If you are a mid-handicapper, you can undoubtedly take advantage of the extreme forgiveness of the Callaway Big Bertha Fusion irons. However, even with their 6-4 titanium face construction, these irons do not provide the much-needed workability.
Callaway Golf’s Fusion is all about weight distribution technology. The Big Bertha Fusion Irons have been garnering some attention in the golf community, and more people want to know if these irons are worth using.
What stood out for me in these irons is the dense titanium alloy cradle, lightweight 6-4 titanium face, and special vibration-dampening TPU SenSert. However, there’s more than meets the eye. Continue reading to learn about the Callaway Fusion irons and to see if they’re the right fit for you.
Callaway Fusion Irons Specs
Most people who have used the Big Bertha fusion iron testify that it feels well-balanced, and this was exactly my first impression. It also has some interesting specifications.
Callaway Fusion Irons Key Features
Features | What It Means | Benefit |
Tunite cradle | Allows 77% of the mass to be positioned around the extreme perimeter of the iron. | Ultra-high MOI and a low, deep CG |
TPU SenSert | Reduces vibration for a great feel. Also, it eliminates the hollow sound and feel of an oversized cavity back. | Response and crisp sound |
Lightweight 6-4 titanium face insert | It is 22 percent lighter than a comparable steel face, so weight is distributed around the perimeter. | Increased speed of the ball. |
Club head shape | Enlarged sweet spot | More accurate strikes |
First impression
On paper, many Callaway irons can easily boast impressive features like a titanium face and tunite cradle, but the real test lies in performance.
As someone who appreciates a blend of forgiveness and the ability to manipulate the ball, these irons from Callaway entirely meet expectations.
Before making my purchase for this review, I had the chance to test a set with RCH 75i graphite shafts in regular flex, and the feel was nothing short of impressive.
The uniflex shaft, designed to strike a balance between stiff and regular flex, leans slightly towards the stiff side. Given my contemplation about transitioning from stiff to standard posts, the Nippon 990 uniflex shaft emerged as an ideal fit for me. These shafts lean towards the lighter side of the stiff range, offering a comfortable yet responsive feel.
Let’s remember that fusion irons have been on the market since 2002. The newer versions may not match the length and playability of the Great Bertha tungsten titanium irons or the excellence of the Big Bertha 2002 irons. Still, they offer a reliable and affordable alternative in the used market.
Unlike the ERC Fusions, which fall short in comparison, the Big Bertha Fusion Irons deliver a level of craftsmanship reminiscent of the renowned Ping Eye2 irons.
So, as a first reaction, I consider the Fusion irons a genuine steal for any golfer seeking quality in the game.
Are Callaway Fusion Irons forgiving?
The thoughtful design, with thick soles and a strategically placed low center of gravity in the head of the Callaway Fusion irons, allows for effortless high launches, which is particularly helpful for those struggling with consistently lowball flights.
One distinctive feature that caught my attention is the slightly weaker loft, with the 9-iron boasting a 41° angle. However, the expansive sweet spot mitigates any concerns about lateral mis-hits.
Although I noticed a slight drop in ball speed on off-center hits, the dispersion remained impressively tight.
Still, the forgiving nature of these irons is good, as my shots, even on bad mis-hits, didn’t veer dramatically off course and often resulted in playable lies.
Comparing them to other clubs from over two decades ago, the Callaway Irons from the mid-1990s through the mid-2000s have aged remarkably well in terms of forgiveness.
However, acknowledging the advancements in golf technology, I can’t deny that the newer clubs are still notably superior in terms of forgiveness.
While the Big Bertha Fusion irons are still suitable for casual play, it’s worth considering newer options for a more forgiving experience, especially if you’re looking to elevate your game.
Who Should Use the Callaway Fusion Irons?
Given their construction, technology, and performance, the Callaway fusion irons will fit best for high handicappers, usually beginners. The forgiveness from these irons will surely benefit mid-handsappers, but I didn’t feel the much-needed workability, which won’t be a deal breaker for high handicappers.
The fusion irons are best appreciated for helping you correct big misses, which you will value more as a high handicapper.
Callaway Fusion Iron Price
If you’re buying pre-owned from platforms like eBay, expect to pay anywhere from $180 to $250 for a set of the Callaway Big Bertha Fusion irons.
However, the newer model, “Great Big Bertha,” tungsten, is titanium and commands a premium, which explains why you can see them listed for around $1,750 on the official Callaway golf website.
Callaway: Big Bertha Fusion vs. Fusion Wide Sole?
While the Callaway Big Bertha Fusions are just a bit larger from heel to toe, the Wide Sole’s sole design allows each iron in the set to glide smoothly and efficiently through the turf to reduce clubhead digging or catching missed shots.
On the Fusion Wide Sole, the titanium iron clubhead, 35% lighter than conventional steel, boasts a 25% larger size. Teaming the lightweight titanium with a dense “Tunite” sole insert lowers the center of gravity, aiding swift ball elevation.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Fusion irons are strongly forgiving. They are ideal for beginners or high handicappers, especially if you don’t want to start with expensive irons.
Some see a fair preowned deal on these irons. As long as they are in good shape, even getting set for $100 is a knockout deal.
Ralphy Maltby, who measures and characterizes the physical characteristics of the club, describes the Fusion Irons as one of the most forgiving clubs out there.
So, it’s a solid choice for high handicappers, as you can milk the forgiveness of these irons.