Callaway have been making incredible irons for mid to high handicap golfers as well as beginners for some time now. The Big Bertha irons are no different.
The irons performed great from the outset. The ball flew miles and mis hits were still really good.
Let’s dive into some details
Key Features of the Big Bertha Irons:
Looks
The most striking visual feature of the 2023 Callaway Big Bertha irons is their “Smoked Black” finish. It’s not your typical black; it’s lighter with more depth, providing a unique and stylish appearance. The matte sections, especially the face and back of the head, complement the high-polished sections beautifully.
At address, these irons embrace the classic Callaway game improvement design. They have a rounded shape without sharp edges, seamlessly transitioning from offset to leading edge to toe. With a generous amount of offset and a thickish top line in the long irons. In the longer irons, a bit of the sole is visible below the top line.
Sound & Feel
At impact, the 2023 Callaway Big Bertha irons produce a moderate sound. It’s a slightly higher-pitched but muted tone, far from an annoying, ringing sound, leaning more towards a satisfying “snap.”
The feeling at impact was a little further away from a forged feel and more towards a cast feel than I expected. Having said that, they still feel great off the face.
You can feel the ball shooting off the face with loads of ball speed. You can definitely feel when you miss hit the ball, but it doesn’t give you any shock or uncomfortable feeling.
Performance
The 2023 Callaway Big Bertha irons have incredible ball speed and forgiveness, setting new standards. These Big Bertha irons feature Callaway’s A.I. designed Face Cup, maximizing ball speed.
Forgiveness is another standout feature. The Face Cup and Precision Tungsten Weighting ensure excellent ball speed across the face. Even shots hit off the heel landed within a mere eight yards of the best strikes. With up to 54 grams of tungsten thoughtfully placed in each iron, they offer remarkable stability, preventing toe and heel strikes from going wildly off line.
The 2023 Callaway Big Bertha irons consistently launch the ball high. You don’t need a perfect strike to get the ball into the air. This high launch is paired with mid spin, delivering a controlled ball flight even in moderate wind conditions.
For the best results, it’s crucial to get a fitting. The stock shaft is slightly lighter than average, but players looking to maximize speed can opt for graphite or an even lighter steel shaft. A slightly heavier, stiffer shaft may enhance the club’s stability.
| Speed | Distance | Spin | Launch |
| 60 – 70mph | 119.8m | 3821.2 rpm | 16.24 |
| 70 – 80mph | 147m | 3465.2 rpm | 15.68 |
| 80 – 90mph | 172.6m | 3327.2 rpm | 13.86 |
| 90mph + | 188.8m | 4272.4 rpm | 14.12 |
Control & Forgiveness
When it comes to control and forgiveness, the 2023 Callaway Big Bertha irons truly shine. The level of forgiveness these irons offer is truly remarkable. Nearly every shot I struck seemed to fly straight as an arrow. However, there’s a trade-off to this exceptional forgiveness – it does limit your ability to shape the ball with fades and draws.
If shaping the ball is not your priority then these irons will suit you perfectly. I did encounter challenges when attempting to execute deliberate fades or draws.
If you’re a high handicap player seeking consistency and predictability in your shots, then these irons are for you. However, if your game thrives on shaping the ball with intentional fades and draws, these irons might not align with your playing style.
Value For Money
The 2023 Callaway Big Bertha irons come with a price tag of $999, which might seem substantial to some. The question that arises is whether they are worth the investment.
If forgiveness ranks high on your priority list, then these irons are undoubtedly worth every penny. Their exceptional forgiveness sets them apart, making them one of the best choices available.
Ultimately, the value for money aspect depends on your specific golfing needs and preferences. If forgiveness is your primary focus, these irons offer unparalleled performance.
Compared to other models in the market these irons are well worth the price.
The Pros & Cons of the Callaway Big Bertha Irons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy to hit and elevate | Aesthetic preferences may vary |
| High trajectory and straight ball flight | |
| Impressive distance and forgiveness | |
| Versatility in shaping and controlling shot trajectory |
Our rating of the Big Bertha Irons:
Looks: 8.9/10
Performance: 9.5/10
Sound & Feel: 9.0/10
Value for Money: 9.1/10
Total: 9.1/10%
Alternatives to the Big Bertha Irons
TaylorMade Stealth Irons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Loads of distance | They do not come cheap |
| Extremely forgiving | Many lack consistency for low handicappers and golfers with fast swing speeds |
| Great sound and feel | |
| Easy to launch and hit | |
| Looks sleek |
Read our full review of the TaylorMade Stealth Irons
PING G430 Irons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Very forgiving | Very expensive |
| Easy to launch and hit | May sound clunky to some |
Read our full review of the PING G430 Irons
Mizuno JPX923 Hot Metal Irons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Extremely forgiving | Expensive |
| Incredible sound and feel | |
| Easy to launch and hit | |
| Classic iron look |
Read our full review of the Mizuno JPX923 Hot Metal Irons
Our final thoughts on the Callaway Big Bertha Irons
If distance and ease of use are high on your golfing wish list, the 2023 Callaway Big Bertha irons are a top-tier choice. With their high launch, incredible ball speed, and loads of forgiveness, these clubs make every swing look great.
The Face Cup and Precision Tungsten Weighting make each iron really easy to hit.
I do suggest going for a fitting to get the right set up for these, the longer irons have really strong lofts, which could mean hybrids may be a better choice.
