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A very solid upgrade to the RAZR Fit and RAZR Fit Extreme. Big Bertha introduces new technologies while maintaining excellent performance.
Introduction
Unless you live under a rock, you know that Callaway is bringing back Big Bertha for 2014. While the Big Bertha Alpha is getting most of the headlines, the “other” Big Bertha driver is worthy of plenty of ink as well.
As someone who has played Callaway drivers exclusively for the last two seasons, I was very interested to see how Callaway could continue to improve on already-great drivers. Here’s what I found:
Looks
At address, the Big Bertha driver shares many characteristics with last year’s RAZR Fit Extreme, most obviously the gloss black crown and the symmetrical shape. The two noticeable differences are that Big Bertha sports a chevron alignment aid and is slightly larger from front to back.
Overall, Big Bertha straddles the line between having the look of a player’s driver and game-improvement club. The size says “forgiveness,” but the shaping is so well done that I can’t imagine better players not bagging it.
Sound & Feel
The sound of the Big Bertha is average in volume and slightly explosive in tone. It’s a solid crack that feels hot and long without being too loud or shrill.
The feel is solid, but slightly less responsive than the RAZR Fit Extreme. This is the tradeoff with forgiveness: mishits perform better, but it can be harder to know when they occur.
Performance
Big Bertha introduces two new technologies to Callaway’s top-of-the-line driver, Adjustable Perimeter Weighting and the Advanced Optifit Hosel, and both are substantial upgrades. Last year’s RAZR Fit Extreme featured adjustable weights, but the Big Bertha offers an equally effective, easier to use sliding weight instead of the two interchangeable weights. Additionally, the Advanced Optifit Hosel, first seen on last year’s Optiforce drivers, gives players far more options in setting up the club. They can now change the lie angle as well as adding or subtracting loft.
On the launch monitor, Big Bertha lived up to her name and the reputation built by her predecessors. Despite being a slightly lower loft than I typically use, the launch remained high and the spin stayed low. In fact, the spin was about 200 RPMs lower than I’ve been seeing with my RAZR Fit Extreme.
Additionally, the Big Bertha packs noticeably more forgiveness than the RFE. Both drivers are great in and immediately around the center of the face, but it’s on the bigger misses that Bertha surpasses her forerunner. My typical miss is on the heel, and on that shot I felt much less twisting and saw more ball speed than usual.
Conclusion
While not as revolutionary as the Alpha, the Callaway’s 2014 Big Bertha driver is an extremely solid performer. All the subjective elements should receive praise from both high and low handicappers. Most importantly, the driver delivers mid to high launch with low spin, a recipe that will help any golfer get bigger drives.
Price and Specs
Callaway’s Big Bertha driver retails for $399.
Big Bertha is available in lofts of 9°, 10.5°, and 13.5°.
The stock shaft is the Mitsubishi Rayon Fubuki Z.
Watch the Video
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Matt Saternus
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Good Morning Matt, I just picked up a Razr Fit shafted with a DI6 from Callaway and wondering if I should of waited for the Big Bertha. Could you give me a brief description of your experience with these two drivers. My previous Driver was the Octane Tour which I really loved. I seem to overswing a bit in the simulators, so a little insight from you may help when I go to demo the new Bertha. Thanks. P/S Spring is coming some day, but it sure doesnt feel that way up here in Michigan. LOL. Take Care.
Nice pick up!
Overall the biggest difference will be spin. From highest spin to lowest, it’s RF, RFE, BB. Forgiveness is fairly equal across the line.
Best,
Matt
Can I use the shaft from my Razr Fit Extreme in with the new Callaway Big Bertha head?
No, the adapter changed between the Razr Fit Extreme and the Big Bertha.
Best,
Matt
What is the difference between Big Bertha 1014 and the great big Bertha
Ed,
I’m not sure what the 1014 is that you’re referring to, but we will have a review of the new Great Big Bertha in the next couple weeks.
-Matt
What does changing the adjustable weights do ?
Bob,
It moves the center of gravity to change shot shape, trajectory, and spin.
-Matt
I can’t find anything that explains what the large bolt, located on the same plane as the sliding weights, is used for.
Don,
It’s just another weight. You can get replacements, but they’re not readily available.
Best,
Matt