GOLF TECH
Callaway Epic Flash
Price: $530 – Sh53, 000
Lofts: 9˚, 10.5˚, 12˚
Stock shafts: Project X EvenFlow
Green 55, Project X HZRDUS Black
Smoke 60 or 70
The “Flash” in the name of Callaway’s new
flagship driver isn’t just a slick marketing term
for “Epic II.” It denotes a cutting-edge face
technology for increased ball speed that was
developed using a AI-fueled supercomputer.
Engineers programmed the computer to work
outside the confines of typical face geometry,
in which the middle often is thicker than the
perimeter, as a means to optimize speed.
Instead, Flash features a “non-intuitive”
thickness pattern constituted by subtle
ripples flowing from heel to toe, which would
never exist without AI working out age-old
problems. Other impressive features include
Jailbreak technology to stiffen the clubhead
for more face flex and speed, a new triaxial
carbon crown for more weight savings and
increased MOI, and adjustable perimeter
weighting (with 16g sliding weight) for shot-
shape customization. We’ve hit it, and it flies.
Cleveland Launcher HB
Price: $299 – Sh29, 900
Lofts: 9˚, 10.5˚, 12˚
Stock shaft: Miyazaki C. Kua
Widely known for its commitment to creating
some of the best wedges in the game, Cleveland
Golf has also created some of the longest-hitting
and most-forgiving drivers in recent years. The
460cc Launcher HB comes equipped with a
handful of new attributes, including an ultra-
lightweight hosel (non-adjustable) for optimized
weighting, and a Flex-Fin sole design that works
in cahoots with a new-age HiBore crown for just
the right amount of compression at impact. What
for, you ask? Simple—higher launch angles with
minimal spin for max distance off more contact
points on the Launcher Cup Face. Technology
aside, the Launcher HB’s sleek profile just plain
looks fast.
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