Bridgestone 221CB vs Bridgestone 222CB+
Side-by-side factory specifications. Differing values are highlighted.
Specification comparison
| Club | 221CB loft | 222CB+ loft | 221CB lie | 222CB+ lie | 221CB length | 222CB+ length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 22 | 21 | 60.5 | 60.5 | 38.25 | — |
| 5 | 25 | 24 | 61 | 61 | 37.75 | 38 |
| 6 | 28 | 27 | 61.5 | 61.5 | 37.25 | 37.5 |
| 7 | 32 | 31 | 62 | 62 | 36.75 | 37 |
| 8 | 36 | 36 | 62.5 | 62.5 | 36.25 | 36.5 |
| 9 | 41 | 41 | 63 | 63 | 35.75 | 36 |
| PW | 46 | 46 | 63.5 | 63.5 | 35.25 | 35.5 |
Highlighted cells differ between the two sets. Lofts and lies are factory standard.
Lofts compared
- 221CB
- 222CB+
What the differences mean
At the 7-iron, the 221CB is 32° and the 222CB+ is 31°, a 1° gap. Each degree of loft is worth roughly 3 to 4 yards of carry at the same swing speed, so the 222CB+ should carry roughly 3 to 4 yards further with that club, on a slightly lower, shallower flight than the 221CB. Across the 7 clubs both sets share, the 222CB+ averages 0.6° stronger, with the largest gap at the 4-iron (22° vs 21°). Beyond loft, the 222CB+ 7-iron is 0.25 inches longer (36.75" vs 37").
The 221CB is a players iron and the 222CB+ a players distance iron, so they sit one step apart on the forgiveness scale. The 222CB+ is the more forgiving design, with a wider sole, more offset and more perimeter weighting for roughly 5 to 15 handicaps who want extra distance from a compact head. The 221CB trades some of that for a more compact head, thinner topline and more control over flight and shape, which suits roughly scratch to 10 handicaps.
Both heads are listed as forged. With the build method this similar, differences in feel come down to head size, sole width, topline and offset rather than how the heads are made.
Both sets were introduced in 2022, so this is a choice between two models from the same lineup rather than an upgrade: Bridgestone designed them to sit side by side for different players.
Which should you choose?
The 222CB+ is the stronger-lofted set — up to 1° stronger than the 221CB on matching clubs. Expect longer carry per numbered iron but a flatter descent angle; gapping at the wedge end is where that shows up.
Both charts are reproduced in full on their own pages: Bridgestone 221CB specs and Bridgestone 222CB+ specs.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Bridgestone 221CB stronger lofted than the 222CB+?
No. The 222CB+ is the stronger-lofted set: its 7-iron is 31° against 32° for the Bridgestone 221CB, 1° stronger and worth roughly 3 to 4 yards of extra carry.
What is the loft difference between the Bridgestone 221CB and 222CB+?
At the 7-iron the difference is 1° (32° vs 31°). The largest gap on a shared club is 1° at the 4-iron, and 4 of the 7 shared clubs differ.
Which is better for higher handicap golfers, the Bridgestone 221CB or the 222CB+?
The 222CB+. As a players distance iron it is the more forgiving design, suited to roughly 5 to 15 handicaps who want extra distance from a compact head. The Bridgestone 221CB is a players iron, better suited to roughly scratch to 10 handicaps.
Do the Bridgestone 221CB and 222CB+ have the same lie and length?
Not exactly. At the 7-iron the Bridgestone 221CB is 62° lie and 36.75 inches, the 222CB+ 62° and 37 inches. Both can be bent or built to your own fit.
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