RECAP: LIVE Q&A with Callaway Golf on Great Big Bertha & Big Bertha Alpha 816 Drivers! Wed August 1

[cane700]

With many of the current 3wood designs, it he seems to me that more and more people struggle with the 3 wood off the deck. It seems like the focus is mainly on tee shot performance. Considering that average drive for most amateurs is less than 230 yards, I would think that the focus on designing fairway woods would be for better second shot performance . What is your approach to fairway wood design and how do you reconcile these two needs?

[cliffhanger]

I notice there is no updated hybrid to launch with the new drivers and fairway woods... is there one coming soon? If there is are there any new advances in the product that you could discuss?

[Warrick]

I had to get up for a work issue and start at 4am, will not make the live chat unfortuantely.


I huess I will try and get my question answered by posting here.


Will the 816 DBD be not as effective for a person who does not hit the smae place on the face consistently?
I play the 815 DBD, and hit just slightly off center to the heel, but my misses are high/low on the face. How does the 816 DBD handle this type of strike compared to the 815? As in, what if the core is not right behind impact?

[cliffhanger]

Last question i promise... With the R-Motto technology you have the supports located where the face meets the crown and the sole of the club, have you guys experimented with additional supports at the sides of the face as well or would that even have any benefit to your design?

[rebby]

I already asked a few questions but... it seems that the release date for the 816 DBD is slipping. What gives?

[Av9114]

If I'm not mistaken, the 815 DBD was more forgiving vertically than horizontally (at least relatively speaking), is that still true for the 816? Or has the shape of the sweet spot also changed? The dual gravity cores would seem to benefit from a wider but perhaps shorter sweet spot, is that true?

[jjgdyr]

Just so I understand it, there are two gravity slots, but only one core that is used?

[ram01002]

Other companies have talked about 17*, 1700 rpm launch conditions with driver. Is this a number you would support?

[Dscvrr St Louis]

So, I prefer to play my driver shafts at 44.5" and around 72-75 grams, what will be the easiest way to get my preferred SW of D3-D4 with the current GBB and Alpha DBD 816 heads?

thanks,

leif

[dmeyer1982]

What is the spin rate difference between old and new DBD?

[SamHuston]

How are you defining expert for the 816? I play the DBD 815 and have had my best year yet. I would not consider myself an expert. What advantages would the 816 offer vs. 815 DBD?

[ram01002]

[quote name='dmeyer1982' timestamp='1440014317' post='12171126']
What is the spin rate difference between old and new DBD?
[/quote]

also, loft for loft, what is the spin rate difference between the new GBB and new DBD?

Thanks.

[Marks23]

I think its great that you are offering so many shaft choices and at no upcharge. Just curious though, what is the difference between the aldila rogue 60 and the rogue i/o 60?

[highergr0und]

Let's get this thing started!!! I'm ready for some good info

[Callaway Golf Official]

[attachment=2914840:callawaytime_SM.jpg]

[quote name='littled1212' timestamp='1439507147' post='12132812'] Hi, I have the 815 double diamond driver. It seems to me that when I move the gravity core up or down and hit the ball on the face in the opposite position of the gravity core, the driver does not feel as good!! So my question, is this true or just in my head? Thanks [/quote]

This is a result of hitting the ball further away from where the CG is. Hitting the ball further from where the CG is will generally result in lower ball speeds and a feel that is not as good. We have seen very good results with golfers and moving the gravity core closer to where they make contact.

-Jason Finley

[Rozo22]

I know that the majority of the questions will be on GBB, but I have to ask. I have heard rumblings of a new Apex line coming out in November. I love my Apex irons and want to know if there is anything you can share or tease us with in regards to?

In regards to the GBB, can you explain bringing back the perimeter weighting and why? Confused of the reason it left and then came back if there is a stated benefit of having it.

Love the product! Thanks!

[Callaway Golf Official]

[quote name='JPNC1977' timestamp='1439513660' post='12133382']
The BB Alpha looks mean in a good way.

With all the adjustability options available, any concerns about making it too complex for the average Joe? Also is there any difference in spin rate when choosing the right weight chamber versus left and vice versa?
[/quote]

There is certainly more education and understanding needed on the BBA 816 DBD Driver and it is even more important to be properly fit. You should see consistent backspin positions in the high positions and low positions assuming a center impact.

-Jason Finley

[Marks23]

As a current XR driver with project x LZ red shaft player, what performance enhancements will I see with the new Great Big Bertha and Alpha 816 drivers?

[Callaway Golf Official]

[quote name='GC70' timestamp='1439514874' post='12133502'] Wow, 19 shafts at no up charge ! Way to go Callaway! What made you guys go this route? Are these shafts the real deal or made for Callaway? [/quote]

We wanted to offer a wide range of shaft options and also multiple weight classes. We decided to go with many of the most popular shaft models and have a large selection available at no upcharge along with the wide variety of additional custom shafts we offer. All of the shafts are sold in the aftermarket as well.

-Jason Finley

[quote name='TheMoneyShot' timestamp='1439505118' post='12132676'] I want to know why Harry does not post much on here anymore? [/quote]

Haha! Thanks for noticing! I stop by from time to time still!

[quote name='emo' timestamp='1439516807' post='12133772']
will weight kits be made available for either driver?
[/quote]

We will not be offering additional weight kits for either Driver

-Jason Finley

[jjgdyr]

Happy birthday Harry!

[Marks23]

Will the opti fit hosel from my XR driver work on the new drivers? This may have an impact on which shaft I order for the new driver.

[Callaway Golf Official]

[quote name='Dscvrr St Louis' timestamp='1439523135' post='12134506'] Guys...thanks for being here and answering questions!! Okay, first...stop making the DBD better than the Alpha 2014 and now it looks like the 816 DBD is more forgiving and higher MOI than my current 815 DBD...so how is this one better than mine and what can I expect to see results wise over the 815 DBD!! Second, could you explain the extent of open and closed on your optifit adapter? At -1 is it open and at +2 is it closed that much? if so or not, why? Thanks for taking the time guys!! [/quote]

You should expect to see an overall improvement in ball speed with the BBA 816 DBD over the 815 DBD, increased forgiveness, and also a greater ability to adjust it.

The overall face angle impact as you change loft is much less than the change in loft

-Jason Finley

[highergr0und]

Are you sending any recommendations to your accounts to have them make sure players hit both drivers when testing? It just seems to me that a lot of folks go with clubs for the golfer that they want to be vs the golfer that they are, so people will incorrectly choose the Alpha.

[Callaway Golf Official]

[quote name='cliffhanger' timestamp='1440004873' post='12170126'] I notice there is no updated hybrid to launch with the new drivers and fairway woods... is there one coming soon? If there is are there any new advances in the product that you could discuss? [/quote]

Get out of our heads!!! Haha. -Harry

[quote name='Brad75' timestamp='1439555937' post='12135690']
My only question is..... what do I tell my wife when she finds out about another new driver???
[/quote]

You are totally on your own on that one. We wish you good luck and let us know how it goes for you.

-Jason Finley

[Callaway Golf Official]

[quote name='TheMoneyShot' timestamp='1439505118' post='12132676'] I want to know why Harry does not post much on here anymore? [/quote]

[quote name='Mitchell' timestamp='1439515394' post='12133580'] What was the reasoning/ planned benefit behind the usage of two gravity core locations (dual distance chambers)? Will weight kits be readily available to facilitate possibility of shorter builds? [/quote][quote name='Mitchell' timestamp='1439515394' post='12133580'] What was the reasoning/ planned benefit behind the usage of two gravity core locations (dual distance chambers)? Will weight kits be readily available to facilitate possibility of shorter builds? [/quote]

The primary reason of using two chambers was to move the weight out from the center of the club head more towards the perimeter, where it's much for effective for MOI. Furthermore, by using the two chambers to control the desired shot shape (instead of two screws), it was a much more weight efficient approach. Together this helped us retain the low spin characteristic of the original DBD but with much more forgiveness/consistency, particularly on shots hit high on the face. There are currently no plans to offer additional weight kits.

- EvanG

[quote name='ice_eph29' timestamp='1439562420' post='12136282'] Thanks for taking the time guys. Will these eventually be available with uDesign colors? [/quote]

Yes, both of the new Drivers will be available in uDesign options for launch.

-Jason Finley

[quote name='jjgdyr' timestamp='1440014898' post='12171198'] Happy birthday Harry! [/quote]

I am living proof that 33 is not a death sentence, JJ! -Harry

[jjgdyr]

What did u guys buy Harry for his bday?

[Callaway Golf Official]

[quote name='slicktry' timestamp='1439593868' post='12139374'] Has there been any consideration for a sub 400cc GBB ???? God Bless Jer [/quote]

We have one, it is just in the form of a 3wood. Beyond that, no plans for a sub 400cc Driver head in the GBB line. You can see Bertha Mini if looking for a smaller Driving club option.

-Jason Finley

It should be noted that HashtagChad just started playing OAR on his computer. And now Finley and he are talking music which sounds like the world's worst college radio morning ZooCrew. That is all. -Harry

[jjgdyr]

will there ever be perimeter weighting In a fairway wood?

[Callaway Golf Official]

[quote name='Marks23' timestamp='1440014918' post='12171204'] Will the opti fit hosel from my XR driver work on the new drivers? This may have an impact on which shaft I order for the new driver. [/quote]

Yes, the OptiFit hosel from our previous generation will work.

-Jason Finley

[quote name='3woodvt' timestamp='1439562663' post='12136314'] How does these new drivers compare to Ping's G30LS, which I absolutely love? Which driver should I compare the Ping to? [/quote]

The GBB driver is the more comparable model to your PingG30LS. The two primary advantages will be the versatility in controlling your shot shape (using the Adjustable Perimeter Weight) and the number of shaft/club weight options. You should also notice an increase in club head speed due to improvements in aerodynamics.

-EvanG

[hayzooos]

[quote name='Marks23' timestamp='1440014918' post='12171204']
Will the opti fit hosel from my XR driver work on the new drivers? This may have an impact on which shaft I order for the new driver.
[/quote]

I'll give you a break on this one JFin...yes, same adapter.

Dang, ninja'd like a champ.