Callaway Unveils New 816 Big Bertha Drivers and Fairway Woods

[boogielicious]

From golf.com

http://www.golf.com/equipment/callaway-great-big-bertha-driver-callaway-big-bertha-alpha-816-driver-fairway-woods

@billchao just posted a review of the 815 Fairway here:

http://thesandtrap.com/b/clubs/callaway_big_bertha_alpha_815_fairway_review

by Michael Chwasky

Callaway followed up the phenomenon that was the original Big Bertha driver with the first dominating titanium driver in the industry, the Great Big Bertha. Measuring a whopping 253cc, the Great Big Bertha of the early 90’s was an impressive club but lacked many modern technologies that truly max out performance like a flexible, high COR face or any type of adjustability.

In contrast the latest and greatest Great Big Bertha driver and fairway woods are packed with hi-tech design features aimed at maxing out distance and forgiveness for a wide range of players, including a new adjustable perimeter weighting design that allows for more shot shape customization.

To go along with the Great Big Bertha line Callaway has also come up with a new Big Bertha Alpha Double Black Diamond driver and accompanying fairway wood, both of which are aimed at more accomplished players who want lower spin rates and maximum distance.

[saevel25]

That driver looks fantastic.

I am a huge fan of the Big Bertha that was reintroduced about 2 years ago I think. I like how you can shift the weight along the back. The club is pretty low spinning with out being out of control. Looking forward to trying out this new iteration.

[Elmer]

I still play my big bertha 08 irons.

Love them.

But never liked the callaway fairways and drivers. So I stuck with my Taylormade burner.

I am hoping these new berthas will allow me to add new stuff to the bag!

[billchao]

Looks like they got rid of the standard Big Bertha Alpha drivers. Interesting. That was supposed to be their "fits almost everybody" driver, with the DBD being for a small percentage of golfers. Guess the DBD fits more people than they first thought it would?

[dkolo]

Looks like they got rid of the standard Big Bertha Alpha drivers. Interesting. That was supposed to be their "fits almost everybody" driver, with the DBD being for a small percentage of golfers. Guess the DBD fits more people than they first thought it would?

It's confusing because it looks like they sort of combined the 815 alpha and the V-series into the GBB and left the BB DBD as their pro offering. I kind of wish they left the naming convention consistent. I like callaway, but their product lines are getting tough to follow. Also, I kinda hate the look of this driver. I still have my heart set on the 815 BBA once they mark it down into the low $100s on their pre owned next year.

[Mr. Desmond]

From early reviews, the GBB may be the Holy Grail of Drivers -- forgiveness, lower spin (than the V Series), Perimeter Weighting (10g), R Moto face, sound/feel, and more forgiveness, and 19 shaft options at no charge.

And a 50% trade-in bonus for V, XR, and 815 drivers come Friday.

The DBD supposedly has the forgiveness of the 815 Alpha with the lower spin and gravity core cartridges -- if your miss is on the heel, then you place the core on the heel side, etc.

The GBB has no gravity core -- the middle weight is a weight - newly designed so old weights will not fit. But when they are available, you can fine tune swingweight.

Rick Shiels has a review on both drivers -- impressive numbers.

[mvmac]

[Mr. Desmond]

Looks like they got rid of the standard Big Bertha Alpha drivers. Interesting. That was supposed to be their "fits almost everybody" driver, with the DBD being for a small percentage of golfers. Guess the DBD fits more people than they first thought it would?

No.

The GBB is for 95% of us;

The Alpha 816 is for the 5% Bone Crushers aka Big Foots who are consistent. One places the one gravity core on the side of the miss.

Hit the GBB and while I can't hit anything in a simulator (I rush), the GBB proved the most consistent of any driver I've used in a sim (9 deg with KK Black).

See GBB Week on Callaway:

http://cmp.callawaygolf.com/gbbweek/?_ga=1.161778364.1606065892.1428290373

Discussion of Shafts:

http://cmp.callawaygolf.com/shaft-101-qa-with-all-4-manufacturers/

I also hit the GBB 3 wood -- it is long heel to toe like last year's BB and has some characteristics of the V Series -- but its design is scalloped as it goes towards the heel. It is also adjustable -- I believe a lot of players will like it, although I am laying off it because the 3 wood in the V Series is so friendly. The Heavenwood this year is adjustable!

[Jazzfan]

Don't assume you cannot hit the double black diamond...it is extremely forgiving....I don't consider myself a great golfer and the black diamond out performed all drivers I have tested in the last 2 weeks. That club is amazingly stable and the gravity core does what it says. My miss being high in the toe and I moved the weight there and my ball speed stayed up. If you are spending the money to buy a new driver do yourself a favor and try it.