Equipment
Callaway XR Drivers, Fairway Woods and Hybrids

Callaway’s XR drivers, fairway woods and hybrids use the company’s new-and-improved Hyper Speed Face Cup technology to produce faster ball speeds — without skimping on forgiveness.
The new Hyper Speed Face Cup has an even thinner, lighter face than its predecessors. The lighter face gave Callaway engineers the ability to move the center of gravity (CG) slightly lower in the club heads, as well as add a bit more perimeter weighting. The results? Higher-launching, lower-spinning shots and club heads that are more consistent on mishits.
To lighten the face of the XR and XR Pro drivers, Callaway added what it calls “R-Moto” — also used on its Big Bertha Alpha 815 drivers — which is a series of ribs that connect the face to the crown and the sole. The structure reduces weight in the face by as much as 10 percent, and also transfers energy more efficiently, says Evan Gibbs, Senior Manager of R&D for Woods at Callaway Golf.
Callaway’s Speed Step Crown
Callaway also tackled an airflow issue with the XR line. With golf clubs, there’s a tendency for air to separate from the club head’s surface as it moves through space, which increases turbulence and drag.
Callaway’s XR driver uses the company’s new Speed Step crown (gallery above) to improve aerodynamics, while the XR Pro has an aerodynamically-enhanced Forged Composite Crown to slightly boost club head speed.
“THE SPEED STEP CROWN AND THE AERODYNAMIC HEAD SHAPE WORK TOGETHER TO KEEP THE AIRFLOW ATTACHED TO THE CLUB HEAD FOR AS LONG AS POSSIBLE,” SAYS GIBBS.
The XR driver, fairway woods and hybrids also use what Callaway calls an Internal Standing Wave — a forward-leaning weight pad behind the face that helps lower CG for reduced spin and more ball speed.
Like the drivers, Callaway’s XR fairway woods and hybrids were also the beneficiary of aerodynamic improvements.
Callaway’s XR line offers two different driver models (Standard and Pro), three different fairway wood models (Standard, Pro and Deep) and two different hybrid models (Standard and Pro).
The standard models are the most forgiving option throughout the line for players who need more spin, forgiveness or both. The Pro versions have more compact head designs and offer a lower-spinning trajectory
The XR Pro 3 Deep fairway wood (14 degrees) is a specialty 3 wood model with a deeper (read taller) face than the Pro model. It combines a larger face with a lower-spinning trajectory to create a club that golfers can use from the tee as a second driver, as well as from the fairway.
The XR line’s stock shafts are True Temper’s Project X LZ, which are designed to help golfers to maximize shaft load at the top of the swing transfer more energy into the ball at impact.
Standard XR drivers, woods and hybrids will be available in stores on Feb. 20, 2015, and the XR Pro and XR Deep models will be available on March 20, 2015.
XR driver
Price: $349
Lofts: 9, 10.5, 12 and 13.5 degrees
Shaft: True Temper Project X LZ (Mitsubishi Rayon Bassara 52, no charge)
Design Features:
- Speed Step Crown
- R-Moto face
- OptiFit Hosel offers 8 different loft/lie configurations
XR Pro driver
Price: $399
Lofts: 9 and 10.5 degrees
Shaft: True Temper Project X LZ (Matrix Black Tie and Fujikura Speeder 565, no charge)
Design Features:
- R-Moto Face
- Forged Composite Crown (lowers spin by 300 rpm compared to X2 Hot, according to Callaway)
- Aerodynamic head design
- OptiFit adjustability
XR fairway woods
Price: $229
Lofts: 15, 17, 19, 21, 23 and 25 degrees
Shaft: True Temper Project X LZ
Design Features:
- Forged Hyper Speed Face Cup
- 200 less rpm of spin compared to X2 Hot woods
- Redesigned head shape — flatter leading edge, higher toe, shallower face height
XR Pro fairway woods
Price: $239
Lofts: 14, 16 and 18 degrees
Shaft: True Temper Project X LZ
Design Features:
- Forged Hyper Speed Face Cup
- Internal Standing Wave for lower CG
- Deeper face for better performance off the tee, and a more sloped crown to make working the ball easier, especially hitting a draw.
XR Pro 3 Deep fairway woods
Price: $239
Lofts: 14 degrees
Shafts: True Temper Project X LZ
Design Features:
- Forged Hyper Speed Face Cup
- Internal Standing Wave for lower CG
- Progressive face height and deeper face are designed primarily for shots off the tee
XR Hybrid
Price: $219
Lofts: 19, 22, 25 and 28 degrees
Shaft: True Temper Project X SD
Design Features:
- Forged Hyper Speed Cup Face
- Redesigned head shape and repositioned weight for 46 percent lower CG than X2 Hot hybrids
- Internal Standing Wave for higher MOI and ball speed
XR Pro Hybrid
Price: $229
Lofts: 16, 18, 20 and 23 degrees
Shaft: True Temper Project X LZ
Design Features:
- Compact head design for better players
- Forged Hyper Speed Face Cup
- Redesigned head shape for lowest CG ever in a Callaway hybrid
- Internal Standing Wave for MOI and more ball speed
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Whats in the Bag
Kevin Na’s winning WITB: 2021 Sony Open

Kevin Na’s What’s In The Bag?
Driver: Callaway GBB Epic (9 degrees)
Shaft: Graphite Design Tour AD GP 6 TX
3-wood: Callaway Epic Flash Sub Zero (13.5 degrees)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Diamana RF 70 TX
5-wood: Callaway Epic Flash Sub Zero (18 degrees)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Diamana RF 80 TX
Hybrid: PXG 0317 X Gen 2 (19 degrees)
Shaft: Graphite Design Tour AD DI 95X
Irons: Callaway Rogue Pro (4), Callaway Apex Pro 16 (5-PW)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400
Wedges: Callaway Mack Daddy 4 (54), Vokey Design prototype (’18) (60-06K )
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400
Putter: Odyssey Toulon Madison
Grips: Golf Pride Tour Velvet Plus4
Ball: Titleist Pro V1x
Join in on the Kevin Na WITB discussion in the forums
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Equipment
2021 Callaway Epic Speed Launch Day Report: Everything you need to know about the new equipment from Callaway

It’s the official launch day of the all-new Callaway Epic Speed line of metal woods, which includes both driver and fairway wood models—Epic Speed, Epic Max, and Epic LS. To summarize the newest releases, Callaway engineers are taking their artificial intelligence as far as they ever have by using it to optimize both the face and body of the driver to deliver forgiveness and distance increasing ball speed across the face like never before.
If are looking for in-depth information, on the ins and outs of the new designs and the technology that makes them possible, check out our full launch pieces below.
The new 2021 Callaway Epic Speed driver
The Epic Speed is the fastest swinging driver Callaway has ever made. The elevated Cyclone Aero Design gives players a clubhead that gets through the air and down into impact faster creating even more ball speed opportunities.
2021 Callaway Epic Max driver
The new 2021 Callaway Epic Max driver is a heater, but more than anything, it’s forgiving. Using all the tech bells and whistles from Epic Speed (AI-designed Jailbreak and Flash Face), Callaway made the Epic Max crown lighter with even more triaxial carbon, saving 19 grams of discretionary weight, which allows them to create an even deeper CG and higher MOI. A rear sliding 17-gram weight in the trunk to tune in launch and shape and the OptiFit hosel provides up to 20 yards of shot shape correction.
2021 Callaway Epic Max LS
Perspectives from the GolfWRX forums
- bcflyguy1 – I’ve also found the Max head to be excellent when lofted down and weight pushed to the toe; becomes surprisingly neutral when configured as such. Obviously can see where many will prefer the more muted sound/feel and compact footprint of the Speed head or may need the greater fade bias from the Max LS and its Trip Diamond-ish shaping. However, the Max offers a VERY rare combination of tons or horsepower but with sufficient traction control to keep even me from figuratively wrapping it around a light pole.
- noodle3873 – Just got back from hitting balls. My local Pro was breaking in his Epic LS 9° against his Mavrik SZ TD 9°. Both heads were built/hotmelted to the same weight. He was using GC Quad and brand new Srixon range balls (not ideal but numbers are like for like). On average he was getting more launch, more ball speed and a couple more yards out of the LS.
- mtp – I hit the whole lineup today. Not a fitting. Just trying them out. Was using the HZRDUS Smoke Green. LS was best for me. Prefer the shape, sound and feel over my current Sim Max.
- zeke66 – This thing is a beast. Hit it with a Paderson ballistic tp. I was swinging awful with all 3 drivers I was hitting including gamer, and wouldn’t leave the hitting bay until I started hitting it better. So I grabbed the Max Ls 9.0 and worked through it. Average ball speed was around 177 low 120’s with spin around 2100-2200, launch 12-15. When you catch one on the screws… it goes as good as anything I think.
More from the GolfWRX forums
GolfWRX’s resident equipment tester, Brian Knudson of the Club Junkie podcast, had this to say
Epic Max driver: A lot of draw bias, but easy to launch high and takes some right side out even with a neutral weight. Sound and feel are improved over Mavrik, much more muted and solid feeling. Center strikes are hot, and even misses carry some good ball speed.
Epic Speed driver: The best looking of the Epic drivers. Offers the most penetrating flight. Seems to be pretty low spin and easy to work the ball in either direction. Misses don’t stay online as well with more curvature. It is long and going to be a really good option for skilled players.
Epic Max LS driver: Very forgiving and offering a straighter flight than Max. Slightly lower trajectory as well. Toe misses hold their line better than the other two. Shots low on the face don’t get up as high as expected but still carry. Misses off-center still have good carry distance
Here’s what the biggest YouTube testers and reviews have to say on the newest Callaway Apex line
And on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
From the Twitterverse
Loved the #EpicSpeed straight away ??????
Great work Callaway?? #SpeedFrame #FutureOfSpeed pic.twitter.com/pIEFRv32U4
— Matt Wallace (@mattsjwallace) January 15, 2021
Building a driver to deliver more speed isn’t new. The way we’re doing it is.
Introducing the new Epic family of drivers. ??????Framing the Future of Speed.
Find out more ?? https://t.co/NbuZOkvatC#EpicSpeed | #FutureOfSpeed | #SpeedFrame pic.twitter.com/pUSrfknpRf
— Callaway Golf Europe (@CallawayGolfEU) January 15, 2021
Fitting myself for the NEW CALLAWAY EPIC SPEED & EPIC MAX LS! https://t.co/nHygmfGmwL via @YouTube pic.twitter.com/4lXY5xuM6Q
— Peter Finch (@PeterFinchGolf) January 15, 2021
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Equipment
Best utility iron of 2021 – GolfWRXers discuss

In our forums, our members have been discussing 2021 utility irons. WRXer ‘Krod10359’ kicks off the thread, saying:
“Just want to know your opinion on what new utility iron you have hit this year. Looks like a lot of solid offerings out right now from Ping, Srixon and Callaway. Let me hear what you have to say about these clubs.”
And our members have been sharing their thoughts in our forum.
Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.
- hypergolf: “This…(photo above)”
- TigerInTheWoods: “Sim Udi is a beauty. Launches a bit higher and is a bit more forgiving than the P790 UDI which was really the benchmark for this kind of club.”
- craz-e: “Hard to go past the Srixon for performance and value. The current offerings from Titleist (u500 & u501) and Mizuno (HMB) are also great options and worth trying.”
- Golfingfanatic: “The new Callaway one is pretty good.”
Entire Thread: “Best utility iron of 2021”
Not yet a GolfWRX member? Sign up for FREE here.
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Jerry Spencer
Nov 17, 2015 at 6:00 pm
Who cares what a club looks like? I rather have totally ugly club that performs to my expectations. Calliway clubs do that for me.
sean mcsweeny
Apr 20, 2015 at 1:22 pm
I have just purchased the xr pros is the weight on the bottom of the driver exchangeable and what are the advantages ?
LindyLoulie
Feb 8, 2015 at 2:47 pm
I wonder what clubs all the haters play?? The only brands that don’t change frequently are Titleist and Ping. So what?!? If you base your hatred on the looks and haven’t even hit them I guess you’re not being objective about the performance at all. Perhaps y’all are scratch golfers who could hit it a mile and within three feet with a broomstick??
If the folks involved in the golf equipment R&D departments had no interest in finding a better way to make golf a little bit easier and more enjoyable for us amateurs looking for a bit more distance and forgiveness in our clubs we’d all still be killing ourselves playing those “great” old classic ’76 Wilson Staffs. I still have mine — in the closet! I loved them back in the day, however Father Time has taken his revenge on my ol’ body and hands. I truly appreciate having the opportunity to continue to play and enjoy the game even tho I have gone from a 3 to a 16 due to major health issues and the resulting lost distance. The wonderful advancements in equipment have made that possible.
As for the new Callaway XR line… I had the opportunity to hit the XR 7 iron in my configuration — Men’s length/Senior flex — and the ball exploded off the face like a rocket! I gained 12 straight/15draw yards over last year’s X2 Hot. LOVE IT!! Can’t wait for my custom order to arrive! BTW, I for one like the looks. I actually prefer the look of the XR Pro at address due to its thinner top line and less offset, however I hit the standard XR a bit further, so that is what I opted for. I have not had the opportunity to hit the XR driver, fairways & hybrids, but if the irons are any indication, I’m sure the “woods” will be great as well.
While I do not appreciate the fact that Callaway’s — and all other companies’ — policy of bringing out new models about every 6 months leads to rapid depreciation in value, I do appreciate having the opportunity to re-gain some of my lost distance along with greater forgiveness through new technology. I still have to know how to manage the course, make a good swing and have a sharp short game. Also, I still have to putt well, so the challenge of the game is still there, and it is what keeps me coming back for more!
Now, all you haters go out and hit the new clubs before you hate on ’em! If you still hate them don’t buy ’em!
Michael M
Jan 15, 2015 at 6:41 pm
same pos new paint on some
Jgolf
Jan 15, 2015 at 10:38 am
It seems like these releases are coming fast and furious. But really it follows the one year cyle.
BB 815 & BBDBD relpace BB & BB Alpha. XR 7 XR Pro replace X2 Hot & X2HP. So I figured we would be looking at an early summer release for the “Speed Enhanced Driver” to replace the BB V Series.
But after visiting their website, they are billing this as “Crazy Speed” so maybe XR combines the X2 Hot and V series. When Callaway droped the FT Optiforce on us, they did say they were going to keep bring products to market when they have better tech. That being said, I agree with Leon. How much less spin do I want with my average club head speed. I know….more ball speed, etc.
I’m a huge Callway fan, but I’m not feeling these so much.
Golfnut99
Jan 14, 2015 at 11:40 pm
I am confused as to what everyone is yapping about with the graphics??? What is considered traditional today? The g30 graphics look like a spaceship with a sort of horned frog look at address? The XR pro dr/fwy/hy look about as clean as it gets out of anything in the industry. I am a 120 sis guy and hit both the fwy wood and hybrid in the pro model and std driver all with the stock stiff shafts. I have already pre ordered the pro in everything!!!! That’s how impressed I was. The ball just shot off the face and the club has great feel and sound. I have been a tmag guy for a long time ( u want to talk about cheap graphics look no further than r15 or aero burner??? ). I thought I would never replace my stage 2 tp fwy or my sldr 430 but this line has me super excited for 2015. Good stuff Callaway!!!
Lee H.
Jan 14, 2015 at 9:34 pm
I’m not crazy about the cheap looking graphics, but I’m sure the clubs will all perform, including the irons. That’s what really matters…The XR line is a replacement of the X2 line, not the BB Alpha line that just came out (for those complaining about product cycles)…I am heading to the PGA Show for the 1st time and these are definitely on my list to try out. I’m more curious about the irons though since I’m sticking with my X2 driver.
bogeybirdiebogeybirdie
Jan 14, 2015 at 8:18 pm
When Callaway, Taylormade, and (insert any major brand here) come out with new equipment and “new” technology every few months, it really begins to discredit them and unfortunately show how stupid we are as consumers. If we truly believe that they come up with something revolutionary every 16 weeks, then we need to put these club designers in charge of cancer research and world hunger. They could wipe those out in under a year! However as long as the ignorant consumer (us) continue to buy $400 drivers and accept $50 trade value 4 months later for the next $400 driver, they will continue to change the crown color, add sliding weights, adjustable everything, and claim it will add 5 mph to our swing.
P.S. If that last statement was true we would all have 250 mph swing speeds by now!
Wilson63
Jan 14, 2015 at 7:53 pm
This replaced the x2 hot line and the 815 series replaced the original alpha series? Don’t really understand how this is confusing? Also, I have not a fan of the color scheme at all, but I mean the x2 hot pro 3 wood was one, if not the best 3 wood of 2014. So it’s the performance for me that counts. Can’t wait to hit it!
Jgolf
Jan 14, 2015 at 6:36 pm
Actually it’s seems like these new releases are coming in fast and furious. But they are holding steady with the one year cycle on the Drivers, Fairways and Hybrids. 815 & 815DBD replaced BB & BBA. Now Xr & Xr Pro replaces X2 & X2HP. So I figure we’re gonna see a new version of the “Speed Enhanced Driver” mid summer to replace BB V Series. Callaway said when they dropped the FT Optiforce on us they were going to keep bringing new releases when they have new technology.
That being said, I agree with Leon. How much less spin do I want with my very average clubhead speed. I’m a big Cally fan. But I’m not feeling these.
Dan
Jan 14, 2015 at 6:30 pm
I didn’t even read the article but I’m willing to bet that in order to increase distance they moved the MOI to here which resulted in this and they changed a price to increase face speed. All of this research was done in less than 12 months time. Next year they will change the MOI to a different location and charge you $429
Matthew Bacon
Jan 14, 2015 at 6:25 pm
Brought to you by BMW M Series
dsw
Jan 14, 2015 at 5:48 pm
This is my first time posting on GolfWRX and I just had to respond to this horrendous line of clubs. My dad plays Callaway clubs and when I picked up golf a few years ago, I chose to play Callaways too, but this is just ridiculous. Callaway…what the heck are you thinking? Just horrible.
jgpl001
Jan 14, 2015 at 4:45 pm
This is ABSOLUTE NONSENSE
It’s nearly one new club a week, even TM would be proud of this charade
So how long do I have wait for the 815 DD to drop in price, next week maybe???
FTWPhil
Jan 14, 2015 at 4:08 pm
Callaway doesn’t seem to like #6 hybrids again. One year they have them, and the next they don’t. Kind of like when they made the RAZR X in a #6, but not the RAZR X HL. Not everybody who wants a #6 wants Edge Combo sets.
Thibault
Jan 15, 2015 at 4:17 am
Have a look at the Big Bertha HY line, they even carry a 7H
Large chris
Jan 15, 2015 at 8:10 am
My Grandma loves her 6 hybrid
Jason
Jan 14, 2015 at 2:44 pm
I’m sure they are great clubs, would love to hit a bucket of balls with them. But I have to say that color and graphics scheme on the bottom is pretty Wal-Mart looking.
Don
Jan 14, 2015 at 3:30 pm
Truer words have yet to be spoken.
Leon
Jan 14, 2015 at 2:43 pm
Now, I can hit 300 yards with less than 1000 rpm spin by switching to this trash. Wait, did I mention my swing speed is about 90 mph? Never mind, callaway told me that I can reduce 300 rpm spin rate by using their new drivers every time I switched. So I figured it out that my spin rate right now must be something less than 1000 rpm. Great.
Troy
Jan 14, 2015 at 2:32 pm
I am a loyal Callaway customer and have been for nearly 20 years.
I am no fan of the soles of any of the drivers or fairway woods, they look cheap.
With that being said, one does not see the soles of woods or drivers that often, but wish they would make them look a little more classy/traditional.
steve
Jan 14, 2015 at 2:32 pm
Cant believe they went back to the project x shafts, those are terrible. I figured they would stick with the tour blue and green since they were such a huge improvement.
Dpavs
Jan 14, 2015 at 1:20 pm
Yuck.
Regis
Jan 14, 2015 at 1:08 pm
Wow. I just ordered a 2014 Big Bertha Alpha today because the price had dropped enough. Had to debate between the Alpha, The Big Bertha, the X2Hot or the V series. Didn’t even consider the 815 series. I’m a Ho and TMAG is my go to brand but even I’m confused as to where Callaway is going. Can’t imagine what the retailer is trying to juggle and this is just one brand.
John
Jan 14, 2015 at 12:22 pm
I thought the 815 double black diamond just came out? What was product cycle on that line? My goodness. Is there a race between Callaway and TM for who can come out with the most woods in a 365 day window?
Johnny Miller
Jan 14, 2015 at 12:02 pm
So X2 didn’t work at $329… Callaways solution: $349 and $399!!
Scooter McGavin
Jan 14, 2015 at 2:41 pm
Actually, or store sold a ton of X2 Hot woods.
Johnny Miller
Jan 14, 2015 at 5:17 pm
before or after they dropped $100?
Person
Jan 14, 2015 at 11:20 am
I am confused; why are people still eating up these gimmicky looking clubs?
RobG
Jan 14, 2015 at 11:36 am
Who cares if they look gimmicky, its the performance that counts.
bradford
Jan 15, 2015 at 8:35 am
Do you also believe that a razor with 6 blades does a better job?
POS
Jan 14, 2015 at 12:19 pm
They don’t look any more gimmicky than those POS Titleist drivers
slider
Jan 14, 2015 at 8:26 pm
titleist clubs look nice
Curt
Jan 14, 2015 at 11:09 am
I like the all black look so I can live with the colors on the bottom. I just won’t look underneath.
frendy
Jan 14, 2015 at 10:44 am
Turbulators!
Callaway X Hot
Jan 14, 2015 at 9:23 am
I assume this is the replacement for the X2 Hot line of woods. Will they be coming out with a set of XR irons also?
POS
Jan 14, 2015 at 12:20 pm
They already reviewed that here
http://www.golfwrx.com/272471/callaway-xr-and-xr-pro-irons/
CB
Jan 14, 2015 at 9:01 am
I hope it performs because it looks horrible.
POS
Jan 14, 2015 at 12:21 pm
Looks great, performs great. Just like all Callaways always do.
Zach
Jan 14, 2015 at 9:01 am
whoa! No 2 or 5 deep?
Dakota
Jan 14, 2015 at 9:51 am
They will becoming out around the time of the XR Pro driver, I think the Cally rep said sometime in mid-march, but march for sure.
Scooter McGavin
Jan 14, 2015 at 8:24 am
Color scheme seems to be a bit all over the place. But i suppose if they perform, that’s what really matters.