Callaway Big Bertha B21 Fairway Wood Review
We analyze the looks and performance of this slice-fighting fairway wood
The Callaway Big Bertha B21 fairway wood is a brilliant option for most club and handicap golfers, especially if you struggle with a miss to the right or to get the ball up in the air. The look at address inspires confidence, with the forgiving performance launching the ball high with a good amount of backspin to keep it airborne.
-
+
Confidence-inspiring to look down on
-
+
Very forgiving
-
+
High launching
-
+
Noticeable increase in distance during testing
-
-
Offset look takes some getting used to
-
-
High launch and spin won't suit all player types
Why you can trust Golf Monthly
Callaway Big Bertha B21 Fairway Review
Callaway’s Big Bertha brand is synonymous with quality and innovation in the metalwood market and, in recent years, it’s been tied to the models that tend to be easier to launch and are more forgiving.
With the Big Bertha B21, it’s immediately obvious that that’s exactly what it is designed to be when you take the headcover off, with this model ranking amongst the best Callaway fairway woods on the market.
To begin with, the shape and profile behind the ball inspires huge amounts of confidence. It looks like there’s a lot of loft there, with the silver face contrasting sharply against the dark crown to assist with alignment.
What will also provide confidence is the overall shape, as the B21 has a pretty straight bottom edge along the face, a shallow profile and a deep head from face-to-back. This means that the user should have no problem getting the ball up in the air quickly, although the offset design may take some getting used to.
But players who have no confidence getting fairway woods off the deck should be able to get the ball airborne with this club. After all, Callaway are known for producing some of the best fairway woods that money can buy.
Moving to the performance, and specifically the feel and sound across the face, which is really solid and consistent. Overall, it's a little closer to the titanium woods of a few years ago than the more recent carbon composite creations.
There’s definitely plenty of forgiveness there, as the performance didn’t drop off too much on off-centre strikes. The offset also really helps anyone who struggles with a slice to keep the ball in play, as it also interacts well through the turf and is effective from a variety of different lies too.
Upon impact, the launch and flight is noticeably higher than most other fairway woods and it generates more spin than some of the more powerful models on the market (many of which are aimed at the better player).
Therefore, the Big Bertha B21 is perhaps aimed more towards the mid and high handicapper range, as the higher launch and spin are exactly what many club and handicap golfers need to keep the ball in the air and maximise carry distance.
It is worth noting that better players might prefer a more penetrating and lower-spinning flight, especially off the tee. The B21 also seems to have a little more draw bias built in than a traditional fairway wood, so slicers seeking a straighter flight should experience this with the Big Bertha.
If you do decide to buy one of these fantastic Callaway golf clubs, first look at one of our Callaway coupon codes.
Get the Golf Monthly Newsletter
Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news, equipment news, reviews, head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts.
Kit Alexander is a golf broadcaster and journalist who commentates and presents for the DP World Tour, PGA EuroPro Tour and Rose Ladies Series. He has over 15 years’ experience of magazine and television work in the golf industry and is a regular contributor to Golf Monthly.
- Matt CradockStaff Writer
-
Tiger Woods To Make PNC Championship Return Alongside Son Charlie
The 15-time Major winner is set to tee it up for the first time since back surgery in September, with Team Woods making their fifth appearance in the tournament
By Matt Cradock Published
-
American Pro DQ'd From LET Q-School Without Hitting A Shot
Gabby Lemieux travelled over to North Africa for Ladies European Tour Q-School but was disqualified on the first morning of action
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
‘To Say That McIlroy’s Season Was Not A Success Is Wide Of The Mark’
To say it's been a dramatic 2024 for Rory McIlroy is a bit of an understatement, with the four-time Major winner going through multiple highs and lows this year
By Matt Cradock Published