Callaway Great Big Bertha II
9° 415CC Driver Firm Flex Graphite Shaft

I wandered the store looking at the Ping G2, and the Cleveland Launcher, I even gave the Taylor Made R7 some consideration. I last came upon the Callaway rack, home to the Big Bertha Titanium or the GBB II. After discussing my choices and options with the salesperson, he indicated that I was best to avoid the Big Bertha Titanium as this was the last effort before Callaway cleaned house, and reinvented their technology department, and did not live up to their high standard.

Naturally, I inquired about the typical things, is the club well balanced, forgiving, and will it help me get extra distance. The forgiveness was what I was told is the greatest trait of this driver, and that is a fair comment. The Great Big Bertha II is a well weighted and crafted club, which is forgiving even when you hit off the toe; the heel is always another matter.

The club also has increased my driving distance by about 30 yards. Yes, 30 yards...

I will qualify this statement with the fact that I am your terribly average 5'8" 185lb. man. I don't go to the gym, and don't exercise much past my pilgrimages to the driving range, or course. Yet with this new driver, I have hit the ball as much as 300 yards this year on several occasions.

Looks? oh, this is a pretty one.... Charming silver shaft, and a nice sparkle finish in a dark blue(subtle, not like the fleck of the 60's that you see on drums) accented with black grips, makes for a nice looking club.

To me, this answers the initial question I have wondered; does high end equipment make a difference? To this golfer, yes, yes it does. The best part is that you have not missed the boat! This wonderful club is still readily available in many golf stores, can be found on eBay in great quantities, or you can simply go to Callaway directly, and buy throught their Pre-Owned service. Check it out:

Callaway Says:

"What have we learned in eight years? It's the biggest, most forgiving Great Big Bertha Driver ever. A new titanium fabrication process makes the face of the Great Big Bertha II 415 Driver thinner, stronger and more forgiving over a larger area. The 415cc titanium head gives you more resistance to twisting - so you'll have more potential distance. And that means more enjoyment in your game." source

I cannot argue with that statement.

Score: 5 Strokes