CADDYCOMPARE

Driver · 2021

Callaway Epic Speed

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 16 May 2026

75CaddyIndex™
Scores foryour handicap · saved on this device
Callaway Epic Speed

Performance index

Six researched ratings, lower (blue) through to elite (gold).

Forgiveness
74
Distance
80
Workability
66
Feel
82
Sound
81
Looks
84

Where it wins

  • Looks84
  • Feel82
  • Sound81

Watch

Workability66

Rated highest for looks and feel; its softest dimension is workability.

Fits your gameAll-round
set your handicap on the score above
Best for

You're a mid-low HCP (0-15) at 95-115 mph who wants top-shelf distance with workable shot-shape — a former major-championship platform.

Avoid if

You swing slower and need higher launch / more spin (the Epic Max is the right pick), or you're a high handicapper who wants max forgiveness via a slider weight (the Epic Max again).

Pros

  • Three yards longer than any other driver tested in 2021 at release — the top ball-speed model in the family with smash factor 1.48-1.50
  • Only 4.9% carry-distance dropoff on mishits — 4th-best in 2021 class testing for off-centre retention despite the forward-CG distance profile
  • Used in a custom build to win the 2021 PGA Championship — the only driver from this brand to win a major that year
  • Forward-CG distance head with a carbon toe patch — workable for skilled shapers, slight draw bias for slice-prone players

Cons

  • Four years out of date — exponential recency penalty drops the published score by roughly 9 points versus a 2025-equivalent
  • No sliding weight rail (the Epic Max and Max LS have one) — adjustability limited to the OptiFit hosel only
  • Mid-launch / spin marketing doesn't always match real-world data — more of a low / low profile in reviewer testing

By dimension

74

Forgiveness

Strong

Reviewer testing measured consistently high smash factors in a tight 1.48-1.50 range. Club-fitting launch-monitor data documented the variant as fourth-best at protecting carry distance on mishits, with distances dropping by just 4.9% on imperfect strikes. Forgiveness is similar to the prior-generation game-improvement model, with most mild and moderate mis-hits managing to stay in the fairway. Below the family's GI sibling but tour-spec-leaning forgiveness for a workable head.

80

Distance

Strong

Independent testing measured the variant as three yards longer than any other driver tested in its release year. Launch-monitor testing produced 285 yd carry with high ball speed and good smash factor (1.48-1.50). Buyer's-guide testing selected it as a ball-speed standout — the forward CG location combined with the new leading-edge design promotes a strong ball flight with less spin. Top distance dimension for its 2021 family lineup.

66

Workability

Solid

Shot-shape only. The forward CG enables shape control, with a carbon toe patch adding a draw bias that helps golfers struggling with a fade or slice. The platform was selected for a 2021 major-championship-winning custom build specifically because the player needed to work the club both ways while having it suit his eye at address. Above-anchor for a mid-handicap-targeted driver — the head rewards skilled shapers despite the slight draw lean.

84

Looks at address

Excellent

Independent buyer's-guide testing heaped praise on the feel and tour-quality sound. Premium 460cc shape with the carbon toe patch visually distinguishing it from the GI sibling. A major-championship-winning player specifically chose this platform partly because it sits nearly square at address — a meaningful endorsement of the at-address profile.

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.

We paraphrase and synthesise these sources; we don't republish them. Publishers can read how we use reviews or request a change.

More Driver ratings

Frequently asked questions

Who is the Callaway Epic Speed best for?

You're a mid-low HCP (0-15) at 95-115 mph who wants top-shelf distance with workable shot-shape — a former major-championship platform.

Who should avoid the Callaway Epic Speed?

You swing slower and need higher launch / more spin (the Epic Max is the right pick), or you're a high handicapper who wants max forgiveness via a slider weight (the Epic Max again).

What handicap is the Callaway Epic Speed suitable for?

The Callaway Epic Speed scores strongest for high-handicap golfers, and also suits mid-handicap golfers and scratch and tour players.

What is the Callaway Epic Speed best at?

In our research the Callaway Epic Speed rates highest for distance and looks at address, and is softest on workability.

Does the Callaway Epic Speed have a shot bias?

The Callaway Epic Speed is broadly neutral in shot shape (no built-in draw or fade bias), with a mid launch and mid-low spin.