Callaway golf clubs are well-known in the industry for producing some of the finest equipment around, but it’s important to recognize that not all of their offerings are created equal—especially when it comes to pre-owned clubs. While buying used Callaway clubs can be a great strategy to access premium technology without the high price tag, not every pre-owned club is worth the investment.
There are numerous reasons a club might fail to meet expectations. Some models lack in distance, forgiveness, or feel. Here’s a rundown of a few Callaway clubs that don’t quite live up to the brand’s typical high standards. If you’re scanning the secondhand market, steer clear of these specific models.
Callaway Big Bertha 460 Driver
Before diving in, let me state that Callaway boasts an impeccable reputation in the golf world. The Big Bertha name itself is iconic, yet the Big Bertha 460 driver is one model best left in the past. Unlike its legendary forerunners, this driver stumbled in terms of feel, control, and distance—a notable misstep for Callaway.
It seemed as if Callaway banked on the Big Bertha branding alone, assuming golfers wouldn’t notice the outdated technology. Unfortunately, they did. Golfers across skill levels found it lacking in consistent ball flight and feedback, and it soon vanished from the shelves. Its absence from Callaway’s official pre-owned site speaks volumes.
Remember: If you encounter this one on the used club scene, just keep going.
Golfers in the market for an affordable yet high-performing Callaway driver should instead consider the Callaway Rogue driver. Thanks to its "Jailbreak Technology," it boosts ball speed across the face, offering enhanced distance and forgiveness compared to the Big Bertha 460.
Callaway Steelhead XR Irons
When the Steelhead XR irons launched, they initially caught attention for their game-improvement elements. However, times have changed. Despite offering some forgiveness, they fall short on responsiveness and feel, making them less appealing than today’s modern alternatives.
In the pre-owned segment, these irons are also overpriced. Beginners can find many better and cheaper options that offer the same level of forgiveness along with improved feel and feedback.
Simple tip: Unless you find a deal that’s too good to be true, skip these.
For iron upgrades, consider the TaylorMade SIM Max Irons, which first hit the scene in 2020. We’ve previously recommended them as solid choices for the years beyond 2025.
Though newer drivers like the Stealth and Qi10 series have introduced carbon face technology, the SIM drivers remain top performers in speed, forgiveness, and ball flight optimization. Many golfers stick with the SIM lineup because of its harmonious blend of aerodynamics, adjustability, and usability.
Thinking of upgrading? You’re in luck. We found pre-owned SIM irons available at Global Golf.
Callaway FT-iQ Driver
If you’ve ever encountered a square-shaped driver, it was probably the FT-iQ—one of Callaway’s boldest designs. The concept was to enhance stability and forgiveness, but in execution, this driver felt awkward, produced an unpleasant sound, and was notoriously hard to manage.
Even golfers with slower swing speeds would be better off with other options. Its oversized, boxy structure made ball control a challenge, while the loud impact noise was enough to make you reconsider using it.
Advice: For those seeking a forgiving driver, more favorable options exist.
Callaway Edge Irons
Advertised as a beginner-friendly set, the Callaway Edge irons failed to hit the target. The conflicting design of a thin sole and cavity back gives off an inconsistent feel—trying to be both a blade-style club and a high-handicapper tool.
For those starting out, numerous forgiving irons outperform and cost less. The Edge irons lack substantial technology, making them a poor choice regardless of experience.
Recommendation: If these are on your radar, think again and look elsewhere.
Callaway Mavrik Irons
Marketed towards high handicappers, the Callaway Mavrik irons promise forgiveness, but their price doesn’t justify the performance. There are irons with equivalent designs offering better value at a lower cost.
While they present some playability, the significant price puts them at a disadvantage in terms of cost-to-performance ratio. If you’re investing this much in irons, you’ll want a set that truly delivers.
Verdict: There are much better options for the price point.
Callaway X Hot Driver
The Callaway X Hot driver was a transitional model between the Razr and the Big Bertha re-release. While it had a sleek appearance, it missed the mark on control and workability—making it one of Callaway’s less memorable drivers.
There’s a reason the X Hot driver isn’t commonly mentioned today—it was quickly surpassed by superior designs and never quite found its footing among Callaway’s top offerings.
Advice: Pass on this one. You won’t regret it.
Callaway Great Big Bertha Fairway Wood
The Great Big Bertha design is effective as a driver but disappoints as a fairway wood. We’ve discussed the evolution of golf drivers; perhaps it’s time to explore the transformations in fairway woods too.
This club is oversized, deep-faced, and provides insufficient forgiveness for most golfers. Its adjustable hosel creates additional bulk, and when you do hit it well, the distance can be so great that staying on the green is nearly impossible.
Unless you’re on the hunt for a driver alternative, this club isn’t worth it.
Conclusion: High handicappers will have a tough time, and low handicappers won’t need it. Best avoided.
Choose Pre-Owned Wisely
Purchasing pre-owned golf clubs is a smart way to enhance your setup without overspending, but not every used club merits your money. Although Callaway has crafted some legendary clubs, a few models—like the Big Bertha 460 Driver, Steelhead XR Irons, and FT-iQ Driver—fail to hold their own against contemporary performance standards. Whether it’s a lack of distance, subpar forgiveness, or obsolete technology, these clubs fall short of delivering the playability and reliability golfers expect.
Luckily, the pre-owned market has plenty of better alternatives that offer top-tier performance at appealing prices. Instead of opting for the Big Bertha 460, the Callaway Rogue Driver ensures greater distance and forgiveness. For those considering the Steelhead XR irons, a set of used TaylorMade SIM Max Irons presents a much wiser choice.
Remember to do your homework, evaluate different models, and select clubs that offer the best combination of value and performance.
