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BREAKING: Callaway’s New Epic Flash Driver Equipped with Artificial Intelligence

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I don’t think I’m alone when I say this, but I don’t think anyone was expecting that Callaway’s Epic Flash pièce de résistance—the Epic Flash club face—was designed by artificial intelligence.

 

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Something tells me the A.I. probably didn’t pick the name, but I digress…

As we mentioned earlier this week, club face technology is becoming the new hot thing: Ping has its forged T9S+ faces in the G400 series, Cobra pioneered CNC milled driver faces, and TaylorMade announced yesterday that it’s equipping the M5/M6 drivers with near illegal faces, that are only brought back into USGA compliance with Speed Injected Twist Face (which is a tad misleading, considering the speed injection is actually slowing things down).

So Callaway wasn’t about to be left out of the action and has thrown its hat in the ring by introducing Flash Face technology.  In sum, Callaway utilized artificial intelligence to design the ultimate club face that would (somehow) generate even more ball speed everywhere, remain structurally sound and reliable, and (most importantly) remain USGA conforming.

Naturally the biggest benefit of leveraging this high-powered A.I. is that it wasn’t limited to conventional engineering principles.  Furthermore, to help make sure Callaway engineers decided to go with the optimal design, the A.I. program was able to run through more than 15,000 face architecture iterations before arriving at the final design:

Immediately noticeable is that the Flash Face is like nothing seen before.  In contrast to more mainstream variable thickness designs (thickest in the center and progressively thinner as you approach the perimeter) and structural features (rib structures and supports), the Flash Face has a very fluid appearance, with lots of thin and thick portions areas.  Finally, the Flash Faces are forged, machined, and laser-welded into place to ensure manufacturing precision.

And the resulting product didn’t disappoint.  Indeed, Callaway is claiming that the new Flash Face is generating an additional 1.5 to 2 MPH in ball speed (or approximately 5 yards more carry distance). 

In addition to Flash Face, Callaway is also bringing back its well-known Jailbreak Technology—two hourglass-shaped titanium bars located behind the face that increase the structural rigidity of the club head and, as result also help generate more ball speed—and an updated T2C triaxial carbon crown—which means more weight savings and increased MOI.  Additionally, in contrast to the Rogue generation drivers, the Epic Flash Standard and Sub Zero (low-spin) models both will be featuring adjustable perimeter weighting.  While the Epic Flash Standard will feature a 16g sliding weight, the Sub Zero will feature a 12g sliding weight alongside a fixed weight that is embedded low and forward in the sole for CG lowering and spin reduction.  Additionally, the standard Sub Zero fixed weight can be swapped out for lighter or heavier options via custom ordering.

 

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That said, Callaway concedes that the data says there may be one drawback to the Epic Flash when compared against the Rogue series: MOI numbers are lower in the Epic Flash, but remain in a very competitive area (~8000s).

Similar to the drivers, the Epic Flash fairway woods will be available in Standard and Sub-Zero versions and feature Flash Face, Jailbreak Technology, and carbon crown.  However, in contrast to the driver’s Flash Face, the fairway woods will feature a redesigned face forged from 455 Carpenter steel to help account for the fact that fairway woods are hit off a tee and off the ground.

Xander Schauffele of the United States hits a tee shot on the 3rd…

Xander Schauffele of the United States hits a tee shot on the 3rd hole during the first round of the Sentry Tournament of Champions at the Plantation Course at Kapalua Golf Club on January 3, 2019 in… Get premium, high resolution news photos at Getty Images

As for pricing, the Epic Flash Standard (available in 9°, 10.5°, 12°) and Sub-Zero (9° and 10.5°) Drivers will retail at $530, while the Epic Flash Standard (13.5°, 15°, 18°, 20°, 21°, 23°, and 25°) and Sub-Zero (13.5°, 15°, and 18°) Fairway Woods are priced at $300. Both will go on sale in early February.


Cover Image Via Instagram

Ever since golf became a competitive outlet, nothing brings Eric more joy than a well struck 4 iron. And despite living in NYC, Eric makes it a priority to work on his game and fitness during the week, along with a round or two over the weekend. Fortunately, he’s got a very understanding fiancé who (for the time being) accepts him and his obsession. Follow Eric on IG @hozel_rocket.

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