Callaway Big Bertha Alpha 816 Double Black Diamond driver review

Golf Monthly's Callaway Big Bertha Alpha 816 Double Black Diamond driver review, a club that features Dual Distance Chambers to alter both shot shape and spin

Callaway Big Bertha Alpha 816 Double Black Diamond driver review
Golf Monthly Verdict

A premium looking driver with a shape and size that will suit the eye of the better player that likes to shape the ball. The feel off the face is incredibly hot and stable and there's a surprising amount of forgiveness on offer, helped by the plethora of adjustable settings that can be used to negate bad shot tendencies.

Reasons to buy
  • +

    The technology in this driver not only maximise distance from different strike points but it also helps better players control dispersion and spin while still being workable

Reasons to avoid
  • -

    Some may want more alignment assistance from the crown; the length of the shaft makes the head look smaller than it is

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Golf Monthly's Callaway Big Bertha Alpha 816 Double Black Diamond driver review, a club that features Dual Distance Chambers to alter both shot shape and spin

Callaway Big Bertha Alpha 816 Double Black Diamond driver review

Key technology Aimed predominantly at better players, the deep-faced Big Bertha Alpha 816 Double Black Diamond driver now features Dual Distance Chambers located in the heel and toe, one of which houses the Gravity Core.

As such, golfers can now alter both shot shape and spin. Next-generation R-MOTO Technology provides the structure needed for a thinner face, leading to faster ball speeds on both centre and off-centre hits. A slightly open face angle and matte-black finish should also suit the eye of better players at address.

Shaft options 14 shafts are available with no upcharge. The stock models are the Aldila Rogue I/O 60 and Mitsubishi Diamana D+ 70.

Loft options 9° and 10.5° (adjustable)

Will suit Better players looking to control their dispersion while keeping spin levels low.

Callaway BBA 816 DBD Address

GM verdict The deep face, combined with the shallow head length from front to back, leaves you in no doubt that this driver is aimed at the better player who likes to work the ball. The crown aesthetics are clean and simple, with a matte- black finish preventing any glare from the sun.

During testing, placing the Gravity Core in either the heel or toe Distance Chamber to align with lateral mishits proved to be an effective way to achieve a solid feel and more ball speed, provided you can manage the shot shape from the sweet spot in this setting.

Combined with the extra eight settings available on the adjustable hosel, this creates a forgiving driver that good players should be able to use to find a setting that maximises both distance and accuracy. The feel from the sweet spot is incredibly solid, while the low-spin flight optimises both carry and roll out.

 

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Joel Tadman
Deputy Editor

Joel has worked in the golf industry for over 14 years covering both instruction and more recently equipment. He now oversees all equipment and video content at Golf Monthly, managing a team of talented and passionate writers and presenters in delivering the most thorough and accurate reviews, buying advice, comparisons and deals to help the reader or viewer find exactly what they are looking for. 

One of his career highlights came when covering the 2012 Masters he got to play the sacred Augusta National course on the Monday after the tournament concluded, shooting a respectable 86 with just one par and four birdies. To date, his best ever round of golf is a 5-under 67 back in 2011. He currently plays his golf at Burghley Park Golf Club in Stamford, Lincs, with a handicap index of 2.8.

Joel's current What's In The Bag? 

Driver: Titleist TSR3, 9°, Fujikura Ventus Black 6 S shaft.

Fairway wood: Titleist TSR3, 15° 

Hybrid: Titleist TSi2, 18° 

Irons: Titleist T150, 4-PW

Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM10, 50°, 54° and 58°

Putter: LAB Golf DF3 

Ball: 2023 Titleist Pro V1x