Callaway Big Bertha (2004) vs Callaway X-18
Side-by-side factory specifications. Differing values are highlighted.
Specification comparison
| Club | Big Bertha (2004) loft | X-18 loft | Big Bertha (2004) lie | X-18 lie | Big Bertha (2004) length | X-18 length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 17 | 18 | 59.2 | 59.2 | 39.5 | 39.5 |
| 3 | 20 | 21 | 59.9 | 59.9 | 39 | 39 |
| 4 | 23 | 23.5 | 60.6 | 60.6 | 38.5 | 38.5 |
| 5 | 26 | 26 | 61.3 | 61.3 | 38 | 38 |
| 6 | 29 | 29 | 62 | 62 | 37.5 | 37.5 |
| 7 | 33 | 33 | 62.5 | 62.5 | 37 | 37 |
| 8 | 37 | 37 | 63.5 | 63.5 | 36.5 | 36.5 |
| 9 | 41 | 41 | 64.5 | 64.5 | 36 | 36 |
| PW | 45 | 46 | 65 | 65 | 35.75 | 35.5 |
| AW | 50 | 51 | 65 | 65 | 35.5 | 35.5 |
| SW | 55 | 56 | 65 | 65 | 35.25 | 35.25 |
| LW | 60 | 60 | 65 | 65 | 35 | 35 |
Highlighted cells differ between the two sets. Lofts and lies are factory standard.
Lofts compared
- Big Bertha (2004)
- X-18
What the differences mean
At the 7-iron, the Big Bertha (2004) is 33° and the X-18 is 33°, identical at the club most golfers compare on, although other clubs in the sets differ. Across the 12 clubs both sets share, the X-18 averages 0.5° weaker, with the largest gap at the 2-iron (17° vs 18°). The pitching wedges are 45° and 46°; the stronger one leaves a 5° jump to a 50° gap wedge, which matters when planning wedge gapping.
Both are game improvement irons, built for roughly 10 to 25 handicaps. Perimeter-weighted cavity backs with wider soles, more offset and stronger lofts, aimed at mid handicaps. Because they target the same golfer, the decision comes down to the specific loft, feel and shaping differences rather than who the sets are made for.
Both heads are listed as investment cast. With the build method this similar, differences in feel come down to head size, sole width, topline and offset rather than how the heads are made.
Both sets were introduced in 2004, so this is a choice between two models from the same lineup rather than an upgrade: Callaway designed them to sit side by side for different players.
Which should you choose?
The X-18 is the weaker-lofted set — up to 1° weaker than the Big Bertha (2004). That trades raw distance for a steeper landing angle and more predictable stopping power into greens.
Both charts are reproduced in full on their own pages: Callaway Big Bertha (2004) specs and Callaway X-18 specs.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Callaway Big Bertha (2004) stronger lofted than the X-18?
Not at the 7-iron, where both are 33°. Other clubs in the sets differ, so compare the full table above.
What is the loft difference between the Callaway Big Bertha (2004) and X-18?
At the 7-iron the difference is 0° (33° vs 33°). The largest gap on a shared club is 1° at the 2-iron, and 6 of the 12 shared clubs differ.
Are the Callaway Big Bertha (2004) and X-18 aimed at the same golfer?
Yes. Both are game improvement irons, built for roughly 10 to 25 handicaps. Choose on feel, looks and gapping, ideally after hitting both.
Do the Callaway Big Bertha (2004) and X-18 have the same lie and length?
At the 7-iron, yes: both are 62.5° lie and 37 inches long.
Shop both models
Compare prices for new and used sets on eBay:
We may earn a commission from purchases made through links on this page at no extra cost to you.