Fairway · 2021
Callaway Epic Max Star
The CaddyIndex™ breakdown: our rating across all six performance dimensions, researched from published expert reviews, online sentiment and our own weighting algorithm.
By the CaddyCompare editorial team · updated 17 May 2026
Performance index
Six researched ratings, lower (blue) through to elite (gold).
Where it wins
- Feel72
- Looks72
- Forgiveness71
Watch
Rated highest for feel and looks; its softest dimension is workability.
You're a senior or beginner golfer with a 60-80 mph driver speed, you fight a slice, you can't get a fairway airborne off the deck, and you need the lightest premium option available.
You swing over 85mph, fade the ball naturally, or want any adjustability — the standard Epic Max is the right pick.
Pros
- Ultra-lightweight build (36g shaft + 25g grip + carbon crown) for a genuine slow-swing speed boost
- Inherits the Epic Max's structural-frame and face technology in a lighter package
- Built-in draw bias fights the slice tendency endemic to senior / slow-swing players
- Urethane microspheres soften the family's metallic acoustic
Cons
- Fixed hosel — zero loft or lie adjustability
- 5g rear weight (vs 14g on the standard Epic Max) caps MOI gains from weight changes
- Premium pricing (around £400) for a senior-targeted niche head
- Now four years old — superseded by the Paradym Ai Smoke Max Fast (2024) and Elyte Max Fast (2025) on the same archetype
By dimension
Forgiveness
SolidIndependent reviewer testing: forgiveness is very similar to the standard family forgiveness sibling, but because the adjustable sole weight is lighter (5g vs 14g), putting more weight in the back will not quite deliver as much stability/MOI. The lightweight build still inherits the same internal stiffening blades and face technology — the same forgiveness platform with less rear-weight ballast. Strong forgiveness for the lightweight segment.
Distance
FairManufacturer cites design intent: made to launch the ball high and fast on both center strikes and misfires for slow-speed golfers who struggle to create enough speed and height to make a fairway wood viable off the grass. The 36g shaft + ultralight build adds head speed for the 60-80 mph target, but caps ball speed for anyone with normal swing speed. Solid carry distance for the target archetype; well below the standard sibling for normal swingers.
Workability
ModestReviewer testing and manufacturer specs: pronounced draw bias inherited from the standard family forgiveness sibling. Fixed hosel (no loft/lie adjustment) saves weight but removes all tunability. The lightweight head resists active manipulation through impact. Below-segment-average workability — by design, this delivers one ball flight (high, drawing) to its slow-swing target.
Feel
SolidReviewer testing of the family: very good feedback through the hands — feel is very solid with a satisfying resonance. Urethane microspheres in the Star fairway heads manage acoustic and feel. The lighter head feels just a touch lighter than the standard sibling — preserves solid family feel character but loses some tactile heft.
Sound
FairReviewer testing: impact feels just a touch lighter and more high-pitched, surely due to the lighter head weight. The base family acoustic was already loud, high-pitched, and metallic — the lightweight variant pushes that further into high-pitched territory. Polarising acoustic — well below premium standards.
Looks at address
SolidReviewer testing and manufacturer specs: triaxial carbon crown provides a clean black look at address. The footprint matches the standard family forgiveness sibling (oversized, shallow face) — visually loud for a better player, reassuring for the slow-swing target archetype. Average for the segment.
Sources
Dig into the independent expert reviews and lab tests that feed into how every club here is rated. Each one is worth reading in full — they carry the launch-monitor data, hands-on testing and detailed photography that paint the complete picture before you buy.
- Read the full review at Callaway's new Epic Max Star drivers, fairways, hybrids and irons
- Read the full review at Callaway Epic Max Star Driver and Epic Max Star Fairway Woods
- Read the full review at Callaway Epic Max Fairway Wood Review (family acoustic/feel reference)
- Read the full review at Callaway unveils new Epic Max Star family
- Read the full review at Callaway Epic MAX Star Fairway Wood Review - Lightweight Forgiveness
We paraphrase and synthesise these sources; we don't republish them. Publishers can read how we use reviews or request a change.
More Fairway ratings
Frequently asked questions
Who is the Callaway Epic Max Star best for?
You're a senior or beginner golfer with a 60-80 mph driver speed, you fight a slice, you can't get a fairway airborne off the deck, and you need the lightest premium option available.
Who should avoid the Callaway Epic Max Star?
You swing over 85mph, fade the ball naturally, or want any adjustability — the standard Epic Max is the right pick.
What handicap is the Callaway Epic Max Star suitable for?
The Callaway Epic Max Star scores strongest for high-handicap golfers, and also suits mid-handicap golfers.
What is the Callaway Epic Max Star best at?
In our research the Callaway Epic Max Star rates highest for forgiveness and distance, and is softest on workability.
Does the Callaway Epic Max Star have a shot bias?
The Callaway Epic Max Star has a draw bias, with a high launch and mid-high spin.