Callaway Opus Wedges Review

Back in July, Callaway Golf dropped their new Opus and Opus Platinum wedges on the world, the reactions were interesting as for so many cycles now there was a lot assumed about what the next JAWS release would be. However, working behind the tagline of “Where Art Meets Science”, these are anything “assumed”. Not only that, but they also came into release with two Major victories already on their resume, validation from the start. 

Naturally, the window dressing of a new release is fun, but the only sure way to see the substance is to get them in hand and through their paces. We were able to work with both models, in multiple lofts, to compare, contrast, and see just what Callaway brought to the table. 

Quick Take – Callaway Opus Review
While the Opus and Opus Platinum are certainly a departure from what we have known Callaway wedges to be, they are also a step forward for the brand in their refinement and attention to details. They won’t necessarily create more top end spin than previous Callaway wedges, but they do generate more spin in all situations, in particular less than perfect lies or wet conditions. The Opus wedges are an all around design that marks an exciting new era in Callaway wedges.  

Callaway Opus Review – The Design 
These wedges mark the sixth shape of Opus, yet the first release to the marketplace, that should give you an idea of how much work and effort has gone into the wedges before they ever got into golfer’s hands. The proving ground of design and testing for Opus was quite literally the various Tours and the best golfers on the planet. Though Tour testing has always been critical for all OEM’s, Callaway took it to a new level this time around. 

How so? Well, these wedges have been on Tour for some time now, camouflaged as JAWS RAW wedges, so no one other than the players, designers, and of course the USGA were the wiser. Through that, Callaway was able to create something with the best in the world rather than simply getting broad input to already finished designs. 

The critical element was creating a better, and lower, launch than in previous wedges. A big part of that is the addition of more grooves to work in conjunction with their angled micro-grooves. So, the faces now have two more grooves in the higher lofts done by narrowing the space between each one to make more space. Additionally, gone is the raw face thanks to a new quartz blasting process that has increased surface roughness past that, but in a chrome/plated finish, which means more durability and bite. Finally, they have a bit more curvature to the leading edge than the JAWS RAW did, and there has been ample refinement of the soles both in their interaction with the turf, and which ones are available. 

As if that wasn’t enough, Callaway flexed their muscles more and created Opus Platinum as well. These feature all the technology of Opus, but with seventeen grams of Tungsten in the topline portion of the wedges implanted via MiM (Metal Injection Molding). Why? To provide even more trajectory control to in the higher lofts (54-60) for those who need it for their game. 

Do they perform as advertised? Keep reading to find out. 

Callaway Opus Wedges
Looking first at the standard Opus design, visually these are the biggest departure in that though it’s a very clean look on the back flange, it is much more subdued without the weight ports and typical accents we saw with JAWS RAW. At setup, the look it incredible, the shaping here is the biggest jump to this reviewer’s eye from previous Callaway wedges and should please a lot of people who in the past just couldn’t get entirely comfortable over them. From the footprint to the topline, leading edge, and especially the hosel transition, there is so much refinement here. 

Even better, through the turf as well as impact, there is a much more dense and full sensation at impact. That said, they do it without feeling head heavy like most of the other wedges out there who get the feel right. Naturally, that could be a good or not-so-good thing based on individual preference, but to get that full feeling without them feeling like sledgehammers in hand is impressive. 

The versatility of the C-Grind in the 60 degree was on par with what one would expect from Callaway as they have evolved that grind to be more user friendly, showing usefulness around the greens but not adding difficulty on longer swings. The W-Grind in the 54 was as useful as ever from bunkers, rough, and standard lies, it might be the most underrated of all of Callaway’s grind options. Finally, the S-Grind was a pleasant surprise as combined with the new shaping there was a more seamless flow into the iron sets while still offering shot shaping potential. 

Callaway Opus Platinum Wedges

Visually, the Platinum are going to get the biggest share of oohs and ahhs because frankly, they are stunners. Showcasing the visual tech of where the MiM’d tungsten is in the head, there are much more modern lines and shaping on the back flange of the Platinum compared to standard Opus. It is also worth noting that at setup they flow seamlessly into the non-Platinum wedges, so while the look may differ in hand, it remains streamlined at address. 

These may be some of the softest wedges we have ever tested as well, and while that is a subjective thing, the sound (feel) is a bit deeper and even more full. The big story here is about how they offer a more flat and piercing ball flight allowing more control into greens for the golfers who tend to lose accuracy with wedges due to their launch conditions, and these certainly deliver there. 

In our testing, the same lofted Opus Platinum in both the 54 and 60 degree options were three degrees lower launching. While not everyone needs this, and most amateurs are better off in the standard, this is impressive for the other portion out there. For this reviewer, it meant more control and that opened the willingness to do more things with the wedges and manipulate the ball flights even more. Are they worth the added cost? That is up to the individual, but they most certainly delivered on their claims. 

The Details – Callaway Opus Review
With so many options in lofts, grinds, finishes, and custom options available through Callaway, those things combined with the performance discussed above has the brand set up for a potentially big year in wedges. 

The new Callaway Opus and Opus Platinum wedges are available now through www.callawaygolf.com as well as fitters and retailers worldwide. Both versions come standard with UST Mamiya Dart HDC 65 (50 in women’s) and the True Temper DG Mid 115 in steel (gunmetal finish in the Platinum). Price point on the Opus is $179.99 and Opus Platinum at $229.99. 

Find the Callaway Opus and Opus Platinum wedges right here at our friends at WorldWide Golf Shops.

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