Callaway Big Bertha vs Callaway Big Bertha X-12
Side-by-side factory specifications. Differing values are highlighted.
Specification comparison
| Club | Big Bertha loft | Big Bertha X-12 loft | Big Bertha lie | Big Bertha X-12 lie | Big Bertha length | Big Bertha X-12 length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 16 | 16 | 58.5 | 58.5 | 40 | 40 |
| 2 | 18.5 | 18.5 | 59.2 | 59.2 | 39.5 | 39.5 |
| 3 | 21 | 21 | 59.9 | 59.9 | 39 | 39 |
| 4 | 23.5 | 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 | 37.5 | 37.5 | 63.5 | 63.5 | 36.5 | 36.5 |
| 9 | 42 | 42 | 64.5 | 64.5 | 36 | 36 |
| PW | 46.5 | 46.5 | 65 | 65 | 35.5 | 35.5 |
| AW | 50.8 | 51 | 65 | 65 | 35.5 | 35.5 |
| SW | 55 | 55 | 65 | 65 | 35.5 | 35.5 |
| LW | 60 | 60 | 65 | 65 | 35.5 | 35.5 |
Highlighted cells differ between the two sets. Lofts and lies are factory standard.
Lofts compared
- Big Bertha
- Big Bertha X-12
What the differences mean
At the 7-iron, the Big Bertha is 33° and the Big Bertha X-12 is 33°, identical at the club most golfers compare on, although other clubs in the sets differ. Across the 13 clubs both sets share, the differences roughly cancel out, with the largest gap at the AW (50.8° vs 51°).
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.
There are 4 years between these sets (1994 and 1998), more than one design generation. Over that time irons moved toward stronger lofts, thinner and faster faces, hollow and multi-material heads and wider use of tungsten, so the newer set is not simply a better version of the older one: it may launch and spin quite differently.
Which should you choose?
The Big Bertha X-12 is the weaker-lofted set — up to 0.2° weaker than the Big Bertha. 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 specs and Callaway Big Bertha X-12 specs.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Callaway Big Bertha stronger lofted than the Big Bertha X-12?
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 and Big Bertha X-12?
At the 7-iron the difference is 0° (33° vs 33°). The largest gap on a shared club is 0.2° at the AW, and 1 of the 13 shared clubs differ.
Are the Callaway Big Bertha and Big Bertha X-12 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 and Big Bertha X-12 have the same lie and length?
At the 7-iron, yes: both are 62.5° lie and 37 inches long.
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