Thanks for checking out my Callaway Rogue ST Max driver vs Epic Max driver comparison.
I’m an avid golfer, a 9.2 handicap on my way to a 2 (been a 5.6) and frequent tester of golf clubs and equipment since 2015. I’m not a great driver of the golf ball, though I’m working hard to get there. I drive well in streaks, then I lose it completely. I was “on” for this testing.
I hadn’t swung a Callaway driver since the Mavrik (which I love and HIGHLY recommend). I figured Rogue ST Max and Epic Max would be killer drivers, and I wasn’t disappointed.
I hit about 30 drives with each and tracked distance and a few other stats with my Swing Caddie SC 300 launch monitor. I also played a round of golf.
Summary: The Rogue ST Max and Epic Max drivers are within ~4 yds of each other in distance, depending on the day (see below for details), and equal in every other aspect that matters. Can’t live without adjustable weights? Epic Max, it is. Gotta be on the bleeding edge of the latest golf tech? Rogue ST Max it is.
In this comparison of the Callaway Rogue ST Max and Epic Max drivers, I discuss my experience with each driver, unique features and benefits, and my pick for which driver I’d buy.
Testing the Rogue ST Max & Epic Max Drivers
I busted out the Swing Caddie and recorded the stats for each drive and my DownUnder Board to keep my swing tight. (I’m working hard on my driver swing and the DUB keeps me in my posture and turning more efficiently)
I alternated drivers after every swing. I’ve performed side-by-side testing before where I hit 3-10 shots with a club before switching. No bueno.
I get sloppier in my setup and swing as I go if I’m not careful, and I didn’t want to waste my good swings on one club. This worked very well for this test and will be how I conduct all future testing. (Be on the lookout for my Ping i525 irons vs i59 irons comparison in the next 3 – 5 days… maybe sooner)
On day 1 of testing, I hit 15 drives with each driver, switched after every swing as mentioned above, and recorded my numbers after each swing. I threw out severe mishits. (These say nothing about the driver and everything about my driver swing.)
Day 1 Numbers – 15 drives each
Driver setup for Day 1:
- Epic Max – Project X HZRDUS Smoke IM10 60 Graphite Stiff Flex
- Rogue ST Max – Mitsubishi Chemical Tensei AV Series 65 Graphite Stiff Flex
DAY 1 | Carry Yards | Ball Speed | Swing Speed | Smash Factor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Rogue ST Max | 257.5 | 151 | 105 | 1.43 |
Epic Max | 254.6 | 150 | 104 | 1.44 |
I prefer the feel of thee HZRDUS Smoke shaft that’s in the Epic Max, but the Mitsubishi Tensei shaft is longer. So, I switched shafts prior to testing on day 2. I wanted to give the Rogue ST Max a shot with the HZRDUS Smoke.
Two things were going against me on day 2. We were hitting from the end of the range on a downslope and I had a little muscle soreness in my lower back. But I hit more than a few decent drives, just not as well as day 1.
Day 2 Numbers – 14 drives each
Driver setup for Day 2:
- Epic Max – Mitsubishi Chemical Tensei AV Series 65 Graphite Stiff Flex
- Rogue ST Max – Project X HZRDUS Smoke IM10 60 Graphite Stiff Flex
DAY 2 | Carry Yards | Ball Speed | Swing Speed | Smash Factor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Rogue ST Max | 244 | 148 | 103 | 1.43 |
Epic Max | 249 | 150 | 104 | 1.43 |
The Rogue ST Max had the slightest distance advantage on day 1, but gave it up on day 2. Because of this, there’s gonna be at least a day 3 to settle the score. As stated at the beginning of this article, the differences on both days were negligible. Though, I did like the sound of the Rogue ST Max better. Reminded me of the Mavrik.
Day 3 Numbers – 7 drives each
Driver setup for Day 3:
- Epic Max – Mitsubishi Chemical Tensei AV Series 65 Graphite Stiff Flex
- Rogue ST Max – Project X HZRDUS Smoke IM10 60 Graphite Stiff Flex
DAY 3 | Carry Yards | Ball Speed | Swing Speed | Smash Factor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Rogue ST Max | 249 | 149 | 104 | 1.43 |
Epic Max | 251 | 150 | 105 | 1.42 |
Day 1 was obviously my best day swinging. I went in the afternoon and I wasn’t sore from swinging a driver for an hour and a half a day for 3 days yet.
Tale of the tape
Looks: I love the mat black finish on the crown of the Rogue ST, but I prefer the face and sole graphics of the Epic Max.
Winner – Rogue ST Max
Sound/Feel: Nod to the Rogue ST Max. Reminded me of the Mavrik – the best-sounding driver ever. The Epic Max has a slight hollow sound at impact.
Winner – Rogue ST Max
Ball Flight: The same. I hit a lot of draws, hooks, mixed with a few pushes and one or two slices.
Winner – Draw
Forgiveness: Both offer boatloads of forgiveness and are hot all over the face – a good thing for me.
Winner – Draw
Distance: Neck and neck. Whichever driver I put the Mitsubishi Tensei shaft in was longer, though not by a much.
Winner – Draw
Verdict on our Callaway Rogue ST Max vs Epic Max Comparison
Performance was a draw for me. I prefer the looks & sound and feel of the Rogue ST Max. But, the Epic Max costs less and is the better value.
Going for pure value? The Epic Max is the choice.
Looks and Sound & Feel really important to you? The Rogue ST Max is the choice.
My #1 suggestion is to test both clubs before you buy. Either at your local golf store or take advantage of Global Golf’s Utry trial program. I use it and recommend it.
Thanks for checking out our comparison of the Callaway Rogue ST Max vs Epic Max drivers.
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Winner - Better Value
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Best Looking Driver of 2022
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4.7
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4.7
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New & Used clubs available For up to 25% OFF at Global Golf - Check Current Deals |
New & Used clubs available For up to 25% OFF at Global Golf - Check Current Deals |
- Loads of Distance & Forgiveness
- Looks great at address
- Excellent fairway finder
- Good, but not great, sound and feel
New & Used clubs available
For up to 25% OFF at Global Golf - Check Current Deals
- Long & Forgiving
- Premium Looks
- Great Sound & Feel
- Price
- Not a big improvement over Epic Max
New & Used clubs available
For up to 25% OFF at Global Golf - Check Current Deals
Thanks for taking the trouble to test these two. I’ve been wondering how they compared…
You’re welcome! I had fun hitting them.
In your experience, do drivers lose there “punch”. I quit playing for 18 yrs. Work with travel and young kids. In my prime in my 30’s I was a scratch player. I’ve Put together newer used equipment to replace old. I have a 915 Titleist and getting out driven a lot. I was never short off the tee. Last week I was consistently out driven by a good player of 69 and I’m 65. He had a maverick and I really hit some good ones. Thoughts??
Hi Steve,
Newer drivers are crazy hot and forgiving. You’re definitely giving up distance with an older driver. I don’t believe in replacing clubs often, but you can gain a real advantage if your driver is over 7 years old or so.
Oh, I don’t think they lose their pop from regular play from recreational players. New tech just laps them.
Yes! I still use my beloved r580 TM. It’s 21! years old. I’m tired of getting out driven by youngsters with new tech. I’m switching to either the epic or rogue or mavrik. Which ever one I can get a deal on.
Have you hit any of the ones you’re thinking of buying? Do that first, then find your deal.
Thanks for the unbiased review. I’m replacing my 6-year-old driver and choosing between Rogue and Epic. Also considering a lighter shaft since I’m 61. I always hear that shaft choice means a lot. I need to do my homework on that one.
Thanks again!
You’re welcome, Dave. And, good luck.