Callaway Mack Daddy CB Wedge
Callaway returns to the cavity back wedge game with the new Mack Daddy CB wedge. These clubs offer a larger profile, high spin, easy to hit option to the bottom of your bag. Callaway offers a solid variety of loft and bounce combos, and look sharp and modern too.
The Looks
Our friends at Callaway are not afraid of bold and somewhat controversial club designs. For me, a notable Cally superfan, I feel the Mack Daddy CB wedge brings a contemporary and exciting look. In the bag, you’ll notice a frosted and somewhat subtle design in the cavity. In my opinion, subtle is good – this is not a slick blade-style wedge, but it doesn’t go over the top like some ultra game improvement wedges can. What I like is that this could blend really well with the new X Forged CB irons as they share a similar vibe.
What’s interesting is that Callaway created a whopping EIGHT different lofts in the Mack Daddy CB wedge line. That means you can seamlessly build a set starting at pitching wedge if you prefer the look and feel of it. One of the most recognizable things in these wedges is the full face of JAWS grooves (at least in the 54º and higher.) Visually, I’ve found it takes a bit of time to get used to. Once you get them on the course a couple of times, it becomes easier to get past the unconventional look.
Callaway made this wedge a bit beefier and burlier than their MD5 JAWS lineup, however, it won’t look out of place in a bag with other player’s style irons. I feel it’s definitely a better option than extending into the wedge versions of your iron set. Those can get real clunky real quick. Combine the snazzy looks with the always clean and fresh KBS Hi-Rev 2.0 105 steel shaft and a Golf Pride SG-1 short game grip (which extends lower than many other grips for choking down) and you have a good looking golf club.
How Does it Feel?
After a few rounds of testing, the best way I can describe the Callaway Mack Daddy CB wedge’s feel is… EASY. You’re not going to get a buttery forged, deep feel here. You’re not even likely to feel yourself “puring” it. As long as you don’t ding one off the perimeter of the club face, you’re going to a get a nice, smooth and modest “solid click”. I like it. Thing is, this wedge is so forgiving across the entire face, you’re likely to have the same feel no matter if you thin it a bit, hit it right on the button, or if you’re hosel adjacent like some of us can be… And that’s generally a good thing. That’s not to say you don’t have good “face-contact awareness”, but just that it’s smooth and forgiving as a result of the perimeter weighting and cavity back.
How Does it Sound?
Ok golf blog fans, I’ll level with you. I cannot create any new adjectives to describe how the Callaway Mack Daddy CB wedge sounds. We’ve heard ’em all! Thwack! Thump! As I mentioned above, “solid click” describes the feel. It works well to describe the sound here too. Many of the options for these wedges are relatively high in bounce, so you’ll likely be pushing some turf around as you get through the ball for a nice “thump”. No complaints here.
On-Course Performance
The Callaway Mack Daddy CB wedge does quite a few things well, but not everything. But that’s the intention! What I’ve found that “stock” shots are what these this things excel with. We’re not looking for length here, but instead consistent and reliable distance. I’ve tried to give it a good full swing rip, I’ve tried to hit a couple 3/4 knockdowns, everything. The super forgiving face and the KBS Hi-Rev 2.0 make it easy to know what number you’re going to get. That’s really what we want in a wedge. Step up, hit your number, putt.
From closer range, most people will find that the Mack Daddy CB Wedge can also get the job done. You’ve got the entire face to work with, so you’ll get reasonable spin from just about anywhere. It’s kind of hard to miss the face.
Now on the other hand, I’ve had some trouble hitting the super finesse touch shots. Flops are tough (unless you’re playing a sand shot or explosion shot out of rough – they do amazing for these shots) as these are pretty high bounce. The low checker takes a bit more practice as these were designed to hit high and soft. It’s a fair trade off though. You’re not going to buy these to be a wedge craftsman, you’re going to buy them because they make your stock wedge shots immensely easier.
Final Thoughts – Callaway Mack Daddy CB Wedge
The Callaway Mack Daddy CB wedge does exactly what it’s intended to do. It will let the person that wants to walk right up to the ball, give a solid swing, and make their wedge life easier. You’re not going to get the forged feel and versatility of the MD5 JAWS, but you will be able to simplify your wedge game immensely. If you want a reliable, solid feeling wedge that will give you good results even if you miss it a bit, then go check out the Mack Daddy CB wedge.
Stock Callaway Mack Daddy CB Wedge Specs
| Loft | Length | Bounce | Swing Weight | Grind | RH/LH |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 46º | 35.75″ | 10º | D3 | Full | RH/LH |
| 48º | 35.75″ | 10º | D3 | Full | RH/LH |
| 50º | 35.5″ | 12º | D3 | Full | RH/LH |
| 52º | 35.5″ | 12º | D3 | Full | RH/LH |
| 54º | 35.25″ | 14º | D4 | W-Grind | RH/LH |
| 56º | 35.25″ | 14º | D4 | W-Grind | RH/LH |
| 58º | 35″ | 12º | D4 | W-Grind | RH/LH |
| 60º | 35″ | 12º | D4 | W-Grind | RH/LH |
Very nice informative review. I just took up 9-hole golf after a nearly 4 years layoff. I use 9 clubs and play a RSC CGB wedge – 46o, and Cleveland CG15 Zip Grove 52o and 58o.
I’m am very interested in the Mac Daddys. Can you evaluate the difference in my current wedges to the MDs? Thanks!
I can’t remember, but those Clevelands may not have legal grooves. The Mack Daddy CB wedge is also going to be more forgiving by design. Cleveland also offers a forgiving wedge in their CBX wedges which you can search for a review on our site.
how do you figure out what specs to pick to order the CB wedge? Loft, Length, Bounce, Grind…??
I played 20 years ago and just took it up again…so I’m up-to-snuft on the new clubs. I have all of the Mavrik Max woods and a 7-iron and Mack Daddy Sand Wedge. Just needing some guidance on what other wedges I should get. Thanks.
For those specifics, it’s usually because someone has been fitted for their clubs and knows the kind of distance gaps they get with particular lofts. They also know what sole grinds are best for their games. In the event you don’t know any of these things, it’s good to at least go to a store and test which setups feel and perform best for your game, or to get a professional fitting done. I’d advise the fitting based on how long you’ve been away from the game.