Callaway Epic Flash hybrids review
In the market for a new hybrid? See what our gear expert thought of the Callaway Epic Flash range
Are they as good as they look? I headed to Scarcroft Golf Club to find out. Watch my Callaway Epic Flash hybrids review to see how I got on…
If you’d prefer to read what I have to say about them and for all the details including pricing and release date, keep reading…
Callaway Epic Flash hybrids review: First impressions
Hybrids are one of my favourite clubs to hit, with the success of the Callaway Epic Flash drivers and fairway woods earlier in the year, I couldn’t wait to give this a hit.
Callaway Epic Flash hybrids review: The technology
The new hybrids feature the same flash face technology we have already seen in the Epic Flash drivers. Essentially the clubface has a variable thickness and aims to offer more ball speeds right across it. The middle of the clubface is slightly thinner which Callaway say means centre strikes will gain significant yardage.
They also feature jailbreak technology which is the incorporation of two internal bars within the clubhead. They stiffen the body, this means more load is placed on the clubface promoting faster ball speeds and long distance.
Tungsten weight is precisely placed to optimise launch by moving the centre of gravity. An external weight help dial in swingweight for all players.
A T2C Triaxial Carbon Crow uses a new lightweight triaxial carbon fabric with a tighter weave. This creates significant weight savings allowing weight to be redistributed in the rest of the clubhead to lower the centre of gravity and increase the MOI of the club.
The new OptiFit 3 hosel is lighter than previous versions and makes it even easier to dial in your launch and optimal ball flight.
Callaway Epic Flash hybrids review: NCG verdict
When testing I found this hybrid sat really nicely behind the ball and has a simple classic styling. It also sits perfectly with the rest of the Epic Flash woods range.
I tested the 4-hybrid which had 21 degrees of loft and the stock Mitsubishi Tensei AV Silver regular shaft. I found the club really easy to launch, I was getting a nice high ball flight at ease. This is key for a lot of players as extra height helps them gain distance.
The feel and quality of strike was excellent and I could definitely feel the fast ball speed off the clubface. In terms of distance my current 4-hybrid has 23 degrees of loft so is two degrees weaker and travels 175mph. I was hitting this club 190 easily but still managing to get it to land softly on the greens which is key.
Even with off-centre strikes my dispersion and distance were not massively off, only just finishing off the green.
Personally, I felt that I launched this slightly too high if I was playing in the wind, it would be too hard to control. This is due to the fact that technically I already add a lot of loft at impact. Most golfers struggle with a lowball flight and lose out on distance because of this. This hybrid will really suit those players who want to fly the ball higher, especially those who want to use hybrids to replace a number of longer irons.
The distance I was getting on shots was really impressive, as was the tightness of my dispersion across a range of different strike qualities. With the distance and accuracy this club generates, I am sure it will be a regular feature in lots of amateurs’ bags in the coming months.
Callaway Epic Flash hybrids review: Details
Available: Now
Stock shaft: Mitsubishi Tensei AV Silver
Lofts: 18°, 21°, 24° and 27°
RRP: £279
More information: Callaway website
If you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments below or you can tweet me.
Hannah Holden
Hannah Holden is the Equipment and Instruction Editor here at National Club Golfer. If you’re looking to improve your game, by changing your golf swing or upgrading your golf equipment she’ll have the answers.
As well as writing lots of features and reviews you can find her on our YouTube channel giving you insights on the latest rules, clubs and tips to improve your golf game.
Hannah is a member at Alwoodley golf club. You will either find her here or driving up and down the country playing in a variety of elite amateur events.