We put TaylorMade and Callaway’s flagship drivers up against each other
TaylorMade M6 vs. Callaway Epic Flash Sub Zero: First Impressions
The star of the show in the TaylorMade M6 driver is the injected Twist Face. This is made possible by the addition of speed injection ports on the face. These are filled with screws in the face which are one of the first things you notice when looking at the driver.
Looking at the Callaway Epic Flash Sub Zero it looks quite similar to its predecessor – it is however a bit more compact than the super-forgiving Rogue. It has the same super-premium look with adjustability included.
TaylorMade M6 vs. Callaway Epic Flash Sub Zero: The technology
In the TaylorMade M6 the screws in the face aim to give this driver a larger sweetspot – more ball speed across a larger area.
The carbon on the sole of the M6 has allowed more weight to be moved lower and deeper for added stability.
These drivers are actually made illegal then tuned back to a legal state.
We spoke to Brian Bazzell, VP of product creation, at the brand’s launch event to learn more.
“Utilising a new manufacturing process, each head has been individually speed tested on multiple locations before being strategically injected with a tuning resin to achieve the tightest tolerance possible.
“The M6 delivers a hot, yet accurate package. When you combine the speed injection technology, Twist Face and the added clubhead speed through through advanced aerodynamics, it’s a driver that delivers on all fronts.”
For the Callaway Epic Flash Sub Zero the key new tech is something called a Flash Face.
It has variable thickness and aims to offer more ball speeds right across it. It’s actually thinner in the middle which Callaway say means the drives you hit right out of the middle will go much further.
But it’s the way Callaway created this face which is most interesting.
They invested a lot of money in what they are calling a “super computer” where they were able to input all of the relevant data about how to make a fast driver. What materials, what size and shape, what tolerances it has to work to.
After around 15,000 iterations, this is the driver face the computer came up with. They say it would take a normal computer or laptop around 34 years to run the same calculations.
The result is a face which claims to offer 1.5mph extra ball speed on their existing models.
The Epic Flash and Epic Sub Zero drivers also have the Jailbreak technology we saw two years ago in the original models.
This helps to add further ball speed by allowing the face to take more load at impact thanks to two titanium bars connecting the crown and the sole.
And the use of a super-light triaxial carbon crown means enough weight has been saved to add a moveable weight on the rear of the sole of both new drivers.
Callaway are certainly talking a good game with the Epic Flash, but how did it perform against the TaylorMade M6? Find out on the next page…
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.
