Got a bit frustrated with my game not progressing so I decided to make my life easier in the irons department. Used to have Ben Hogan Apex Plus in my bag and have been getting comments from friends that they're difficult to play with.
I've always preferred forged irons eversince I got my Ben Hogan but after reading reports about the "feel" factor in forged irons being overrated, I decided to try cast irons. Callaway Big Bertha 2004 was on offer 4-10WS at $499 and I took the gamble.
My initial impressions are that these irons are very easy to hit compared to my BH. I'm how hitting my 4 iron with the same easy as the BH's 7 iron. Off centre hit suffer minimal distance loss but would still go straight. Bad shots will remain as bad shots. On the feel factor, yes, it doesn't feel as soft as my BH but well struck shots do feel sweet & solid. My only complain is the stainless steel chroming is not as good as it could be. After 3 session at the range and I can see scratch marks on the sole of the clubs. Overall, I think this irons are well designed and they performed as advertised.

Customer Service

Didn't need.

Similar Products Used:

Mizuno Notus Ti, BenHogan Apax Plus

I'm in my 30's but just picked up golf 3 years ago. If you're in my boat than maybe you haven't spent a lot on clubs and like me, maybe you have other things you're 'supposed' to spend your money on. Well I took the plunge after spending a LOT of time online, looking for reviews. I read plenty, but didn't find many that pertained to my level of play and experience so here goes nothing....

I am replacing a basic set of Wilson irons, from an all in one sort of set. But in seeking out new irons (after replacing the drivers) I wanted to do this right so I went to a retail store that allows you to swing in a simulator. I can't tell you how helpfull it is, especially when data is recorded and cross compared with other clubs you're considering.

I went on different days and all in all I tested the Calloway Big Bertha '04s against Ben Hogan BH- 5's, Nike NDS, Wilson Di-5's, Wilson Di-6's, and Taylor Made RAC OS's.

After several testing days I can say I was pretty surprised. I thought the good things I heard about the newest Wilson 'game improvement' irons would help me, but I found the ball a little harder to hit straight.

The top contenders for me included the Nike NDS, and the Callway's. Ben Hogan felt good too, but the ball got away on me a few times.

After several more hits, the data doesn't lie (which is why I recommend you hit in a simulation booth), the Calloway Big Bertha Irons absolutely the most consistent. With a 'striking tape' test it was confirmed; four out of five hits were connecting within 1 inch of either side of dead center. I was unable to replicate this with the other clubs (at least to this level).

After buying and sizing, I've now gone of to the range. I've read a few reviews that say, 'I added XX yards! I can't believe it!" To be honest, it happened with the Big Bertha's for me. I'm not a hard swinger (approximately 90Mph as per the recorded swing sessions). Consider my swing speed when I tell you I added approximately 15 yards with each club. I was utterly surprised as I was over shooting my targets on the range until I adjusted my club selection.

I'm not sure about the wedges. The fat sole is nice for consistent long shooting but the 10 iron (wedge) and wedge (60 degree) are also wide soled. I still prefer my Taylor Made blade style lob/wedge as I feel I can hit the ball cleaner in cruddy lies.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, the long irons were very impressive. The 4 iron is now competing with my 3 wood for the same distance (but is more accurate!).

Possibly my favorite part of my testing of these clubs (and possibly the deciding factor) is the feel. Most of the 'game improvement' irons I swung did a good job of keeping shots straight than a blade would, but feedback was mediocre in some cases. In fact sometimes it felt as if I were swinging a toaster on a stick with some of these awkward, combersome, fat bladed clubs. The Big Bertha's gave me instant feedback. I could honestly tell instantly, right off the club where the ball was going. I knew if I toe'd or heal'd the ball, even a bit, by the feel of the club, whereas the really good connections feel like nothing but air.

For some reason I found a lot of company's game improvement irons are completely lacking for feedback which, in my mind, makes improvement a little more difficult.

I hope this helps you in some way. I bought these clubs as a last year's model to make way for the new big bertha irons which I've read in some review magazines are extremely similar to the '04 big bertha clubs.

If you are like me, and don't know whether to spend that extra few 100 dollars for premium clubs, I'm now a convert. These actually do work as advertised.

Customer Service

N/A

Similar Products Used:

Ben Hogan BH-5
Taylor Made Rac OS
Wilson D5
Wilson D6
Nike NDS

These irons are imo the best on the market for mid to high handicaps. Whenever I first got them I fought a slice so I needed the offset. But, after lessons and a summer of hard work(I'm a junior golfer), I hit a tight draw. Sometimes the offset turns it into a hook though, so if you fight a hook, these aren't for you. Overall a great club.

Customer Service

Excellent

Similar Products Used:

Most other irons.

I have played with the 2004 Big Berthas for about 2 years. There are very forgiving and deliver a high shot trajectory. The set comes in a 4-10 iron, which is a little unconventional. I added a 3 iron to give me a longer iron. I have enjoyed playing with these irons as I get a high, soft draw with my shots. The offset make it difficult to work the ball, but it does help eliminate a slice or fade. I would recommend these irons for the high to mid handicapper. The weight of the heads on these irons is a little heavy but not distracting to me. In a way, it is like hitting a mini-hybrid iron. I will probably upgrade in early spring to a Callaway Fusion set of irons or a new set of Pings. . .

Customer Service

NA

Similar Products Used:

TA7 Clevelands, Ping ISI-K

I agree, these irons do feel like cheating. I have never used graphite shafted irons before, but I love the feel of these. These irons are not as bulky on the cavity and sole as the 2002 models were. The amount of forgiveness these clubs give is incredible. Toe shots and heel shots still hold their line even though they loose distance. Hitting the sweet spot feels like butter. I like the 4-W idea as well. I hardly ever hit my 3 iron in my previous set, so it's a lot nicer having a gap wedge instead. These irons are solid, forgiving, and beautiful. Any handicap golfer can improve using these irons.

Customer Service

None

Similar Products Used:

Titleist 704.cb

Likes: These clubs are almost like cheating, that's how I describe these clubs to anyone who asks. I feel they are the ultimate in the game improvement irons. The head is nice and heavy with a really low center of gravity which really helps to get the club under the ball, and the ball in the air. The head is also huge and that seems to bother some, but I don't mind, I think they look fine when you address the ball. With a super wide sole, this is almost like having a full set of Hybrids as the irons really do prevent digging. I previously owned a set of Ben Hogan BH-5's and was not very accurate with the long irons, so I picked up a 3 & 4 Heavenwood hybrid to replace these. The Long irons in the BB'04's are so easy to hit, I not longer bring the 4h with me as I prefer the 4i. The finish on the face of the clubs really seems to help backspin, especially on the wedges. When hitting onto the green the ball just seems to bounce and move just a bit. To me this is a good thing, but some people may like to try to run it up to the hole. The configuration is a bit strange as it comes with a 4-10 Iron, and a 50º Wedge, but really it's not all that weird. The 4-9 Iron is rather standard lofts where the 10i is 45º which basically makes it your typical 46º PW, the 50º W is basically a Gap/Approach Wedge. Dislikes: I think my biggest gripe about these clubs are the shafts. They are nice shafts, but I would prefer different flex's over the Uniflex that they sell. I did have to alter my swing speed a bit over the Hogan Apex #4's that were on my BH-5's, but now I'm hitting them just fine. My other gripe are the grips. They are a love them or hate them set of grips. My wife ownes the BB'04 GEMS and loves the grips, I personally Prefer Golf Pride Tour Velvets to the BB Rubber Grips. I will probably replace these over the winter. My lask issue isn't as much as a dislike as much as a preference. I have both the BB'04 Sand Wedge and a Callaway Forged+ Chrome 56º12º Sand Wedge. I prefer the feel of the Forged over the Cast when it comes to my Wedges, also I think the BB'04 SW has too much bounce. I have not seen the specs on it, that's just my observation. So instead of the SW and LW that are part of the set, spend a few dollars more and get a nice set of Forged Wedges. Quality: As with most things Callaway, the construction is top notch. I have played about 10+ Rounds with these now, and hit too many balls at the driving range to count, and everything is holding up fine. Summary: Are these the best Irons out there, No. I really don't think there is a such thing. The best iron is the one that matches your game and your swing. For me, these were perfect. They are very confidence inspiring as I no longer worry about "if" I get the ball in the air. (I'm sure the lessons and hours of practice helped that too) Are these for everyone, No. It seems almost impossible to draw/fade the ball with these clubs, but if you are trying to draw/fade then you probably shouldn't be shopping for game improvement irons. I think that if you are a 15+ handicaper and looking for a new set of irons, then you would be silly not to demo these.

Customer Service

Never Had to Use Them

Similar Products Used:

Ben Hogan BH-5, Ben Hogan CFT, Callaway X-18, Nike NDS, Nike Sling Shot, Nike CPR

Fantastic clubs. Classic looks, perimeter weighting, and a huge sweet spot. These clubs aren't just for high handicappers. The Berthas have the same swing weight, offset, loft angles, and ball flight as the X-16s and X-18s. Only difference is the width of the soles. If you have a pretty good game, these clubs will be a great addition. I've been tinkering around with the Callaway lineup for the past year. After trying all the Callaway models, I settled on the 2004's. These clubs create a high spin rate and a high, boring trajectory. They're very forgiving. Distance control is excellent and shot shaping is not a problem. The wide soles will help correct fat shots. After playing blades for 6 years, these Berthas are a dream come true. Contrary to other reviews, the Berthas do not send toe shots or other wildly hit shots directly to the pin. A poor swing produces a poor shot. Yes, when hit directly in the sweet spot, there is little sensation, just like all other golf clubs. They're a little on the pricy side, but I'm happy with my decision. The Berthas are made well, look great, and perform consistently. Excellent sticks!

Customer Service

Never needed

Similar Products Used:

Callaway X-16, Titleist 690mb

Got these from Callaway Pre-Owned. Had 96's up until the beginning of last year. Played for first time yesterday with the new ones. Shot a personal best. I hit 8 greens on the front, 4 on the back. I would have hit more on the back, but was hitting out of medium difficulty rough the whole side cause I couldn't hit a fairway. The rough made it hard to hold the greens. I like hitting a high fade, and did it every time without thinking about it.

Similar Products Used:

big bertha '96 model, nike cpr mixed

Bought these clubs at Dick's Sporting Goods. Dick's has an agreement with Callaway to trade in your current clubs which they will put towards the price of your new Callaway clubs. This is only good if you already have a recongnized brand name club. When I first took these clubs to the range, I was disappointed. I was really trying to crush the ball. Shots went straight as advertised but not near as far as I expected. Then I tried being a golfer and not a guerrilla. I used 50% speed an power and HOLY COW. The ball came off the club face like a bat out of he**! Far, far, high and straight as an arrow. In fact I was hitting the 4 iron about 200 yards CONSISTATLY. 9 out of 10 shots were that way. The one bad shot was still straight but only as far as a 7 iron shot. Let me tell you, I could never, ever hit my 4 iron with my last set of clubs, which were Wilson Fat Shafts. The Wilson's were very good clubs from the 6 on down to pitching, but nothing like the Big Bertha 2004 irons. I did lots of shopping around and found these clubs to be selling for 599.00. If you can find them for cheaper over the internet, be suspect, for there are some very good copies on the market, but they lack the performace and technology of the real thing. Just keep in mind that if you keep the ball in the center of your stance (even for the 4)and swing easy, this club will send the ball stright to the pin effortlessly. I'm suprised these clubs are legal!

Customer Service

Have not experianced. Heard it is good.

Similar Products Used:

Clealand Launchers

I went to a demo yesterday, looking for a set of irons to save up for, and even though thses weren't my pick i would still highly recommend them to anyone with iron troubles. Every shot went srait even if you hit it on the toe of the club or if you don't get all of it. I liked the Cleveland CG4 the best, but these have a better value and are great clubs.

Customer Service

Guys there were helpful in answering questions and had a great demo for buyers.

Similar Products Used:

Callaway X-18 Cleveland CG4, Launcher Irons, TA6 Nike Slingshot, NDS Ping G2