If you’ve never heard of Sub70 Golf, you’re in for a treat. This boutique clubmaker based in Sycamore, Illinois, has been producing clubs that are of the highest quality, but at a very reasonable price-point. As I detailed in the profile linked above, the philosophy at Sub70 is “If it isn’t better, don’t release it.” In other words, unlike the big-name companies that pump out “new and improved” models once or even twice a year, Sub70 only releases new clubs when their own testing confirms that the new designs are actually better than the previous ones.
Although golf season is most of the Midwest is winding down, Spooky Season is here. Leave it to Sub70 to offer wedges that both play and look scary-good. The JB Sugar Skull Wedges ($125) feature a laser-etched Sugar Skull and boast exquisite feel and control. The Sugar Skull logo depicts “la calvera,” the traditional symbol of Mexico’s Day of the Dead.
Aside from the unique artwork, these wedges are deadly around the greens, too. They are forged from 1020 carbon steel with milled grooves. The JB Wedges are designed for versatility and creativity, accommodating the most skilled shot-makers.
Sub70 offers several model options to fit any player’s preferences. All wedges come in a “straight” or “taper” shaft version, the JB 2 Wedges have a more squared leading edge, and the Full Groove versions feature grooves stretching the entire clubface from heel to toe. There are also multiple finish options, including black, raw, and satin.
Playing the Sub70 JB Sugar Skull Wedges
Before putting the JB Wedges into my bag, I was pretty comfortable with my wedge spacing, which consisted of a 52-degree, 56-degree, and a 59-degree. When I received the 60-degree and 50-degree Sub70s, I worried about their fit.
As it turns out, adding a couple degrees on either side of the 56-degree was what I needed. With my PW handling shots 130 to 140 yards, I needed something to cover 120 yards comfortably. My 52-degree had been coming up a bit short and I was choking down on the PW with inconsistent results. The 50-degree filled that gap perfectly. And the rusted “raw” finish makes it look like a real battler.
On the other side, the black-finish 60-degree has taught me to truly love the flop-shot. I have hit more flops since putting the Sugar Skulls in my bag than in the previous year combined, saving strokes every round.
My short game is key to my scoring – the rounds where I get up and down from everywhere are the ones where I go low. After putting the Sub70 JB Sugar Skull Wedges into play, I strung together three rounds in a row in the 70s – something I’ve never done before in my life. Maybe I can’t give the wedges all the credit, but they deserve a bunch of it.
So if you’re looking to strike some fear into the hearts of your opponents, Sub70’s Sugar Skull Wedges might just do the trick.
Midwestern Golf 