Callaway's new Big Bertha V-Series driver shot at the 2014 WGC Bridgestone

[StarFleetGolfer]

I'm at c7 with Kiyoshi 75 and I hit it as well as any driver I've played.

[Dscvrr St Louis]

[quote name='Golfjunki71' timestamp='1409330355' post='10031445']
I'm at c7 with Kiyoshi 75 and I hit it as well as any driver I've played.
[/quote]
Excellent...!!

How's X2Hot doing?

[Konklifer]

[quote name='Dscvrr St Louis' timestamp='1409330206' post='10031439']
Konk

That should be light enough to get you in the high C9-D0 range on SW..depending on your grip...so not too bad. I was at C7 with a Veylix 62 gram in the 9* head for testing...touch too light overall, but after a few swings..wasn't that bad actually..miss was a pull left a touch farther than my normal pull. FWIW...SW to me is overrated..I had an XHP with 81 gram shaft cut to 42.5 and was C9 and killed it...added tape to get to D2..felt horrible...whatever works best!
[/quote]

I agree with you on SW. I drank the Kool-Aid and added lead tape to my X2H driver due to it's shorter length and lower weight. Awful! I actually like lighter clubs. Don't know why I let myself be swayed by the 'heavier is better' mentality.

[nuthin but a hacker]

I finally made the long drive to GG to see if they had the BBV in a stiff flex shaft. They had 1 in a 10.5* head so took a few swings with it. I like it a lot better than the regular flex. The specs are more in line with the regular flex in my X Hot.

[SwingMan]

[quote name='SwingBlues' timestamp='1408761197' post='9991337']


Cosmetically, one thing I don't like are the lines on the face. Adding spin?
[/quote]

Lines on the face are painted on ...

[ladahl]

Still debating on whether I keep this or not... I pre-ordered and was delivered 8/25. I only hit a handful of balls with it so far. The std. BB is just so solid.

[station2station]

my local big box retailer got about 75 BB-V's units in stock.

...ZERO in stiff. all SR and Reg. and a few women's. Really made be think about the target market for this one.

[Dscvrr St Louis]

[quote name='station2station' timestamp='1409497470' post='10039993']
my local big box retailer got about 75 BB-V's units in stock.

...ZERO in stiff. all SR and Reg. and a few women's. Really made be think about the target market for this one.
[/quote]

the target market for the 10.5 and 13.5 s is definitely the slower swingers the 9.0 will have the speeder 565 stiff in it as the stock shaft.

[station2station]

I hit the demo today with Speeder - It's not a Speeder.

[SwingMan]

I am probably the market for this club. Have a swing as compared to what I see on the range, and want more distance. I don't muscle the club.

My normal loft with an R1 or the typical driver is 12-12.5 degrees. I took a BBV out to the range -- 10.5 R flex, and while not my best day due to fatigue (hot and humid will wipe you out), the club launched higher than expected, BUT it has an incredible soft feel and great sound (or lack of). It made you want to keep teeing it back up.

My SS varies with a swing change but is between 88-94. I thought the club was a bit too light for me, and the shaft not strong enough. I would have thought that I'd have to jack it to 11.5 or so, but no. Took it back to the shop, and asked them to call Callaway for a Fuji 565 shaft, so they would not have to sell a brand new, used club. They said just turn it back in and special order. .. seemed like an odd business decision. Maybe I should have emailed Harry Arnett - hey Harry! Send a shaft! Thx.

So I requested the 10.5, Fuji 565 at 45 at D2... we'll see what happens. I hope the feel is as good as stock.

It's very easy to elevate. I was hitting it top half of the middle -- I had to tee it lower than I normally do. Typically, I have a positive AOA. Will have to review this club after I get the new one -- in about 10 days. Today, was a poor day for me because of two days of 3 hr each of range time in 90+ temps and humidity.

Once again, the face feels hot, soft, and forgiving, the sound is muted. It won't be as forgiving as a G30 or a similar driver with that tail for low and way back MOI. At the same time, it was tough to make that call because the club felt so light and it was so hot and humid on the range. I believe the added heft of the 565 shaft, while taking off .5 inches, will offer better consistency and dispersion.

Tried the 3 wood -- excellent off the tee with great distance, too.

[DTown3011]

The fairway woods look incredible. Very high end and setup perfect at address. Hotmelted with a 70-80g shaft they could be awesome. I'll probably wait until next year to try one, as my X2Hot Pro is serving me well this year.

[Brad75]

[quote name='SwingMan' timestamp='1409533299' post='10042317']
I am probably the market for this club. Have a swing as compared to what I see on the range, and want more distance. I don't muscle the club.

My normal loft with an R1 or the typical driver is 12-12.5 degrees. I took a BBV out to the range -- 10.5 R flex, and while not my best day due to fatigue (hot and humid will wipe you out), the club launched higher than expected, BUT it has an incredible soft feel and great sound (or lack of). It made you want to keep teeing it back up.

My SS varies with a swing change but is between 88-94. I thought the club was a bit too light for me, and the shaft not strong enough. I would have thought that I'd have to jack it to 11.5 or so, but no. Took it back to the shop, and asked them to call Callaway for a Fuji 565 shaft, so they would not have to sell a brand new, used club. They said just turn it back in and special order. .. seemed like an odd business decision. Maybe I should have emailed Harry Arnett - hey Harry! Send a shaft! Thx.

So I requested the 10.5, Fuji 565 at 45 at D2... we'll see what happens. I hope the feel is as good as stock.

It's very easy to elevate. I was hitting it top half of the middle -- I had to tee it lower than I normally do. Typically, I have a positive AOA. Will have to review this club after I get the new one -- in about 10 days. Today, was a poor day for me because of two days of 3 hr each of range time in 90+ temps and humidity.

Once again, the face feels hot, soft, and forgiving, the sound is muted. It won't be as forgiving as a G30 or a similar driver with that tail for low and way back MOI. At the same time, it was tough to make that call because the club felt so light and it was so hot and humid on the range. I believe the added heft of the 565 shaft, while taking off .5 inches, will offer better consistency and dispersion.

Tried the 3 wood -- excellent off the tee with great distance, too.
[/quote]
Look forward to reading your results with the 565 and shorter shaft.

[ladahl]

[quote name='SwingMan' timestamp='1409533299' post='10042317']
I am probably the market for this club. Have a swing as compared to what I see on the range, and want more distance. I don't muscle the club.

My normal loft with an R1 or the typical driver is 12-12.5 degrees. I took a BBV out to the range -- 10.5 R flex, and while not my best day due to fatigue (hot and humid will wipe you out), the club launched higher than expected, BUT it has an incredible soft feel and great sound (or lack of). It made you want to keep teeing it back up.

My SS varies with a swing change but is between 88-94. I thought the club was a bit too light for me, and the shaft not strong enough. I would have thought that I'd have to jack it to 11.5 or so, but no. Took it back to the shop, and asked them to call Callaway for a Fuji 565 shaft, so they would not have to sell a brand new, used club. They said just turn it back in and special order. .. seemed like an odd business decision. Maybe I should have emailed Harry Arnett - hey Harry! Send a shaft! Thx.

So I requested the 10.5, Fuji 565 at 45 at D2... we'll see what happens. I hope the feel is as good as stock.

It's very easy to elevate. I was hitting it top half of the middle -- I had to tee it lower than I normally do. Typically, I have a positive AOA. Will have to review this club after I get the new one -- in about 10 days. Today, was a poor day for me because of two days of 3 hr each of range time in 90+ temps and humidity.

Once again, the face feels hot, soft, and forgiving, the sound is muted. It won't be as forgiving as a G30 or a similar driver with that tail for low and way back MOI. At the same time, it was tough to make that call because the club felt so light and it was so hot and humid on the range. I believe the added heft of the 565 shaft, while taking off .5 inches, will offer better consistency and dispersion.

Tried the 3 wood -- excellent off the tee with great distance, too.
[/quote]

Exactly the specs I ordered mine at from Callaway (9* head, set to 10*, however)

I have not had it on a SW scale yet, but it feels lighter than the requested D2..

Edit: I might try it again today on some of the more "open" driver holes on my home course. So, should be able to compare to where my normal misses are with the BB, etc.

[ZBigStick]

Captain Kirk wins with the Big V in Tour Playoffs.

If they had a weight port in the retail heads, these would be money! D2 it at 45" baby.

[jonn443]

[quote name='ZBigStick' timestamp='1409608848' post='10046205']
Captain Kirk wins with the Big V in Tour Playoffs.

If they had a weight port in the retail heads, these would be money! D2 it at 45" baby.
[/quote]
Beat me to it! I watched him tee off in front of me a bunch today with the V... nice looks, good sound and he hit it well, love Captain Kirk's swing!

[station2station]

[quote name='jonn443' timestamp='1409610308' post='10046321']
[quote name='ZBigStick' timestamp='1409608848' post='10046205']
Captain Kirk wins with the Big V in Tour Playoffs.

If they had a weight port in the retail heads, these would be money! D2 it at 45" baby.
[/quote]
Beat me to it! I watched him tee off in front of me a bunch today with the V... nice looks, good sound and he hit it well, love Captain Kirk's swing!
[/quote]

Yep, def playing a V. I wouldn't go as far as to say I like the guys swing. Very awkward but he was able to get the ball in the hole.

[jonn443]

[quote name='station2station' timestamp='1409611860' post='10046471']
[quote name='jonn443' timestamp='1409610308' post='10046321']
[quote name='ZBigStick' timestamp='1409608848' post='10046205']
Captain Kirk wins with the Big V in Tour Playoffs.

If they had a weight port in the retail heads, these would be money! D2 it at 45" baby.
[/quote]
Beat me to it! I watched him tee off in front of me a bunch today with the V... nice looks, good sound and he hit it well, love Captain Kirk's swing!
[/quote]

Yep, def playing a V. I wouldn't go as far as to say I like the guys swing. Very awkward but he was able to get the ball in the hole.
[/quote]

It's not Adam Scott's swing, but it's unique and produced today. Now, Rory's swing was awe inspiring... watching him today really put me in the "I suck at golf" category. His drives on 14 and 18 were INSANE. He out drove Kirk by 45 yds. Most beautiful high draws I have ever seen.

[nuthin but a hacker]

Got an email this morning from some place called Golfland Warehouse advertising a "flash" sale on the Big Bertha V Series. That was kinda quick for a sale on a brand new driver.

[Dscvrr St Louis]

So did I...don't think this was authorized. and it was only for Women's on their site..couldn't choose anything else.

[golfware]

So I've demo'd the 9* stock stiff (set to -1, N), a 10.5* (set to -1, N) with a Speeder 661 stiff and a 10.5* (set to -1, N) with a Tour Green stiff.

All three setups were ridiculously straight. Just very forgiving and straight. I can see why this is a hit. Apparently it has sold very well, and a lot of Tour staffers have really liked it as well.

Great sound/feel. The 9* sets up very well for me. It's really easy to swing. Swingspeed was around 110mph and I found the balance excellent with this club. Hit it outdoors and loved the ballflight I was getting. Really, really straight.

[ZBigStick]

[quote name='station2station' timestamp='1409532950' post='10042297']I hit the demo today with Speeder - It's not a Speeder.[/quote]

Because it's ~56g, or because it's a noodle?

I haven't been able to hit the 9* Fuji combo yet.

[station2station]

[quote name='ZBigStick' timestamp='1409694994' post='10052027']
[quote name='station2station' timestamp='1409532950' post='10042297']I hit the demo today with Speeder - It's not a Speeder.[/quote]

Because it's ~56g, or because it's a noodle?

I haven't been able to hit the 9* Fuji combo yet.
[/quote]

I shouldn't say it's not a Speeder. But it was light enough that I couldn't really nail down or ascertain a bend profile. I'll just say "it wasn't suitable to me".

[SwooshLT]

SwingMan. .....get your big stick in from Callaway?

[SwingMan]

[quote name='SwooshLT' timestamp='1410306461' post='10092289']
SwingMan. .....get your big stick in from Callaway?
[/quote]

Was out of town and just picked it up ... will take a lunch break to the range tomorrow.

[SwooshLT]

[quote name='SwingMan' timestamp='1410747111' post='10117985']
[quote name='SwooshLT' timestamp='1410306461' post='10092289']
SwingMan. .....get your big stick in from Callaway?
[/quote]

Was out of town and just picked it up ... will take a lunch break to the range tomorrow.
[/quote]

Alright then........curious about this one!

[SwingMan]

[quote name='SwooshLT' timestamp='1410790510' post='10119653']
[quote name='SwingMan' timestamp='1410747111' post='10117985']
[quote name='SwooshLT' timestamp='1410306461' post='10092289']
SwingMan. .....get your big stick in from Callaway?
[/quote]

Was out of town and just picked it up ... will take a lunch break to the range tomorrow.
[/quote]

Alright then........curious about this one!
[/quote]

Remember, this is coming from an upper middle aged guy with 89-95 SS and smoothish tempo, who stays in decent shape when the legs and wrists allow... lol.

For those interested in the Fuji 565 versus Stock, the Speeder does add heft and lowers flight. It is a good, smooth alternative.

I do think the stock Basarra shaft plays true to flex but I suspect it is not for guys with strong lag and quick tempos.

For guys who are not certain which to get, you might call the Cally Preowned side and ask about purchasing and cost of the alternative shaft. The Mitsu Basarra is a real deal shaft - and I called PreOwned for a new one with the adapter to have an alternative shaft. You can also check the Callaway site, go through the purchase decision, and see what shafts are included at no up charge. But experience also tells me they may have additional shafts at no up charge -- check if interested.

I need to spend more time with this driver, but from my reading on other sites, it's a winner.

[SwingMan]

Well, if this helps, I hit some bombs at the range with the 10.5 (+1)/Speeder Combo. Tee'd the ball slightly lower (half the ball still above crown) and received flattish bombs that did not spin much with range balls ...

Results are really good... really good.

My only issue with the club -- because Callaway has done such a good job with sound - very soft - the feel off the ball is a bit muted and soft feeling. With my other driver, feel is more direct and I know exactly where I hit it on the face. With the BBV, I'm still guessing.

But if you want ball go far and this fits, preliminary results are that ball go far ..

Between the new swing and this lite weight, I may have to move up a flex to stiff.

[panmure]

I bought a V series 10.5 head off ebay and have matched it up with a RIP Phenom 50g stiff. SW is D1. My normal club is a BB 10.5 with AD DI 6S. This club is as long as my best shot with the BB but where I may max the BB drive 3 or 4 times a round, I'm maxing the V-series 10 times, the misses are no worse than the BB. My second shot in is consistently one or two clubs less than normal. The length into the wind has been really good, its carrying at least 15-20 yds better than the BB.

Like Swingman I'm on the wrong side of fifty, smooth swing, 12 hcp. Its a great club and I will keep playing it till something better shows up. Its worth a look.

[Konklifer]

With the release of the BB 815's, these should plummet in price pretty quick.

[Dscvrr St Louis]

[quote name='Konklifer' timestamp='1412343439' post='10229053']
With the release of the BB 815's, these should plummet in price pretty quick.
[/quote]

I understand the plan is to carry three levels of the premium driver line..so all three will be on the floor on Nov 13th, when the BBA 815 and BBA DBD roll out. They are all designed for a different needs player.