Ping G430 Vs Callaway Big Bertha B21 Driver Review & Specs 2023

Ping G430 Vs Callaway Big Bertha B21 Driver Review & Specs 2023

“Game improvement starts from the tee. So if you are trying to lower your score, it’s only natural to start honing your long game.”

To help, we are comparing two very popular game improvement drivers.

One is old and the other is brand new. Ping launched the G430 series of drivers this year. They are looking to continue in the tradition of the G series by offering a driver that is both forgiving and versatile. But how does this newcomer fare against a tried and true GI driver like the Callaway Big Bertha? We took to the range to find out.

Introduction to the Ping G430 and Callaway Big Bertha B21 Drivers

“It should be noted that to appease a wide variety of players, Ping has released three versions of the G430 driver.”

The Ping G430 MAX version is the one we will be comparing to the Callaway Big Bertha but there are also LST and SFT versions. The LST version is the only driver in the new line to be 455cc and have a carbon crown. It would be the best choice for fast swingers who can make consistent contact. The SFT version is 460cc but has a 22-gram tungsten weight that can be positioned in a draw or extreme draw setting.

The Callaway Big Bertha B21 is also a 460cc driver that has internal draw bias to help correct a slice. While there are newer versions of the Big Bertha driver that incorporate new technologies and design features, the Big Bertha B21 is a workhorse that has been helping high handicappers break 100 for some time now.

Key Selling Points of the Ping G430 Driver

• It has a forged titanium face insert that sits a bit shallower than past G series drivers to promote lateral forgiveness.
• A sliding 25 gram tungsten weight in the back allows players to shape their shots and compensate for shot bias.
• Variable roll radius allows better players to shape their shot vertically by reducing loft on low-face strikes.
• An adjustable loft sleeve allows players to tweak the loft and lie of the Ping G430 driver.
• The Ping G430 still has the “turbulators” on the crown to help reduce drag on your downswing.

Overall Score: 96/100

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Key Selling Points of the Callaway Big Bertha B21 Driver

• It has internal draw bias to help straighten out your shot.
• The internal weighting is also positioned forward in the head to reduce spin.
• The carbon fiber crown helps to keep the overall club head weight down.
• Jailbreak internal bracing bars help stiffen the head and increase MOI.
• The large footprint of the Big Bertha driver looks forgiving at address.

Overall Score: 94/100

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Loft Comparison

“Keep in mind that both of these drivers have adjustable loft sleeves.”

The Ping G430 comes in 9°, 10.5° and 12° versions but the loft can be increased or decreased by 1.5°. The Callaway Big Bertha comes in 9°, 10.5° and 12.5° versions with adjustable loft.

What Shaft Options Do You Get With Each Driver?

Ping G430

“As you would expect from Ping, you get a lot of custom shaft options.”

For instance, you can choose from a Ping Alta Cb Black 55 graphite shaft in soft regular, regular, and stiff flex. You can also opt for Ping Tour 2.0 and HZRDUS Smoke Red RDX shafts in flex ranging from regular to extra stiff.

Callaway Big Bertha B21

“Callaway also gives you a few stock shaft options for the Big Bertha B21 – all of them graphite.”

You can choose from the Callaway RCH graphite series in 45, 55 or 65 weight ranges.

Who is Best Suited to Each Driver? 

“The Ping G430 will definitely be better for players who like to shape their shot.”

The variable roll radius face architecture is a lot like Taylormade’s Twist Face technology. It’s a good option to have when you’re staring down a long par 4 and then a short par 3 on the very next hole. The Callaway Big Bertha B21 is very easy to hit and will produce a straight shot if you tend to slice. However, if you have a leftward miss, the Ping G430 would actually be better as you can set it in a fade CG position.

Distance Comparison

“For most of our testers, the Ping G430 played longer.”

The average distance our testers were getting with the Ping G430 after three swings was 241.6 yards. The average distance we got from the Big Bertha was 238.9 yards. So the difference wasn’t staggering. In fact, some of our high handicap testers were getting upwards of 245 yards with the Big Bertha. However, our faster swing speed testers were getting better distance from the Ping G430 as were most of our testers with a little more experience under their belts.

Forgiveness

“The Big Bertha is still the queen of forgiveness.”

It didn’t take long for any of our testers to find the sweet spot on the Big Bertha. And once they found it, they hit it consistently.

How Do They Compare on Price?

The Ping G430 usually retails for about $600 while the Big Bertha sells between $250 and $350.

Other Drivers to Consider

Callaway Mavrik

Key Features

• Adjustable hosel
• Elongated head shape
• Interchangeable weights (Max version)
• Custom shafts

Overall Score: 93/100

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Ping G425

Key Features

• Internal dragonfly bracing
• Forged titanium face insert
• Adjustable weight
• Adjustable hosel

Overall Score: 95/100

Check Out More Reviews Here:

Cobra Aerojet

Key Features

• Variable face thickness
• Carbon fiber crown
• Carbon fiber sole
• Forward weighting

Overall Score: 95/100

Check Out More Reviews Here:

Which Driver Do We Recommend?

“The Ping G430 will suit more players.”

The adjustable weights and workability won most of our testers over even as the Big Bertha is incredibly forgiving.

Conclusion on Ping G430 Vs Callaway Big Bertha B21 Drivers

“The better GI driver is definitely the Ping G430.”

The Big Bertha will work for the niche of high handicappers who slice the ball. But the Ping G430 is the better overall driver as it will actually serve you well after you break 100.