CALLAWAY GBB EPIC DRIVER 9.0 SUB ZERO – FUJIKURA PRO 62g STIFF SHAFT

CLUB TYPE:     DRIVER
MAKE:              CALLAWAY
MODEL:           GBB EPIC SUB ZERO
LENGTH:
CONDITION:   Very Good
Weight:
Lie Angle:

Shaft:              Fujikura Pro 62g Stiff Shaft

Loft:                 9 Degree
Cost New:      $499

Postage Costs: Free Postage in the UK, all other postage to Ireland, EU and Global will be at cost

REVIEWS:

The following reviews are from various sources across the internet and not the opinions of AHG Golf.

PLUGGED-IN GOLF

50 WORDS OR LESS

The Callaway GBB Epic Sub Zero may be one of the most hyped clubs ever.  With insanely good feel, exceptional performance, and killer looks, it lives up to its Epic name.

INTRODUCTION

The Callaway GBB Epic drivers’ industry buzz has been hard to miss since its announcement.  With claims of game-changing technology, the GBB Epic Sub Zero has quite a bit of hype to live up to.  After following all of the Epic buzz , I was more than happy to see what Callaway’s hot new driver was made of.  One might say the results were…epic.

LOOKS

In Matt’s review of the GBB Epic, he claims it’s the best looking driver of the year.  Not to say this season isn’t full of good looking drivers, but it’s difficult to argue with him on this one.  From address, the GBB Epic Sub Zero looks very similar to the GBB Epic with its round, symmetrical shape and carbon fiber crown.  If the carbon fiber crown doesn’t get you excited enough, you also see it on the sole of the club.  The black and metallic neon green is a killer color combo to really make the Epic drivers pop.

As Matt pointed out, the attention to the smallest details are what really makes the GBB Epic Sub Zero look so good.  Callaway was smart to make the two “Jailbreak” bars visible on the sole.  Not only does it display the new tech, it makes for a nice visual detail.

SOUND & FEEL

I’ve mentioned this year is full of great new drivers, but the the GBB Epic Sub Zero is easily top two for best feel.  “Love at first hit” is how I would describe the Callaway GBB Epic Sub Zero.  Every shot feels so solid.  Callaway’s crown construction makes the face feel reinforced through the shot and wins the compression battle against the ball.  If you like your driver to feel like it has a little extra heat to it at impact, the GBB Epic Sub Zero is for you.

Callaway has used the two weight system again to adjust the Center of Gravity (CG).  Making this adjustment will change the performance and will also affect the feel.

PERFORMANCE

The big innovation in the GBB Epic Sub Zero is the new Jailbreak technology.  The Jailbreak bars connect the sole and crown to create a “strong vertical connection” between the two pieces.  Callaway shows that the crown and sole “bulge” at impact which causes less energy to be transferred back into the ball.  The Jailbreak bars maintain vertical impact so more energy is transferred, and thus you end up with higher ball speeds.  Pure shots are less impacted by Jailbreak, but the improved forgiveness is apparent on mishits.

As you can see in the graphic above, I had very different results by moving the weights in the sole.  My results are certainly a good argument for launching a driver higher in the air.  Interestingly, when I changed the weight position, my spin rates were about the same – nice and low.  The weight back had much lower speeds, but the higher launch paired with low spin gave me 302 yards.  If I can put a better swing on the ball with the weight back, this Sub Zero could be dangerous.  I liked the speed and feel of the weight forward, but my shots were pile driving into the ground.  The freezing ice shooting out of my hands created some shattering frozen ropes that would have no trouble finishing off anything caught in front of them.

As has become their standard, Callaway is offering a number of stock shaft options.  In the 40 gram range, you can get a Mitsubishi Diamana.  In the 50 gram range, you have the choice of the Diamana or a HZRDUS.  The Aldila Rogue M*AX is available in 60 and 70 grams, and the Fujikura Pro is a 60-gram option.  Couple those choices with the Opti-Fit Hosel, and you have a lot of ways to optimize the Epic for your swing.

CONCLUSION

I’ll admit I didn’t expect such good results from the Callaway GBB Epic Sub Zero.  I knew it would be a good driver, but I thought living up to that hype would be tough.  After hitting the GBB Epic Sub Zero, I have to tip my cap to Callaway’s accomplishment.  The GBB Epic Sub Zero delivered in every area and set a high bar for the rest of the industry.  Keep your eyes peeled this season – I guarantee you’ll see a lot of Epics on the course.