Jailbreak technology sees two titanium rods connect the crown to the sole behind the face which Callaway say stiffens up the head for faster ball speeds. An exo-cage body structure is paired with a carbon crown and sole, making it possible to position the CG inline with the neutral axis, to control spin. 12g and 2g sole weights can be interchanged to lower spin or increase launch and MOI, while a speed step crown improves aerodynamics for quicker club speeds.
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Callaway GBB Epic Sub Zero Driver Review: Our verdict
It doesn’t take too much detective work to decipher Callaway’s Epic drivers are very good. When Rory puts one in his bag without any sort of Callaway contract you know it’s because it performs. And if you’ve thought “Sub Zero” CG drivers are just for hard hitters then think again. As both our amateur testers saw slightly better results with the Sub Zero over the “mainstream” Epic which has to say so long as you’ve got enough launch you can seriously benefit from the Sub Zero’s extra forgiveness [so long as the Epic’s 12g weight is in the back port]. Callaway reckon their new Jailbreak tech increases ball speeds and we’d have to agree, as for two of our three testers it produced their fastest average ball speeds, and because of its such strong performance TG Ed Chris Jones has slipped one in his bag for 2017.
Everything you need to know about driver shaft weight. And why it’s now more important than flex.
Callaway GBB Epic Sub Zero Driver Review: Bottom line
Callaway’s Epic drivers weigh in with huge price tags, but then they’ve got tech which no other brand can talk about. They promised increased performance and our data supports their claims. If you’re on a mission to find 2017’s longest driver you simply cannot miss the Epic Sub Zero off your shortlist.
Joined Jun 7, 2012 Messages 33,212 Reaction score 7,190 Location BC Handicap 7.3
The Callaway Epic Driver has generated the most talk in 2017. It started prior to the launch with discussions about new technology that would change the landscape of drivers. There were rumors that the new Callaway drivers were creating more ball speed than any previous or current driver. Then the launch came and we all learned that the name was Epic, which implies that this club was something special. If you follow golf at all, you’ve now been hearing about the increase of sales making the Callaway Epic as the best selling driver in 2017. But does hype and sales mean results? I have to admit, I’ve been skeptical of their claims from the beginning [as I am with all companies] only to have them show me this is an EPIC driver.
The big talking point of the Callaway GBB Epic Sub Zero driver is the “Jail Break” technology. The name is about the fact that they found away around the USGA’s testing model in order to create higher ball speeds off the face. Think of it as a work-around conventional face/driver technology. This Jail Break technology was found on accident with the gravity core of the previous GBB model. They found higher ball speed on the drivers that had the sole and the crown connected. They didn’t know it or plan on it at first, but after experimentation released that the energy was transferred more efficiently to the ball with clubs that had the sole and crown connected. The GBB Epic driver puts 2 stabilizing bars just behind the face on each side of center to do this. My FlightScope Xi Tour testing shows that this technology is legit. I had the highest ball speeds of any driver I’ve ever tested.
The Callaway GBB Epic Sub Zero driver is listed as their lowest spinning driver. It is a titanium/composite design. It has the opti-fit adjustable hosel and 2 interchangeable weights on the sole. While it may not be the lowest spinning driver I have ever hit, the spin is certainly low enough for most stronger golfers to put this in their bag. The looks are very nice with the black and green clubhead. The visible carbon on the crown looks cool. I’m not sure I really like the chevron alignment aid, they used to remove those from the “pro” model, but it isn’t distracting either. The feel of this club is that Callaway muted composite, yet has this sensation that the ball just rocketed off the face. It really is a wonderful feeling head.
The biggest shocker of the Callaway GBB Epic Sub Zero Driver was the forgiveness. This is clearly a talking point in their promo material, but it was still shocking to see their lowest spinning driver with this new Jail Break technology also offer excellent forgiveness. I hit the driver decent, not perfect, but can hit upwards of 12 of 14 fairways on any given round. This driver, ranks up there as one of the more forgiving drivers I’ve hit. While I can’t say I hit 14 or 14 fairways, but the lack of movement side to side and the consistent distance even if I didn’t hit it right on the screws was certainly impressive.
The “stock” shaft is a Fujikura Pro 62 stiff flex shaft that has a great look to it and has been an excellent performer for me in this club as well as others. If you don’t like that, there are numerous “real deal” shaft upgrades free of charge. Don’t over look this Fujikura shaft, it is really stable, has great kick and a good launch with mid to low spin. But since there are so many options, you should really take advantage of the free fittings all over the country. You’d also get the change to hit the non-sub-zero Epic too in case that is a better fit.
FlightScope Xi Tour Launch Monitor
Callaway GBB Epic Sub Zero Driver
- Spin: 1994 rpms
- Launch Angle: 15.3*
- Dispersion: 6.1 yds
- Club Head Speed: 108.2 mph
- Ball Speed: 161.1 mph
- Total Distance: 296.3 yds
- Carry Distance: 274.4 yds
The Callaway GBB Epic driver has been “EPIC” on the course. In one rounds I cracked the 300 barrier 5 drives in a row. When you are 70 yards past everyone else and in the fairway, it is a pretty cool feeling. The ball speed numbers translated into very long drives. I know I’m playing now in the AZ desert so my averages have gone up some, but still by comparison to the other drivers I have to play, this driver is impressive.
It can be hard for clubs to live up their hype, but the Callaway GBB Epic Sub Zero driver exceeded my expectations. It is the real deal when it comes to ball speed. The fastest balls speeds I’ve ever hit with a driver. Jail Break technology is for real and Callaway built a perfect combo of low spin and forgiveness in the GBB Epic Sub Zero driver. Sure it was Epic hype, and sure they are selling lots of them, but it does offer EPIC performance which is really all that matters.
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What is the difference between epic and sub zero?
The main difference between the drivers comes in their adjustability with the Epic having a sliding rail on the back and the Sub Zero having two moveable weights.
When did the epic sub zero come out?
The Callaway Epic and Epic Sub Zero drivers should reach stores Jan. 27. The Epic will come standard with a Golf Pride New Decade Platinum grip and either a 40-gram Mitsubishi Rayon Diamana Greenboard, a 50-gram Project X HZRDUS Green, a 60-gram Fujikura Pro Green or a 70-gram Aldila Rogue Max shaft for $499.
Is the Callaway epic driver a good driver?
Anyone in the market for a new driver should definitely consider the Callaway Epic Speed. It's a very high-performing, stable driver that can unlock some extra distance and forgiveness for a wide range of skill levels.
What is a sub zero driver?
Description. MAVRIK Sub Zero is a low spinning driver with high MOI which offers two interchangeable weights to fine-tune trajectory.