Epon AF-902 Utility – First Impressions

We introduced the all new Epon AF-902 a few weeks ago and today (it is the 9th here in Japan) is the official launch of this wonderful utility.  The AF-902 is a true one of a kind utility. While most utilities these days are made from cast stainless steel bodies and faces with some manufacturers also using maraging steel, Epon’s new AF-902 takes manufacturing for a utility to an all new level. The AF-902 is a four piece super precision forged all titanium utility and the most advanced of its kind. Using high intensity titanium, KS120 Forged for the crown and sole, 15-3-3-3 Forged for the face and a pure Titanium forged neck, the plasma welded AF-902 provides the ultimate feel and maximum COR distance performance.

Our demo head arrived today and I thought I would snap some pictures and give some initial impressions on the head. Workmanship and finish is quite flawless as you would expect from Epon and the head is a beauty. Its hard to imagine this is a 4 piece head as the plasma welds are invisible to the eye and perfectly smooth. I had expected it to be on the larger side due to its spec’ed cc size of around 126cc which is larger than the typical utility, however its not visually big by any means. The face is certainly on the shallower side and this is expected from a utility that targets average golfers and mid handicappers.

Seeing the head in real life, the double stepped sole stands out more especially when you look at the head from its heel side like the picture below. The back of the head is raised to create trailing edge relief which reduces friction and contact with the turf or rough for much more pure contact. The AF-902 is not as stubby from front to back like many utilities and from this same heel angle could pass for a small fairway wood which in fact may be part of Epon’s thinking. Fairway wood like performance but the versatility of a utility or rescue.

At address you can see what I mean by the head does NOT look overly large. It’s rounded shape actually looks quite compact a la TRC but the length of the face from heel to toe is quite noticeable. This creates a wider sweet spot as typical average golfer misses are towards the heel or toe. At setup the look inspires confidence and you can clearly see the AF-902’s face which allows you to focus on impact. The CG is positioned for an optimal and easy launch from any lie and designed for big carry with maximum distance performance. The AF-902 is really a great replacement for the long irons or short woods especially for those wanting ease of use and vesatility.

There are many great utilities and rescues out on the market right now, many with features and looks similar to the AF-902. But, what makes the AF-902 stand out from the crowd is its unique manufacturing and premium materials for a utility. As far as I know, no other utility or fairway wood for that matter in golf is made from completely forged titanium. As a matter of a fact, there are even many drivers who cannot make the same claim. While many brands try and cut cost and mass produce cast woods, Epon goes the opposite direction both in quality and in price.  The AF-902 is made to rival even the most premium drivers in quality and its priced accordingly.

So far its reception has been more positive than I imagined. Honestly my first reaction was a double take at the price of the club, however that has not stopped customers who appreciate Epon’s quality and performance from ordering.  Customers are not only pre-ordering the club but even choosing more expensive upgrade shafts with the Crazy Black Utility so far being the most popular. It is certainly a shaft we are considering putting in this head for actual testing.  Based on first impressions alone, quality is superb, its design and looks very appealing especially for the average golfer or anyone who wants an easy to hit utility looking for maximum distance. The Epon AF-902 Utility begins shipping today, please contact us as always if you are interested or need more information! You can also find the specs for the new club here in our pro shop.