The Callaway Epic MAX Low Spin (LS) Driver Review

The Callaway Epic Max LS driver isn’t for everyone. Actually, it’s meant for a really small crowd – the crowd that has a swing speed so high that they actually create too much backspin to maximize distance.

Just to reiterate: “low spin” is not always idea. If a driver is too “low spin” for your swing, then you won’t hit the ball far enough. Sure it may roll a good bit once it hits the ground, but you won’t carry the ball far enough to begin with. And if you are playing in soft conditions, the ball won’t roll far anyway.

Oh, and another thing: if you are considering this driver (meaning that you think you may need a low spin driver head), just go and get fit by a professional club fitter. Do yourself a favor.

Anyway, here’s a blunt review of the Callaway Epic MAX LS driver.

 

Appearance & Performance

Like practically all new drivers these days, the Callaway Epic MAX LS driver is a true looker. Nice, sleek, black crown with an attractive black/green color scheme. But looks obviously don’t mean anything. Let’s talk performance.

Unfortunately, I won’t be able to give you exact performance results that will have any value to YOU and YOUR golf swing. Everyone has a different swing, attach angle, spin rate, etc.

But I can give you general performance expectations. If you are currently hitting high, spinny drives that don’t go as far as they should considering your swing speed, then a low spin driver like the Callaway Epic Max LS is a great option. You can expect a slightly more penetrating drive that will carry relatively far and still roll a fair distance.

Adjustable Features

The Callaway Epic Max LS has a slight fade bias, which is pretty rare considering the huge slice epidemic that most golfers are a part of.

However, there are two adjustable aspects of this head:

1. Adjustable hosel to adjust the loft (decrease 1 and increase up to 2 degrees) and lie angle (to  offset the fade bias or to increase it).
2. Movable weight to (also) offset the fade bias or to increase it.

 

Who Is This Driver Best For?

This driver is best for those that simply generate too much backspin. A spinny shot may look great in the air at first, but then it keeps spinning and stays in the air too long. As the ball keeps ballooning, the backspin gets worse, and the ball falls down (almost vertically) and doesn’t roll any.

If you think you are generating too much backspin with your drives, then I’d recommend that you start by getting a lesson with a PGA professional. Don’t buy a low spin driver just yet! Let your PGA pro know your concerns about your high, spinning drives and see what he/she recommends.

If you are on a tight budget, then here are some basic recommendations to fix your swing flaw withOUT buying a new $500+ driver. If you are generating too much spin on your drives, then consider

1. Trying to hit more “up” on the ball, not down. Those that hit too much down on their drives cause too much backspin.
2. Lowering your driver head loft. If you are currently gaming a 10.5 degree driver and hit the ball with too much spin, consider trying a 9.5 degree driver head loft.
3. Trying a low spin golf ball. Not all golf balls are the same when it comes to backspin on your drives. A low spin golf ball like the Bridgestone e6 may make a big difference in your ball flight.

Benefits/Drawbacks

Benefits:

• the more forward COG (center of gravity) leads to low spin drives that are perfect for those that generate too much backspin
• fade bias is great for better golfers that have a hooking problem
• adjustable to make it more neutral or even a STRONG fade bias
• great for golfers that play in windy conditions

Drawbacks:

• Not a great fit for most golfers. Would highly recommend spending the money to get fitted (for both a head AND a shaft) before making sure it’s a good fit.
• Way overpriced in my opinion. Similar alternatives for a fraction of the price.
• This driver will fall significantly in value as soon as they release a new line of drivers in 6 months. You’ll also be supporting a company that saturates the market far too often.

 

Compare to the Other Epic Drivers

Callaway just released three drivers: the Epic Speed, the Epic Max, and this driver (the Epic Max LS). Compared to the other two, the Epic Max LS driver:

• is the lowest spin driver head, by far.
• is the lowest launching driver head, by far.
• has the most fade bias features
• is middle of the road in forgiveness
• is the best for windy conditions & for those that hit the ball too high

 

Similar Driver on a Budget

If you don’t want to spend $500+ on a driver, I don’t blame you.

If you are set on a low spin driver head, you can’t go wrong with the TaylorMade SLDR driver. It’s literally the king of reducing spin numbers on drives.

The TaylorMade SLDR driver was a huge breakthrough after a long plateau in golf equipment. The SLDR offers the optimal “high launch, low spin” numbers for many golfers. And the price is stupid low, since the SLDR was first released like 6 years ago or so.

You can literally pick up a TaylorMade SLDR in good condition for under $100. Crazy. If you are deciding between the TaylorMade SLDR for $100 or the Callaway Epic Max LS driver for $530, then you are basically wasting your time. The $100 alternative is the clear choice.

Both drivers have forward COG’s and a sliding weight to adjust ball flight if you’d like. Practically the same driver, just different brands, different color schemes, and different gimmicks.