What level of game for Callaway X-20 vs Big Bertha Irons?

[catch20two]

I'm in the market for new irons, and I've narrowed it down to these two sets (X-20 and BB Irons), but I'm not sure which one is better suited for my game. Really, I'm looking on information as to when one should be in the market for game-improvement clubs vs. super game improvement clubs.

I've been playing for 5 years (started 10 years ago but took 5 years off). I've reduced my number of completely bad shots per game, but I have a pretty wicked slice. I usually hit right around 100. 95 on the good days and 105 on the bad. I am starting to golf more regularly (almost weekly), thus the desire for a "real" set of clubs.

I don't have any qualms about "funny looking" game improvement clubs, and I'm not out to impress anyone by having "pro looking" irons. In fact, I kind of like the new technology look, since my current clubs are over 10 years old. I was even looking at the cobra transition-s clubs for a while, but it seems like these Callaways get consistently better reviews (Golf Digest Hot List, etc).

SO...would one set of these clubs or the other be inherently better for my play level?

[Baraethon]

I'd say go with what you have hit best. The only one of those I have hit is the X-20's. While they were fairly damaging on bad hits, they felt amazing for me on the ones I hit well.

But that's just me. Like I said, go with what feels and what you hit best.

[HarrowGolfer]

Don't go by what gets the better reviews. Base your decision on what you hit better and what feels the best for you.
That being said the Big Bertha's would be a better choice for your game unless all your strokes are lost on the tee or with your putter.

[catch20two]

Thanks for the replies.

One problem I've had is telling much of a difference when I've hit them in stores. The shops I've been to just have me hitting into a net, and I'm not really sure what to look for there. I don't seem to get a good sense of which club I'm hitting better. That's why I was wondering if there was any general rules as to what level of golfer should be using each of the two sets.

[golfman43]

i dont know if there is a Dicks Sporting Goods Golf Shop by you, but thats where i go when i want to try out new clubs to buy. they have a set up in the back where you hit a normal ball at a screen and it picks up how far the ball goes, where it lands on the course, where you hit it off of the face of the club, with all that it makes it easy to see what club set would be better. so good luck.

[golf rules]

I've got the Callaway X-18's and I would have to say that they would be better suited for a 20 handicapper and the Big Bertha's for a 25-30 handicap. However, having said that, I believe that this depends solely on your strengths and weaknesses. Personally, I would go with the X-20's, there are several reasons for this with the main one being that as a 25 handicapper, you will likely improve as you start playing more and the Big Bertha's are going to get almost detramental to your game in a way as you won't be able to tell where you are hitting the ball on the clubface and you will have trouble with learning what you have to work on.

[Sherlockian]

Yeah, what golf rules said. Seriously, when I picked the game back up, I was using a set of Dunlop irons that were essentially Big Berthas; huge sole, huge cavity back, and large offset. It wasn't long before they became a problem. I couldn't tell any difference in feel from shot to shot. I wanted some reinforcement for good and bad shots. I say go with the X-20s, they will serve you better in the long run. I have the X-16 Pro series and absolutely love them(although I drool over the X-22s and X-forged every time I see them).