Billed as the company’s most forgiving driver, the Big Bertha Fusion features a carbon composite (called “triaxial carbon”) in the crown and parts of the sole. This strong material is thinner and lighter than the forged composite in previous Callaway drivers. The areas of the head with triaxial carbon weigh 15 grams, whereas these same sections would be 5 grams heavier using forged composite or 30 grams more with titanium. The discretionary mass gets shifted from the crown and sole to the back, resulting in a 24 percent higher MOI and a lower, deeper CG (for less spin) than the popular XR 16 driver.

The new club also packs a punch. The Speed Step crown design, which is borrowed from the XR 16, contributes to faster head speeds through improved aerodynamics (less drag). And, compared to the current Great Big Bertha, 20 percent more of the Fusion face produces ball speeds within 3 mph of maximum output.

For the first time, Callaway is offering shafts in two standard lengths, 44.5″ or 45.5″, since some players are more consistent with a shorter club while others can handle a longer one. The stock shafts are Mitsubishi’s Diamana Red Board and UST Mamiya’s Recoil ES (the first Recoil wood shaft). The new Fusion comes in 9.5°, 10.5° and 13.5° with the company’s OptiFit adjustable loft system (-1° to +2°). $399, starting September 30.

Complementary Big Bertha Fusion fairway woods ($249 each), with many of the same features including a triaxial carbon crown with Speed Step design, will be available on September 30 as well.