Our Callaway GBB Epic v Callaway XR16 driver test took place on the practice ground at Reunion Resort in Orlando, where conditions on the day were warm but windy.
We would normally use our Anonymous Big Hitter for a test of this nature, but he didn’t get international clearance so we drafted in his American cousin, Randy.
Our resident pro James Whitaker was on hand to help us monitor the data on Trackman 4.
Callaway GBB Epic vs. Callaway XR16 driver test – The methodology
This one actually came as a request in the comments section on our YouTube channel.
The Callaway XR16 has been a fantastic driver. It helped Danny Willett and Henrik Stenson to major championship victories in 2016.
But we are seeing a lot of tour player switching to the Epic.
The XR16 has been out for about just over a year now and we wouldn’t necessarily expect golfers to be looking for an upgrade already.
But it’s always interesting to see what performance benefits a new product may or may not have.
The Epic has been the best performing driver for us in terms of ball speed so far this year.
It has been about 2mph faster than its nearest competitors.
We asked Randy to hit about five shots with each driver and then looked at the data.
It was the same shaft in each driver and both heads were 10.5˚.
The XR16 driver was up first but Randy had warmed up for about an hour before hitting.
Callaway GBB Epic vs. Callaway XR16 driver test – The technology
This helps the club move through the air with less drag, adding club head speed.
