REVIEW: Callaway GBB Epic Driver
I finally had the opportunity to test the new Callaway GBB Epic driver to see if it can live up to all the hype it's been receiving on social and the blogosphere. After trying it out for a few hours at the driving range, I can safely say this driver is the real deal.
New Technology Highlights
As I mentioned in a preview piece on this site last month, the Callaway GBB Epic driver comes packed with new technology not seen in any other driver the company has released previously. In addition to movable perimeter weighting and a multi-adjustable hosel, the Epic also features "Jailbreak Technology" in the clubhead.
This technology features two "bars" that run along the inside of the clubface, attaching the club's crown and sole together from the inside of the club. This reduces the amount of give in the face and clubhead, thus transferring more energy to the ball instead of backwards into the clubhead.
In other words, the Callaway GBB Epic promotes faster ballspeeds at impact thanks to a bunch of fancy tech. Pretty neat.
Feel and Performance
Let's cut to the chase: the Callaway GBB Epic driver felt great and performed better -- for the most part -- than my current driver.
As many have said in their reviews of this club, the Epic feels more solid at impact, but not "soft." The jailbreak tech definitely adds some meat to this club, causing it to feel like there isn't much give in the face. That's kind of the point, of course, so don't be surprised if you experience a similar sensation if you have the chance to test it.
The Callaway GBB Epic was also longer than my current driver. I normally average around 250 yards with my driver and was pleased to find that average jump to 261 yards with the Epic. This is a significant increase in distance and could translate to me hitting one club less into greens.
However, the Epic seemed to be less accurate than my current driver. Its ball flight was also a little high for my preference, which could be more related to the 50-gram Diamana shaft on my review model (my current driver is a 60-gram shaft).
Distance gains are all fine and good, but if I can't find the fairway then the club really is no good to me. I'm interested to see how the Epic performs on an actual course this spring.
For more information on my experience with the Callaway GBB Epic, watch the video below. Please leave me your thoughts and questions in the comment section below.
