Callaway Epic Flash Sub Zero Driver Review

Last Updated on December 1, 2023 by Daniel

For a decade now, Callaway has been making some of the most consistently excellent golf clubs on the market, and the Callaway Epic Flash Sub Zero driver has been a stalwart in their lineup.

With the Epic Flash Sub Zero driver, you get a remarkably thin, flexible shaft and a forged, ultra-lightweight head. The head is large, and provides exceptional launch and carry. The golf ball is held in the sweet spot of the face, and the clubhead’s perimeter weighting is similar to that of the Callaway Epic Flash Pro.

The Epic Flash Sub Zero driver also features a steep, wide sweet spot, which means you can get more distance off the tee and more forgiveness out of your irons.

But you can’t get all this without paying for it, and the Epic Flash Sub Zero driver costs nearly $300 more than the Callaway Epic Flash Pro driver. That’s a lot to pay for what amounts to a new driver, and not a new model.

Performance-wise, it’s hard to argue with the Epic Flash Sub Zero driver. It’s just a little too expensive for the performance it delivers.

Still in doubt about this driver? Well, let’s find out what more this driver has to offer below.

Table of Contents

Callaway Epic Flash Sub Zero Driver: Design

Compact
Nice color scheme
Headcover included

It was love at first sight when I laid down the Epic Flash Sub Zero. The shape and size are perfect for my eyes, and the size is compact without being intimidating. This is complemented by an award-winning crown design: the black-to-carbon-fiber fade from Callaway.

Compared to the standard Epic Flash, the Sub Zero is significantly shorter. Apart from this size difference, the drivers are the same. The green and gold color theme is carried from headcover to grip in a manner that makes it visually appealing without being overwhelming.

The key features

Improved Flash Face Technology for faster ball speed

To increase the ball speed in the center of the face, Callaway engineers used Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.

There are dozens of subtle ripples flowing from heel to toe in Flash Face’s internal mapping. Despite their appearance of randomness, the ripples elevate COR in the face’s center region by working together cohesively.

Flash Face’s sophisticated architecture was developed using Artificial Intelligence – the first time AI was used for golf equipment – and “Machine Learning”, a field of computer science that uses statistical techniques to give computer systems the ability to learn from data without being explicitly programmed.

Callaway Epic Flash Sub Zero Driver: Sound & Feel

Great sound feedback
Feels good to hold

Like the standard version, the Epic Flash Sub Zero driver has a conventional impact sound. Neither is it quiet nor loud nor is it shrill or bassy. Balls hitting faces cause a crack that sounds fast without hurting your ears. In terms of pitch, the Sub Zero is slightly higher than the standard Epic Flash, but the difference is negligible.

My hands feel more solid when using the Epic Flash Sub Zero because of its forward center of gravity. Feedback from the hands is good since you can see immediately how well you struck the shot.

Callaway Epic Flash Sub Zero Driver: Performance

The difference between the standard Epic or Rogue driver and the Sub Zero driver was quite obvious in the past two generations. Players with higher handicaps should not use the Sub Zero because it offers a lower spin at the expense of forgiveness. Although I loved the look of the Epic Flash Sub Zero, I was afraid that the same distinction would also be present. My fears turned out to be unfounded.

In my review of the Epic Flash, I discussed how that driver is at the cutting edge of forgiveness. I am delighted to discover that the Epic Flash Sub Zero is right there with it. I had the same average ball speed with the Sub Zero as I had with the standard Epic Flash. Similarly, the launch and spin were consistent, resulting in repeatable distance shot after shot.

Due to the different centers of gravity, the standard Epic Flash and Sub Zero versions feel different in the swing. Both were comfortable for me, but I preferred the Sub Zero. Trying one version and not having success? Try the other.

With its lower spin, Sub Zero’s calling card, the EFSZ also excels there. I experienced a reduction of 300 RPM in spin rates when using the Sub Zero compared to the standard Epic Flash. It’s important to keep in mind that your results will vary, so work with a fitter to find your ideal setup.

The new, lighter OptiFit hosel is coupled with adjustable perimeter weighting so that players can customize their ball flight. With the 16-gram sliding weight, I was able to take the sting out of my worst hooks and put a gentle fade on my better swings.

The Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Lower spin	Pricey
Easy to use
Lightweight

Lastly,

My happy home is about to be destroyed by the Callaway Epic Flash Sub Zero driver. My relationship with my driver has been very solid for over a year, but the EFSZ has my eyes wandering with its exceptional looks and surprising forgiveness. When the snow melts, don’t be surprised if you see this driver in my bag.