Callaway Q&A: Big Bertha Fusion driver
Callaway's Dr Alan Hocknell answers the important questions relating to new driver
To get a better understanding following the launch of Callaway's Big Bertha Fusion driver, Dr Alan Hocknell, Senior Vice President of Research and Development at Callaway Golf, answers the important questions.
A: If you look at the technical facts, you can understand why this is such an incredible material to use in the construction of a performance Driver.
The triaxial carbon crown in the Fusion Driver weighs just 10.5g – 65% lighter than titanium and 35% thinner than forged composite. This huge difference, in design terms, means a relatively large weight-saving is made, meaning the Big Bertha Fusion can benefit from a low and deep centre of gravity to significantly improve forgiveness and distance or, as we call it, make a ‘material change’.
FIRST LOOK: CALLAWAY BIG BERTHA FUSION DRIVER
A: By precisely positioning the CG, golfers can enjoy the benefits of a high launch, low spin set-up which promotes longer drives. It’s not the triaxial carbon on its own that gives this performance benefit, it is the material difference it makes to the design of the club, and the options it then gives us to move weight to where it is of most benefit to the club’s performance.
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We pioneered the use of carbon composite and titanium in the same head and Big Bertha Fusion is the next, significant step in the evolution of this technology.
A: The aggressive shape of the head is hugely significant. From front to back the head is deeper, reminiscent of the FT-iZ Driver. This shaping creates a driver with a high MOI, or resistance to twisting.
This means, even on off-centre hits, golfers will be able to hit straighter drives, more often. With the addition of the Speed Step on the crown, designed in partnership with Boeing, drag is reduced and this, in turn, improves air flow resulting in more club head speed and longer drives.
A: Weighing just 54.9g, this technology offers a significant weight saving compared to both a standard titanium driver and a driver than possesses a ‘standard’ carbon crown.
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The titanium EXO-CAGE allowed our R&D team to reposition saved weight inside the club head for maximum MOI resulting in straighter, more consistent drives.
A: There are five key facets to the club:
1. EXO-CAGE combined with triaxial carbon enables a super high MOI design for longer straighter drives across entire face
2. A low and deep CG for easy launch and longer distances
3. R-MOTO face technology for faster ball speeds
4. Speed Step aerodynamics for higher clubhead speeds
5. 44.5” & 45.5” shaft lengths to dial in more accuracy and distance.
A: Different golfers wish for different things – some wish for maximum distance as a priority, while some would give up a few yards of distance for greater control and accuracy.
As BB Fusion is our most forgiving driver ever we are promoting the 44.5” shorter option as our primary stock offering for more control, whilst the 45.5” offers greater distance potential.
Head to the Callaway website for more information.
