If you’re just joining us for the 2021 season, my bag for the year is starting to take shape and I’m sharing the journey. In late February/early March, I put a new KBS CT Tour shaft in my putter which I wrote about here. Though a small change, it was still the first step in setting my bag for the ’21 golf season. Or at least as long as my putter stays in. Anyway, I’ve officially decided on the next addition for this season: the new Sub 70 JB wedge…or maybe two.
The Sub 70 JB Wedge
If you want to read my full review on the Sub 70 JB wedge, you can check it out here. In that review, I recall a story where I was golfing with the Sub 70 guys sometime last summer and had my first interactions with what would become the JB wedge. Earlier in 2020, Jay and Jason of Sub 70 told us about a new wedge that was in the works for later in the year. Both of them then had prototypes in their bags by the summertime. So being curious about this new wedge, I asked Jay if I could try it out. It had a good look to it, sat behind the ball nicely, good balance, and just swung smoothly. Oh, and it had a sick rusted finish like any good golf nerd wants needs.
So I hit a few shots with the JB wedge prototype and was extremely impressed. Knowing I was due for some fresh grooves next season (now THIS current season), I said, “well let me know when these are available, I’m into them.” I wasn’t sure if it was just trying something new and fresh, but the feel was so smooth and crisp and the performance was great. Maybe I was just having a good a wedge day? Or maybe it was actually the club was really good? Either way, I was interested in exploring it further down the road when it would be time to replace my wedges.
Making the Bag!
Fast forward roughly eight months and I get a text. It’s from Sub 70 Jay and just says, “they’re here…” Before I knew it, a small box containing JB 54º and 62º heads were on the way from my neighbors over in Sycamore. I went with a 54º to dial in some recent yardage gaps and get a little different flight. Prior to these, I was playing 55/56º, but as my wedge game has improved, I’ve felt better in this lower loft. The 62º is a big change for me. I thought about how I use my lob wedge, and I basically only use it for soft little touch shots around the green. As such, I thought I’d see if two extra degrees of loft might help. Worst case, I know where I can find a 60º…
I had everything ready so when they arrived I could get right to building. Then thanks to a spell of warmer temperatures, I was able to get in the garage and do some loft/lie adjustments. My new wedges were now dialed in and I got to work hitting off a mat into a net. Thankfully, we got another break in the weather and outdoor golf became a reality. I was pleased to find the JB wedges felt as good as I remembered! My control has been fantastic with the 54º and I can hit all the shots with it. Admittedly, I’m still adjusting to playing a 62º wedge. It’s felt good for me when I have my act together and don’t try and do dumb things with it. I just have to get used to it.
Final Thoughts
The season is young, my wedge game may be unreliable, but I’m really excited about the Sub 70 JB wedge. Sure a lot can change over the year, but I’m pretty confident the JBs will stay in the bag. The feel is excellent and the overall performance is as good, if not better, as any premium top-dollar forged wedge. Like I said, check out my review to deep dive into my performance experience.
Oh, and real quick. I put a KBS 610 wedge shaft in the 54º. I’ve really grown to love the 610 for it’s versatility from full swings through little chip shots. It has a certain firmness mixed with a smooth profile that’s super easy to control. I went with a KBS Hi-Rev 2.0 in the 62º because they are a little softer and I wanted the extra spin it provides. Like I said, I may end up not sticking with that loft, and that change could also drive a shaft change. Time will tell!
