RECAP: Big Bertha Alpha 815 chat with Callaway Golf

[Yellow Jacket]

Callaway has a reputation for being a leader in materials and engineering, but it can be difficult to take advantage of that expertise with something inherently low-tech like a muscleback blade. Where do you see this product segment heading in the next few years?

[g_winner]

Love the overall looks of this driver and that you went to the black color pallet. Can't wait to get to try one of these out soon.

For the questions now. You mention R-MOTO face technology in your adds and videos, but what exactly does it stand for? Is the main difference between the double black and the 815 just head size which is the reason for the extra forgiveness in the 815?

Thanks.

[wilavic]

If I wanted to order a double black at 44.5 inches would it be swing weighted to the d4 that I prefer by custom weights at the factory or can heavier weights be purchased separately?Thanks

[ZAP]

The RAZR Fit was my first adjustable driver. I was sent it when my beloved FT-Tour broke. I bought the RFX with some money my Uncle left me. Last year I bought a BBA on a whim with some fun money.

I felt like each of these drivers was a little better than the last one but until the BBA I never had one I liked as well as I liked the FT-Tour.

Are there any aspects of the 815 that make it play like the FT-Tour?

[littled1212]

With all the new drivers it seems you have maxed out the spring effect on the sweet spot of the face. How will these new drivers help me with distance if I hit the ball in the center of the club face?

Thanks

[adfrick]

Thanks for taking time to answer a few questions and as always thanks for supporting us golf nerds on WRX!

Q: How does Callaway test new products in order to optimize for the average golfer? I know that an Iron Byron can simulate exact swing speeds, spin rates, angle of attack, etc, but how does Callaway go about defining what an average golfer hits like? Obviously products are designed for the pros and then modified to address a wider slice of the market. Is it any more complex than that for your design teams?

[BlkNGld]

Assuming both clubs equal, gravity cores down on both

How does the spin rate of the Alpha 815 compare to Alpha (2014)?

How does the MOI of the Alpha DBD compare to Alpha (2014)?

[SKINNYBEE]

The V series driver is incredibly light, which lead to a small improvement in swing speeds. Will either of the 2 new models be in the same weight catagory?

Has Callaway ever entertained the idea of a white driver head?

Could you explain the R MOTO Technology?

P.S. Really like the new head covers!

[Puppetmaster]

Thanks for the dialogue opportunity. The X2 Hot and X2 Hot Pro woods and hybrids have been my favorite releases by far the last few years in terms of feel and performance, and it seems that many of your staffers are using at least one of them in their bags. Going forward will that line, or something comparable, be updated? Or is the Big Bertha line going to incorporate the tech from the X/X2 Hots and everything is just sort of collapsed into various Big Bertha offerings?

Side question - ever wonder about too much adjustability that ends up confusing the consumer? Or is that a good problem to have? Sometimes gear geeks like me would be better off if you just took my wrenches, weights, and adapters away....

[Marks23]

I am curious if you would fit a golfer into the 815 DBD if the Alpha 815 driver were producing too high spin numbers? I am assuming the golfer is a good ball striker (let's say near scratch) and was less concerned about the added forgiveness the Alpha offers but may not have the swingspeed you would normally recommend for the DBD.

[Will Par]

My current focus is on improving my short game by hitting it closer on pitches and chip shots from around the green. I currently have a strategy of primarily using one wedge for most shots around the green. I would like to know what specs, loft and bounce, Roger Cleveland recommends as the best all-purpose wedge from around the greens.

[Dscvrr St Louis]

This is toward Doc Hock and Evan..

The last two seasons have really seen Callaway rise in market share and overall quality seems to be up also. As you approach each new line in the R&D department, are you looking for a certain change in design to really make an impact for each level of players those lines are aimed at or maybe just target better players one time, then higher handicap players the next time?

Thanks for taking the time guys...

Leif

[tbowen19]

In regards to advertising and marketing....in today's age of social media does Callaway feel that traditional advertising is still the most effective way to reach people or is everything really swinging the way of social media? How important is social media in new releases, product details, etc???

[largo]

I would like to ask... if money was no object in the engineering of golf clubs would we still be using the materials and designs we have now? So, like formula 1 the top pro's would have clubs built to only last a couple of rounds and costing $100,000 a set.

[bruinduke]

Congratulations on the anticipation on the new big Bertha drivers.

I've discussed ordering a new double black diamond, but my fitter said that options are limited currently because most of the product is held up in the shipping queues in the ports of Los Angeles. I think this happened around previous release cycles of the RZR fit and RFE. Have you thought about changing the release date after the holidays to avoid the back log or does it help to increase the buzz of the limited supply?

[gr8blueheronbird]

Question regarding the new and improved Callaway Supersoft golf ball. We know the compression has been lowered from 38 to 35. What else has been done to this ball to improve it over the original version and why was the compression lowered? Really did not think the original needed any refinements as well as several others on this site. Thank you.

[Warrick]

I have a statement and 2 questions. I think Callaway, hands down makes the best woods out there today (I can't give up my RFE driver).

Will you continue to produce, pro versions, as in 430/440 cc driver heads. I have 3 RFE heads, and 2 XHP heads in case this does not continue, but my hopes are that it does (Black Diamond?).

When will we see the new Odyssey putters?

Thanks.

[kobes31]

Other manufacturers have been pretty up front during previous chats about the MOI of each model in their driver line. Are these numbers readily available for your current V series, 815 & DBD models?

Thanks for your time participating on the WRX!

[johnha]

Thanks for this opportunity to ask about your equipment.

I've played the Razr XF irons for two seasons and have put a lot of rounds on them and am now looking for my next set for the 2015 season. I've demo'd the Apex and new Big Bertha irons, but our outdoor season is over, so all I've got are some simulator numbers. Both perform very well and are not far off in performance numbers, except that the Big Bertha long irons definitely get out further. Which set is the logical successor for someone who loved his XFs?

[JGalls]

Question #1:

With the recent release of the Big Bertha irons and their distance performance. I got a kick out of the clip with Henrik Stenson and the six iron btw. My question is geared to the future of this iron technology.

Do you see more of this iron distance technology ever consistently making its way into the bags of touring pros and better players? Most likely in smaller more player-like packages.

Question #2:

Huge fan of the custom wedge work of Anthony Taranto. Any plans to allow us avg Joe's an option to get a custom set? Perhaps as a higher tier as a Team Callaway subscription?

#3

Several tour staffers elect to go with the X2hot pro drivers and V series. Do you find that some staffers prefer a simple package versus all the adjustability of the Big Bertha (prior weight track and Alpha) line?

Appreciate you taking the time.

[ThunderBuzzworth]

I was previously a Hex Tour, Tour ix, Tour i(z)and Tour iZ player but when the Hex black came around I didnt really care for it off my irons and wedges and especially my putter.

What improvements have you made in the Speed Regime lines? (I would be in the SR3 specifically with my swing speed)
Where do you see your golf ball design going in the next few years? 6 piece?
What are the focal points of your ball design besides aerodynamics?

[knudson81]

I can't believe a professional company of Callaway's size doesn't have a dress code policy on footwear, so how many of you find Hashtag's footwear offensive?

For a "real" question, What drives the changes in specs on clubs from year to year. As an example you will see a line of high bounce wedges, followed by lower bounce, and then some higher bounce again. What drives those changes from year to year on clubs?

[Jayho]

Explain your product release philosophy. Callaway is gaining a reputation as the company that releases new Drivers every month. This makes your equipment nearly worthless in a year. It also gives the impression that you can't make one good product to compete. I use to be a huge Callaway fan but the brand has been cheapened to me. It's hard for me to wrap my head around the vastly different approach you have compared to Ping or Titleist (who I feel carry the best reputation of quality products).

[Bankwalker]

What's the deal with the Maltby rating reflecting that the Apex irons are harder to hit than the Apex Pros and many other offerings? What do Callaway's own tests reflect?

[MrMileHigh]

Thank you in advance Callaway for the time! This is very cool that a publicly traded company would make their R&D and Marketing folks available for a chat like this.

Question 1) Can you outline the benefits that each driver will have for the following types of players - High Handicapper, Mid Handicapper, and Low Handicapper?

Question 2) From a design and engineering perspective, how is Callaway differentiating from a driver adjustability and weighting standpoint from the other OEMs?

[afullerbiz]

There's been so much coverage with all of the Big Bertha's, the V series, and now the new Alpha's. What's happening with the X hot line of drivers and fairway woods? How do distinguish the difference between these and the headliners you are promoting?; and will you keep making X Hot woods, or will they go away?

[CheckJV]

[size=5][color=#282828]Would a Callaway Big Bertha Alpha 815 or Alpha 815 Double Black Diamond driver with the stock shaft make me look fat? [/color][/size]

[cz13X4]

With your increase in popularity in the last few years, do you think shortened product cycles will help keep your position as a leading brand given the decline in golf and the tapping out of technology?

How do you think you can beat this slump in the game?

[BB815]

LOFT:

Do you expect people to need MORE loft with the 815 technology, as others in the industry are strongly suggesting for their new products?

Currently playing 9 degree Big Bertha, Oban Purple, and its a great combo. ~98-100 MPH CH speed typically.

Thank you.

[summerof]

Thank you all for your time.

Currently playing the Legacy Black irons and think they are the best looking clubs ever made. Only problem with them is that shots hot from higher on the face experience significant distance loss. Is there any chance of your new irons looking like the original Legacy Blacks but with improved overall performance and feel?