Callaway Epic Max Driver Review

This is Golfer Geeks’ review of the Callaway Rogue Epic Max driver.

I’m an avid golfer, a 9.2 handicap on my way to a 2 (been a 5.6) and frequent tester of golf clubs and equipment since 2015.

I tested the Epic Max driver over the course of 4 range sessions. The first 3 days were driver only and the last I hit the Epic Max about every 4th shot. (I was also testing irons) My driving is improving nicely, but I’m not a good driver. Yet.  

Summary: The Epic Max takes you long and keeps you in play.It’s a premium driver specializing in max forgiveness, distance, and keeping you in play on mishits.All that is what I expected and all that is what I got. I hit mostly draws, a few pulls, and the occasional push or outright slice. (slices required my worst swings)  

In this Callaway Epic Max driver review, I discuss my experience with the clubs, unique features and benefits, as well as customer reviews and potential alternatives. 

Callaway Epic Max Driver Overview

Need a little extra help and forgiveness from your driver?

The Callaway Epic Max is a driver for not-so-good drivers – like me.

I get in grooves where I drive good to great, but then, there’s most of the time. I appreciate all the help the Epic Max gave me on off-center hits and funky swings. 

Why Consider the Epic Max driver

The Epic Max driver is for you if you are looking for more forgiveness, distance, and playability on your mishits. I’m an average driver at best and the Epic Max covered for all but my worst swings. Driving not a strength for you? You may have found your driver. 

Features & Benefits

1) A.I. Designed Jailbreak Speed Frame

• Stiffens the body horizontally and torsionally for faster golf ball speeds across the clubface

2) Jailbreak Speed Frame

• Provides added stability for more speed across the face

3) A.I. Designed Flash Face

• Made of super strength titanium to increase speed and forgiveness over larger portion of the face

4) Triaxial Carbon Crown & Sole

• Light weight (19g less) and strong. Lets Callaway move weight lower and deeper to promote higher launch and forgiveness, and promote a draw bias. 

5) 16 g Sliding Perimeter Sole Weight

• You can adjust CG and ball flight.

Testing the Epic Max Driver

Three days were devoted to driver testing and I threw in driver testing with iron testing on the 4th day. My back and swing got a bit out of whack from swinging driver so much.

On the driver days, I alternated hitting the Rogue ST Max with the Epic Max after every drive. I didn’t want to spend all my good swings on one club. This worked well for this testing. 

I used my Swing Caddie launch monitor to get the numbers you’ll see below. Pure crap swings and severe mishits weren’t counted. 

I probably hit 45 or so drives during my testing.

My Experience with the Callaway Epic Max Driver

My first drive with the Epic Max carried 261 yards, was a gentle pull, and was playable. This is the pattern I noticed throughout my testing. 

It kept all but my worst swings in play and with good distance. I hit a number of drives that carried 260 yds or more and got ball speeds above 150. My good swings were really rewarded and my marginal swings ended up just fine and didn’t lose a ton of distance.

This is the formula for a winning driver in my book. 

Callaway Epic Max	Carry Yards	Ball Speed	Swing Speed	Smash Factor
Day 1	254.6	150	104	1.44
Day 2	249	150	104	1.43
Day 3	251	150	105	1.42

Review of the Callaway Epic Max Driver

Looks:  (A-) I like the head shape and the lack of graphics on the crown, though it’s a bit shiny and may be a problem in bright sunlight.

I think it frames the ball well and I was confident looking down at it at address. I’m a fan the bright green and white color accents on the sole. 

Sound/ Feel: (B+) Solid feel at impact and pretty solid sound, though too “tin-like” or metallic sounding for my liking. I prefer the sound of the Rogue ST Max and I REALLY prefer the sound and feel of the Mavrik. 

Distance: (A+) The Epic Max is long all over the face and especially with center contact (of course)

Forgiveness: (A+) All you’ll ever need. The Epic Max desperately wants to keep you in play. 

Flight / Playability: My drives mostly went medium-high to high and I definitely saw the draw bias design play out in real life. 

Customer Reviews

The Epic Max driver has 103 reviews at callawaygolfpreowned.com and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5. 

Who’s the Epic Max driver for?

Low Handicaps: Yes. The really fast swingers out there needing help with spin control may want to opt for the Epic Speed or Epic Max LS.
Mid Handicaps: Yes. 100% – This driver is your jam. 
High Handicaps: Yes. Great driver for you too.

Where to get your Epic Max driver. 

Epic Max drivers are no longer available at callawaygolf.com. I suggest going to Global Golf if you want a new (or used) one or go to callawaygolfpreowned.com if you want a used version. 

Both stores have “like new” models and there’s a good supply of them right now because of all the trade-ins for the Rogue ST drivers. 

Also, both stores are ALWAYS running sales. 

Potential Alternatives

A great driver. Similar performance to the Epic Max. New on the market so has premium pricing. 

An awesome driver. As long and forgiving as you can ask for. DEfinitely a different feel and look. Also will cost you a nice car payment

Another driver I love. Again, all the distance and forgiveness you want. Muted sound and great feeling at impact. On sale now as Taylormade is moving to carbon wood tech and sunsetting titanium in their woods. 

Our Verdict on the Callaway Epic Max Driver

The Epic Max driver is the perfect driver for those of us needing more help with our driving game. It’s on sale now that the Rogue ST drivers are out. There are deals to be had. 

My #1 suggestion is to test before you buy. Either at your local golf store or take advantage of Global Golf’s Utry trial program. I use it and recommend it.

Thanks for checking out our Callaway Epic Max driver review and let us know how they work for you.