In the same way that Odyssey added a more premium Milled model to their Ai-One putter range last year, Callaway are also giving golfers the chance to experience enhanced performance with the new Opus Platinum wedge.
The Opus Platinum features all of the same technologies as the standard Opus Wedge, but with the inclusion of a couple of extra technologies which the brand says promotes more precision for better touch and feel around the greens.
Who are they aimed at?
The Opus Platinum is more of an aspirational, money-no-object wedge for golfers who really want to see and feel the most premium materials and technologies in their equipment and don’t mind paying for it, with an RRP that is £50 more than the standard Opus.
The addition of tungsten is designed to help golfers who can have a tendency to launch the ball too high, perhaps by striking it higher on the face, while the MiM process is said to produce a better feel.
The Tech
The two pieces of technology that set the Opus Platinum apart from the Opus are the metal injection molding, and the inclusion of a bunded tungsten weight in the head.
Using MiM is new for Callaway, and it is a process which is slightly different from both a forged or a cast head by using a blend of metals to best dial in performance and feel. There’s also a 17g tungsten weight added to the topline which moves the CG a little higher in the head, lowering the launch.
Like the standard Opus, the Opus Platinum features the new Spin Gen Face technology for enhanced spin and control thanks to three key elements – more grooves on the face, groove-in-groove for more spin on open face shots, and a new face blast for more spin on partial shots.
The wedge is available in two finishes – a new Platinum Chrome and an eye-catching Platinum Blue, adding to the premium story.
There are only two grind options available, compared to four in the Opus wedge, due to the fact that this is offered in higher lofts (54 to 60) only and is a supplemental offering.
The Z Grind is a lower bounce option for golfers who want a bit of license to open up the face around the greens without sacrificing forgiveness, whilst the S Grind is more of a one size fits all that is suitable for a variety of different swing types.
Callaway Opus Platinum Wedge Review
Looks and Feel
Whilst this is the more premium model I actually think that the standard model looks better. I am a fan of the milling pattern on the back of the head, which looks really smart, but the addition of the tungsten ‘slot’ cheapens it a little for me.
The Platinum Chrome finish does look great, whilst the Platinum Blue finish is a nice addition which might not suit everyone but does look pretty premium and would match nicely if you happen to own any of the original Paradym woods or Ai-One putters.
At address the wedge looks fantastic, with just a slight hint of curvature to the leading edge on the 58 degree model that I tested and a really nice simple shape.
Callaway claim that the use of MiM during the production of these wedges is going to improve the feel, but I have to say that I didn’t really notice much difference between the Opus and the Platinum during my testing – they both felt great with a nice solid click at impact and a lovely balance to the head.
Performance
Starting off hitting some chip shots around the green, I could immediately feel the grip coming off that new face blast that Callaway have introduced, which just fills you with so much confidence that you can really commit to your shot, safe in the knowledge that it’s going to check up nicely.
I was impressed that these levels of spin were maintained when I hit shots from around 50 yards with just a half swing, producing a really repeatable ball flight and control into the greens.
I tested the Platinum wedge with the S grind which is a pretty standard setup, with a relatively forgiving sole and just enough room for versatility. It felt easy enough both to open up the face and to close it down a little, whilst there was still a bit of a margin for error if you happen to catch the ground a little before the ball.
I do tend to hit my pitch and chip shots relatively low so I enjoyed the higher CG placement of the wedge, as I felt like I was able to drive the ball in lower with a little more control and allow the ball to roll out a touch after it checked up.
The wedge performed really well from the bunkers – I spent a bit of time hitting a number of different shots and found that it was so easy to pop the ball up into the air, whilst there was also plenty of spin on offer too.
Callaway Opus Platinum Wedge Verdict
I tested the Opus Platinum on the same day as the standard Opus Wedge and whilst the performance was great, I’m struggling to really see where you’re going to gain on the standard model for £50.
I think I would save my money and go for the standard Opus wedge which performed just as well and probably looked a bit better too thanks to the cleaner design.
In this regard, the wedge reminded me a little of the Ai-One Milled putter range that Odyssey released earlier in the year. Whilst the overall finish and the materials used were probably more premium, there was just not really enough of a discernable difference in the performance to justify the extra cost in my eyes.
Would I Use It?
The performance was good but if it was my own money, I think I’d go for the standard Opus wedge.
Callaway Opus Platinum Wedge Pros and Cons
If you enjoyed this article, you may also like:
Titleist SM10 Wedge Review
Odyssey Ai-One Rossie Putter Review