Updated June 20, 2023. This article was thoroughly audited by multiple golf experts and coaches for its accuracy. You can read more about our rigorous testing protocol here.
The Callaway Big Bertha B21 irons help you hit straighter shots and boost the length and spin of the shorter irons.
The first Big Bertha irons to utilize Artificial Intelligence, Callaway has streamlined the club head of the B21 set and added some tungsten weighting along the wider sole to improve balance through the impact zone.
In this Callaway Big Bertha B21 irons review, I’ll take a deeper look at the set and answer some bigger questions, such as if the set is made for a mid handicap golfer or should high handicappers make a play for this top-quality set.
Callaway Big Bertha B21 Irons
Best Distance Irons for High Handicappers
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Specs (4-PW)
- Loft: 19°-43°
- Lie: 60.5°-64°
- Length: 35.75″-38.75″
- Weight: D1
Pros
- Extremely forgiving with perimeter weighting
- Delivers accurate shots with distance
- Generates high ball speeds with longer irons
Cons
- Doesn’t offer much workability for advanced players
Specs and Stock Information
The Big Bertha B21 irons carry a KBS Max CT 80 steel shaft in either 82 or 85 weight with regular and stiff shaft flex. Both settings carry low torque and low kickpoint.
The stock Callaway RCH graphite shaft is also available for golfers along with customized lie angles and lofts.
Players can also purchase additional Callaway Big Bertha wedges, such as a lob wedge with the B21 style and shape.
The B21 irons also feature the popular Golf Pride Tour Velvet 360 stock grip.
Callaway Big Bertha B21 Irons Features
A.I Flash Face Cup
The Face Cup improves ball speed across the entire sweet spot of the Big Bertha iron.
Aided by A.I., the Face Cup helps the short irons generate more spin on the golf ball to help stop shots on the putting surface close to where they land.
Tungsten Energy Core
Along the sole of these clubs, Callaway has added tungsten weighting to improve launch.
Each iron uses tungsten to deliver low CG to the golf ball to boost launch for golfers who need to extend their carry the most.
Urethane Microspheres
The microspheres, located in the club head, help dampen vibration at impact. The feature also improves the feel of the Callaway Big Bertha B21 iron throughout the swing, but especially at impact.
My In-Depth Callaway Big Bertha B21 Irons Review
Looks
The Big Bertha irons have never won any awards for their looks and the B21 irons continue the tradition of providing a bulky build that’s much larger than a players iron, for example, without much charm.
The Callaway Big Bertha B21 irons feature a black and blue color scheme with a chrome finish.
Although it certainly qualifies as carrying a modern appearance, the Big Bertha B21 irons won’t dazzle sitting in your golf bag.
Feel
Callaway’s patented urethane microspheres remove unwanted vibrations to boost feel and improve responsiveness for the B21 set.
What I really enjoyed about the feel of these Callaway irons is how solid they are throughout the swing.
Some irons can deliver a flimsy feel along the backswing and thin at impact, but you won’t find that with the B21 set. They are strong, reliable, and incredibly sturdy.
Sound
There’s a heavier sound when the Big Bertha B21 irons hit the ball. As with most Callaway Big Bertha irons, the B21 set is big and heavy, so the sound follows suit.
You play the Callaway Big Bertha B21 irons for length and accuracy, not necessarily for style and crisp sound.
I say all of this with the acknowledgment that the iron set doesn’t distract you with its sound.
After you see how far the ball flies off the face of these irons, the sound complements the results. And that’s a good thing for high handicap golfers and beginners.
Performance
The B21 iron delivers outstanding performance if you need more length and a higher launch that flies straight.
Although the iron’s head does lean toward the heavy side, the muscle gets put to use by powering the ball with force and authority.
When compared to other Callaway clubs, such as the Mavrik Max irons, the two irons offer extended length with a wide sole width that boosts ball flight.
The Mavrik Max does offer less offset than the B21 irons at address, but both sets offer high launch with significant forgiveness.
When comparing the Mavrik Max irons, Mavrik irons, and the Big Bertha B21 irons, the latter provides more forgiveness without losing a yard of length from your golf game.
On off-center strikes, the B21 redirected my shot, keeping it closer to my target area.
I expected the B21 set to provide far-reaching length with excessive speed, and after spending a few rounds playing with this collection, I can attest to their staggering power.
What do other golfers think?
Golf Digest awarded the Big Bertha B21 irons the coveted Gold Medal in their Super Game-Improvement category.
On Amazon, 116 reviewers gave the Callaway B21 iron set a 4.7/5-star rating, with 78% giving the collection a perfect score.
What Golfers Like
- Easy launch with more distance
- Simple to hit for higher handicappers
- Thicker top line produces more confidence
- More forgiveness for slower swingers
What Golfers Don’t Like
- Super game-improvement features don’t offer much sophistication
- Irons only produces straight shots with limited workability
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Big Bertha B21 irons forgiving?
Yes, the Big Bertha B21 irons are designed to be very forgiving. They feature a large clubface, wide sole, and high MOI (Moment of Inertia) for increased forgiveness on off-center hits.
This makes them a good choice for higher handicap golfers or those seeking more consistent ball striking.
Are Big Bertha B21 good for beginners?
Yes. The B21 irons’ forgiving design and focus on distance make them an excellent choice for beginners. They can help beginners develop their swing and gain confidence on the course.
When was Callaway Big Bertha B21 released?
The Callaway Big Bertha B21 irons were released in 2020. They were part of a larger Big Bertha B21 lineup that included drivers, fairway woods, and hybrids.
Are Big Bertha irons good for beginners?
In general, Big Bertha irons are known for their forgiveness and ease of use, making them suitable for beginners. They prioritize distance and launch, which can be beneficial for new golfers.
However, it’s always a good idea for beginners to get fitted for clubs to ensure they are using the right equipment for their swing.
My Honest Verdict
When it comes to producing straight flight with fast ball speeds, the Big Bertha B21 irons certainly meet expectations.
These irons deliver a big distance with solid spin consistency that helps you hold the green from the fairway and rough in equal measure.
Utilizing Callaway’s latest technologies, I found the B21 irons were a blast to hit as they produced a high, straight shot shape with consistency.
The long irons in this set were also a revelation during my testing process as they produced crisp turf interaction that generated the ball speed I hoped to achieve.
A wonderful set for high handicappers and beginners, the B21 irons take advantage of their wider soles to move smoothly through the impact zone for high launch that you can count upon from any situation on the course.