This isn’t a comeback, Bertha has always been here, but this time the new Great Big Bertha is taking a unique place in the Callaway lineup. Rather than replacing the flagship Epic or Rogue releases, GBB is more or less assuming the place previously held by Epic STAR. Yes, Bertha is going ultra-premium in both technology and, yes, price. If you are sitting there thinking it is a simple change of name for the STAR line, you are dead wrong.
Great Big Bertha is, like STAR was, absolutely aimed at maximizing weight savings to create an ultra-light offering which doesn’t sacrifice ball speed or forgiveness for the sake of being lightweight. However, that is the only similarity, because this time the name of the game is what Callaway is calling “A material difference in performance” which centered around each club type in the lineup having its own dedicated design team. Aimed at golfers in the 12+ handicap range who have the means to pay for distance, this is a niche release that will turn heads.
While this is a complete lineup, with so much to cover it made the most sense to break it up. Here, we take a closer look at the hybrids and irons but be sure to check out our other article on the metalwoods.
Callaway Great Big Bertha Hybrids
As the years have gone by, no company has done as thorough a job developing and pushing the envelope when it comes to hybrids like Callaway. Frankly, they are cannons. This time around, the goal is to harness that into a club which slower swing speed players can take advantage of while also complimenting the new irons we will get to in a bit.
Immediately, the shaping stands out as it is a departure from the very squared off look which Callaway utilized so well. With the new GBB, everything is more rounded, similar to a fairway wood shaping and also utilizes more sole camber to improve versatility as well as turf interaction. The sizing and offset are quite well done with neither overdone, with its “Sage Green” metallic crown color the hybrid appears to be extremely well thought out.
The fact that Callaway is calling this one a hybrid with “driver DNA” however, merits the largest share of discussion. A recurring trend in this new lineup, the hybrid is also a titanium construction in the body and face which allowed them to free up weight to be moved elsewhere. More is being saved by finishing out the body of the club with the triaxial carbon crown and new Forged Carbon sole. How much weight? The application of 78g of tungsten provides that answer. If you don’t already know, that is a ton of tungsten in any design, let alone a hybrid.
Internally, for the first time Callaway is implementing Jailbreak with Batwing tech into a hybrid and of course they have utilized their A.I. system to integrate it alongside Flash Face. According to Callaway, this has let them find even more ball speed than before, as well as more spin consistency on misses across the face.
The Great Big Bertha hybrid is going to be offered in 3-Hybrid through an 8-Hybrid, yes, you read that right. Thanks to the weight savings via materials, Callaway was able to implement the OptiFit adapter into the design. Combine that with the UST Helium Nanocore (40, 50, 70) shaft, Winn Dri-Tac 2.0 grip, and lofts from 18.0 to 32.0 degrees, it appears that Callaway has definitely delivered on the goal of making the new Great Big Bertha as premium as possible. If the tech doesn’t confirm that for you though, perhaps the $449.99 price point might.
Callaway Great Big Bertha Irons
The club which might be the biggest showstopper of the new Bertha lineup looks to be the irons, with a shape and profile that is based around what the Apex DCB established. Being that the focus is on maximizing launch and forgiveness, the size makes sense as it allows for mass in all the right places while not being too much. The rest of the aesthetics showcase the borderline absurd amount of tech Callaway has pumped into this one.
You see, this is a design which Callaway has been working on for years. For the first time in the company’s history, they are producing a one-piece titanium body iron and marrying it to a forged titanium face. The forged face is the thinnest Callaway has produced thus far as they continue to find ways to push the boundaries, and in this case the use of CP4 titanium as the body is the key. What is CP4? It stands for “commercially pure” and has to this point been used in medicine.
The reason for applying it here is one of the traits it possesses is bendability which had previously been an issue using titanium in irons. Well, that is one reason, the other is the fact that it saved 96g of weight versus steel. Yes, 96 grams. That is a jaw dropping amount of weight in any clubhead, let alone an iron. So, what did Callaway do? They have implemented the most high-density tungsten ever for them in the Great Big Bertha irons, up to 145g, that is 50% more than any other iron on the market for those keeping track at home.
Around that massive amount of tungsten is all the other tech Callaway has up its sleeve in irons. A.I. Flash Face has been implemented on each club in the set to optimize the spin and ball speed potential of that thin forged titanium face, and to help preserve feedback they are also utilizing Urethane Microspheres. According to the company, the Great Big Betha irons are basically a titanium driver face in an iron. They state that it makes for a more “powerful” sound (feel) than 17-4 steel irons and that it is utterly unique which will no doubt make it fun to get the feedback of golfers who get out to try them upon release.
The Great Big Bertha irons are, like the rest of the line, all about differentiation. From a design standpoint there is nothing on the market like this, heck, I doubt some companies have even considered some of this possible to pull off. The irons are available with UST Mamiya’s Helium Nanocore (50, 60) as the graphite option and for the first time ever Nippon is a stock option for Callaway in steel with their NS 850GH Neo (85) shafts. The set makeup includes 4-PW with AW and SW available as well. For those curious, though the set is aimed at distance and speed, the material design has made so much power that the lofts are not as strong as you might suspect with the PW at 43.0 degrees. All that said, at $449.99 a stick, the target audience here is very clear.
The Details
Callaway has stated that the Great Big Bertha is a different beast, a lineup totally focused on being different with the understanding it will not be for the masses, but rather a very focused segment. While there is no doubt the price point will be the initial driver of the conversation, you cannot deny that Callaway cuts no corners within that price, they throw the entire house at it, let alone the kitchen sink.
What do you think? Are you curious? Does the target demographic fall in your wheelhouse? Jump into the conversation on the THP Community or in the comments below and let your voice be heard!
[QUOTE=”GolfFest, post: 11035004, member: 20124″]
I see something like Honma or XXIO and don’t have much of a reaction to the price as they have always been those prices.
I wonder how many see this differently though as jacking up the price of a name that was always more affordable.
[/QUOTE]
This isn’t new to Callaway though. They’ve had this price range line a while now, they just changed the name.
We have different memories of BB, they’ve never been more affordable, clearly they were compared to this, but not the rest of the market.
[QUOTE=”GolfFest, post: 11035060, member: 20124″]
This feels more like Toyota upgrading the Corolla and then doubling the price.
[/QUOTE]
Dedicated teams for each club in the lineup released today doesn’t seem like anything Toyota.
[QUOTE=”Hawk, post: 11035022, member: 1193″]
[USER=1579]@Jman[/USER]
Are these a niche release?
:ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO:
[/QUOTE]
I like saying niche. Stop it Hawk! ?
Price is always relative to the individual. I’d bet performance is excellent.
I get the segment they are after but given the current economic state and assuming they have other options coming, I am not sure there are many who have disposable income to make these move. I am sure they have their supply chain buttoned up and running lean, but not a lot of golfers I know will run to try these, much less buy based on the sticker shock. Technology aside, the price matters in terms of perception of affordability.
[QUOTE=”mikeg_74, post: 11035081, member: 15992″]
I get the segment they are after but given the current economic state and assuming they have other options coming, I am not sure there are many who have disposable income to make these move. I am sure they have their supply chain buttoned up and running lean, but not a lot of golfers I know will run to try these, much less buy based on the sticker shock. Technology aside, the price matters in terms of perception of affordability.
[/QUOTE]
The people who these are aimed at, won’t be impacted as much by the current economic state.
[QUOTE=”MWard, post: 11035063, member: 3474″]
So based on the article, this is more like concept clubs, like what the original Epic irons were and such, right? So who super cares about a concept club like price?
[/QUOTE]
Things people say when a golf company rips off the consumer with their pricing…
#12
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 11033145, member: 1579″]
It’s an insane to wrap one’s head around amount of tungsten.
[/QUOTE]
yeah, that’s what’s insane about these clubs… the tungsten! ?????
[QUOTE=”SC LEFTY, post: 11035089, member: 42650″]
Things people say when a golf company rips off the consumer with their pricing…
#12
[/QUOTE]
Noted not for you- other’s aren’t nearly as put off by the pricing. Again if you’re offended/appalled/flabbergasted by the price, you’re not who Callaway is targeting for these clubs.
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 11035076, member: 1579″]
Dedicated teams for each club in the lineup released today doesn’t seem like anything Toyota.
[/QUOTE]
It may not be accurate but that is my perception of the name. I had a Great Big Bertha driver in the 90s and loved it then.
The Corolla was just a name I picked it could be anything common. It just feels like a weird decision to take a name that isn’t high end luxury and try and make it that vs use a different name.
And maybe I’m alone in thinking this way.
[QUOTE=”SC LEFTY, post: 11035089, member: 42650″]
Things people say when a golf company rips off the consumer with their pricing…
#12
yeah, that’s what’s insane about these clubs… the tungsten! ?????
[/QUOTE]
I know this is your favorite pastime, but it’s uncalled for. Plent other threads if this one isn’t for you.
[QUOTE=”GolfFest, post: 11035102, member: 20124″]
It may not be accurate but that is my perception of the name. I had a Great Big Bertha driver in the 90s and loved it then.
The Corolla was just a name I picked it could be anything common. It just feels like a weird decision to take a name that isn’t high end luxury and try and make it that vs use a different name.
And maybe I’m alone in thinking this way.
[/QUOTE]
The irony being that when that GBB launched it was the most expensive mainstream driver on the market (1995).
I certainly see both sides. it’s why i very much appreciate brands that hit all segments.
[QUOTE=”GolfFest, post: 11035102, member: 20124″]
It may not be accurate but that is my perception of the name. I had a Great Big Bertha driver in the 90s and loved it then.
The Corolla was just a name I picked it could be anything common. It just feels like a weird decision to take a name that isn’t high end luxury and try and make it that vs use a different name.
And maybe I’m alone in thinking this way.
[/QUOTE]
I totally respect that perception dude, I do, that said I think the conversation has merit, because for those who just look at the price, they’re missing a lot. These are essentially a concept proving grounds for them, that’s pretty fun.
[QUOTE=”jlew2144, post: 11035098, member: 40346″]
Noted not for you- other’s aren’t nearly as put off by the pricing. Again if you’re offended/appalled/flabbergasted by the price, you’re not who Callaway is targeting for these clubs.
[/QUOTE]
Do you realize how ridiculous that sounds? Every single person here should be put off by $449 per iron.
Stop being a Callaway homer.
[QUOTE=”JB, post: 11035109, member: 3″]
The irony being that when that GBB launched it was the most expensive mainstream driver on the market (1995).
I certainly see both sides. it’s why i very much appreciate brands that hit all segments.
[/QUOTE]
I like that they’re giving it its own name, Epic STAR made it feel like a sub-line, STAR alone doesn’t feel Callaway. Using a name that is nostalgic to the retired and financially well off crowd, it’s a smart move.
[QUOTE=”SC LEFTY, post: 11035113, member: 42650″]
Do you realize how ridiculous that sounds? Every single person here should be put off by $449 per iron.
Stop being a Callaway homer.
[/QUOTE]
Again. This is uncalled for, opinions are fine, name calling is not.
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 11035105, member: 1579″]
I know this is your favorite pastime, but it’s uncalled for. Plent other threads if this one isn’t for you.
[/QUOTE]
Yeah, you’re right.
I better go to another one. this one is makeing me feel dirty.
[QUOTE=”SC LEFTY, post: 11035113, member: 42650″]
Do you realize how ridiculous that sounds? Every single person here should be put off by $449 per iron.
Stop being a Callaway homer.
[/QUOTE]
There won’t be any name calling and other nonsense. if someone wants to be critical of any brand, have at it. If they don’t like the price, of course sound off. There are dozens of threads on XXIO, Titleist, Honma and others to jump into as well.
[QUOTE=”JB, post: 11035109, member: 3″]
The irony being that when that GBB launched it was the most expensive mainstream driver on the market (1995).
I certainly see both sides. it’s why i very much appreciate brands that hit all segments.
[/QUOTE]
I feel like I paid around $300 for it. My memory might be wrong I was a teenager though I wouldn’t have been able to afford more.
Funny thing when I got back into golf a decade ago I remember seeing the R1 driver around $450 and thought I would never ever pay that. That attitude didn’t last as it turned into Callaway Customs or Toulon Garage to get exactly what I am looking for.
[QUOTE=”GolfFest, post: 11035072, member: 20124″]
I don’t care that much about the price as I’m not the target to begin with. I just think the name is an odd marketing choice. [B]The Big Bertha name doesn’t say high end luxury to me.[/B]
[/QUOTE]
Now that, that I can agree with. That name decision strikes me as odd.
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 11035088, member: 1579″]
The people who these are aimed at, won’t be impacted as much by the current economic state.
[/QUOTE]
maybe not, but these might not be at the top of the list of things to buy is also what I am thinking. Of course I could be wrong thinking practically when it comes to golf equipment.
[QUOTE=”GolfFest, post: 11035072, member: 20124″]
I don’t care that much about the price as I’m not the target to begin with. I just think the name is an odd marketing choice. The Big Bertha name doesn’t say high end luxury to me.
[/QUOTE]
But it does to a lot of us that were around when it was new. 😉 And we’re the old dudes with the discretionary income that they’re targeting.
#stoplikeingwhatIdon’tlike
[QUOTE=”MWard, post: 11035124, member: 3474″]
Now that, that I can agree with. That name decision strikes me as odd.
[/QUOTE]
You’re not old enough. 😉
[QUOTE=”mikeg_74, post: 11035125, member: 15992″]
maybe not, but these might not be at the top of the list of things to buy is also what I am thinking. Of course I could be wrong thinking practically when it comes to golf equipment.
[/QUOTE]
Hahaha, none of us are practical when it comes to golf equipment, that’s why we are here on an internet golf community. ?
[QUOTE=”SC LEFTY, post: 11035113, member: 42650″]
Do you realize how ridiculous that sounds? Every single person here should be put off by $449 per iron.
Stop being a Callaway homer.
[/QUOTE]
Premium segment- meaning you’re paying a premium for the clubs. You don’t have to like it, or have to buy it- they are there if you want to though. #options
Also while I do owe a debt of gratitude to the folks at Callaway for the treatment I experienced at the Grandaddy, you can tell from my signature which is up to date that I am not a Callaway homer.
[QUOTE=”SC LEFTY, post: 11035089, member: 42650″]
Things people say when a golf company rips off the consumer with their pricing…
#12
yeah, that’s what’s insane about these clubs… the tungsten! ?????
[/QUOTE]
Then comment with your wallet and there’s that. You voiced the loudest vote of all.
[QUOTE=”goalie, post: 11035128, member: 5611″]
You’re not old enough. 😉
[/QUOTE]
Haha I’m old enough to know the name, but I guess I would have picked a new name concept so it differentiates from past releases with the same name.
Then again, I don’t get paid for a living to do this haha
I do want to say this, these are fucking expensive. It’s a realm that is a lot to take in. I’m not saying they’re worth the price, or the price is right, but I do think since it’s NOT a MAIN release, there is a segment for it, even if it isn’t me. I’d be curious to know quantities made.
I’d really love to know the tech and science that went into making an iron with a titanium face, a [I]lot[/I] of tungsten weight down low, and the lofts aren’t jacked down to keep them in launch windows that are appropriate.
DNevs said for example on the radio just a bit ago that the PW for example is the same loft as the Apex PW. So.. that’s interesting.
Or does the launch and such go to hell when a faster swing speed hits these?
[QUOTE=”goalie, post: 11035127, member: 5611″]
But it does to a lot of us that were around when it was new. 😉 And we’re the old dudes with the discretionary income that they’re targeting.
#stoplikeingwhatIdon’tlike
[/QUOTE]
I had one in the 90s.
More than that though I would point to more recent releases using the BB name.
I’m just barely over the hill though and not the target for these. It’s interesting to see how different demographics view things.
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 11033750, member: 1579″]
It’s aimed at that very small segment, I love that they’re owning that fact.
[/QUOTE]
This. If they’re out of your price range then they’re not for you. There is most definitely a segment of golfers that will buy into these.
[QUOTE=”drp3434, post: 11035160, member: 18050″]
This. If they’re out of your price range then they’re not for you. There is most definitely a segment of golfers that will buy into these.
[/QUOTE]
They’re definitely expensive, REALLY, expensive, and I know I’m not the target demographic for that, but it’s pretty fun to see all the bells and whistles in them.
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 11035176, member: 1579″]
They’re definitely expensive, REALLY, expensive
[/QUOTE]
But their really not. Not in the context of “it’s my hobby” they’re not spendy at all.
I have friends that race cars. That’s expensive. These clubs as a set are about on par with a decent PRS rifle/scope and gear to shoot matches.
Then the ammo is $1 a pop (if you reload) and the barrel needs replacing every few thousand rounds.
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 11035176, member: 1579″]
They’re definitely expensive, REALLY, expensive, and I know I’m not the target demographic for that, but it’s pretty fun to see all the bells and whistles in them.
[/QUOTE]
Oh absolutely. And I can’t wait for an in depth in person run down in a few weeks ?
When I was at Club Champion this summer the fitter told me about a guy that wasn’t a great golfer and that he tried to talk down to lower cost options and the guy wasn’t having it. Walked out spending like $7k. These are for that guy.
[QUOTE=”GolfFest, post: 11035121, member: 20124″]
I feel like I paid around $300 for it. My memory might be wrong I was a teenager though I wouldn’t have been able to afford more.
[/QUOTE]
[ATTACH type=”full”]9130935[/ATTACH]
Does it seem so outrageous now? The numbers are big, and will price a lot of folks out. Not everyone though.
I could never buy these irons but it’s an interesting bit of tech. Not lost on me are the holes. Wilson did them and got blasted. Cally does them and their not charging enough. And yes, I understand they are placed in a different place on the iron. Just struck me funny
[QUOTE=”annsguy, post: 11035256, member: 19928″]
I could never buy these irons but it’s an interesting bit of tech. Not lost on me are the holes. Wilson did them and got blasted. Cally does them and their not charging enough. And yes, I understand they are placed in a different place on the iron. Just struck me funny
[/QUOTE]
Holes?
[QUOTE=”annsguy, post: 11035256, member: 19928″]
I could never buy these irons but it’s an interesting bit of tech. Not lost on me are the holes. Wilson did them and got blasted. Cally does them and their not charging enough. And yes, I understand they are placed in a different place on the iron. Just struck me funny
[/QUOTE]
Those are screws buddy, not holes that go through the whole head like Wilson did. ?
My friends, I have lost a LOT of respect for this company after seeing these prices….Absolute joke.
Wouldn’t play them anyway, but it’s an insult to one of the great lines ever in golf (Big Bertha).
[QUOTE=”goalie, post: 11033275, member: 5611″]
As someone who was hoping for “beautiful looking SGI shovels”
[media=giphy]26FLdmIp6wJr91JAI[/media]
[/QUOTE]
You were talking about this very thing !
[QUOTE=”Jman, post: 11034702, member: 1579″]
The main lines won’t have these price points. This is a different beast.
[/QUOTE]
Yeah, I get that. But even before this last release, their mainstream offerings have teetered on the “not worth it” line for me. Again, I’ve been a Callaway loyalist since I started playing golf as my main hobby. It’s hard for me to imagine actually NOT having at least ONE Callaway stick in my bag. But, the way that their (and others’ to be fair) prices have trended on iron sets just makes the price and performance of Mizuno WAY more atrractive, at this point. A true fitting will tell the whole story but I would be shocked if Callaway’s newest main line offering out performs the Mizunos at a rate that would justify the price difference (at least for me). But, my gut tells me that this next season will be my first without a Callaway club in the bag. And, honestly, it makes me a little sad. 🙁
[QUOTE=”robrandalgz, post: 11035327, member: 44393″]
Yeah, I get that. But even before this last release, their mainstream offerings have teetered on the “not worth it” line for me. Again, I’ve been a Callaway loyalist since I started playing golf as my main hobby. It’s hard for me to imagine actually NOT having at least ONE Callaway stick in my bag. But, the way that their (and others’ to be fair) prices have trended on iron sets just makes the price and performance of Mizuno WAY more atrractive, at this point. A true fitting will tell the whole story but I would be shocked if Callaway’s newest main line offering out performs the Mizunos at a rate that would justify the price difference (at least for me). But, my gut tells me that this next season will be my first without a Callaway club in the bag. And, honestly, it makes me a little sad. 🙁
[/QUOTE]
I think both companies make stellar equipment but I think it’s an assumption that it will be more expensive. The last major release is very similar priced.
These irons look sweet. I’d love to hit them.
Ok I’ve caught up and read the price. Now I want to hit them even more haha.
Also, Callaway hybrids historically have so much firepower. I’m torn between thinking the additional tech and fancy materials will make them unstoppable, or if there’s a point where performance just plateaus.
[QUOTE=”JB, post: 11035351, member: 3″]
I think both companies make stellar equipment but I think it’s an assumption that it will be more expensive. The last major release is very similar priced.
[/QUOTE]
I’m certainly not writing Callaway off, for sure. It’s just not in my DNA. They’ll always get a fair shake from me. But fair does go both ways. Regardless, I’m excited to see what they come out with next. ????
[QUOTE=”MattyD-MPLS, post: 11035285, member: 51852″]
You were talking about this very thing !
[/QUOTE]
I know, it’s funny, because I was hours behind everyone else in figuring out they were expensive. I was just super excited for “pretty” SGI shovels. ?
[QUOTE=”goalie, post: 11035470, member: 5611″]
So, even if the prices on the “normal”
I know, it’s funny, because I was hours behind everyone else in figuring out they were expensive. I was just super excited for “pretty” SGI shovels. ?
[/QUOTE]
Just so people are understand, these are not that big. Similar size of Apex DCB, smaller than Rogue ST
[QUOTE=”JB, post: 11035476, member: 3″]
Just so people are understand, these are not that big. Similar size of Apex DCB, smaller than Rogue ST
[/QUOTE]
You aren’t helping… I love my DCB’s :ROFLMAO: If my wife finds out I’m considering these, she’ll strangle me (or try to at least) 🙁
[QUOTE=”JB, post: 11035476, member: 3″]
Just so people are understand, these are not that big. Similar size of Apex DCB, smaller than Rogue ST
[/QUOTE]
The DCB’s are the basis for “pretty” SGI. The shovel part is a joke.
And even if they were “clunky” I wouldn’t care, as long as they’re forgiving. ?
[QUOTE=”goalie, post: 11035491, member: 5611″]
The DCB’s are the basis for “pretty” SGI. The shovel part is a joke.
And even if they were “clunky” I wouldn’t care, as long as they’re forgiving. ?
[/QUOTE]
Interesting. If DCB is large, i would say half the irons on the market are hybrids hahaha
[QUOTE=”ArmyGolf, post: 11035387, member: 11776″]
Ok I’ve caught up and read the price. Now I want to hit them even more haha.
Also, Callaway hybrids historically have so much firepower. I’m torn between thinking the additional tech and fancy materials will make them unstoppable, or if there’s a point where performance just plateaus.
[/QUOTE]
How surprisingly good is that shape?