🏌️ EPON AF-956 Utility Club Review — Tested and Loved!
If you’re looking for a high-performance utility club that blends feel, distance, and design, the EPON AF-956 is one to watch.
Recently, I had the pleasure of testing this stunning hybrid and was genuinely impressed by its playability and aesthetics.
🔧 Club Specs & Setup
The club tested was the EPON AF-956, equipped with a Tour AD HY-75 shaft.
Loft: 22°
Length: 40 inches
Shaft Flex: S
Shaft Weight: 78g
Balance: D2
Torque: 3.1
Kick Point: Mid
Total Club Weight: 358.5g
🎨 First Impressions
From the moment I held the EPON AF-956, it was clear: this is a beautifully crafted hybrid.
While EPON is known for their exceptional drivers and fairway woods, this utility club stands on its own. Its finish, build, and understated design reflect EPON’s signature elegance.
The head size is standard—no gimmicks here. It looks classic and functional.
⚙️ Design Highlights
The sole features a prominent weight.
While the exact weight isn’t listed, it appears fixed and likely contributes to a low and deep center of gravity, promoting higher launch and forgiveness.
The hosel includes an adjustability system, giving players flexibility in loft and lie settings. I tested it in the “1” setting:
🧠 Shape, Feel & Setup
It has a medium-depth face, which is great for players who prefer a more iron-like strike rather than a sweeping swing. Personally, I find shallow-faced hybrids harder to control on turf.
The face is clean and traditional—exactly what you’d expect from EPON.
The head shape is beautifully contoured. Honestly, it’s one of the most visually appealing hybrids I’ve seen in recent years.
Not a carbon crown. The raised section is unusual but not distracting. Some clubs have crown grooves; this one doesn’t—and that’s fine. Preference rules here.
The shaft feels solid, not flimsy—great for those who swing with intent. It encourages a more iron-like feel at impact.
Addressing the ball feels confident and clean. The thicker topline gives a sense of forgiveness, although some may prefer a thinner look for launch confidence.
🏌️♂️ Performance Review
🎯 Feel & Sound
Impact feel is soft and responsive.
The sound is a quiet, metallic “ping”—pleasant and refined. Classic EPON.
🛫 Launch & Forgiveness
Launches high and easy, more so than I expected from such a traditional-looking head. The weight in the sole clearly works.
Forgiveness is solid—not overly game-improvement, but reliable unless you severely mishit.
🚀 Distance & Workability
Distance is excellent. High, strong ball flight—definitely aimed at better players and stronger swingers.
You can shape shots left or right. Though it looks like a “manual” club, it actually plays with a slight automatic bias—a blend of control and forgiveness.
💭 Final Thoughts
I thoroughly enjoyed testing the EPON AF-956. It’s stylish, refined, and highly functional.
Aesthetically striking, this hybrid delivers in every area that matters: feel, sound, distance, and balance.
If you’re seeking a premium hybrid with a refined Japanese touch, the EPON AF-956 is worth a serious look.
⭐ Rating Summary (Out of 5 Stars)
Category Rating
Addressability ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Feel ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Sound ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Launch Ease ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Forgiveness ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Distance ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Workability ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Scoring scale:
⭐ = 0–20pts, ⭐⭐ = 21–40pts, ⭐⭐⭐ = 41–60pts, ⭐⭐⭐⭐ = 61–90pts, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ = 91–100pts
