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Wedges
By Mike Stachura / Photos By Jim Herity
CLUBS LISTED IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER
1
- February 2008
* Category Leader
2
- CLEVELAND CG12
- STREET PRICE $110
WEBSITE: clevelandgolf.com
TECH STORY
The CG12 features milled "zip" grooves that have 25 percent more volume than previous Cleveland wedges. The 0-degree angle to the sidewalls of each groove provides the extra volume and creates a crisper groove edge to improve spin. A special plating process during the final sandblasting maintains the consistency of the groove depth.
PLAYER COMMENTS
"It was easy out of the thick grass. Even on mis-hits there was great trajectory and consistency... Has a smooth move through the sand and is versatile on chip shots. It performed well from any lie. Consistent spin and balance... I love the way it sets up to the ball. Superior feel; it really grabs the ball. Chipping with it is just as good as you'd expect. Easy to control distance and height."
HOT
An impressive bit of manufacturing that translates just as impressively into performance. Unmatched variety in its 16 loft/bounce options.
NOT
Watch out for excessive spin on full shots on the lower-lofted models.
* Category Leader
3
- CLEVELAND CG14
- STREET PRICE $110
WEBSITE: clevelandgolf.com
TECH STORY Featuring the same zip-groove technology as the CG12, the user-friendlier CG14 has a visco-elastic-polymer insert in its back cavity to soften vibration. In addition, it has just a hint of offset to accommodate a more forceful downward stroke through the turf.
PLAYER COMMENTS
"Cleveland is the Lamborghini of wedges. It looks really good in the sand, and the weight is well-balanced. Nice spin and biting action around the green... It did everything I tried to do... Very soft at impact. Excellent out of the sand, and I'm a terrible bunker player -- just easy to hit every time. I love the soft, forged feel. Works very well around the green, from thick and short grass. The clubhead comes out of any condition perfectly."
HOT
In truth, a lot of players might feel more comfortable with this, the junior partner in the Cleveland wedge firm. It seems easier to launch, the feel is softer, and the grooves live up to their name.
NOT
Fewer loft/bounce options than CG12. Why?
* Category Leader
4
- TITLEIST VOKEY DESIGN SPIN MILLED
- STREET PRICE $120
WEBSITE: titleist.com
TECH STORY
Designers use a circular-saw type of cutting tool to mill grooves in the 8620 mild carbon-steel head. The result is more precise depths than ordinary wedges. The steep sidewall angle features 30 percent more groove volume than previous wedges. The intent is to maintain spin from the rough and wetter lies.
PLAYER COMMENTS
"Whoa -- great feel and softness out of the sand. Just feels like I can control it from any situation: sand, chips, full shots. Nothing not to love here... This is the essence of a wedge. It instills confidence. A real workhorse and does everything you ask. Easy to control distance out of the bunker and good control on chips. It's the Muhammad Ali of golf clubs... It makes going through the sand a breeze."
HOT
As much a standard as the Ping Anser is in putters, this defines what a wedge should be. Bonus: The length, loft and lie angle can be adjusted for any of the eight wedges offered in this line. Two finishes is a plus, too.
NOT
Like a lot of sharper-edged wedges, it can eat the soft, thin-covered balls in a single bite.
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