Callaway’s latest cavity-back wedges, the CB 2023, claim to offer short-game forgiveness with enhanced spin and feel, I will be putting this to the test. Designed for golfers seeking versatility and playability, these wedges incorporate technologies from Callaway’s top line offerings. This review explores whether they maintain the performance level expected from the renowned ‘Mack Daddy’ series.
Looks
Retaining the black and red aesthetics from the Mack Daddy CB, the CB 2023 adds chrome for a more premium appearance. The oversized head size and wider sole inspire confidence at address, especially for golfers facing challenging lies. The club’s profile is typical of Callaway, providing a friendly look that complements the larger head size.
Sound & Feel
The CB 2023 introduces urethane microspheres behind the face, contributing to enhanced feel and sound – a first for Callaway wedges. Initial impressions suggest a “zippy” feel, with the face offering more roughness than expected for a cavity back model. The incorporation of Jaws grooves, known as the ‘most aggressive groove in golf,’ adds to the overall tactile experience.
Control & Forgiveness
The design features a ‘pre-worn’ leading edge to prevent digging, high bounce across all wedges, and a longer Golf Pride grip for improved control on touch shots. The forgiveness is evident, with the sand wedge boasting 14 degrees of bounce, encouraging a neutral shaft position for consistent results. The wider sole and pre-worn leading edge enhances playability from various lies, making these wedges forgiving even on less-than-perfect strikes.
Value for Money
With an RRP of $159, the CB 2023 wedge is considered relatively expensive for a non-bladed wedge. Comparatively, its predecessor, the Mack Daddy CB, was $40 cheaper. Despite the price increase, the testing suggests that the performance improvement justifies the investment, especially for those seeking forgiveness and ease of use in their short game.
Performance
On-course performance highlights the CB 2023’s ease of use, particularly on chip shots from different lies. The forgiving nature of the wedge shines through, providing consistent results even on off-center strikes. The combination of bounce and wide sole aids in getting the club under the ball, while the Jaws grooves contribute to impressive spin on shorter shots. The versatility of the wedges, especially in the sand wedge, adds to their overall performance.
The Pros & Cons of the Callaway CB 2023 Wedge
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Superb spin and flight control | Full face grooves limited to weaker lofts |
| Exceptional forgiveness on all types of shots | Relatively high price compared to the previous model |
| Premium looks in a cavity back design | he chunkiness of the wedge won’t appeal to low-handicap golfers |
| Incorporation of innovative technologies (urethane microspheres, Jaws grooves) | |
Who is the club for?
While targeted at higher handicap golfers, the CB 2023 wedges are deemed suitable for a broad range of golfers. The forgiving nature, ease of use, and consistent performance make them a valuable addition to any golfer’s bag, offering a middle ground between blade wedges and more forgiving options.
Our rating of the Callaway CB Wedge:
- Price: $149
- Spin: 9.2/10
- Feel & Control: 9.2/10
- Accuracy: 9.2/10
- Forgiveness: 9.5/100
Total: 9.3/10
Our final thoughts on the CB Wedge
The Callaway CB 2023 wedges impress with their performance, providing an improvement over the previous Mack Daddy CB model. Despite the higher price, the enhanced forgiveness, feel, and spin make them a worthwhile investment for golfers seeking assistance in their short game. My recommendation is to consider adding at least one of these wedges to an existing set for increased versatility and playability.
