50 Words or Less
The JP Camber wedge by JP Golf is a joy to hit. Three soles – High, Mid, and Low Bounce – make selecting the right one easy. Huge difference between soles. Lower launch with high spin.
Introduction
A few years ago, James Patrick Harrington launched his own company, JP Golf, with the standout JP Premier wedges. With exceptional performance and an unparalleled style, they were a huge hit. The only problem is that they were unaffordable for many players.
For 2024, JP is bringing his unique take on wedges to more golfers with the JP Camber wedge. I tested a set to see how this more affordable version stacks up to the original.
Listen to the story on the JP Camber wedges from the man himself HERE
Looks
In the address position, the JP Camber wedges are about average in size. That’s the only time I’d use that word to describe these wedges. The leading edge is gently rounded, and the overall shape is more round than teardrop. The face has a satin finish to reduce glare and keep your focus on the ball.
In the bag, these wedges maintain JP’s reputation for making playable art. The mill marks on the sole are unlike anything else in the game. JP’s signature style of loft stamping sits just outside this milling on the heel. The cavity is largely blank, putting the focus on the “JP” near the heel. These wedges are offered in three finishes – Chrome (seen here), Black, and Raw – with seventeen paint fill options. I’m enjoying the stealthy, unfilled look I currently have, but I will be playing with some colors in the future.
Sound & Feel
Each JP Camber wedge is one solid piece of forged 1025 carbon steel. This creates an extremely soft feel when striking a urethane-covered golf ball. It provides a sense of uninterrupted connection from my hands all the way to the ball.
Starting with chips and short pitches, the JP Camber wedges are very quiet. As I moved toward longer shots, the sound became more crisp and staccato. The feedback became a little clearer on longer shots, but even mishits never lost the soft feeling.
Performance
While the look of the JP Camber wedge is unique, what really sets it apart is the sole. The sole of a JP wedge has more curvature from heel to toe than anything else you’re going to find. Where most wedges are fairly flat across the sole – leading to those classic dollar-bill divots – JP’s sole curves up aggressively in the heel and toe, leading to divots that are more oblong. This allows the JP Camber wedge to move through the ground more easily and gives it a feel through the turf that’s unlike anything else.
The other thing that separates the JP Camber sole from most other OEMs is the lack of different, potentially confusing, grinds. JP makes wedge selection simpler with Low, Mid, and High bounce soles. The difference, as you can see above, is enormous. I’ve never tested wedges where the gap between each sole was this big. The leading edge sits higher as you add bounce, and the resistance to digging goes up substantially. JP denotes the level of bounce with the rings on the hosel – more rings, more bounce (below).
It’s also worth noting that the sole of the JP Camber wedge is milled. This gives JP’s wedges more of that magical word: consistency. If you try my JP wedge then order one of your own, the sole will be exactly the same. If you wear out your JP wedge, you can order another one knowing that the sole will be identical. This isn’t true of wedges that are hand finished because humans simply aren’t capable of the same level of precision as a CNC mill.
Though the JP Camber wedge’s sole is the highlight, the wedge doesn’t lack in other areas of performance. The center of gravity in the JP Camber is the same as the JP Premier [review HERE], which means that these wedges launch on a lower, controlled trajectory with above average spin. They have excellent ball speed, and the cavity back design helps them to achieve a tight dispersion.
I want to close this section by returning to the sole, because it’s truly what sets these wedges apart from everything else and makes them such a joy to play. If you’re someone who doesn’t think that the sole matters or doesn’t notice turf interaction, hit these wedges. You’ll feel things at impact that you’ve never felt before. I’ve played every wedge under the sun – I should be bored with wedge play – but the JP Camber wedges kept me on the range trying different approaches with each different sole, seeing what shots I could create. “Fun to hit” is one of the highest compliments I can give to a golf club, and the JP Camber earns that in spades.
Conclusion
At half the price of the JP Premier wedge, most would expect that the JP Camber requires a compromise on performance. They’d be wrong. From the sole to the CG, the JP Camber wedge mirrors the elite performance that JP’s wedges are known for, but at a price that more golfers can afford. You can try them and get fit for a set at your local Club Champion.