For some players, there is a disconnect between their irons and their wedges. For golfers who play super game-improvement and larger game-improvement irons, the transition from the last oversized iron in the set to the first undersized specialty wedge can be jarring.
Most specialty wedges like Vokey SM10 and Callaway’s Opus are significantly more compact than the irons many golfers play. For some, that’s no big deal. For others, it’s like going from driving a Suburban to a Mini Cooper.
In many cases, set-matched wedges are an option but it’s also true that for those tagalong extensions, manufacturers often skip the highly aggressive grooves that are the key to specialty wedge performance.
So what do you do if you want the performance of a real wedge but also want something with the looks and, to an extent, the performance of your SGI and GI irons?
When bigger is better (at least psychologically)
In recent years, many manufacturers have done a better job extending their wedge lineups to include what qualifies as game-improvement options. While I might argue that, at wedge lofts, MOI is less of a factor and that forgiveness comes as much, if not more, from the sole grind, there is nevertheless a contingency that prefers a higher MOI or, if nothing else, a bigger wedge.
That’s where the Callaway CB 12 comes in. Simply, it’s a wedge, but bigger.
Relative to a standard wedge (Callaway’s Opus, for example), the CB 12 offers a larger head and a thicker topline. The idea is to inspire confidence in golfers who find standard wedges less than confidence-inspiring. Think of it as the equivalent of comfort food for your short game—sometimes you just need something that feels familiar and reassuring.
What you get (and what you give up)
The CB 12 features a wide sole with a chamfered leading edge to resist digging. A tri-cut sole adds a bit of versatility for golfers who prefer to manipulate the face around the green or from bunkers.
Also notable is that Callaway has added Opus grooves to the CB 12 to enhance spin performance, resulting in improved consistency and control.
As with most wedges in the category, the CB 12 trades fitting versatility for added size and forgiveness.
You get 12 grams of additional perimeter weight but the Tri-Level sole grind is the only option. It’s a one-size-fits-all approach but there is a reasonably wide spread of lofts covering 50 to 60 degrees in two-degree increments. Gap and lob wedge lofts offer 12 degrees of bounce while sand wedge lofts feature 14 degrees.
The Callaway CB 12 golfer
The CB 12 audience isn’t the hardcore golfer looking to match grinds to his swing and course conditions. The Callaway CB 12 is for the golfer looking to maximize MOI through the bag while hopefully achieving a measure of additional confidence from the larger shape.
The CB 12 is an intriguing option for golfers looking for some additional help from their wedges but don’t need to go as far as something like PING’s BunkR.
Specs, pricing, availability
Callaway CB 12 wedges come stock with KBS Hi-Rev 3.0 (steel) or Project X Denali Green (graphite) shafts. Stock grips are the Golf Pride Tour Velvet and Lamkin ST Soft.
Retail price is $179.99 with a steel shaft and $189.99 with graphite.
Callaway CB 12 wedges are available at retail beginning July 18.
For more information, visit CallawayGolf.com.
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