The 20 Second Intro
Callaway puts the emphasis on control by using next generation multi-material construction and aggressive shaping to create its most forgiving driver ever.
Available Lofts: 9.0°, 10.5°, 13.5°
Adjustability: Opti-Fit
Stock Shafts: UST Recoil Driver, Mitsubishi Diamana Red
Stock Length: 44.5” or 45.5”
Retail Price: $399
Availability: Pre-Sale beginning 9/9. Full retail 9/30
It’s been a while since I quoted myself, but, hey, that was absolutely my first thought when I laid eyes on Callaway’s new Big Bertha Fusion Driver. And not for anything, I’m pretty damn sure I’m right.
We’ll get to why that is (beyond the obvious it looks like the FT-iZ) in a moment, but first let’s talk about what Big Bertha Fusion isn’t.
Big Bertha Fusion is not a replacement for the Great Big Bertha. Yeah, it’s true, we’re about 1 year into GBB, but this isn’t that. If you take me at my word, that leaves XR16 and Fusion as the current models in the Callaway lineup. That leaves an obvious hole where Great Big Bertha used to be, and while I don’t know exactly how Callaway will fill it, if you want/like/need a highly adjustable driver, my recommendation is patience.
What makes me so sure? While you were grumbling about accelerated product cycles, Callaway has quietly increased the shelf life of its products. 18-24 months… that’s the new normal.
Why “Fusion”
For the last few years, Callaway has been on a run of nostalgia with its product names. It’s a win-win. Consumers flock to the familiar while the marketing guys don’t have to worry about dreaming up the next iconic identity maker.
It’s worked exceptionally well for Callaway thus far, but between us, when RAZR and JAWS make their comebacks, I’ll know it’s time to walk away.
The whole Bertha’s Back thing was about rebirth; both for the franchise and the company.
The recent trend is more evolutionary. It’s about using the lessons of the past to create modern, and hopefully better products, with elements that remain true to the original designs.
The new steelhead irons… they actually resemble the original steelheads.
Fusion?
Bertha Fusion represents Callaway’s most significant breakthrough in multi-material construction since Callaway’s original multi-material driver, the 2004 ERC Fusion. And that pretty much makes this the ideal time to revive the franchise, while giving a not-so-subtle nod to the FT-iZ.
To understand what that actually means, we need to take a closer look at the technologies baked into Callaway’s newest offering.
EXO-CAGE
EXO-CAGE is Callaway speak for the titanium skeleton – more accurately the Exo skeleton – that supports the various bits of the Big Bertha Fusion. It’s the structure that makes the rest of the cool stuff baked into Big Bertha Fusion possible.
TRIAXIAL CARBON
The real story here is Callaway’s new Triaxial carbon. It’s what provides the justification for bringing the Fusion name back. Callaway has previously used what it called Forged Composite in its multi-material designs. It sounds really impressive, and it’s definitely better than the alternative layers of chopped graphite fibers glued together. Forged Composite was once described as the particle board of carbon fibers. That’s not particularly kind, but it paints a vivid, and not wholly inaccurate picture of what Forged Composite is.
Triaxial is different. Instead of layering carbon fibers together, in the new material the fibers are woven or braided together. Similar structures are already in use in many high-end shaft lines. The benefit of weaving the material is that it preserves the strength of the material, while reducing overall thickness (by 35%), and with it, the total weight.
Callaway claim that Fusion’s Trixial Carbon weights a total of 15.1 grams. 10.5 of which is in the crown. That’s a 65% savings over the 100 titanium XR16.
Let’s look at this in context. We put the actual weight of Callaway’s previous Bertha composite driver crown at approximately 16 grams, so really we’re talking about a savings of a bit more than 5 grams over the most recent member of the Big Bertha family.
With consideration for Fusion’s elongated design (greater crown surface area), the apples to apples savings are almost certainly even greater.
We should also mention that the Triaxial Carbon crown features Callaway’s aerodynamic-enhancing Speed Step ribs, which I’m practically obligated to remind you was developed in partnership with Boeing.
Speed Step helps reduce drag during the downswing, which in theory, helps boost head speed.
In addition to the crown, Callaway has replaced a portion of what would otherwise be titanium in the sole with two chunks of additional Triaxial material. Design credit where it’s due, this is similar to the Carbon Zones Cobra introduced with the FLY-Z+. For what it’s worth, Callaway appears to be using even more carbon fiber in Fusion’s sole.
Replacing areas of titanium where they’re not explicitly needed also frees up mass.
Saving as much weight as possible is especially critical when the goal is the push the center of gravity down and back, which is exactly what Callaway says it has done with the Bertha Fusion.
This is where things start to get interesting.
Why would Callaway move away from adjustable weights and towards a non-traditional shape reminiscent of the FT-IZ? Two words: Forgiveness and Control.
Forgiveness
I’ve been told that the Callaway Bertha Fusion is the most forgiving driver the company has ever made (the company is claiming a 17% increase in total MOI compared with XR16), and while we don’t have a heel/toe MOI number we can use to put that into context, everything about the design – the weight saving chassis, the lighter crown material, and the elongated FT-IZ shape – suggests all the elements are there for a legitimate low/back CG driver.
Refactoring some of the data provided by Callaway, I believe we’re talking about a center of gravity location that’s roughly 1.25mm lower than the XR16, and lower than what we’d typically find in a high MOI design.
That information along with an educated guess about an actual heel/toe MOI number, along with Callaway’s assertion that Fusion’s sweet zone* is the largest of any Callaway driver ever, suggests a driver that should hold its own alongside the PING G30/G and Cobra FLY-Z/F6.
*The area of the face where impact produces no less than 3 MPH of the peak ball speed.
Control
Distance is king, so within the confines of that reality we’ve often joked that anyone trying to market accuracy would find themselves out of business quickly.
I suppose we can consider the Bertha Fusion a well-hedged test case.
When FT-iZ launched it was billed as the “straightest driver Callaway has ever developed”. One would hope that Callaway would seek to carry on that tradition with Bertha Fusion.
How do you do that? All of that forgiveness and MOI stuff notwithstanding, Callaway did it the easy way.
It shortened the shaft.
Seriously.
With the Big Bertha Fusion, Callaway is actively marketing a 44.5” shaft. Think of this as your control option.
Sure, you could choose the alternative (45.5”) distance option, but we think most of you will find that shorter is better. In Callaway tests, 30% of golfers actually hit the shorter shaft farther. We believe that out in the wild, across the whole of the golfing population, that percentage will prove to be higher, and that’s before accuracy becomes part of the discussion.
Control over distance isn’t the sort of thing you hear with a new driver release, but Callaway’s position is that, in the grand scheme of things, straighter is longer.
Whether you choose distance or control, the Big Bertha Fusion driver offers two stock shaft options. Not a whole lot is known about the first ever UST Recoil driver shaft. Callaway says it’s “designed to load energy on the downswing and unload with an extraordinary combination of power and precision through impact.”
The second option is Mitsubishi’s Diamana Red. Generally, the Red generally works well for golfers looking for a little extra help getting the ball airborne.
To refresh the important point: both shafts are available in stock lengths of either 44.5” or 45.5”.
Let’s See What Happens Next
I suspect that Callaway’s competitors will be watching closely to see how the Big Bertha Fusion performs with actual golfers. Manufacturers moved away from so-called radical geometry (squares and triangles) years ago because the consumer never embraced the non-traditional designs in any meaningful numbers.
With currently available materials, unconventional is the only way to raise MOI to the USGA Limit. We don’t yet know how far (if at all) Callaway has pushed the boundaries, but it will be interesting to see if consumers are more willing to embrace non-traditional designs than they’ve been in the past.
Finally, we should all be watching closely to see if the distance obsessed golfer is ready to get on-board with this shorter shaft thing. If that happens it might start the sort of trend that actually leads to better golf.
Specs, Pricing, and Availability
The Callaway Big Bertha Fusion driver will be available in lofts of 9°, 10.5°, and 13.5° (HT). Presales begin September 9th, with full retail availability starting 9/30. Retail price for the Callaway Big Bertha Fusion is $399.
Richard Wheat
3 years agoI’ve got the longer shaft option. Is it possible to swap to the shorter length and add weight to the head? Is it a case of swapping the screw in weight that Callaway supply? Thanks.
youraway
4 years agoStill don’t understand how they are offering the different length shafts by 1″ and not providing adjustment to the head weight; or are they. Do you get different port weights so you can change shafts?
MP
4 years agoI’m still playing an FT-IZ tour i-mix with a Fubuki 60 shaft at 44.5. I’ll grant that at first the shape was a bit odd to look down at. But before long it became quite pleasing. Now traditional shapes look odd to me. By far the best head/shaft combo I’ve ever had in the bag. Draw, cut or pipe it. Does it all. I’ve demoed multiple drivers in recent years to try out the newest tech. Thinking a few more yards can never hurt of course. None felt as good.
That said when I laid eyes and paws on this one I knew the FT-IZ’s days were numbered. I’ll wait for the price to get to reasonable. But I won’t enjoy the wait.
JD S
4 years agoI’ve just started golfing in the last 2 years. After struggling with consistent contact. I asked my local shop to take an inch off all of my clubs. 2 inches off my Bertha U. Huuuge difference! I’m not saying I’m good, but I’m better. I think shorter box store clubs would help a lot of golfers find more fairways.
retired04
4 years agoTony-is the weight changeable and is it the same size thread as the 815 and prior models? Just curious-1″ is 6 swingweigt pts,
Jooma
4 years agoThis is going to be the biggest flop in Callaway history.
Tim
4 years agoNo chance! I hit it at a demo day and it felt great and went dead straight.
Clayobx
4 years agoBuild the head @ 380cc and since I already play a 44.5″ shaft I’ll buy it!!
Stevegp
4 years agoIt will be interesting to see real-world results, marketing claims notwithstanding. I do like the shorter shaft option. I’m not crazy about the shape, but will withhold judgment until I see the driver in person and demo it.
My concern is that Callaway is having far too frequent product releases. Will it go down the same road as TaylorMade?
Russell Taylor
4 years agoI hit 290-315 with 44″….
David E Pierce
4 years agoI like the looks of it. I am not a good golfer, but understand the swing and how a club affects it. I can’t seem to correct myself but when people come into my work, I can make suggestions for equipment and small changes in their form, and sell them what they need. I’m all for the shorter shaft to help control accuracy. I would rather myself, or someone I am helping, hit a drive 220 yards in the middle of the fairway, as opposed to 280 into the woods.
Dutzow
4 years agoMan this is an ugly club and I think I am already hitting it left by just looking at it! But really glad someone is starting to be a bit more reasonable about driver shaft length. Play a 43.75 inch driver and 42 inch 3 wood that still go plenty far. Hopefully more companies will follow their lead!
Pete
4 years agoDon’t know about you, but I really don’t give a hoot what a club looks like, I buy it for its PERFORMANCE! If it improves my game, I’ll take one!
Lowell Hill
4 years agoNot liking the weight in the back like that tho. I’d like it in the front for me
James Wallace
4 years agoThank god I didn’t wait a week to call in to replace the Great Big Bertha head.
Max Miller
4 years agoI love the shorter option, long overdue , Its fun to hit the long ball but staying in play for me is key.
Michael
4 years agoI would want to know if they have a 6g heavier head for the shorter shafts to maintain the swingweight. I would play the 44.5″ in a heartbeat!!
Michael K.
4 years agoThey do have a heavy weight to keep the swingweight. The 44.5″ shaft option was fantastic to hit.
FTWPhil
4 years agoPlease tell me that is on the “D” hosel setting.
Merty
4 years agoHello, Cobra L4V! That thing was semi-conventionally shaped and pushed the MOI to the max. Carbon on the crown and sole to boot.
My what short memories we consumers (and journalists) have.
Rich Thompson
4 years agoAmen
MmmmmBuddy
4 years agoHmmmmm..
3 Lofts
4 Flexes
2 Shafts
2 lengths
=
48 stock options for Right handed players…
Thats a lot of stock SKU’s.
jlukes
4 years ago15.1 grams sounds great, but then I am reminded by this awesome article http://www.mygolfspy.com/a-look-inside-9-drivers/ that it still weighs more than the
13.2g F6+ crown
13.1g M2 crown
12.5g M1 crown
11.3g King LTD crown
Tony Covey
4 years agoJoe – I just got some updated info from Callaway. The number provided in the video was a total weight savings over XR (Titanium), which included the weight of the carbon material in the sole. With respect to the crown itself, Callaway is telling me it’s 10.1 grams, which is a significant difference.
Steve S
4 years agoInteresting that we are “going back” while moving forward. Not sure the one inch shaft difference will really change anything. I think it’s more psychological than anything, at least with my swing. If you look at most 100mph and lower swing speeds the inch change makes so little difference in speed it’s in the data “noise”. The results, for me, show that the shorter shaft MAY promote more center strikes, hence the apparent result of more distance. What’s weird for me is that I have a shaft that makes my driver 48″ long and I actually hit it straighter and longer than with my 44 inch shaft or a 45.5 shaft.
Mikey B
4 years agoWell, that was interesting. I’ve never been a ‘Callaway guy’ but would definitely demo this driver. I like the thought put into this, and that’s it NOT just another version of how much obscure material can we charge $600 bucks for in our driver.
I like the idea of the shorter shaft for control, and upgraded ‘stock’ shaft options. The whole ‘distance is the only thing’ mantra is hopefully starting to give way to more intelligent club design, and maybe this represents a significant step in that direction.
Nice job Callaway, I hope this is a real successful club for you!
foz
4 years agoI gamed the FT-IZ for a year……then gave it to my Grandson as he needed the accuracy more than I….greta club. The new “Fusion” even has anice look to it.
Smith
4 years agoIf they set me up with a no-upcharge 70g shaft, I’m in for sure!
Geoff Morrison
4 years agoThe pros on tour play on average a 44.5″ shaft. Why do we get 45.5″ off the rack? Because people asked for it, and most people are dumb. First thing I tell anyone looking to change drivers is “go cut an inch off of yours”. They look at me like I told them to go shoot their dog. Then they do it, and hit the ball farther and more accurately because a shorter club is easier to get back to square. Here’s hoping other manufacturers follow suit.
FYI… Tiger played a 43.5″ driver during his prime.
John Bryant
4 years agoHe also played a 380 cc head.
Stenton his a 13 degree 3 wood 290 carry.
The reason for the long driver is to get club head speed.
Everybody is watching golf channel and the think the hit the ball 280 carry. When actually the hit the ball 240 total.
I have said it before and will say it again. If you have a driver that is 3 years old and you buy a new one your waisting your money.
Nothing has changed in the last 3 years that warrants a new one.
Paul MacLeod
4 years agoTotally disagree. Unless you are the exact same golfer as you were 3 years ago, then a new driver with proper fitting will give you more. Speed changes. Swings change. Maybe it is a tweak with your 3 year old driver but you are costing yourself yards and strokes if you don’t get checked once or twice a year.
Luke Woozi Reuter
4 years agoIt changes the swing weight wen u cut it that much . by almost 6 swings weight’s.. It might work for some people . but if a person is used to a driver that is a d1 or d2 swing weight.. When u cut it it gets to light for some people and they can struggle a bit with the new weight. 1inch off a driver puts it at a c6 swing weight . which is al most a ladies weight. Unless u add that weight to the head of the driver to get the swing weight up again.. That’s very do able
Luke Woozi Reuter
4 years agoWhich is wat the pros do wen then shorten their drivers.. As they can have the customised
MyGolf Spy
4 years agoLuke Woozi Reuter Callaway ships the shorter option with a heavier weight in the head such that swing weight is consistent at both lengths.
Pointer
4 years agoSomebody please tell me why it is better to have a shorter shaft, even the point of chopping it down, than to simply choke down on the longer shaft.
I’m not gonna “shoot my dog” until I know he’s rabid… Or something.
David E Pierce
4 years agoIf you choke down on your club, two things come to mind. A) you change the size of the grip in your hand, as the grip tapers down. B) you change the “perceived” swingweight, because an inch or whatever is now outside of your standard grip causing a counterweight or imbalance to the natural swingweight of the club.
Luke Woozi Reuter
4 years agoThanx for the heads up. We all the in south Africa. Would love it if brands could off that in their fitting carts as a option for customers to test before they buy . I believe swing weight plays a huge role in club fitting. And its some times its neglected
Joseph Gabriel
4 years agoHotmelts a beautiful thing, I agree 45 is too long for the average golfer. Too much length slows down a swing because it delays the release. The bottom half of the swing is where SS is generated not the top half.
so agreed
4 years ago200% with u on that. i play 44inch and not much distancr loss. tell friends to cut at least an inch and they be like pshh. then they try and come back to me and be like holyshiet new world.
Lincoln Tighe
4 years agoI saw it the other day in real life. Looks nice.
Matt Dumble
4 years agoI think I’ll stick with my Big Bertha.
brett morton
4 years agoI demo”d the 44.5 inch version against my 45.5 inch Big Bertha today.
the new Big Bertha Fusion was between 10 -20 metres longer.
it was also much more accurate. I also tried the 44.5inch Fusion shaft
in my Big Bertha head. It was still 10-20 metres short of the Fusion.
Bit disappointed as I would have preferred to just buy the shaft.
I also prefer the look of the Big Berthe head, but the Fusion just
killed it for distance and accuracy.
Tider992010
4 years agoThis driver brings elements of all my favorite things in drivers into one package. My favorite driver was the TM R7 limited. Triangular Shape. The FTIZ line was great. Going back a little, the C4 was ahead of it’s time. All in all, can’t wait to hit one of these.
Hugo Muller
4 years agoOui
Jason Pohl
4 years agoAccuracy! This club REALLY has my curiosity. Can’t wait to give it a try
jlukes
4 years agoSeems like a great game improvement driver.
I find it interesting that Callaway told us that they didn’t just want to slap the “Bertha” name on every driver they put out like the Callaway of the early 2000s did. But here we are…
Sean
4 years agoI have both seen and hit this driver. It is really good. I don’t even notice the shape. I played the original fusion driver and this is so much better! My
Most recent driver is the gbb I’m thinking it will be leaving the bag shortly!
Donn Rutkoff
4 years agoIf your gbb driver is reg flex graphite or recoil you can sell it to me.
So Tiger really did hit a 380 not a giant 420 or 460? I have wondered what driver size most top 50 pros use.
It is a shame the TV networks don’t talk equipment at all. You have to buy their advertising. You would think we are starving their family if they let interview drift into names of equipment without paying $10k per mention of a brand name. That’s o reason the pros all appear bland personalities. TV doesn’t want them to talk about how they really spend time practicing with various equipment.
mcavoy
4 years agoWow. I like it. A lot.