Callaway Big Bertha Alpha Review; Gravity Core Threatens TaylorMade Dominance

As the “average player” we can read the information presented by club manufacturers, ball manufacturers or any other company peddling their golf related items on the open market. But is that really enough information. Here at Sports Unbiased we do not believe that is enough to warrant spending the high cash prices reflected in golf products today. Sports Unbiased is taking the lead in providing a comprehensive review of golf equipment currently on the market. Sports Unbiased will be covering woods, irons, balls, shoes or anything else that is considered relevant to the “average golfer.” We will list the handicap of the player reviewing that golf specific item and get their honest opinion of the quality of the item and whether or not you should spend the money on it. We believe in arming the prospective buyer with the information to make a proper decision. With that thought process in mind this article will be reviewing the Callaway Big Bertha Alpha Driver.

Item: Callaway Big Bertha Alpha

MSRP: $499

 

Company Information:

Big Bertha Alpha features the revolutionary Gravity Core to maximize distance in the most advanced driver we’ve ever made.

Gravity Control Adjustability

What’s the story on Gravity Control Adjustability? Let’s break it down:

For the first time ever, the Gravity Core lets you adjust unwanted spin independently of launch angle, so you get completely optimized ball flights and longer distance. You want an extreme low spin driver? You can have it. Or a more total performance, mid-low spin driver? Yep, absolutely. It’s not magic; it’s the Gravity Core in action.

Together with the adjustable hosel, players now have an added dimension of adjustability to optimize launch angle. So now you get EVEN MORE ball speed and distance. We hope that’s okay with you.

Dial in your preferred directional bias with the adjustable weights, enhancing a Draw or Neutral shot shape for more accuracy. Whatever flight you want, Big Bertha Alpha can give it to you.

 

Handicap of Tester: 5-8

 

Overall Opinion:

For many years, 10 to be exact, I carried a Callaway Steelhead Driver in my bag and swore it was the best driver I would ever hit. I could work it left-to-right or right-to-left with almost no effort. It was long enough for me and when required I could hit it off the deck. Then a few years ago a friend of mine convinced me to try his TaylorMade R11. I was hooked and put one in my bag. Again I did not think I would find a club that would replace it. Well recently I had the opportunity to play 36 holes with the new Callaway Big Bertha Alpha and I might be changing my mind again.

Why? The new generation of Big Bertha is long, just long! It was not “perfect” out of the box but luckily this is driver that you can adjust to almost any setup that might tickle your fancy. Did I say it was long? I averaged about 12 yards more off the tee consistently with the Alpha. Is distance all that matters? Of course not. So let’s keep going.

It is forgiving, even more forgiving than my R11. You can miss it left, right, above or below the sweet spot and still produce results that would make many players happy. In order to hit a “banana ball” or the dreaded “snap hook” you have to make a consensus effort to produce those results. The average miss will keep you in play and not cost you a drastic amount of distance.

This new Callaway Golf offering is consistent. I did not spend hole after hole wondering where that solid tee shot was. There was no “How come I could do it five holes ago and not now?” Tee shot after tee shot the ball just jumped off the face with a mid-trajectory and gave me what I expected to see. “Gravity Core” where have you been all my life? I do not normally talk so highly about a club but this Big Bertha Alpha lives up to the hype without a doubt.

However, with all the good that comes with the Alpha comes a little bad. But in this case bad is a matter of perspective. Yes the Alpha gives you a ton of different setup possibilities but that might be more than many players want to deal with. In fact, it could be really easy to make adjustments, not knowing exactly what will happen, and then being frustrated with the results. I would recommend taking the driver to your local professional and have them work with you to optimize your setup. Then just leave it alone. Secondly it comes down to the almighty dollar. When faced with a $499 price tag I can see many players turning around and walking away. Frankly I would not fault them for the logic. However, if you have the liquid income or a birthday coming up then the Alpha would be an asset to your arsenal. If you put it in your bag you will never regret it. Callaway has truly come back in my opinion with the Big Bertha Alpha offering.

Value for the Money (Out of 10): 8

Overall Rating (Out of 10): 9