Callaway announced the new Big Bertha irons this week. They are expected to be in retail outlets in January 2004. The 2004 Big Bertha Stainless Steel Irons have an MSRP of $1,000 for a set of eight irons in graphite or $760 for a set of eight irons with Constant Weight Uniflex steel shafts by True Temper. All Big Bertha Irons and Wedges are available in right-handed and left-handed versions.
"Big Bertha Irons have always been built for forgiveness, starting with the originals that were introduced in 1994," said Ron Drapeau, Chairman and CEO of Callaway Golf. "This new, next-generation line of Big Bertha Irons takes this heritage of forgiveness even further by incorporating the Notch Weighting Technology first utilized in our Steelhead X-16 Irons. This will help golfers of all skill levels enjoy more pleasing shots more often - even on less-than-perfect swings."
The Notch Weighting Technology designed into each Big Bertha Iron takes weight from the center of the clubhead and repositions it to the heel and toe areas of each iron. The increase in perimeter weighting helps improve stability at impact. The goal is for more accuracy on good shots and less distance lost on off-center hits. Callaway says it helps proced a solid feel and exceptional feedback on shots struck just about anywhere on the clubface.
The new Big Bertha irons feature many refinements of other design features, too, including a modified version of Callaway's constant-width sole design - a deep, turf-riding sole of uniform width in each iron. The constant-width sole lowers the center of gravity, which helps get the ball up into the air. It also helps prevent the Big Bertha Irons from digging into the turf on "fat" shots and helps the club to glide through deep rough.
Callaway says they've also made the new Big Bertha irons more pleasing to the eye. The soles have been reshaped, for a clean, confidence-inspiring silhouette at address, especially with the long irons. The irons feature a high-polish finish and red-and-black medallion complement.
Something you'll find in the new Big Bertha irons that you won't in most other iron sets: a 10-iron. Along with the traditional 2- through 9-iron configuration, there is also a 10-iron in each set. The 10-iron bridges the gap between the strong modern loft of the 9-iron and the traditional loft of the pitching wedge. There is a difference of three degrees in loft between each iron from 2- to 6-iron, a four-degree difference from the 6- to 10-iron, and a five-degree difference in the wedges. There are three Big Bertha wedges available: a 50-degree wedge with the loft of a traditional pitching wedge, a 55-degree sand wedge and a 60-degree lob wedge.
The new Big Bertha Irons will also be available in a special version designed for women. Distinguished by a champagne medallion, they will feature lightweight (and shorter) graphite shafts, smaller grips and lower swingweights.
