Callaway Big Bertha B21 Irons Review – Updated 2023

Get all the details on the performance testing of the new Callaway Big Bertha B21 Irons. Learn how this club can help you maximize ball speed, and accuracy.

I. Is Callaway Big Bertha B21 irons worth it? 

If you’re looking for golf irons that prioritize distance and forgiveness, the Callaway Big Bertha B21 irons are definitely worth considering. 

They’re designed with a wide sole, large clubface, and Flash Face Cup technology that all work together to increase ball speed and distance. 

Plus, they have a sleek and attractive design. However, if you prefer a more traditional-looking iron, these may not be the best option for you. 

II. My experience review with Callaway Big Bertha B21 irons

I took the plunge and decided to give the Callaway Big Bertha B21 irons a go, seeing as they’ve been generating quite the buzz among us golfers looking to up our game. Gotta say, right off the bat, these irons felt well-balanced in my hands.

They got this cool tungsten energy core tucked away in the back of the clubhead, doing its magic to enhance your launch and ball speed. And that means more distance and the ability to send that ball soaring higher with a softer landing, giving you an edge on holding those greens. 

These irons come equipped with the Legendary Big Bertha Shaping that steps up your turf interaction game. That means you can confidently smack that ball from any kind of lie and still get that sweet, crisp contact.

They’re the real deal, bringing power, and some serious greens-holding prowess to your golf game. But, here’s the kicker, when it comes to playability, I gotta say, they could’ve done better. 

These irons do their thing, especially when it comes to those shorter irons. They’ll give you straighter shots and some extra distance, no doubt about it. But here’s the catch: sometimes, precision takes a backseat.  It’s like they’re more focused on making sure that ball goes far rather than being pinpoint accurate.

If you’re a golfer with a low handicap seeking precision, this might not be the best fit for you. However, if you’re a high-handicapper in search of distance, this could be an ideal option.

Test stats

I further tested Big Bertha B21 4 iron, 7 iron, and pitching wedge in a simulator room with a launch monitor. As I played multiple shots, I noticed that these irons offer more distance even with slower swing speeds. 

Club type	B21 4-Iron	B21 7-Iron	B21 PW
Ball speed (mph)	141.1	102.7	87.7
Club head speed (mph)	95.6	73.9	71.2
Launch Angle (degrees)	12.3	17.6	25.5
Spin Rate	3332	4924	8624
Carry Distance (Yards)	219.5	142.8	107.5
Total Distance (Yards)	237.9	154.2	111.3

First, I tested 4 iron with 19 degrees loft angle and it did well in terms of distance. The average ball speed achieved was 87 mph, with the longest shot exceeding 237 yards. This demonstrated a notable distance performance for an iron club.

Moving on to the 7 iron, which had a loft angle of 29 degrees, the average ball speed reached 102 mph. The longest shot carried a distance of 142 yards, which was consistent with the performance characteristics of this iron.

Finally, I tested the pitching wedge with 47 degrees loft angle, and the average ball speed for this club was 87 mph. The longest shot went 111 yards, which I would say is considerable. 

Overall, the Big Bertha B21 irons provide good distance and accuracy, especially for golfers with slower swing speeds. The clubs’ notable performance characteristics can benefit players seeking more distance and forgiveness in their game.

III. In terms of performance factors 

Here is how the Callaway Big Bertha B21 Irons perform in terms of distance, forgiveness, playability, trajectory control, look and feel: 

1. Distance ( Score – 9/10)

The Big Bertha B21 has a high launch, which can benefit golfers who struggle to get their irons up in the air. The offset on the Big Bertha B21 can also help golfers who tend to slice the ball, resulting in more distance. 

The Big Bertha B21 is likely to be one of the longest and highest-flying irons for recreational golfers due to its fast face and high launch.

2. Forgiveness (Score – 9/10)

Callaway Big Bertha B21 irons feature a deep CG and thick profile, providing forgiveness for golfers. The wider sole and greater offset help with the right miss and provide an easier strike through the ball and turf. 

The higher launch helps hold greens better, making it a forgiving iron. However, it may lack precision and touch around the green for some players.

3. Playability And Trajectory (Score – 7/10)

Callaway Big Bertha B21 irons offer a high and straight trajectory, which is ideal for golfers who typically hit a natural fade.

The mid and long irons are easy to launch high, but the short irons may feel clunky around the greens. Due to their thickness and offset, these irons are not suitable for shot-shaping but can be best for hitting straight shots.

4. Look (Score – 10/10)

The Callaway Big Bertha B21 irons have a thick and confidence-inspiring look that is appealing to high handicappers seeking forgiveness. The offset is substantial, which may be extreme for some golfers, but the curvature of the head helps to hide it. 

The badge design is aesthetically pleasing, with a blue color that has a wide appeal and the Callaway Big Bertha logos drawing attention to the center.

5. Sound And Feel (Score – 6/10)

The Big Bertha B21 irons have a distinct sound and feel that may seem appealing to some players, while some may not like it. These irons produce a slightly clicky sound at impact.

They have an explosive feel off the face, and sweet spot strikes sound crisp that adds to the satisfaction of hitting a well-executed shot.

However, these irons lack the precise feedback needed for precise shots around the greens.

IV. Features and benefits of Callaway Big Bertha B21 Irons

In the below section, we have covered the core features and benefits that make these irons stand out:

1. Tungsten Energy Core

The Callaway Big Bertha B21 irons boast a Tungsten Energy Core, featuring a significant amount of custom tungsten weighting that precisely positions the center of gravity deep within the head. This design results in higher launch conditions throughout the set while still maintaining high ball speeds.

2. A.I. Designed Flash Face Cup

The Callaway Big Bertha iron features the A.I. Designed Flash Face Cup technology, which uses a unique face architecture for each iron in the set. This results in high ball speeds and spins consistency for golfers.

The Flash Face Cup technology is an evolution of the 360 Face Cup, which provides more face flexion at impact and translates to even higher ball speeds. 

The technology was first introduced in Callaway’s Epic Flash drivers and has since made its way to the Big Bertha B21 irons.

3. Urethane Microspheres

The Callaway Big Bertha B21 irons feature urethane microspheres, a proprietary technology designed to enhance feel and sound. These microspheres absorb unwanted vibrations, which leads to a smoother impact and better overall feel.

This technology is unique because it also preserves the high COR of the Flash Face Cup, resulting in more ball speed and spin consistency. 

4. Incorporates Legendary Big Bertha Shaping

The Callaway Big Bertha B21 irons feature a design that focuses on improving turf interaction shaping. With wider soles and more offset, the clubs aim to provide golfers with confidence and ease of use when addressing the ball. 

The enhanced turf interaction promotes a more consistent launch, straighter ball flight, and lower spin for better accuracy on the course.

V. Alternatives 

If you’re in search of finding alternatives to the Callaway Big Bertha Irons, then you can consider 3 options:

1. TaylorMade P790 Irons

The TaylorMade P790 Irons cater to golfers seeking a blend of accuracy, distance, and feel. The irons comprise soft carbon steel bodies, high-strength forged faces, and speed foam technology that bolsters fast ball speed and feel. 

With a compact shape, thin top line, and minimal offset, they are ideal for skilled players preferring a traditional look. The P790s are a good choice for golfers wanting to add distance and precision to their game.

2. Ping G425 Irons

The Ping G425 Irons suit golfers who need controlling ball flight and forgiveness. Their multi-material design includes a hyper-17-4 stainless steel face and a tungsten toe-weight that enhances launch and forgiveness. 

The irons also have variable face thickness technology for consistent performance, even on mishits. The clubhead is slightly larger with a thicker topline and more offset, making them a good option for players who want help with their ball flight and a substantial clubhead.

3. Callaway Mavrik Max Irons

The Callaway Mavrik Max Irons are ideal for golfers seeking high-performance irons with greater distance, accuracy, and forgiveness. 

These irons incorporate Flash Face Cup tech, ensuring consistent and longer shots. The tungsten energy core aids in launch optimization and trajectory, suitable for all levels of golfers. 

The clubhead is more oversized with a thicker topline and offset, making them an excellent option for players who need more confidence and forgiveness.

My Take 

The Big Bertha B21 irons deliver on their promises, maintaining fast ball speeds, a high launch with a good carry distance, and great looks. 

The forgiving design and large profile make them ideal for golfers with higher handicaps or beginners looking to improve their game quickly. However, if you are looking for budget-friendly options, you must look for alternatives.