Saturday 27 January 2018

2017 Taylormade M2 vs Callaway Epic Sub Zero - GCQuad Data

Introduction
Following on from part 1 I managed to repeat my testing on a GCQuad.

Hypothesis
The Epic Sub Zero should be lower spinning.
The Epic Sub Zero should produce a longer carry distance.

Method
Within the limitations of my setup I tested by capturing multiple shots (not blatant mishits) with each club/config.

The clubs used were:
Taylormade M2 (9.5deg adjusted to 7.5)
Callaway Epic Sub Zero (9 deg)

The ball used was the TP5X.

Results and Analysis
M2 Shot

Epic SZ Shot

Conclusion
I was impressed in part 1 but the data from GCQuad is amazing. Over the course of 15+ shots I averaged 20 yards greater carry.

It is now clear from the data, validated on 2 launch monitors the 2017 M2 doesn't suit me. The combination of slightly higher ball speed and significantly lower spin means the Epic SZ is way better in my hands. 20 yards equates to approx 0.06 strokes gained every shot which could be as much as 0.8 shots per round!

Friday 26 January 2018

2017 Taylormade M2 vs Callaway Epic Sub Zero

Introduction
I used to have the 2016 M2 which was superb. However, the face caved in so I got sent a replacement which was the 2017 M2. As soon as I got it I noticed an increase in average spin from approx 2300rpm to 3000rpm. Looking into the data I also noticed I never got really low spin (<2000 rpm). In almost 2000 shots I didnt have a single one recorded below 2000 rpm compared to my 2016 M2 which had approx 17% below 2000 rpm. More worryingly 38% of my shots were >3000 rpm (2016 M2 = 23%). This was confirmed when using it on course where the ball would stall and not roll out, especially into the wind.

As a lefty I struggled to find somewhere that I could test the Epic Sub Zero so I bought one, along with an additional shaft.

Hypothesis
The Epic Sub Zero should be lower spinning.
The more appropriate shaft should be lower launching and spinning.

Method
Within the limitations of my setup I tested by capturing multiple shots (not blatant mishits) with each club/config.

The clubs used were:
Taylormade M2 (9.5deg adjusted to 7.5)
Callaway Epic Sub Zero (9 deg)

For the sub zero the shafts tested were:
Hzrdus T800, 55g, 5.5 Flex
Hzrdus Yellow, 63g, 6.5 Flex

The ball used was the TP5X.

Results and Analysis
Ball speed is higher with the Epic in all configurations.

Launch Angle significantly lower with Hzrdus Yellow.

Spin rate lower with Epic, especially with hzrdus yellow shaft and weight in the forward position.
This graphic compares the M2 with the high tee Epic SZ. Dispersion is markedly better in both dimensions.

Conclusion
It is hard not to enthuse about the Epic SZ. With my delivery numbers I picked up 2mph of ball speed over the M2. This combined with the lower (and now optimal) spin number lead to a 10 yard gain which is highly impressive. 

Next Steps
Try to repeat the testing on a GC Quad to capture some additional data.
On course testing.