Wedges Buyer's Guide 2006
| Ben Hogan Apex www.benhogan.com (866) 834-6532 | $135  Thanks to a refined tail-end sole grind, classic shape and the maximum allowable groove width, the Apex wedges deliver championship-caliber performance.Features: Slight offset is handy to prevent slicing with irons, but on wedges, it commands a skilled player looking for total shotmaking control. Advantages: The deep grooves and Tour-inspired sole design help to spin the ball not only from perfect lies, but also from the rough and sand. Benefits: Although designed with the aid of Tour pros, these wedges will help any player. What We Like: The Apex 5208 gap wedge performs like a sand wedge, but with the distance of a pitching wedge. Lineup: Apex, Colonial, Carnoustie, Riviera Clubhead: Carbon steel Clubface: Same Design: Forged blade Size: Standard Clubs: 52°/8° GW; 56°/12° SW; 60°/6° LW (no LH) Shaft(s): Ben Hogan Apex steel (wedge) |
Bridgestone J33 Forged |
| Callaway X-Tour www.callawaygolf.com (800) 588-9836 | $135 ($150 Vintage)  Renowned clubmaker Roger Cleveland designed these traditional forged wedges for Phil Mickelson and other accomplished players.Features: Forged carbon-steel construction, special PM (Phil Mickelson) grind and “Mack Daddy” grooves complement the Tour-inspired head shape (available in either Satin Chrome or Vintage finishes). Advantages: Carbon-steel construction provides exceptional feel while the sole grind and unique groove design makes the X-Tour extremely versatile, particularly for better players. Improved head shape provides confidence. Benefits: Better players who like to open and close the clubface to execute a variety of chips, pitches and lobs around the green. What We Like: Any wedge designed by Roger Cleveland. Lineup: Forged+, X-Tour Clubhead: Carbon steel Clubface: Same Design: Forged Blade Size: Standard Clubs: Eight loft and bounce configurations (available LH) Shaft(s): True Temper Dynamic Gold steel (wedge) |
Cleveland 588 DSG www.clevelandgolf.com (800) 999-6263 | $133 ($157 graphite)  The original 588 is still considered by most golfers and club designers to be the industry benchmark. However, Cleveland’s R&D staff has been hard at work bringing the timeless design into the 21st century.Features: Arguably the most popular wedge shape of all time is left intact, but now features a unique Dynamic Sole Grind that’s designed to allow the leading edge of the club to remain closer to the ground when the club is laid opened at address. Advantages: Gives players greater versatility around the greens. Benefits: Accomplished players who demand the ability to open and close the clubface to produce a variety of shots. What We Like: Innovative idea, same great overall design. Lineup: CG11 BP, CG11, CG10, CG10 BP 588, 588 DSG, 588 GunMetal Clubhead: Carbon steel Clubface: Same Design: Cast blade Size: Standard Clubs: 54°/12° GW; 56°/14°, 58°/10° SW; 60°/3° LW(available LH) Shaft(s): True Temper Dynamic Gold steel (wedge); Cleveland graphite (wedge) |
Cobra King Cobra C |
F2 F2 Series www.f2golf.com (800) 683-2390 | $99 ($120 graphite)  The F2’s hosel sits more toward the rear of the sole and the clubface protrudes toward the ball. This “Face Forward” design facilitates a flatter arc through the bunker and a better ability to lift the ball from thick sand.Features: One can’t miss the unique hosel positioning to encourage clean, crisp contact. Advantages: Players ought not to fiddle with opening the face at address. The F2 wedge performs best with a squared face. Benefits: Players who struggle with getting the ball out of the bunker will find using the F2 to be a rewarding and round-saving experience. What We Like: The looks take time to adjust to, but bunker play has never been easier. Lineup: F2 Series Clubhead: Stainless steel Clubface: Same Design: Cast cavity-back Size: Oversized Clubs: 52°/6° GW; 56°/NA SW; 60°/NA LW (available LH) Shaft(s): F2 steel (wedge) |
These Black Satin wedges define performance, thanks to a double-cut sole for less drag and a trapezoidal muscle design for shotmaking consistency. 
Designed to be both forgiving and versatile, with increased bounce and a widened sole for less digging into the turf and sand. A soft, vibration-absorbing urethane insert helps create the feel of a traditionally shaped blade-style wedge. 
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