Equipment
Callaway Big Bertha Fusion drivers and fairway woods
As we all know, the USGA limits drivers to a certain size (460 cc), and COR (coefficient of restitution), which is 0.83. Since companies, such as Callaway, have already reached those limits — or somewhere very close to those limits — improvement continues elsewhere to design drivers that can positively impact golfers.
While many new drivers on the market use adjustability features to accomplish this, Callaway’s new Big Bertha Fusion drivers, and fairway woods, use advanced composite materials, head shaping and weight placement with the goal of making the most forgiving clubs possible.
From a company that’s been using composite materials for over a decade, Callaway’s Big Bertha Fusion drivers and fairway woods introduce a new material called “Triaxial Carbon,” combined with a unique, high-MOI driver head shape that stretches weight back away from the face.
According to Callaway, triaxial carbon is 65 percent lighter than titanium and 35 percent thinner than the forged composite used in recent drivers from the company. Because of how the materials in the carbon composite are woven, the triaxial carbon is stiffer, allowing the driver to be constructed thinner without losing strength.
Callaway uses the new material in the crowns of both the drivers and the fairway woods, and in the soles of the drivers, too.
Read more about the drivers and fairway woods below, which will be available in stores on September 30, and join the discussion about the clubs in our forums.
Big Bertha Fusion Driver
In the driver, an “exo-cage” made of aerospace-grade titanium holds the triaxial carbon material, which is used in both the crown and on the toe and heel of the sole.
By using triaxial carbon, Callaway was able to save 35.4 grams of weight that was repurposed low and back for higher MOI (moment of inertia), a measure of forgiveness, and in the heel of the driver, making it more draw-biased. This also allowed Callaway to lower CG, thus reducing backspin and raising launch.
The crown consists of two parts: A chopped fiber forged composite in the front, and triaxial carbon in the rear
According to Callaway, the drivers have up to 17 percent higher MOI than the XR 16 drivers. Like the XR 16 drivers, the Big Bertha Fusion drivers also have Speed Steps — the fruits of work with Boeing — on their crowns for more speed than a smooth surface, due to the aerodynamic quality of the design.
The driver also includes Callaway’s OptiFit hosel that allows users to adjust loft independent of face angle settings.
Stock shafts will be a UST’s new Recoil shaft made for drivers, and Mitsubishi Rayon’s new Diamana Red Board. Consumers will be able to choose from the 45.5-inch stock shaft option, and a 44.5-inch shaft that has a slightly heavier weight in the back of the driver head to adjust for swing weight.
The drivers carry a MAP of $399, and will be available in 9, 10.5 and 13.5 degree lofts.
Big Bertha Fusion fairway woods
Like the Big Bertha Fusion drivers, the fairway woods also have the lighter triaxial carbon in their crowns. In total, the crowns weigh a feathery-light 5.8 grams, compared to the XR 16 crowns — made from stainless steel — that weigh 26 grams, according to Callaway.
With a lighter crown, Callaway was able to reposition weight low and back in the club for higher launch and higher MOI, and lower CG.
The fairway woods come with a Hyper Speed Cup Face for higher ball speeds on off-center hits, and the Speed Step crown for higher club head speed and less drag. The sole shape was also designed to reduce turf interaction, thus improving versatility for shots hit off the ground.
The Big Bertha Fusion fairway woods will sell for $249, and come available in 3-, 5- and 7-wood options.
Join the discussion about the new Big Bertha Fusion drivers and fairway woods in our forums.
- LIKE207
- LEGIT29
- WOW10
- LOL14
- IDHT5
- FLOP12
- OB12
- SHANK162
- Emiliano Grillo what’s in the bag accurate as of the Wells Fargo Championship. More photos from the event here.
Driver: Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond (9 degrees @10)
Shaft: Project X Denali Blue 60 TX
3-wood: Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond (15 degrees)
Shaft: Project X HZRDUS Smoke Blue RDX 70 TX
5-wood: Cobra LTDx Prototype (18.5 degrees)
Shaft: Project X HZRDUS Smoke Blue RDX 70 TX
Irons: Callaway Apex TCB (4-9)
Shafts: Project X 6.5
Wedges: Callaway MD3 Milled (46-08S), Callaway Jaws Raw (50-10S, 54-10S, 60-08T)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400
Putter: Odyssey White Hot OG #5
Grip: SuperStroke Zenergy Flatso 1.0
Grips: Golf Pride MCC
Check out more in-hand photos of Emiliano Grillo’s clubs here.
- LIKE0
- LEGIT0
- WOW0
- LOL0
- IDHT0
- FLOP0
- OB0
- SHANK0
Recently, graphite iron shafts have grown in popularity as technology has taken giant leaps forward. The old thoughts of graphite being too soft, too high launching, or too inconsistent have gone by the wayside. This new batch of graphite iron shafts has been played by all levels of golfers, from players who do need help with launch and spin to professionals who are looking for added control.
Today, we’re taking a look at one of these “new graphite iron shafts.” UST Mamiya Dart V irons shafts come out of the company’s TSPX Lab that creates the most cutting-edge designs and uses the latest materials.
Check out the full review on YouTube below or on any podcast platform.
UST Mamiya’s Dart V shafts are designed around Dual Action Recoil Technology that makes sure the entire shaft flexes consistently for much tighter shot dispersion. The Dart V shafts are offered in 90, 105, and 120-gram weight options to fit a wide range of golfers. UST Mamiya also has very tight tolerances and quality control to ensure that every shaft is the same in the set. Utilizing Torray M40X carbon fiber gives the engineers a material that is 30% better tensile strength and gives the shafts better feel with less harsh vibration.
I went with the Dart V 105 F4 (stiff) shafts as I have found more success with lighter shafts as I have gotten older. Building these shafts up with a set of Vega Mizar Tour heads was very easy and didn’t take a lot of tip weights. I think the 7-iron needed a small 2g tip weight and the rest were installed without any weight at my desired D1 swing weight at standard length with standard size grips.
Out on the course, the first thing I noticed was how tight the Dart V 105 feels. Every swing feels like the shaft is under complete control, no matter if you take a partial or went after it. Stout is a great term for the shafts as they definitely play true to flex, but they aren’t harsh feeling. While the Dart V plays stiff, it still does a good job of reducing vibration and keeping joints or injured body parts free from additional shock.
You can feel the shaft load during the transition to the downswing, but it has a stiffer feel of less flex than some other graphite shafts. Some players like this boardier feel and will get it with the Dart V. Feel at impact is similar to the loading where you are going to feel some kick at the bottom of the swing, but it won’t be as aggressive as other shafts. On center strikes the Dart V offers a very solid feel with great, soft feedback. When you mishit shots with these shafts you get immediate feedback with some additional vibration that feel players will really like. The mishits aren’t too harsh on the hands but still let the head give you the louder click that your ears will want.
Ball flight for me was lower than I expected with UST Mamiya listing the shaft as more mid-launch. I would consider my launch with the Dart V mid-low launch with a more penetrating flight. Better players will like the ability to flight shots, with any club, higher or lower in order to get the ball close to the hole. The penetrating flight helps in windy conditions as it offers a stable trajectory that doesn’t waver from your aiming point.
Shots that you mishit off the toe or heel go pretty straight and you don’t see big curvature that causes you to really miss the green. Most of those misses come off the face fairly straight and leave you with a fairly easy chip or pitch shot to the green. Distance control is consistent and repeatable as I found on the range that well-struck shots have a very tight carry distance window and I have yet to see some wildly long or short shots show up.
Overall, the UST Mamiya Dart V iron shafts are solid options for players who are very particular about performance. Like other shafts among the new breed of graphite iron shafts, the Dart V delivers the type of shots you need when you need them.
- LIKE0
- LEGIT0
- WOW0
- LOL0
- IDHT0
- FLOP0
- OB0
- SHANK0
Equipment
Coolest thing for sale in the GolfWRX Classifieds (5/8/24): Scotty Cameron Art of Putting Laguna putter
At GolfWRX, we are a community of like-minded individuals that all experience and express our enjoyment of the game in many ways.
It’s that sense of community that drives day-to-day interactions in the forums on topics that range from best driver to what marker you use to mark your ball. It even allows us to share another thing we all love – buying and selling equipment.
Currently, in our GolfWRX buy/sell/trade (BST) forum, there is a listing for a Scotty Cameron Art of Putting Laguna putter.
From the seller: (@kcsf): “Scotty Cameron Art of Putting Laguna. -I will regret this one selling for sure. It does have one small nick on the face near the toe as shown, otherwise in amazing new condition. -BOS reconditioned and received last month. Oil can finish as done new by BOS when this putter was released many moons ago. -Head cover is authentic SC and shows age. Velcro is worthless of course, but does stay closed. -Length is 34.25 inches, original shaft. -Grip is old and needs replacing. I can have my pro do it prior to shipping at an additional cost of the grip only. -$475.”
To check out the full listing in our BST forum, head through the link: Scotty Cameron Art of Putting Laguna putter
This is the most impressive current listing from the GolfWRX BST, and if you are curious about the rules to participate in the BST Forum you can check them out here: GolfWRX BST Rules
- LIKE2
- LEGIT0
- WOW0
- LOL0
- IDHT0
- FLOP0
- OB0
- SHANK0
Dave Portnoy places monstrous outright bet for the 2024 Masters
John Daly stuns fans into silence with brutal opening tee shot on PGA Tour Champions
Things got heated at the Houston Open between Tony Finau and Alejandro Tosti. Here’s why
Justin Thomas on the equipment choice of Scottie Scheffler that he thinks is ‘weird’
Tiger Woods arrives at 2024 Masters equipped with a putter that may surprise you
‘Absolutely crazy’ – Major champ lays into Patrick Cantlay over his decision on final hole of RBC Heritage
Report: Tiger Woods has ‘eliminated sex’ in preparation for the 2024 Masters
Two star names reportedly blanked Jon Rahm all week at the Masters
Report: LIV Golf identifies latest star name they hope to sign to breakaway tour
Neal Shipley presser ends in awkward fashion after reporter claims Tiger handed him note on 8th fairway
Emiliano Grillo WITB 2024 (May)
Emiliano Grillo what’s in the bag accurate as of the Wells Fargo Championship. More photos from the event here. Driver: Callaway...
Webb Simpson WITB 2024 (May)
Webb Simpson what’s in the bag accurate as of the Wells Fargo Championship. More photos from the event here. Driver:...
Keegan Bradley WITB 2024 (May)
Keegan Bradley’s WITB accurate as of the Wells Fargo Championship. >14 clubs pictured. Obviously, Bradley will reduce that number to...
Peter Kuest WITB 2024 (May)
Peter Kuest what’s in the bag accurate as of CJ Cup Byron Nelson. Driver: TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus (8 degrees)...
-
19th Hole2 weeks agoJustin Thomas on the equipment choice of Scottie Scheffler that he thinks is ‘weird’
-
19th Hole2 weeks ago‘Absolutely crazy’ – Major champ lays into Patrick Cantlay over his decision on final hole of RBC Heritage
-
19th Hole2 weeks agoLET pro gives detailed financial breakdown of first week on tour…and the net result may shock you
-
19th Hole7 days agoGary Player claims this is what ‘completely ruined’ Tiger Woods’ career
-
19th Hole21 hours agoReport: LIV star turns down PGA Championship invite due to ‘personal commitments’
-
Whats in the Bag1 week agoTeam McIlowry (Rory McIlroy, Shane Lowry) winning WITBs: 2024 Zurich Classic
-
19th Hole3 weeks agoTaylorMade signs 15-year-old AJGA Rolex Junior Player of the Year to an NIL contract
-
Equipment1 week agoGolf fans left surprised by LIV’s choice of course for its 2024 individual championship event
JB
Sep 1, 2016 at 10:02 am
Cant wait to sell these on my eBay account! I mean test them.
THP's eBay Account
Sep 5, 2016 at 7:39 am
Hook me up you sly fox! I already have the listing ready!
“Only hit once on the range, never played on the course. Looks new. The 3w and 5w are still in the plastic.”
Dinner on me!
Uncle Buck
Aug 31, 2016 at 11:12 pm
Dern thang look like’a one ‘nem Taylor Made outfits from back ind’a day. Hehehe!! More thangs change da more dey stay da same!! As ‘ol Jack would say “goodness gracious!”
Martin
Aug 31, 2016 at 8:47 pm
Looking down on the club it looks like the shape of a TM club that came out 5-7 years ago. R9 I think it was. I like a more traditional looking club like the XR.
r7l
Aug 31, 2016 at 9:40 pm
You’re thinking of the R7 Limited, the red one. But Callaway has had this shape before also.
Dave R
Aug 31, 2016 at 4:30 pm
Wow wtf who ?
Charlie
Aug 31, 2016 at 1:39 pm
Looks like the club has stretch marks!!!
M
Aug 31, 2016 at 1:59 pm
You would know, wouldn’t you, dealing with your Moobs
Charlie
Sep 4, 2016 at 4:51 pm
You weren’t complaining when you were between them!
3PuttTerritory
Aug 31, 2016 at 8:58 am
I hit these the other day along with the new irons and hybrids and they are most certainly not the best looking clubs I’ve ever seen. Meaning, if this club were a gigolo, it’d have to be very good with its fingers.
I was a little taken aback by the recoil wood shaft, I said, “that’s the shaft my grandpappy plays in his irons, do you have anything in 92 grams???” But, there was nothing else to try.
I play my driver at 44 7/16, so it wasn’t perfect, but it was CLOSE. The best thing I can say about it is that for a game improvement club it doesn’t spin a ton, so if you mostly hit drop-kick, high blocks–this could be the club for you.
The irons are going to be the real star of the show for callaway this year though with the steelhead and the Bertha replacement that’s coming.
Everyone should try them unless they’re like me and still Baggin’ a set of ping eye 2 berrillz, blue dot, 1-PW. Holla at me, 1987.
B
Aug 31, 2016 at 3:02 am
Beautiful!
Joshuaplaysgolf
Aug 30, 2016 at 9:41 pm
????????????????
KK
Aug 30, 2016 at 9:03 pm
Short shaft, ugly, Callaway engineering. This thing has to be a beast.
Zipper
Aug 30, 2016 at 7:39 pm
“new material”, that’s hilarious. K2 was making skis with this material in the 1980’s. It’s marketing BS (I have a marketing degree). These guys will say anything to make a buck!!!
SNBD
Aug 30, 2016 at 11:57 pm
I’m willing to bet the article/statement for Callaway is implying that the material is new to golf equipment. By your logic the only “new materials” are ones that haven’t been discovered by man yet…..don’t be so literal Zipper.
suckatgolf
Aug 30, 2016 at 6:55 pm
Worst Club ever.
WTF were you thinking Callaway.
Joshuaplaysgolf
Aug 30, 2016 at 9:38 pm
Have you hit it???
Dat
Aug 30, 2016 at 6:30 pm
While the 44.5 option is nice…it won’t be in stock at most stores. So this benefit is mostly moot unless the store salesman knows he can get it in a shorter, more controllable length. Enough with the 45.5″ and 46″ driver off the rack specs. They don’t work for the true average player.
Mat
Aug 30, 2016 at 4:32 pm
I came here thinking, “yet another Callaway release”, but these actually do seem to be different. Besides, offering a 44.5 option should be celebrated, even if it is these guys.
Rob
Aug 30, 2016 at 3:06 pm
Haven’t we taken steps backwards since the Fusion FT-3 Driver? That club had the entire body made of carbon, not just the sole and crown. This allowed them to move 44 grams around inside the head to wherever they wanted.
Wesstlee18
Aug 30, 2016 at 1:21 pm
The problem with carbon composite is you have to use glue to attach it, so all the weight you save is wasted in glue. Notice the weight on the head is just “12 grams.” Yes there was some weight saved, piece for piece, but they probably only moved about 6 – 9 grams around, which can still make a difference in driver design, but also the reason why all titanium drivers are still competitive. Love the marketing though!
ZJohnson
Aug 30, 2016 at 12:48 pm
The shape reminds me a lot of the old FT-iZ. I’ll stick to my 816**
Fupresti
Aug 30, 2016 at 12:29 pm
Burp
G
Aug 30, 2016 at 12:14 pm
Gorgeous !!!
Weekend Duffer
Aug 30, 2016 at 11:45 am
44.5 right out the store wow, hopefully others try to copy this. These 46.5″ drivers are getting ridiculous.
Marty Moose
Aug 30, 2016 at 9:57 am
At least they are offering this. I prefer shorter drivers; play mine at 44.25″ – lead tape on bottom to make up weight change. My distance does not seem affected by the shorter length, better dispersion and hit the center 90% of the time. More should experiment with different driver lengths. I know Tom Wishon has a chart which gives recommended lengths based on height, wrist to floor, etc.
“Consumers will be able to choose from the 45.5-inch stock shaft option, and a 44.5-inch shaft that has a slightly heavier weight in the back of the driver head to adjust for swing weight.”
L
Aug 30, 2016 at 6:08 pm
You’re not one of us real golfers Smiz, so don’t include yourself as one of us, you don’t speak for us. You only speak for yourself as you stare at the mirror in your slammer
L
Aug 31, 2016 at 12:58 pm
Because you have no respect
Marty Moose
Aug 31, 2016 at 10:15 am
Then don’t. Keep hitting that 46″ TM Burner Draw driver 2 fairways over.
Marty Moose
Sep 1, 2016 at 12:50 pm
Easy to do when you are playing the women’s tees.