposition the CG for easy launch and high, long-carrying flight.

Product Information

  • Lofts: 3+ - 13.5° / 3 - 15° / 5 - 18° / Heavenwood - 20° / 7 - 21° / 9 - 23° / 11 - 25°
  • Stock shaft: Project X Evenflow, Project X HZRDUS Smoke, Mitsubishi Tensei AV
  • Adjustable hosel: Yes
  • Loft change: -1/+2°

Your Reviews

Callaway fairway woods user reviews.

callaway epic flash tour issue

global.nojs

Your browser currently is not set to accept Cookies. Please turn it on or check if you have another program set to block cookies.

Get In Touch

  • Order Status

Sign In To Your Account

Need an Account? Join Today!

callaway epic flash tour issue

Epic Flash Sub-Zero Tour Certified Drivers

Description.

What does it mean to be Tour Certified? These clubs have been individually tested and qualified to ensure they deliver maximum performance and quality while conforming to detailed specs provided by the USGA.

You could earn up to 286 points with this purchase when you join Callaway Rewards!

Log In or Join Rewards Today

product notification icon

Epic Flash Sub-Zero Tour Certified Drivers

Gender-hand.

  • 1 Mens/Right
  • 0 Mens/Left
  • 0 Ladies/Right
  • 0 Ladies/Left

Our Condition Guide

Every callaway golf pre-owned & outlet club has been thoroughly inspected and rated according to its individual condition:, outlet condition:.

This is our highest rated Certified Pre-Owned condition. Outlet condition clubs have never been hit. However, they cannot be sold as new as they could have been floor samples or demo clubs. Outlet condition clubs could exhibit some minor scuffs on the sole or other form of shop-wear.

Outlet - What It Means...

Like new condition:.

These clubs have been hit very few times and show the smallest amount of wear.

callaway epic flash tour issue

Like New Condition - What It Means...

Very good condition:.

Unlike our Like New condition, these clubs have clearly been hit but are in fantastic shape. They may have a few scratches if you look closely but will still look like the newest club in most bags.

callaway epic flash tour issue

Very Good Condition - What It Means...

Good condition:.

These clubs have seen normal use (usually several seasons) but are in better than average shape for that particular model club. They may have some cosmetic imperfections but will look better than the average club in most players’ bags.

callaway epic flash tour issue

Good Condition - What It Means...

Average condition:.

These clubs have been used but not abused. They will show normal wear from frequent play and may have natural scratches, pop up marks and/or bag wear on the shaft. These are great clubs for those looking for performance and value and are less concerned about cosmetics.

callaway epic flash tour issue

Average Condition - What It Means...

Features & benefits.

callaway epic flash tour issue

Epic Flash Sub-Zero Tour Certified Drivers Reviews

Questions & answers, customize epic flash sub-zero tour certified drivers.

IMAGES

  1. Tour issue Callaway Epic flash 3 wood & Real Ventus blue 6x ****

    callaway epic flash tour issue

  2. Tour issue Callaway Epic Flash SZ 9* Head

    callaway epic flash tour issue

  3. Callaway TOUR ISSUE Epic Flash SZ Triple Diamond 8.5 + TaylorMade Tour

    callaway epic flash tour issue

  4. Callaway Epic Flash

    callaway epic flash tour issue

  5. Callaway Epic Flash Tour Issue Fairway Head

    callaway epic flash tour issue

  6. Callaway Epic Flash Tour Cart Bag

    callaway epic flash tour issue

VIDEO

  1. callaway epic flash 맹동섭 프로의 드라이버 아이언 연습 노하우 이것만 알고 연습하자

  2. 2019 Callaway Epic Launch Party

  3. WIN a Callaway Epic Flash (closing date 13th Feb)

  4. Callaway Epic Super Hybrid

  5. Review of the Callaway epic flash fairway wood from 2019. Still a great option in 2024?

  6. Callaway EPIC FLASH SUBZERO Driver Test hitting

COMMENTS

  1. Tour Issue Callaway Epic Flash Driver

    You can likely find a tour issue head within a few tenths of a degree and/or grams of weight of the original driver. Don't buy tour issue if the seller can't provide that information. Otherwise, you may as well buy off the rack. Also, pay attention to the listed weight especially if it does have a hot melt port.

  2. World First comparison Callaway Epic Flash tour issue driver head

    Sz Single diamond / sz non diamond- neutral to draw bias / mid launch with neutral flight - 460cc headSz Double diamond - open and fade bias, lower spinning ...

  3. Callaway Epic Flash Driver Review

    The Callaway Epic Flash is the first 2019 driver that we've reviewed, ... PAYNTR X Tour Proto RS Golf Shoe Review - May 3, 2024; PUR Truth Prepare Putting Aid Review - April 30, ... I've always had an issue with the Epic chevron being towards the heel of the club. Tried using a friend's and cannot get along with it being so heel side.

  4. Callaway Epic Flash Drivers Review

    Golf Monthly Verdict. On and around the sweetspot, the Epic Flash drivers are fast and certainly seem to be the longest Callaway driver to date after dialing in the head, shaft and loft combination. The Epic Flash combines distance and forgiveness for the average player, while the Sub Zero model provides the stronger, low spin flight better ...

  5. Callaway Epic Flash and Epic Flash Sub Zero Drivers Review

    With the Epic Flash, Callaway has continued the black and green theme it gave to the original Epic. In fact, much of the cosmetics are an updated version of those introduced with the Epic. ... The Epic Flash also has a ubiquitous presence on Tour, thanks in part to marketing but also to its ability to perform. There are a lot of good drivers on ...

  6. Callaway Epic Flash Driver Review

    Callaway Epic Flash Driver. . Solid sound and feel. Good forgiveness. Great distance and accuracy. Really easy to hit. CHECK NEW PRICE. In this Callaway Epic Flash Driver review, we go into what made this driver so advanced and why it still rates as an elite performer in the driver market today.

  7. Callaway Epic Flash Driver Review: A Golfer's Dream Come True

    Callaway Golf Ball Retriever for Water, Telescopic with Dual-Zip Headcover, Black, 15 Feet. $ 38.88 -29%. The sound and feel of the Epic Flash driver are also exceptional. The club produces a powerful, satisfying sound at impact that lets you know you've hit the ball well.

  8. Callaway Epic Flash Driver Review

    Callaway Epic Flash Driver: Key Technology. 1. New Flash Face technology for more ball speed. Flash Face's unique, internal mapping consists of dozens of subtle ripples flowing from the heel to toe on the new Epic Flash driver. Though the size, height and configuration of the ripples appears random, they in fact work together cohesively to ...

  9. Callaway Epic Flash driver family adds new option—provided you've got a

    The Epic Flash Sub Zero Triple Diamond will be available in limited quantities to select retailers and clubfitter accounts April 12 ($530). To shop the Callaway Epic Flash family of drivers at ...

  10. Callaway Epic Flash driver review

    We will still have the three Rogue (regular, draw, sub zero) drivers available in 2019 which Callaway say are a tad more stable and forgiving with their 'weight-back' design. But the Epic Flash is promising even more ball speed than ever thanks to some all-new technology. Callaway Epic Flash driver vs. Epic Flash Sub Zero: The technology.

  11. Callaway Epic Flash Fairway Wood Review

    Sound & Feel. The forged 455 carpenter steel face of the Epic Flash Fairway produces a moderate volume, crisp metallic "dink" that's fairly consistent across the face. The sound was a touch more pure when I caught one flush. Other than the quintessential heavy heel strike, impact felt solid with minimal feedback.

  12. Callaway Epic Flash Driver Review

    Stock Info. The Epic Flash driver is available in 9°, 10.5°, and 12° standard lofts at 460 CC. Also available is the women's Epic Flash driver in the same lofts. Every Epic Flash driver comes with an Optifit hosel that allows you to adjust loft and lie. The loft settings are -1, +1, 0 and +2. The lie settings are N (neutral) and D (draw ...

  13. Callaway Epic Flash Driver Review

    The Callaway Epic Flash Sub Zero driver has the same features as the standard model, but in a more compact head. The weighting is slightly different to move the CG forward and reduce the spin, with a lighter 12g weight in the rear and a screw weight just behind the face. At address it looks closer in size to the original Epic driver, so it will ...

  14. Callaway Epic Flash fairway wood Review

    Callaway Epic Flash Review: TG Verdict. Sit the Epic Flash alongside the Sub Zero and you see immediately how different golfers demand very different equipment. The standard Flash has a bigger, more inviting footprint whereas the Sub Zero is tiny, which should make it a no-no for some club golfers. Different face grooves and weight set-ups ...

  15. Callaway EPIC Flash Tour Issue Driver 10.5* Hand Crafted EvenFlow 6.5 X

    Shop Used Callaway Epic Flash Drivers up to 70% off - or start selling in seconds. SidelineSwap is where athletes buy and sell their gear. ... Callaway EPIC Flash Tour Issue Driver 10.5* Hand Crafted EvenFlow 6.5 X-Stiff RH. $259.99 USD Calculate Shipping. pay over time with . Estimated Delivery Mon 4/15 - Wed 4/17. Buy Now. Add to Cart. 0.

  16. Used Callaway Epic Flash Sub Zero Tour Issue Fairway Wood 5 Wood Used

    New and Used Callaway Epic Flash Sub Zero Tour Issue Fairway Wood Golf Clubs. $169.99 . TAP TO ZOOM . Don't see the club you want? Get notified when we get it! Create an Alert. Right Handed. Right Handed. Shaft Stiff Flex. Stiff Flex-1.25"-1.25" Fujikura Pro 2.0 7 Graphite Shaft. Fujikura Pro 2.0 7 Graphite Shaft ...

  17. Callaway Epic Flash Fairway Wood Review

    PGA Professional and Golfshake Equipment Expert Ryan Rastall has been testing the new Epic Flash Fairway Wood, and he was excited (unusually for a fairway wood) by what he found when using the club on the TrackMan and on the golf course. "I just really liked it from the word go, the first shot felt awesome, it came off the face really quickly ...

  18. Callaway Epic Flash Sub-Zero Drivers

    Epic Flash Sub-Zero Tour Certified Drivers. $28559. $35699. 20% Off! 4.8. (46) Write a review. Ask a question. Original headcover will not be included; instead, a Callaway universal headcover will be provided.