Callaway Epic Max Vs. Callaway Rogue Driver Comparison And Review 2021
If you have ever taken a look at the Callaway Rogue and the Callaway Epic Max drivers side-by-side then you already know how similar they are.
In a way, the Epic Max driver id the spiritual successor to the Rogue driver.
But is newer really better? On the surface it would seem that the Epic Max does everything the Rogue does – only better.
So we wanted to see if the Epic Max made legit improvements to the Rogue design.
Callaway Epic Max Driver Overview
The Callaway Epic Max driver is loaded with feature updates from the Rogue. It’s also the most forgiving driver in the Epic family.
Before we get into the similarities we want to discuss one major difference between the Epic Max and Rogue drivers.
The Epic Max has the updated SS21 Flash Face while the Rogue sports the Variable Face Thickness face architecture.
Does the SS21 represent a major improvement in forgiveness and performance? Not really. While it has a nice feel it doesn’t provide more ball speed on mis-hits than the VFT.
However, the Epic Max also features redesigned Jailbreak bars that expand horizontally more than the Rogue.
Did this make a significant difference in stability? Not really. The head felt as stiff as the Rogue. However, the Epic Max does sport an adjustable sliding weight while the rogue does not.
Does this help with forgiveness and versatility? Absolutely.
The Epic Max allows you to correct bias as needed and would be a benefit to many different kinds of players.
Callaway Rogue Driver Overview
The Callaway Rogue has a lot of the landmark features that make Callaway drivers so desirable.
Features like a carbon crown, Jailbreak bars, perimeter weighting and Variable Face Thickness are all here in the Rogue driver – and for a significantly lower price than the Epic Max.
That’s because the Rogue is a much older driver and – some would argue – some of the features are obsolete.
We would beg to differ however. The Rogue kept pace with the Epic Max in almost every arena.
The only thing the Epic Max has on the Rogue is a sliding weight that makes it more versatile and can make it a bit more forgiving.
While the Epic Max doesn’t represent a major leap from the Rogue it may still be worth the price if you really like to shape your shots or desperately need to correct a miss.
Otherwise the more affordable Rogue still delivers on distance and forgiveness.
Callaway Epic Max Drivers
In 20 Words or Less
Designed by Artificial Intelligence, this clubs offers the full package: Distance, Forgiveness & Accuracy.
Callaway Rogue Drivers
In 20 Words Or Less
The Callaway Rogue driver combines lightweight design with impressive forgiveness and distance. This driver still has a lot to offer.
Epic Max Driver – First Impressions
Right away, we could see that the Callaway Epic Max driver was big and bad. We couldn’t wait to get it out to the range and see what it was capable of.
This driver is built with A.I to optimize the placement of the weighting for high launching straighter shots but you can also adjust the weighting with a simple slider.
The Jailbreak bars add stability while the 360 flash cup face offers an incredible ball speed on impact.
The Callaway Epic Max did not disappoint in any category. Not only does it play further than most drivers; it also offers an increased level of forgiveness and consistency.
The Epic Max features a 16g sliding weight that allows you to control ball flight.
The Epic Family
The Epic Speed is the only driver in the family to lack a sliding weight.
The Epic Max LS has a 13g sliding weight and is more compact than the Epic Max. It also produces less spin for ultimate forgiveness and fairway finding for those with less consistent strokes.
Callaway Rogue Driver – First Impressions
At first, the Callaway Rogue has a massive head and sweet spot. The club was actually designed by Boeing so you expect serious aerodynamics with this one.
The Rogue was also very lightweight. The triaxial carbon crown feels airy but the head still feels substantial at impact thanks to the strong perimeter weighting.
The driver has a super thin face but is also variable thickness which adds to the forgiveness of the driver.
Perimeter weighting in the sole and the heel of the club stretches the sweet spot and the Rogue is one driver that does a lot in terms of forgiveness, accuracy and distance.
If you struggle with a slice, the Rogue also comes in a D style which is more offset to reduce errant strikes.
The Sub Zero form is also for those with high swings speeds looking for maximum distance.
The Rogue doesn’t go as far as the Epic Speed, but the forgiveness is comparable.
Callaway Epic Max Selling Points
- Produces straight shots
- Plays long & Forgiving
- Weight Opitmization
- Internal Jailbreak Bars
- Triaxial carbon crown
- 16g adjustable weight
- Flash Face SS21
- A.I. designed
Callaway Rogue Selling Points
- Perimeter weighting
- High MOI
- Triaxial carbon crown
- Adjustable hosel
- Variable Face Thickness
- Forgiving design
Callaway Epic Max – Who Is It For?
This driver would be a solid choice for any high, mid or low handicapper in need of distance and forgiveness.
The Epic Max driver inherently produces straight shots so that will help beginners as well. However, the sliding weight does open things up a bit in terms of ball flight.
We like that the head and sole are oversized as well. This will be a comforting site for beginners at point of address.
Epic Driver Family
The Epic Speed is for high speed swingers looking for maximum distance while giving up some forgiveness.
The Max offers distance but also more forgivness
The LS model is a low spin version that caters for those who struggle with consistency in their drivers.
Distance: 94/100
Accuracy: 93/100
Forgiveness: 95/100
Feel & Control: 91/100
Overall Rating: 94/100
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Callaway Rogue – Who Are They For?
The Callaway Rogue driver would be a good choice for anyone who has grown comfortable with perimeter weighting.
We like the fact that the VFT face design couples nicely with the perimeter weighting. This combo makes for a very comfortable and forgiving driver.
However, the Rogue driver did not play as long as the Epic Speed which is pretty much what we predicted when we started out.
We were getting about 8-9 extra yards from the Epic Speed.
Still, the Rogue’s got it where it counts: good stability from the Jailbreak bars and a decent degree of forgiveness.
Surprisingly, it was also more workable than the Epic Speed
Callaway Rogue Family
The Rogue D Type is for the slicers among us. The is offset, giving the club a draw bias which can work to eliminate your slice.
The Sub Zero, leaves some of the forgiveness behind and it aimed at high swing speeds with good control over the driver, looking to squeeze more distance off the tee.
Distance: 95/100
Accuracy: 94/100
Forgiveness: 93/100
Feel & Control: 91/100
Overall Rating: 94/100
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