One of the more enjoyable developments over the past few years has been companies getting behind the concept of having a forgiving wedge that isn’t just a match to whatever iron set someone is using. After all, golfers who play more forgiving irons should have the ability to play a uniquely designed wedge that blends into that profile while still offering a unique playability.
Callaway Golf got in on the party with their Mack Daddy CB wedge, and while it was a great start, they acknowledged there was room for improvement. That brings us to today, and the introduction of the new Callaway CB Wedges.
Callaway CB Wedges
As I mentioned, while the Mack Daddy CB was a solid design, Callaway knew there was room for improvement, and the feedback which they got from consumers and staff alike backed that up. It is for that reason the CB Wedge isn’t just a re-branding, it is definitely an evolution with Callaway not hesitating to throw some of the most successful technology into the mix.
The tag line this time around is “Versatility has never played easier” and there is a clear focus on maximizing forgiveness while creating aggressive spin and a better feel. Visually, Callaway is touting a more “premium” look built around a polished chrome body that encompasses a blasted face with loft dependent groove styles (Full Face in 54-60, Standard in 48-52). Those faces showcase the same JAWS grooves that are on their bladed wedge lineup to ensure that spin won’t be an issue regardless of the size.
Being that they are oversized wedge designs with a cavity-back shaping there should be no surprise that forgiveness reigns supreme. However, Callaway does have two aces up their sleeves. First, on the sole they have created a new “Tri-Level” design which not only rewards straight forward play, but according to them, now allows for some notable face manipulation to hit a variety of shots. This sole improvement is also met with the designers making bounce simple and selecting the most playable for each loft that allows blending from most iron sets as well as ensuring skidding, not digging, as Roger Cleveland preaches.
Perhaps the coolest tech implementation though, is bringing Urethane Microspheres to the new CB Wedges. If you have read THP for any period of time, then you know all about the Urethane Microspheres and their borderline magical ability to dampen sound without sacrificing the design’s ability to flex for speed and forgiveness. The fact that they are here is sure to address what was the biggest feedback on the Mack Daddy CB about a sharper, harsher feel at impact. After all, better feel means more confidence, and confidence matters in the short game.
The new CB Wedges from Callaway are set to hit pre-order on 6/30/23 and retail 7/7/23. They will be available in men’s (True Temper Elevate 85 Wedge, PX Catalyst Wedge 65) and women’s (UST Recoil Wedge F1 50g) with the price being $159.99 regardless of picking steel or graphite. Be sure to stay tuned to THP as we will have much more on the CB Wedges to come!
