WEDGES

By Mike Stachura

Photos by Jim Herity

February 2011

CALLAWAY X SERIES JAWS CC

STREET PRICE: $120
WEBSITE: callawaygolf.com
LOFTS: 14 loft and bounce options (50 to 64 degrees); two finishes (chrome, slate)
TECH TALK: To address the new grooves regulation (V-like instead of U-like), Callaway has added 40 percent more grooves that are deeper but narrower in width. The grooves are forged into the face (rather than milled) to create precise edges and consistent volume that gets as close to the USGA limit as possible.

PLAYER COMMENTS:
L: "It had good greenside spin, especially on 20-yard bump-and-run shots." ..."The sound is crisp, and it's great for all types of shots. The rounded bottom gives it the look of the old Wilson R-90."
M: "I like the toe and back-end relief a lot. It has a solid feeling on all shots." ..."It performs well in the sand regardless of the lie I give it."

HOT: Callaway's strategy for the new grooves regulation gets our attention. The increased options in the line are an appreciated bonus.
NOT: We'd like to see more of an effort to educate players on finding the right mix of bounce/loft.

CLEVELAND CG15 (TOUR ZIP)

STREET PRICE: $120
WEBSITE: clevelandgolf.com
LOFTS: 29 loft and bounce options (46 to 64 degrees, including "dynamic sole grind" models); three finishes (black pearl, oil quench, satin chrome)
TECH TALK: The groove pattern on the face of the CG15 is laser-etched to create consistent surface roughness for maximum spin. The sole has a wider heel than last year's model and toe relief for improved performance from the sand.

PLAYER COMMENTS:
L: "Same consistent feel on every type of chip shot. Just cuts through the sand." ... "Seems to feel better on steeper swings." M: "Perfect amount of bounce for full shots." ... "It's like a five-tool baseball player that gets the job done in all aspects of the game."

HOT: With 29 loft and bounce options (at least 12 more than any other company), you can't find a more thorough commitment to the short game. The multi-faceted effectiveness of the head shape will never go out of style.
NOT: Cleveland has taken a safe approach to its groove configuration while others have taken risks.

CLEVELAND CG16

STREET PRICE: $120
WEBSITE: clevelandgolf.com
LOFTS: 16 loft and bounce options (46 to 64 degrees); two finishes (black pearl, satin chrome)
TECH TALK: The laser-milled face has micro-grooves to create consistent surface roughness for more spin. Behind the face is a perimeter-weighted cavity designed to lower the center of gravity (CG) to launch the ball high and increase performance on off-center strikes.

PLAYER COMMENTS:
L: "Really hung on to the ball on full shots. Seemed to check more than most from the bunker." ... "Just fine off tight lies. No problems opening it up for a flop shot, either."
M: "Very forgiving on full swings, but I had a hard time keeping the trajectory down."
H: "The cavity-back allows you to miss the sweet spot and still be within range of the flag."

HOT: Generally, you don't think forgiveness in a wedge is all that meaningful. This product will make you think again.
NOT: In a wedge with such forgiveness, it would make more sense to us if Cleveland offered more options at 52 degrees or less, instead of for 60 degrees and up.