Assessment of Callaway CB 12 Wedge Performance
The Callaway CB 12 wedge, with its balance between forgiveness and creativity around the greens, is a potential solution for golfers seeking improved greenside shot performance. However, when compared to the Titleist Vokey series, especially the 2025 Vokey SM10 and the Titleist Vokey Forged Wedge 2025, the Callaway CB 12 may fall short in certain aspects.
The Callaway CB 12 wedge is designed as a game-improvement wedge, featuring a cavity back construction and 12 grams of perimeter weighting. This design aims to provide mid- to high-handicappers with forgiveness, turf interaction, and spin on short shots. It boasts a wide tri sole for better turf and sand play and 37 tighter pitch grooves that enhance spin around the greens.
In contrast, the Titleist Vokey SM10 wedge is widely recognized for its exceptional spin control, feel, shot versatility, and precision around the greens. Regarded as a "jack-of-all-trades," it offers extensive customization through various lofts, grinds, finishes, and component options. Its refined center of gravity ensures consistent flight and spin, while milling for high friction on the ball results in superior control on greenside shots.
The Titleist Vokey Forged Wedge 2025 combines premium forged feel with new CO-FORGING technology for optimized center of gravity, promoting consistent flight and durability. It features progressive CG design and precise grooves to maintain high spin levels and deliver enhanced shot creativity and distance control around the greens. Its refined head profile inspires confidence addressing the ball.
Overall, while the Callaway CB 12 wedge excels in forgiveness and turf glide for less experienced players, Titleist Vokey wedges typically outperform it in greenside shot precision, spin control, feel, and versatility. This makes them the top choice among better players and professionals for performance on delicate short-game shots.
If your priority is pure performance and spin control around the greens, the Titleist Vokey SM10 or the 2025 Forged model would be considered the best wedges compared to the Callaway CB 12. The CB 12 may be preferable if you seek a more forgiving wedge with a wider sole to improve turf interaction and ease of shot-making in rough or thicker lies.
The Callaway CB 12 wedge offers several notable features, such as a chamfered leading edge that prevents digging into the ground, allowing for early ground contact without severe penalty. Its new wide tri-sole allows for open face shots without bounce interference and closed toe shots without digging. The CB 12 wedge is specifically designed for mid-to-higher handicap golfers seeking confidence and help from their wedges.
The CB 12 wedge's leading edge sits squarely behind the ball and doesn't have excessive offset. It offers a blend of looks, feel, and spin, along with the forgiveness needed by some golfers. The new OPUS groove platform provides ample spin for both full shots and delicate chips. The CB 12 wedge has a large footprint, thick topline, and cavity back design, inspiring confidence at address.
The Callaway CB 12 wedge retails at $179/£134. It is also available in graphite for those who require a lighter or softer shaft option. The CB 12 wedge offers impressive control on the greens, with the ball checking up nicely.
As the Callaway CB 12 wedge is currently being tested to determine if it competes with the best wedges on the market, it remains to be seen if it can challenge the dominance of the Titleist Vokey series in the greenside performance category.
Golf enthusiasts who prioritize spin control and precision around the greens might find the Titleist Vokey SM10 or the 2025 Forged model more suitable compared to the Callaway CB 12 wedge. On the other hand, for mid-to-higher handicap golfers who seek a more forgiving wedge with improved turf interaction, the Callaway CB 12 could be a better option.