News
GolfWRX Spotted: Callaway Epic Speed and Epic Max drivers on conforming list
The rumored and much-discussed Callaway Epic Speed and Epic Max drivers are now officially on the R&A’s conforming list. (Expected to see them soon on the USGA Conforming Club List). The newly updated January 4 list includes the Callaway Epic Speed, Epic Max, and Epic Max LS (which is generally used to define Low Spin).
With the PGA Tour season about to start, and players gearing up with all the 2021 equipment, including the newest Callaway staff player Jon Rahm, it should come as no surprise to see them pop up on the list this week. In true Callaway fashion, there are a number of different versions that can be found, but judging by the names, some will remain as “tour only” options for now.
With these drivers now on the list, we can probably expect to see an official announcement soon along with a retail launch date.
Callaway Epic Max

Upon first glance, the Callaway Epic Max looks familiar, but when analyzed closely, there are a number of new things going on with the sole of the driver to make us believe Callaway has done some serious tweaking under the hood.
The first and most obvious are the four Jailbreak ports on the sole behind the face. Jailbreak was a revolutionary change in design for Callaway to help retain ball speeds around the face, and with the Epic Max, it appears that the company is doubling up on these support structures to add rigidity and increase stability.
The other new addition is the carbon toe portion of the sole. It’s safe to assume that the crown will continue to be carbon composite and this toe part is being used to save additional mass. The last time Callaway went to a carbon sole portion was with the original Epic, and it proved to be quite useful.
What we know for sure
The great thing about visual technology is that, well, it’s visible, and on the sole of the Epix Max we can also see
- An adjustable sliding weight
- AI Speed frame – to optimize the internal structure
- Horizontal lines indicating that some of the Cyclone shaping introduced in the Mavrik line will also carry forward.
Epic Speed

The name is the giveaway for this club head, and based on the removal of the sliding weight track, which requires additional mass to support, the Callaway Epic Speed has been designed to absolutely optimize speed and boost MOI.
The head features the same four Jailbreak ports as the Epic Max, as well as the carbon composite toe. Replacing the sliding track is a single weight in the rear of the head, which is likely to be used to push weight low and back for added forgiveness while also allowing final swing weight adjustability.
Epic Max LS

The Callaway Epic Max LS looks to have all of the same technical attributes of the standard Epic Max but in a smaller package. It’s hard to tell from the black and white images but the telltale sign is the angle and radius from the hosel to the back edge of the driver with the Max LZ version (on the left) being less round and bulbous compared to the standard Max version (on the right).
The Epic wildcards

The wildcards spotted on the conforming list are the Epic Speed DS and Epic Speed LS.
They share the same technologies as the other drivers listed but with the noticeable exclusion of the four Jailbreak ports for two ports and adjustable front weight. Callaway is well known for producing tour only product for some of its staff players—most famously Phil Mickelson, and with the recent signing of the highly ranked Jon Rahm, it could be that one of the parts of his deal was that Callaway would do anything they could with drivers to make sure Jon was comfy with the new products.
They could also be special editions to be announced alongside the rest of the new line but it would seem a little odd that there would be versions with less face tech—only 2 Jailbreak pieces instead of four.
Conclusion
With the success of the 2020 Mavrik and the previous 2019 Epic Flash driver lines, Callaway looks to be progressing with a proven formula of building driving uniquely targeted to golfers’ needs by offering three unique heads to help find the best fit—seems pretty epic.
To see what other golfers are saying check out the GolfWRX forums.
News
Most birdies without breaking par – GolfWRXers discuss
In our forums, one user is wondering how many birdies other players have had in a round while still failing to break par. @Lalan45, unfortunately, asked the question after a unique experience of their own.
They wrote:
“Today I managed 8 birdies but still shot even par, could have been a round to remember! What’s the most birdies you’ve made in a round and still didn’t break par?”
Our members in the forum shared their own experiences with successful rounds that still resulted in a score over par. 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.
- kwcsports: “I’ve had 5 a few times, still shot 80+ haha.”
- jda: “I played a course for the first time, had 8 birdies, 9 doubles and an eagle. The infamous no-par round. I kept the scorecard. Every shot had a creek that I did not know about, or I was within 8-10 feet for a birdie look. To this day, I have no idea if I should be really jacked up or mad about that performance.”
- jvincent: “I think my record is either 5 or 6. Probably shot 75.”
- Instron4204: “3 birdies and shot a 92…man I suck!”
News
Best current stock shaft 2026 – GolfWRXers discuss
In our forums, one user is asking for thoughts on the best stock shafts offered in 2026. Stock shafts are the shafts included with a club when it’s purchased from retailers or OEMs.
@DTorres asked:
The last couple years has seen a lot of updates and additions to no upcharge stock shafts, which do you think is the best offering in 2026?
Im a bit of a shaft nerd and recently during my Members Testing with the Callaway Quantum Triple Diamond I found the updated Project X Denali Frost Black to be a fantastic stock shaft. I absolutely did not mesh well with the original Denali. Just curious what other people think are the current best Stock shaft offerings out with new models and stock Ventus options and LinQ options popping up here and there.
We were given the option for any stock shafts for our members review. I went with the 70g Black Frost 6.5 because it’s a shaft I don’t have, it’s an updated version of the original Denali and hear little about. I typically use a Diamana WB, GD VF or a HOF Raptor. I’m not saying it was neck and neck with any of those but it was a pleasant surprise I’m not accustomed to in stock shaft offerings.
Our members in the forum have been offering up their own thoughts on the best stock shafts available in 2026. 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.
- rsballer10: “IMO – MCA Ka’ili White Darkwave, Tensei 1k Black/white, UST Lin-Q White. People are free to spend their money however they see fit, but for me personally the shaft catalogs these days have enough options that I don’t see the value of a $400 upcharge. I have never had a problem finding a no upcharge shaft that fits the bend profile and weight that I need. Whether the paint job is good enough or not is above my pay scale.”
- bcflyguy1: “Project X Titan Black. I’ve had one in 60TX in my Quantum TD Max for several weeks now. Have to give Titlieist their flowers for finding a way to make it available as a featured option; very shrewd bit of business and one that I suspect will be duplicated by the other companies. TT/PX have a certified banger on their hands with Titan.”
- CTG77: “Undoubtedly, it’s the Tensei 1K RIP shafts from Titleist. The Tensei line gives about 98% of the performance of a Ventus VeloCore+ shaft at a tiny fraction of the cost if you’re looking for a blue or red profile. The white is not an exact match for Ventus Black, but it’s closer to it than the non-VeloCore+ Ventus shafts that come from Callaway or formerly came from TaylorMade.”
News
GolfWRX’s Father’s Day Gift Guide (2026)
A reminder from your friends at GolfWRX: Father’s Day is June 21. And as we do every year, we’re rounding up the best gifts for dad.
As we say every year, there’s no better golf-related Father’s Day gift than a round of golf with pops. Be it a country club or your favorite muni, take the time to get together to play 18 if you can.
Let’s get to the gifts.
Ghost Golf Qualifier Diamond Polo

We like the new polos that Ghost is offering, as the fabric and fit are so good. These new Qualifier Collection polos breathe well, are lightweight, stretch with your swing, and of course look great. You can wear them on the course, in the office, or just out at a casual event and they will fit right in.
STR8-Strip Grip Tape Remover

If your dad is an equipment aficionado and tinkers with his clubs, this tool works wonders. Removing grip tape has never been easier, just put a little head on the tape and the STR8-Strip peals it right off the shaft without any damage.
Why Golf: Putting Thing

When it comes to practice, it is good to have a purpose. This “Putting Thing” sure does it. We know from personal experience how challenging it can be and how rewarding it is on the practice green. This also provides some competition for your kiddo to see who will unload the dishwasher or do the next chore around the house.
OluKai Lae‘ahi Men’s Breathable Slip-On Shoes

Riding to and from the course in style and comfort is always a good thing. If you’re in a hurry, it’s a nice feature to slide into your shoes and get to the tee time. For the post-game shoe, at your locker or while putting your clubs away in the car. Nice to slide into a shoe that looks good anywhere. Pair that with meeting the family for dinner, no need to change!
Therabody Theragun Relief

A little wellness goes a long way. Keeping loose is a good way to go when it comes to the weekend game or treatment during the week. If there is a little ache or pain, the Theragun is there to help out. Help loosen up the back for a pre-game warm-up or cool-down.
World Cup golf apparel

Something for the soccer dads. Embrace the World Cup fever this summer on the course with custom gear to support the nation of your choice.
FootJoy Pro SL spikeless golf shoes

Give the old man a break and save his feet with the Footjoy Pro SL Men’s Spikeless Golf Shoes for some added comfort on the course.
Bushnell Wingman 2 GPS speaker

Combine all the hits as well as some game improvement with the Wingman 2 Golf GPS Speaker by getting audible distance readings from 38,000+ courses worldwide through the Wingman 2 remote or speaker.
Personalized Titleist Pro V1 golf balls

The No. 1 ball in golf is a safe bet, and the Pro V1 fits the largest chunk of the bell curve if you don’t know what ball pops plays. Add personalization for a, well, personal touch!
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stephen
Jan 4, 2021 at 11:30 pm
You all sound like haters just stay off the blog we really don’t want to hear it, just keep playing your 10 year old cheap clubs.
Ben
Jan 5, 2021 at 11:05 pm
Thank you for your comment. I feel exactly the same. I don’t understand why there are so many haters on the most Gear centric community leaving useless comments.
Stacey Abrams
Jan 4, 2021 at 10:01 pm
Yeah, love the roll out of 5 and 6 drivers per model! Drives me nuts!!
golfer
Jan 4, 2021 at 8:56 pm
Consumers have to stop buying the $550 dollar driver and $1500 set of basic carbon steel/chrome blades if we ever want the price to come back down. Buy Hogan, buy sub70, buy used. We drive every pricepoint with our wallets.
MNW
Jan 4, 2021 at 6:59 pm
how about showing pics of the club from playing position??
Who cares about the bottom.
be like saying “Check out my New Corvette”
then posting a pic of the under frame.
Golfer
Jan 4, 2021 at 8:50 pm
These are photos from the Usga conforming club database. They are only so players in the future and the usga can identify clubs. tough to do that from the crown view
Joey5Picks
Jan 4, 2021 at 6:13 pm
Where are all the Taylormade haters chiming in about Callaway releasing a new driver that *may* make you longer, at the rate of $550/yard?
simms
Jan 4, 2021 at 4:26 pm
I wonder if it starts at $500 or $550 maybe $599 this time…need to pay for those two new 50 cent jail break bars…
Desert Hacker
Jan 4, 2021 at 9:21 pm
HA!! And Mr. Jon Rahm’s contract. ?