When it comes to Callaway golf clubs, there’s no doubt the brand has produced some of the best equipment in the game. But not all Callaway clubs are created equal. And that’s especially true when it comes to pre-owned models. While buying pre-owned clubs can be a great way to save money while still getting premium technology, some clubs just aren’t worth the investment.
There are multitudes of reasons a club may not live up to expectations. Some lack distance, forgiveness, or feel. Here are a few clubs that simply don’t hold up to Callaway’s usual standards. If you’re browsing for a used club on the secondhand market, avoid these at all costs.
Callaway Big Bertha 460 Driver
Let me preface this by saying Callaway has a sterling reputation. It’s one of the most well-respected brands in the industry, and there’s a reason for that. The Big Bertha name is legendary in golf, but the Big Bertha 460 driver is one that should be left in the past. Unlike its predecessors, this driver lacked feel, control, and distance, making it one of Callaway’s biggest missteps.
Callaway seemed to assume that golfers wouldn’t notice the lack of modern technology just because it carried the Big Bertha branding—but they did. Players of all skill levels struggled with inconsistent ball flight and poor feedback, and it quietly disappeared from the market. We’re not even seeing it on Callaway’s official pre-owned site anymore, which tells you everything you need to know.
Verdict: If you see one of these floating around the used club market, keep scrolling.
Golfers looking for a budget-friendly, high-performing Callaway driver would do so much better with a Callaway Rogue driver instead. It’s known for “Jailbreak Technology”. That means it can increase ball speed across the face, providing more distance and better forgiveness compared to the Big Bertha 460.
Callaway Steelhead XR Irons
When the Steelhead XR irons first came out, they gained traction due to their game-improvement features, but times have changed. While they offer decent forgiveness, they lack responsiveness and feel, making them a poor choice compared to modern alternatives.
These irons are also overpriced in the pre-owned market. If you’re a beginner, there are far better and cheaper options available today that offer the same level of forgiveness with better feel and feedback.
Verdict: Avoid these unless you find an absurdly good deal.
If you want to upgrade your irons, TaylorMade’s SIM Max Irons. They rolled out in 2020 and as we’ve discussed recently, they’re still a strong recommendation for 2025 and beyond.
While newer drivers like the Stealth and Qi10 series have introduced carbon face technology, the SIM drivers still deliver phenomenal performance in terms of speed, forgiveness, and ball flight optimization. Many golfers still swear by the SIM lineup because of its balanced blend of aerodynamics, adjustability, and playability.
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If you’re looking to upgrade, you’re in luck. We found used SIM irons at Global Golf.
Callaway FT-iQ Driver
If you’ve ever seen a square-shaped driver, chances are it was the FT-iQ—one of Callaway’s most controversial designs. The idea was to increase stability and forgiveness, but in reality, this driver felt awkward, sounded terrible, and was nearly impossible to control.
Even for players with slow swing speeds, there are better options. The oversized, boxy design made it difficult to work the ball, and the loud, hollow sound at impact was enough to make you think twice before using it.
Verdict: If you want a forgiving driver, there are far better choices out there.
Callaway Edge Irons
The Callaway Edge irons were supposed to be an entry-level game-improvement set, but they missed the mark completely. The thin sole and cavity back design feel like they’re fighting each other, trying to be a blade-style club while targeting high handicappers.
For beginners, there are many other forgiving irons that perform better and cost less. The Edge irons lack real technology, making them a bad investment no matter what skill level you are.
Verdict: If you’re considering these, just don’t. Look elsewhere.
Callaway Mavrik Irons
Marketed toward high handicappers, the Callaway Mavrik irons promise forgiveness—but the price tag doesn’t match the performance. You can get irons with similar designs and better value for much less.
While they do offer some playability, the cost-to-performance ratio is way off. If you’re going to spend that much money on irons, you deserve a set that actually delivers.
Verdict: For the price, there are way better options.
Callaway X Hot Driver
The Callaway X Hot driver was nothing more than a bridge between the Razr and the re-release of the Big Bertha. While it looked cool, it lacked control and workability, making it one of Callaway’s most forgettable drivers.
There’s a reason why you rarely hear about the X Hot driver today—it was quickly overshadowed by better designs and never really found a place among Callaway’s best.
Verdict: Skip it. You won’t regret it.
Callaway Great Big Bertha Fairway Wood
As a driver, the Great Big Bertha design works. As a fairway wood? Not so much. We’ve talked about the evolution of golf drivers. Maybe it’s time to talk about how woods have changed too.
This club is too big, too deep-faced, and too unforgiving for most players to use effectively. The adjustable hosel makes it even bulkier, and when you do hit it well, it flies so far that holding a green is nearly impossible.
Unless you’re looking for a driver replacement, this club is best left alone.
Verdict: High handicappers will struggle, and low handicappers won’t want it. Avoid.
Buy Pre-Owned Wisely
Buying pre-owned golf clubs can be a fantastic way to upgrade your bag without breaking the bank, but not every used club is worth your money. While Callaway has produced some of the most iconic clubs in the game, certain models—like the Big Bertha 460 Driver, Steelhead XR Irons, and FT-iQ Driver—simply don’t hold up to modern performance standards. Whether it’s lack of distance, poor forgiveness, or outdated technology, these clubs fail to deliver the playability and consistency that golfers expect.
Fortunately, there are better alternatives on the pre-owned market that still offer excellent performance at a great price. Instead of the Big Bertha 460, the Callaway Rogue Driver delivers far better distance and forgiveness. For those eyeing the Steelhead XR irons, a used set of TaylorMade SIM Max Irons is a much smarter investment.
Do your research, compare models, and choose clubs that give you the best combination of value and performance.