Review: Callaway Epic irons

Our Callaway Epic irons review took place out on the course at Moor Allerton and back at our Golf Shack testing facility.

I hit a number shots with my custom-fitted Mizuno JPX900 7-iron and then a number with the Epic 7-iron in exactly the same shaft – Project X LZ 6.0. We used premium range balls, hitting outside and using Trackman to monitor the data.

Callaway Epic irons review – First impressions

I’m sure you already know but these irons will cost about £1,700 for a set. A bit more on the reason why later.

It has to be said that they look sensational. There’s bags of shelf appeal here, a lovely satin finish and a really cool design on the back of the face.

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The top line is a fair bit thicker than on the Pro model and there’s a bit more off-set. Of the two models, the regular version is much more suited to me as a 17-handicapper, but I was very impressed with the Pro.

I’d actually be tempted to go for the Pro in 7-PW and the regular in 5- and 6-iron. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves.

Callaway Epic irons review – The technology

OK, so why are the Epic irons so expensive? Well, Callaway basically gave their head of R&D the opportunity to build an iron where cost was no barrier to the end result.

The heads feature a high-grade, lightweight and strong cast-steel construction that stiffens the body, particularly in the top line and sole, allowing the face to take on more impact load.

Phil Mickelson Epic irons

Callaway say this will create faster ball speeds, more distance and enhanced performance.

The CG (centre of gravity) position in each head is precisely and individually managed via a new injection process using a dense, heavy, tungsten powder.

This allows the CG to be exactly positioned from club-to-club.

Callaway Epic irons review – The results

Just as with the Pro model, there’s a super sound and feel off the face. They really are enjoyable to hit.

And there are some areas where these irons excel when it comes to the performance. A little bit more ball speed and a bit more distance.

Callaway Epic irons review

There is a little less loft on the Epic 7-iron at 30˚ compared to the JPX900 at 31˚.

But there was very little to split them in terms of the launch height and descent so I don’t think it would be an issue getting the Epics to stop on the green.

Callaway Epic irons review – NCG verdict

You can see where the extra cost is going with these irons in terms of the way they look, feel and perform.

We’re talking about seven yards more carry which for some could be the difference between hitting a 6- or 7-iron.

For me I’d normally hit a 6-iron to a 165-yard pin but I could be tempted to pull out and Epic 7-iron for that number when out on the course.

Callaway Epic irons review

Does that make these irons worth nearly £1,000 more for a set? No, of course it doesn’t. But if I could afford it and wanted the best set of irons money could buy, I’d definitely be considering these.

People with lots of money may want the best gear they can get and there’s nothing wrong with that.

If I was advising someone about a value for money purchase, I wouldn’t be recommending the Epic irons. But Callaway are not aiming these at people who are looking for a bargain.

They are trying to get a slice of the premium market where brands like PXG and XXIO are currently doing well. If you can afford the Epic irons then buy them, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

[skylab_video id=”124615″]Callaway Epic irons review[/skylab_video]