Driver comparison: Callaway GBB Epic vs. GBB Epic Sub Zero
Callaway GBB Epic v Callaway GBB Epic Sub Zero – which will suit your game best?
It’s always exciting when Callaway launch a new driver but even more so when there are two.
In an attempt to help you decide which driver may work best for you, we drafted out anonymous big hitter into the Golf Shack to test them both out.
Callaway GBB Epic v Callaway GBB Epic Sub Zero – The methodology
The test took place at the Golf Shack at Moor Allerton in Leeds.
Both drivers were tested using the same Aldila Rogue M•AX 65 stiff shaft with 9˚ of loft.
Results were monitored using Trackman 4 under the watchful eye of our resident pro James Whitaker.
Callaway GBB Epic v Callaway GBB Epic Sub Zero – The technology
The key new technology in both drivers is the use of what Callaway are calling Jailbreak technology.
It won’t help you break out of jail, but it will add more ball speed right across the face according to Callaway.
Two ultra-light (3g) but strong titanium bars sit behind the face, parallel to each other and connected on either end to the crown and sole.
Each Jailbreak bar works together to reduce how much the crown and sole deflect, forcing the face to take on more of the load at impact.
Both drivers also feature the use of triaxial carbon to allow more weight to be postponed in key areas and have Speed Step crown technology as seen in the XR16 and Big Bertha Fusion drivers.
The tech – developed with input from Boeing – helps add more clubhead speed by improving aerodynamics.
The main difference between the drivers comes in their adjustability with the Epic having a sliding rail on the back and the Sub Zero having two moveable weights.
In the Epic the track is shorter with a heavier weight so maintains a very high MOI while still affecting shot shape by 21 percent, Callaway say.
The Sub Zero has a 12g and a 2g weight which Callaway claim can affect the spin by 250rpm.
For ultimate forgiveness put the heavier weight back or achieve lower spin by putting it forwards.
Callaway GBB Epic v Callaway GBB Epic Sub Zero – The results
With both drivers, our anonymous big hitter was having plenty of success.
The consistency of spin and ball speed was very good.
The spin rates in particular were very good with both drivers averaging just over 2,000.
The longest shot of the session came with the Sub Zero where we had 292 yards of carry and 315 yards total.
That could have been due to a slightly better strike.
The Smash Factor was slightly better with the Sub Zero which means ABH was getting the same ball speeds as the Epic without swinging it quite so fast.
Callaway GBB Epic v Callaway GBB Epic Sub Zero – NCG verdict
Our anonymous big hitter was on decent form with both these drivers.
We know from his hitting of other product that ball speeds of 165-170mph are very good.
His effort of 170mph with the Sub Zero is the fastest we’ve seen from ABH so far in the Golf Shack.
We know that ABH finds the middle of the club face on a regular basis but the very best in the world don’t middle it every time.
And I think what you see here from both drivers is very good ball speeds on a consistent basis.
The slight off-centre hits still resulted in a very good shot. We didn’t have one where the total distance fell below 300 yards.
If you are trying to figure out which driver might work best for you, we’re not sure this video will help an awful lot.
They are both excellent drivers and the key for you will be in the custom-fitting process to get the one that works best.
To see a review of the Epic driver from someone who finds the middle less often, check out Craig Middleton’s effort here.
Details
Epic
In store: January 27
Lofts: 9.5°, 10.5°, 13.5° HT
(Left hand options available in 9°, 10.5° and in 13.5°HT as custom only
Stock shafts: Diamana M+ Green, Project X HZRDUS, Fujikura Pro Green, Aldila Rogue M•AX
SRP: £469
Epic Sub Zero
In store: January 27
Lofts: 9° and 10.5°
(Left hand option available in 9° only)
Stock shafts: Diamana M+ Green, Project X HZRDUS, Fujikura Pro Green, Aldila Rogue M•AX
SRP: £469
For more information visit the Callaway website HERE
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James Savage
Former equipment editor of NCG. Inconsistent ball-striker and tea-maker.
