2004 Big Bertha Irons I recently purchased the new 2004 Big Bertha Irons off the shelf, with the steel “uniflex” shafts. Previous clubs I have used were Wilson Staff blades (~13 years), then Wilson Staff Mid-Size (~6 years), and now these. (Do you see trend towards forgiveness?). I have played about 10 rounds with these clubs, averaging low 80’s (low 77, high 89). I play in Colorado Springs where the courses are long and the greens are hard. The guy at the shop measured my 5 iron swing speed at around 90-95, which he said was just on the upper end of the range recommended for the standard “Uniflex” shafts. My most common “miss” is to hit the ball off the toe. The 2004 Big Bertha irons come with 4-10 and a PW. I also purchased a 3-iron and a sand wedge to complete the set. First of all, these are the easiest clubs to hit I have ever seriously used. Toe hits and thin hits are especially forgiving. Following the norm these days the clubs have less loft than older generation clubs, which is why the 10 iron is important to have and fill the gap. With a 9, 10, PW, and SW, you have a good spread down to about 100 yards before you have to start hitting less than full shots. It’s easy to get the ball in the air with these clubs and the sharp groove edges put a lot of spin on the ball. Unfortunately, these clubs also chew up balls on well hit shots, so you will need to use a durable ball. I was using Nike Precision Spin Control balls and these clubs literally tore the covers off them. Ruined a couple Titliest Pro V1’s also. I am now using Nike Mojo, which play like the no longer available Nike Precision Spin Control, but with a more durable cover. Iron hits always feel solid. In comparison to the other clubs I used, there is no vibration through the shaft, just nice and solid. I confirmed this at home by just taking practice swings on my carpet and feeling for any vibration. I couldn’t feel any with the Berthas, but I could with all my other clubs. These clubs hit the ball straight. If you’re one of those tour bubbas that likes to “work” the ball, these clubs are not for you. Straight and high and consistent distance control are good things. That “solid” feeling I was talking about also means you don’t get a lot “feedback” through the shaft on shots – they mostly all feel about the same. So what are you giving up for this easy to hit performance? That’s what I asked the guy in the shop. He said nothing. So I said, then why doesn’t everyone use them. He said, because everyone is stupid. :-) I new he was just trying to sell me some clubs, so I let it go. But after using them I can tell you that you gain far more than you give up. You give up the ability to work the ball. You give up the feedback that, if you play enough, might make you game better. You give up the ability to take a nice divot. These clubs are too big, rounded, and dull edged to take a nice divot. These things are insignificant to me against keeping it in the fairway and sticking it on the greens. The main significant thing you do give up is the ability to hit out of tall grass and other such trouble. If your ball is in the second cut, it’s extra tough. I’m thinking of getting some sort of utility club for handling that because I can’t seem to hit out of tall grass with these things. Overall, these are fantastic clubs that give you what they advertise – forgiveness, consistency, and performance. My friends have been impressed – even while handing over the money (haha).

Similar Products Used:

Wilson Staff Blades Wilson Staff Mid-Size

I am a poor golfer going between 92 on one day and 110 on the other. These clubs are so forgiving I hit straight shots one after the other. As a bonus, my shots are longer. 7 iron shots from 120 to 135, what a increase.

Customer Service

None is needed so far.

Similar Products Used:

King Snake

I paid to demo these clubs yesterday (wasn't too happy about that) but I wasn't disappointed with the clubs. I've been hacking it up for quite a few years using various clubs, but these are most accurate and forgiving clubs I have ever played. My last five rounds with my "knock off" clubs were 103, 103, 100, 95, and 97. I shot a 91 using the Big Berthas. The last time I played the same course back in March, I shot a 106. My buddy always kicks my ass, but his 85 versus my 91 (net 82) was too much for him yesterday. Granted, I've been working on a few swing changes that have finally paid off, but my approach shots were always on or very near the green, which often gave me a chance at par. If not for a few three putts and a triple bogie, the score could have easily been 87 or 88. The ball flight was very high and even misses were playable. As far as working the ball, well, I'll leave that to the 70 shooters. As long as the ball goes straight and drops softly on the green, what more could you ask for? Chipping and pitching was made easy with the wedge, but it will take a few rounds to determine when to use the 10 iron. These clubs inspire confidence, and any golfer, especially high handicappers, will benefit from using them. I'm buying my Callaway Big Bertha Irons next week.

Similar Products Used:

Wilson Fat Shaft Irons, Cobra II

I put shoots in the 90's because the Callaway Big Bertha Irons caused me to regress in my golf game. I was using Tommy Armour 845s and getting into the high 80's but with little help from my long irons. So I got the Callaways...big mistake...I gained distance on my irons but lost whatever accuracy I ever had. Most shots tailed off to the right due to my natural fade probably, but I had never EVER had a fade with irons before this. Now, I am using Nike Forged Blades, YES FORGED BLADES, and am quite happy with them...for some reason I have renewed confidence. Confidence I lost whenever I addressed a ball in the fairway with the Callaway Big Berthas. I didn't know where the ball was gonna end up. These are called game improvement irons, but they didn't work for me...I was highly disappointed.

Customer Service

none

Similar Products Used:

Tommy Armour 845s, Nike Forged Blades, Austad Titan Blades

Had borrowed my friends 1996 Big Bertha Irons and was impressed how the clubs felt and I almost broke eighty for the first time in a while. At 2nd Swing golf, demos are available for a three day trial. I chose the 2002 BB irons and again borrowed my friend's 1996 BB irons for comparison on the golf course and at the driving range. They both played well. The 2002 version felt better except for the pitching wedge which was too heavy for my chip and pitch shots. Ordered a set w/o the PW,replacing it with a three iron. I seem to be in the minority becase I like the look of the clubs. When using long irons in the past I consistenly experienced a slight fade. The fade has all but disapperared with my new 2002 BB irons.

Customer Service

2nd swing golf is very accomodating and their prices very competative.

Similar Products Used:

Custom made clubs from a local pro

It took a few rounds to get used to the clubs, (still don't like the wedges)but after 5 rounds my game has improved. On the negative side I have discovered rust at the foot of the shaft where it goes through the hosel (bottom of the club head)After 3 months and only 5 rounds I find this unacceptable, I shall be returning them or changing them for the graphites..

Similar Products Used:

Ping, Wilson

I bought these irons two years ago when it was snowing outside. I had been playing Ping Eye 2 irons and sold them after buying these Big Berthas....big mistake. When spring arrived I took the Big Berthas to the course. They were longer than my Pings...but I could not hit a green. I played Army golf...left, right, left right...well, you get the idea. I believe it was that Memphis 10 uniflex shaft, which was way too flexible for my swing. I sold them after 20 or so rounds. Since then I've played Ping ISI, Armour EVO V31 and a few others. Right now I'm playing Top Flite XL 2000's, which I like almost as much as the Ping Eye 2's. Worst thing I ever did was sell those Pings....they were the best club I ever hit...even made hole in 1 with the Eye 2's to win a car...196 yard par 3 with a 4 iron. You live and learn. I think the Big Berthas would have been okay with a better shaft...like the Dynamic Gold or Dynalite Gold S300 flex. For the amount I paid for the Big Bertha's, ($850.00) they should have hit themselves. Callways are waaaayyy overpriced.

Customer Service

never used customer service

Similar Products Used:

Ping ISI, Taylor Made Burner Oversize, Ping Eye 2, Armour EVO V31, Top Flite XL 2000

Stay away.

Similar Products Used:

Cobra, Titleist

These irons are great. I love the steel shafts on them. The 3 and 4 irons are a little hard to hit, but otherwise they are just fine. They are a lot better than titliest dci's I had.

Customer Service

Never met them

Similar Products Used:

Titliest

I have been golfing for five years and felt it was time for new irons. I had been playing with Cleveland TA5's with steel shafts. I had them for about seven months and liked then but was not too happy with them. I visited a golf retailer and spent about two hours hitting all the makers. I liked TM and Ping, but went with the BB's. I did almost but the X14's, however, after discussing my game with someone in the store, I decided to go with the BB's. I felt that the BB's could help me the most. They have a huge sweet spot and the feed back is incredible. Yes, they are big and clunky looking, but if you want to lower your scores, these are for you. I purchased the 4-GW set with graphite shafts. It took me a few rounds to get used to the clubs, mostly due to misjudging distance. A 165 yard par three is an 8 iron, prior to the BB's, I would have used a seven or six. I can crank the 4 about 200+. I played last weekend and broke 90 for the first time. I shot an 86 including two birdies and one eagle. I do feel that the BB's helped me shoot that score. I can't wait to play again. I love these irons. If you are looking for new irons and can spend the money, BUY THEM!!!!!!!

Customer Service

don't know, haven't used them yet

Similar Products Used:

Ping, TM, Cleveland