50 Words or Less

The TaylorMade Hi-Toe 4 wedge is a high spinning, strong performer.  Unique copper finish is a head turner.  Five sole options allow any player to take advantage of the high toe design.

Introduction

When high toe wedges first started appearing on the scene, some people wrote them off as a fad.  Five years later, with major OEMs like TaylorMade making them a regular part of their line up, we can see that’s not the case.  The TaylorMade Hi-Toe 4 wedge is, obviously, their fourth entry into this segment, and it makes a strong case to be your go-to short game tool.

Looks

Typically, when a new club comes out, we trumpet all the big changes that were made.  With regard to the look of the TaylorMade Hi-Toe 4 wedge, my favorite thing is what they didn’t change: the finish.  Just like the Hi-Toe 3 wedge [review HERE], the Hi-Toe 4 has a rich copper hue.  Right off the rack, there’s pleasing variation from dark brown to shiny new penny, and that patina will only deepen with time.

That copper theme – which also brings to mind vintage TaylorMade clubs like the Bubble Burner – is carried through to the custom shaft band and Lamkin Crossline grip.  I love to see OEMs putting this kind of effort into the complete look of a club.

In the bag, the TaylorMade Hi-Toe 4 wedge has a similar look to the Hi-Toe 3, but it’s been cleaned up a touch.  The back of the wedge is blank except for “Hi-Toe” on the toe pad.  The milling is the star of the show, with marks covering the sole, the toe pad, and the inside of the cavity.

At address, the namesake feature is what stands out most.  There is a lot of hitting area, which should embolden players to take on exciting short game shots.  That entire surface is covered in grooves in lofts 54 degrees and higher.  Across the lofts, the shaping of the face changes noticeably.  The 60 degree has the most rounded face and the tallest heel, making it look the largest.  The 56 degree has a straighter leader edge, though it’s still gently rounded.

For players that want a one-of-a-kind look, TaylorMade is offering the MyHi-Toe 4 Wedge program.  This opens up three additional finishes – raw, black, and chrome – as well as the ability to have the wedge stamped and paint filled to your preferences.

Sound & Feel

Another trait that carries forward into the TaylorMade Hi-Toe 4 wedge is the raw face.  This was seen on the Hi-Toe 3 and the Milled Grind 4 wedges, and it helps these clubs to produce a medium-soft impact feel when striking a premium quality golf ball.

The feel of impact is slightly at odds with the sound, which is louder than I expected.  That’s not inherently good or bad – some players like a more responsive audio cue – but the crisp “snap” of impact did surprise me.

Feedback from the Hi-Toe 4 is good through both the hands and ears.  My hands understood where on the sizable face I was making contact, and the sound of impact changes from good to poor strikes.

Performance

With five sole options, TaylorMade has given golfers more reasons to switch to a high toe wedge.  This is a notable expansion of the line – the Hi-Toe 3 had only High, Standard, and Low Bounce options.  Also interesting is that the soles offered in the TaylorMade Hi-Toe 4 wedge don’t match those in the MG4.

The five grinds are labeled ATS, ATC, ATV, ATX, and ATW.  ATS is the only sole offered at every loft.  This is the do-it-all sole made for “all conditions” and “medium divots” according to TM.  The lowest bounce option, ATC, is available at only 58 and 60 degrees.  It’s the thinnest sole, and it’s meant to provide more versatility on firm turf.  The other three grinds are offered at 56, 58, and 60 degrees.  ATV features a concave sole which creates a unique turf interaction.  ATX and ATW are the two highest bounce options at 12 and 14 degrees, respectively.  They’re also the widest soles, though each has some leading edge relief to give them more versatility.

While some might look at the TaylorMade Hi-Toe 4 wedge and say there’s “only” 6 degrees of difference between the highest and lowest bounce soles, I would point to that as evidence of how misleading – or at least incomplete – that specification can be.  There’s huge variety in how these five soles interact with the turf.  The ATW offers a lot of insurance against digging where the ATC has just a little.  On the other hand, players who want to open their wedge off tight lies will appreciate the low leading edge and thin sole of the ATC.  The ATS is likely to perform well for any golfer, but you should try them all if you want to get the most out of your short game.

It’s also worth noting that these soles are all milled.  The reason for that is consistency.  If you pick up two 60 degree ATV wedges, the soles will be identical.  When you wear out a wedge, you can pick up an exact replacement and know it will feel the same in the turf.

Another change in the TaylorMade Hi-Toe 4 wedge is the expanded toe pad.  This further elevates the center of gravity and enhances the stability of the wedge.  A higher CG promotes lower launch and higher spin and is one of the big performance reasons for choosing a high toe wedge.

Speaking of spin, the TaylorMade Hi-Toe 4 wedge produces plenty of it.  The combination of high CG, a raw face, and Spin Tread technology place this club among the highest spinning wedges I’ve tested.  Spin Tread technology – seen also in the MG4 wedge [review HERE] – is a laser etching between the grooves designed to keep spin high in wet conditions.  It proved effective in my testing – I saw minimal spin loss when spraying the ball and club face with water.

Conclusion

Whether you want to go high toe at every loft or just in your highest lofts, the TaylorMade Hi-Toe 4 wedge gives you outstanding performance.  The five different soles will allow players to pull off dramatic shots in any conditions, and the unique copper finish will always look great in the bag.

Support Plugged In Golf, Buy HERE

TaylorMade Hi-Toe 4 Wedge Price & Specs

The post TaylorMade Hi-Toe 4 Wedge Review appeared first on Plugged In Golf.

50 Words or Less

The PXG Sugar Daddy III wedges offer elite performance, stunning looks, and extraordinary feel.  Additional grind option and lower price add to the appeal.

Introduction

Entering the PXG R&D center to learn about the new Sugar Daddy III wedges was akin to Elf arriving in NYC during the holidays – it was magical.  The engineer me loved the CAD stations and testing equipment.  The golfer me was captivated by talk of groove volume and cover penetration.  And don’t get me started about watching a wedge being milled from a solid piece of metal in front of my eyes.  Much like that visit, hitting the PXG Sugar Daddy III wedges was also special.

Looks

The PXG Sugar Daddy III wedges are simply beautiful.  In the bag, the milling communicates a high level of craftsmanship.  Whether the undercut windows on each side of the weight port, the radiating lines on the back flange, or the ultra-fine lines on the sole, the precision of the milling is mesmerizing.  PXG modestly states “MILLED” on the head, but it’s important to note that they are 100% milled – no stamping or hand grinding.

At address the PXG Sugar Daddy III wedges shown in this review have classic shaping and compact size.  For golfers that prefer a high toe look, PXG offers the BP (Bob Parsons) – Grind which also features full face grooves.  I like the contrasting matte finish of the grooved face area, and the satin chrome body looks top shelf.  The Sugar Daddy III wedges are also available in an Xtreme Dark finish.

Sound & Feel

My field notes were an odd mix of words trying to capture the feel of the PXG Sugar Daddy III wedges, so I pulled up Dylan’s review of the previous generation [read it HERE] to see what he encountered.  Dylan captured my thoughts perfectly: “a feel that mixes soft and solid in an extraordinary way.”  Soft and solid seem counterintuitive, but trust me, the intersection is a very satisfying feel.  Firm enough to feel in complete control, yet soft enough to provide a delicate touch.

Sound was also challenging to pin down as it varied between types of shots and the wedges themselves.  In general the sound was a moderate “clique.”  My spelling here is purposeful as the sound had more roundness than the common “ck” version.  I found the sound louder and more “clique-y” in the 50° Sugar Daddy III.  Both sound and feel provided subtle yet precise feedback on contact location.

Performance

The PXG Sugar Daddy III wedges have elite spin and noteworthy consistency.  For my first handful of swings in Scottsdale, my fitter, Ty Munneke, had me hit 20 yard shots to an elevated green – over a bunker.  I felt confident on the required swing, but it was a rather intimidating situation.  I was blown away seeing each ball hit and stop instantly.  From a few additional locations – including sand – it was wonderful to see the ball perform precisely as I envisioned it.  As I told Ty at the end of the session, the PXG Sugar Daddy III wedges make the short game exciting.

After further observing my swing and discussing the turf and conditions I typically play in, Ty recommended the new S-Grind in 50° and 54° wedges, and C-Grind in a 58°.  While three sole options (S, C, and BP) may seem limiting, the versatility of the designs makes the simplicity of the offerings a positive in my book.  If you’re into details or plan to skip the fitting process, PXG does a nice job at describing the bounce, bevels, swing styles, etc. of the Sugar Daddy III wedge options on their website.  That weight disc on the back center of the wedges can also be adjusted by 2 gram increments to optimize personal performance and feel.

Taking advantage of the enormous short game practice area at Scottsdale National, I put the Sugar Daddy III wedges through a rigorous testing session of varying yardages, lies, and shot selections.  Again the consistency stood out.  Remember those window cutouts I mentioned under Looks, they were created by PXG designers to redistribute 8 grams of mass for increased MOI.  For an 11 handicap player like myself, more forgiveness is always appreciated.

A point of emphasis during my visit with the PXG designers was the grooves – they’re now wider with tighter spacing.  The wider grooves of the Sugar Daddy III wedges provide for more ball cover penetration resulting in “more control and consistency with regards to trajectory and spin.”  The wider grooves also increase the volume by around 25%, providing better spin retention in wet or thick grass conditions.  To further improve consistency, especially in those aforementioned conditions, PXG was able to add an additional groove with tighter spacing.  I don’t have any method to verify PXG’s empirical data, but in my testing the Sugar Daddy III wedges certainly demonstrated excellent overall performance – on par or better than any wedge I’ve gamed or tested.

Conclusion

Before reading any further, go ahead and glance at the price below.  $300 is not a typo – the PXG Sugar Daddy III wedges are $200 less than their predecessors.  That’s not to say they are now affordable to everyone, but they are much more approachable.  And as PXG points out, the triple forged 8620 carbon steel impacts more than just feel, it extends the life of the grooves.  This was my first experience with PXG wedges, and I was thoroughly impressed with the Sugar Daddy III.  From their captivating look to their exceptional performance, the PXG Sugar Daddy III wedges offer an elite choice for your short game.

Visit PXG HERE

PXG Sugar Daddy III Wedge Price & Specs

The post PXG Sugar Daddy III Wedge Review appeared first on Plugged In Golf.

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.

Buy JP Golf JP Camber Wedges HERE

JP Camber Wedge Price & Specs

The post JP Camber Wedge Review appeared first on Plugged In Golf.

50 Words or Less

The Callaway Opus wedge is one of the highest spinning, lowest launching wedges I’ve tested.  Four soles provide a fit for a range of players.  Grinds favor versatility over anti-dig properties.

Introduction

Opus is defined as “any artistic work, especially one on a large scale.”  That’s certainly how Callaway is positioning their new wedge, referring to the use of their “most Tour-validated shapes” and the new Spin Gen Face Technology.  I tested a set to see if they can help you create your masterpiece around the greens.

Looks

At address, the Callaway Opus wedge is compact.  It’s nearly identical in size to the PING s159 [review HERE] and a bit smaller than the Vokey SM10 [review HERE].  The shape of the club varies across lofts.  The lower lofted wedges have straighter leading edges and shorter heel heights for a more iron-like look.  Moving to the highest lofted wedges, the leading edge is very round as is the face shape.  The photo above shows the 54 degree wedge, which has a balanced appearance.

In the bag, this wedge looks clean without being boring.  The black and white paintfill on brushed chrome is a timeless look.  “Callaway” and “Opus” branding are moderately sized – noticeable but not overwhelming.  This leaves room for the eye to appreciate the different finishes and the geometry of the back.

The Callaway Opus wedge is available in three finishes.  Brushed Chrome and Black Shadow are available at retail, and a Raw finish will be available through Callaway Customs.

Sound & Feel

Striking a Tour-quality golf ball, the feel of the Callaway Opus wedge is outstanding on center.  It’s medium-soft with a crisp “click” and a strong feeling of connection from the ball to the hands through the club face.  However, that premium feel is reserved for premium strikes.

Hitting shots that are merely good gets a feeling that’s in the middle of the soft-hard continuum.  The sound turns to a duller “thud.”  This feedback is not a bad thing, especially for a Tour-style wedge.  Better players need to know when their short game is off.  The Callaway Opus wedge does provide a great sense of exactly where the ball struck the face.

Performance

The feature that is front and center on the Callaway Opus wedge is the Spin Gen Face Technology.  Per Callaway, this is a suite of three elements: having more grooves on the face, offset groove-in-groove, and a new face blast treatment.  In my launch monitor testing, I saw spin that is at the elite level.  More important, the Callaway Opus is among the best wedges I’ve tested for spin consistency.  I would regularly hit a mediocre shot, look down expecting a poor spin number, and find one that had barely moved from the quality shot hit previously.  This level of spin consistency makes it a lot easier to predict the outcome of your wedge shots.

Another thing that stood out about the Callaway Opus wedge during launch monitor testing is the low launch.  Callaway bills this wedge as “Mid-Low with Control.”  I saw it launching a degree lower than comparable wedges on half shots and up to three degrees lower on full swings.  While this could be related to the shaft – I tested with the stock Dynamic Gold Mid 115 – I’m more inclined to think that Callaway moved the CG up substantially to get this low launch and high spin.  Like the spin, I found the launch to be very consistent, leading to predictable carry distances.

Moving to the sole, the Callaway Opus wedge offers players four grinds: T, C, S, and W.  This is a change from the Jaws Raw [review HERE] which had C, Z, S, X, W.  The S Grind is the all-purpose sole, best for square-faced shots and offered at every loft.  Available in almost every loft is the W Grind, which has the widest sole and the most bounce to prevent digging.  Both the T and C Grinds are only offered at 58 and 60 degrees.  They are low bounce designs with extensive relief in the heel, toe, and trailing edge.  These are best for players with shallow angles of attack or those who play on firm turf.

In my testing, I found that the three soles I tried – S, W, and C – performed as billed but leaned toward versatility over dig insurance.  The W Grind provided the most protection, but it still took a healthy divot.  It also kept the leading edge as low as any “wide” sole I can recall.  With the C Grind, my strike had to be fairly precise, or I’d stick the club in the mud.  The benefit is that on firmer turf, this sole can be opened up as much as you want without any fear.

Conclusion

For the skilled wedge player in search of a Tour-style ball flight, the Callaway Opus wedge is a winner.  It launches the ball on a strong trajectory with high, consistent spin.  The four sole options are meaningfully different and off a lot of versatility and shotmaking options.

Support Plugged In Golf, Buy HERE

Callaway Opus Wedge Price & Specs

The post Callaway Opus Wedge Review appeared first on Plugged In Golf.

50 Words or Less

The Vertical Groove Golf Vipper chipping iron provides amazing consistency around the green.  Surprising versatility.  Much more nimble than your average chipper.

Save 15% with code PLUG when you shop HERE

Introduction

When I was asked by Vertical Groove Golf to review The Vipper, I hesitated.  While it’s the goal of Plugged In Golf to cover the entire game, my inner golf snob sneered at a speciality wedge.  After testing it, I’m glad I quieted that part of myself.  The Vipper may be my biggest surprise of the year and is making a legitimate push to spend time in my bag.

Looks

When I unboxed the Vipper, the first thing I noticed is how conventional it looks.  If you glanced at this club in someone’s bag, you would think it’s any other cavity back iron.  This is in stark contrast to most chippers, which have exaggerated cavities, soles, or flanges that stick out beyond the top line like the Cleveland Smart Sole [review HERE].

Putting it into the address position, the company’s namesake feature – the vertical grooves – catch your eye.  While they’re unusual, I didn’t find them distracting or off-putting.  The face is shaped like a traditional iron, and there’s a bit of offset.  The other standout feature is more subtle – the black line across the top line.  VGG states that this works in concert with the vertical grooves to improve alignment.

Sound & Feel

On center, the Vipper produces a quiet “tap” at impact with a premium golf ball.  The accompanying feel is crisp and pleasant.

Given the low speed at impact, I was surprised by how much feedback I got from the VGG Vipper.  Off center strikes are louder, a bit brusque.  The feel is firmer and clearly communicates where the ball met the face.  This level of feedback is good, I’d even say essential, because the results are so consistent.

Performance

Let’s start with the specs on the Vipper.  It has 39 degrees of loft, which puts it somewhere between an 8I and a PW, depending on your iron set.  The 67 degree lie angle is more upright than a wedge (typically 63 or 64 degrees) but flatter than a putter (usually 70 or 71 degrees).  This lie angle helps golfers make a putting-like motion.  Finally, the “Ground Control Sole” has 8 degrees of bounce, similar to many scoring irons.  All in all, you wouldn’t be entirely incorrect to say that this a sole-heavy, extremely upright 9I.

I started my testing of the Vipper in the short game area at my neighborhood course.  This practice green has a lot of tightly mowed spaces, which was ideal for this test.  I dropped three balls twenty feet from the cup, several feet off the green.  Without a single perfect strike, I got all three balls within four feet.  I shrugged, thinking that was good but not too unusual.  The same pattern repeated several times, though I mixed in some quality strikes which put the ball next to the hole.

When I switched to the other clubs I brought – a putter, a 9I, and a lob wedge – I started to appreciate the consistency of the Vipper.  I’m a frequent user of the Texas Wedge, so my results with the putter were good except when they caught an unexpected chunk of grass.  My 9I was good, but the thin strikes took off like a rocket.  The lob wedge – which, admittedly, is not the best choice for a basic chip – was a mess, with a huge gap between the thin strikes and the ones that ran up the face and landed softly.

As I continued testing the Vipper, my notes filled up with comments like, “Big misses don’t exist,” “This is like cheating,” and “The bad shots are so good.”  What powers this consistency is the combination of the sole and the weighting.  Most chips go badly because of A) early contact with the ground or B) a thin strike.  The Vertical Groove Golf Vipper has a sole that skates across the turf easily, and it lifts thin strikes up to a similar trajectory as pure hits.

Another thing that impressed me about the Vipper is how it performs in tough situations.  I threw some balls into tall rough just a few feet from the pin.  Normally, you’d have to think about a high lofted wedge which brings a lot of problems into play.  With the Vipper’s tall face, you can make a gentle putting motion and plop the ball gently onto the green.  If you’re not short sided, the same shot can work by adding a little more force.

Having passed the basic tests with flying colors, I challenged the versatility of the Vipper and found a lot to like.  From half to full swings, this club produces low launch, low spin shots that can stretch out to my full pitching wedge distance.  This can give players a nearly-automatic running shot for windy days or tree escapes.  The upright lie does make the Vipper more draw biased, but I was able to hit it straight without too much effort.

Finally, I want to touch on the vertical grooves.  In VGG’s materials, they say the grooves and “strong topline” work to “start the ball on the optimal line,” but they don’t say how.  There is a nod to alignment help, and that may be all they are promoting with regard to vertical grooves on the Vipper.

Conclusion

If you struggle with consistency around the green – or you simply want to reduce your short game stress – the Vipper deserves serious consideration.  This club is impressively consistent, but it doesn’t have the bulky looks and limited versatility of other chippers.

Buy The Vipper HERE

Save 15% with code PLUG

The post Vertical Groove Golf The Vipper Review appeared first on Plugged In Golf.

50 Words or Less

The ONE Wedge is built to make the short game easier with a massive sole.  High spin, strong consistency, and a total refusal to dig into the turf.

Introduction

Martin Chuck is one of the top golf coaches in the world and the inventor of some of the best training aids we’ve ever tested.  Best known for the original Tour Striker [review HERE] and the Educator [review HERE], he’s now turned his attention to designing a club that can help regular golfers enjoy the short game more.  That club is The ONE Wedge, and I tested a set to see if Martin has a future in club design or should stick to the lesson tee.

Looks

Your very first look at The ONE Wedge lets you know this is not your conventional Tour-style wedge.  In the bag, you’ll see a massive sole with “Pitch Control” across the trailing edge and a cavity with numerous levels and textures.

At address, The ONE Wedge has several distinguishing features.  The face is very large and completely covered in grooves.  Between the grooves are lines at 45 degree angles centering on a small vertical groove on the bottom of the face.  That vertical groove is centered on the bottom groove but is heel-biased if you’re looking at the entire club.  Shifting your eyes up, you’ll notice that the top line is not uniform – it’s much thicker on the toe side.  Finally, the hosel has a PING EYE2 look to it – long, tapered, and giving the appearance of onset (the opposite of offset).

Sound & Feel

I was not expecting much from The ONE Wedge when it came to feel, but it surprised me.  On centered impacts, it produces a “thud” at average volume that’s paired with a medium soft feel.  It’s right in the middle of the bell curve – neither a reason to game this wedge or turn it away.

Mishits deliver clear feedback in the form of a slightly louder “knock” at impact and a firmer feel.  While I would not regard the feel feedback as pinpoint, you can tell if you missed thin, toe, or heel.

Performance

The ONE Wedge is not short on features and big promises.  I’d like to spell them out before I get into my testing results.  First is the “4-Way Auto-React Sole” which promises to “react perfectly to any lie” preventing digging and gliding through any surface.  Second is “Pitch Control Weighting,” a promise to forgive shots hit all over the club face.  Feature #3 is the “ONE-Tempo Shaft” which is counterbalanced to “ensure the club head leverages gravity.”  While I think counterbalancing is fine, the copy irks me a bit because I have yet to encounter a club head that didn’t experience gravity.  Fourth is the “Point ‘N’ Shoot Leading Edge” which simply means that the leading edge is square, not round, and they believe this is easier to aim.  Finally, The ONE Wedge has “Control Spin Grooves” all across the face (they are conforming, according to Performance Golf).

Let’s boil all that down without the buzzwords.  The ONE Wedge is counterbalanced, has full-face grooves, a straight leading edge, a cavity back, and a big, wide, rounded sole.

Moving to my testing results, I want to start with the things that surprised me.  Given the enormous sole, I was expecting these wedges to launch extremely high with below average spin.  Wrong and wrong.  The launch angles on each of these wedges was on par with similarly lofted tour-style wedges, and the spin was slightly above average.  Additionally, the numbers were more consistent when compared to traditional wedges.

What did not surprise me – but was still impressive – was the performance of the sole.  It makes this club almost impossible to hit fat.  Even was I was hitting behind the ball intentionally, the sole wanted to glide through the turf.  The disadvantage of this sole is that it’s not built for versatility.  If you try to open the club face, the leading edge lifts significantly, but this is probably not a big concern for the target player.

Finally, The ONE Wedge produced a tight dispersion.  I was hitting shots off the heel and toe that were still flying straight.  For players that want to hit little touch shots and baby fades, this is not the club.  But for golfers that want to take a lot of stress out of the short game, this will fit the bill.

Conclusion

While the statement “Lower your scores 7-9 shots on average” should not be taken seriously, The ONE Wedge should be.  This is a very impressive short game tool geared toward golfers who struggle around the green.  With high spin, tight dispersion, and a sole that refuses to dig, it can turn short game opportunities from gut wrenching to welcome sights.

Visit The ONE Wedge HERE

The ONE Wedge Price & Specs

The post The ONE Wedge Review appeared first on Plugged In Golf.

50 Words or Less

The PING s159 wedge has a compact look, elite spin, and controlled launch.  Six sole grinds offer something for every player.  PING’s online Wedge Fitting tool makes picking the right grind easy.

Introduction

It was almost a decade ago that PING released their first Glide wedge, and they’ve been a leader in bringing forgiveness to the short game ever since [Glide 4.0 review HERE].  For 2024, they’re showing that they want to dominate the player’s wedge market, too.  With two new grinds and a classy Tour-approved look, the PING s159 wedge is one that loads of better players will be reaching for.

Looks

Compact.  More than anything else, the size of the PING s159 wedge is what stands out to me at address.  With so many wedges tilting toward game improvement and larger faces, the s159 provides a sharp, needed contrast for the low handicapper.  The shape is middle of the road without sharp, straight lines or comically round ones.  While I prefer a straight leading edge, I can’t find fault with the gentle rounding here.

Like its predecessor, the Glide Forged Pro [review HERE], the s159 wedge has a very clean look in the bag.  The only branding is a modestly sized “PING” in the center of the club.

The PING s159 wedge comes in two finishes: Hydropearl 2.0 Chrome and Midnight.  Both finishes are available in every loft/grind combination, so you don’t have to choose between your preferred look and the performance you need.

Finally, PING is leaning into personalized wedges with their Customizer Program on PING.com.  They offer laser-etched graphics, stamping, and paint fill to make your wedges unique.

Sound & Feel

The 8620 carbon steel of the PING s159 wedge provides precise feedback through the hands.  It takes no effort to locate impact, though the character of the feel doesn’t change dramatically.  Pure shots are medium soft with mishits firming up just a touch.

Each strike produces a quiet, tight “snap” when using a premium golf ball.  Audio feedback is subtle.  You can hear the difference between perfect shots and mishits, but you’ll need to be paying attention.

Performance

When it comes to spin creation, the PING s159 wedges are elite.  On pitch shots, they’re on par with some of the best wedges I’ve tested.  On full shots, they’ve raised the bar by a couple hundred RPM.  If you’re looking to get every last revolution out of your short game, these wedges should be on your demo list.

That elite spin comes from two primary sources: Friction Face and the grooves.  PING adds a “face blast” of friction-adding material to each wedge to give it more grip on the ball.  Additionally, they place tightly spaced MicroMax grooves on the higher lofted wedges to get more spin on short shots.

The high spin pairs with strong, controlled launch angles.  From full shots to pitches, the PING s159 wedge launches an average of one degree higher than the lowest-launching wedges I’ve tested.  This combination of low launch and high spin is exactly what Tour players covet for consistent carry distance with stopping power.

Two small things that PING gets right are the stock shaft and grip.  PING’s stock 360 Dyla-wedge Lite grip is 3/4″ longer than traditional grips, which gives you the ability to choke down further.  As we discovered in Golf Myths Unplugged, this will produce more consistent smash factor and lower launch angles [learn more HERE].  There are numerous shaft options, but PING’s Z-Z115 shaft has a lower balance point for more club head feel, akin to the Dynamic Gold Spinner shafts.

PING s159 Grinds

The PING s159 wedge offers two new grinds, bringing the total to six with twenty five loft/grind combinations.  This puts PING among the leaders when it comes to giving players options, and they’re ahead of the pack when it comes to helping you find the right grind for your game.  The Find Your Grind online fitting tool [check it out HERE] is easy to use and gives you an in-depth explanation of the sole that will work best for you.

One of the new sole options for the PING s159 wedge is the B Grind.  Offered at 58 and 60 degrees, this is a wider, low bounce sole built for firm turf, shallow angles of attack, and neutral face delivery.  The B Grind has the same bounce number as the H Grind, but I could easily feel the extra “insurance” provided by the wider sole.  It was a great example of how the bounce number alone is not the whole story.

The other new option is the H Grind.  This is offered from 54 to 60 degrees and is suggested for steeper angles of attack and players who want to play with a variety of face angles.  I found that this sole did a great job keeping the leading edge low, regardless of how I positioned the club.

Returning to the PING s159 wedge line up are the S, W, T, and E Grinds.  The E Grind is a throwback to the Eye2 with its high toe.  PING calls it “the ultimate bunker club.” 

For players that are afraid of fat shots, the W Grind is amazing.  It has the most bounce and a wider sole, so it resists digging no matter how steep you are or how much forward shaft lean you have.  Every time I test PING’s W Grind, I remember how much fun this club is to hit.  Even on medium-firm turf, I can hit really nice pitch shots with this sole because there’s zero fear of being too steep.

The S Grind and T Grind are the two soles that PING’s WedgeFit recommends for me as a player with a fairly shallow angle of attack who likes to open the face.  The S Grind is the standard sole, offered in almost every loft.  Don’t let the “standard” moniker discourage you, this sole has enough heel and trailing edge relief to be quite versatile.  If I could only have one sole, it would definitely be the S Grind.

Finally, the T Grind is the “most versatile” according to PING.  It’s the thinnest sole with the lowest bounce, so you can easily open the face without raising the leading edge.  This sole is a little more prone to digging, but it’s hard to beat for shot making.

Conclusion

From elite spin to a multitude of sole options, there’s a lot to like about the PING s159 wedge.  This club looks great at address and in the bag, giving better players the confidence to attempt heroic rescue shots.  Work with your fitter or PING’s online tool to find your perfect grind and enjoy an improved short game.

Visit PING HERE

Support Plugged In Golf, Buy HERE

PING S159 Wedge Price & Specs

The post PING s159 Wedge Review appeared first on Plugged In Golf.

50 Words or Less

The New Level SPN wedges are versatile short game tools with good spin and consistent launch.  SS and VS designed for low and high lofts, respectively.  FF model built for the short game artists.

Introduction

Choosing a wedge can be confusing.  With a wealth of grind options and even more names, it can be hard to know what to put into your bag.  The recently released New Level SPN wedges aim to simplify the process.  I evaluated each of the three offerings – SS, VS, and FF – to see how well they serve their purpose.

Looks

The New Level SPN wedges have a compact look at address.  This gives them a player-preferred look, in keeping with their new 480 irons [480-MC review HERE].

The shape of the wedges changes noticeably across the three models that I tested.  I found the straightest leading edge in the 54 degree SS model (above).  This gave the wedge a shape closer to the traditional teardrop.

While not dramatically different, the 60 degree New Level SPN-VS wedge (above) has a more rounded leading edge.  The heel is also slightly taller, giving this wedge a round shape.  Some players prefer this shape for open faced shots as the club doesn’t seem to be pointed way from the target.

Between the SS (left) and VS (right) is the New Level SPN-FF wedge.  The shape of this wedge is very similar to the VS, but the obvious difference is that the grooves that extend all the way to the toe.

In the bag, the New Level SPN wedges are very clean.  There’s very little engraving with only a small “NL” logo near the toe and “SPN” with the model on the heel.  Unlike the New Level M Type wedge [review HERE], the New Level SPN wedges are offered in only a brushed silver finish.

Sound & Feel

At impact, the New Level SPN-SS and SPN-VS wedges deliver a soft feel and a quiet, crisp sound.  The forged 1020 carbon steel offers a moderate reward for perfect strikes, the feel being slightly softer than hits that are merely good.  There is some feedback offered through both the ears and hands, but it’s not extreme.

My experience with the New Level SPN-FF wedge was slightly different on perfect strikes.  With this wedge, those absolutely flush shots felt transcendent.  It was the kind of soft that makes you wonder if the ball even hit the face.

Performance

Let’s start with a quick description of each of the wedges.  The New Level SPN-SS wedge is the Standard Sole.  This is meant for shots hit with a square face and is offered in the lower lofts.  The New Level SPN-VS wedge is the Versatile Sole, built with more heel, toe, and trailing edge relief to accommodate open face shots.

The New Level SPN-FF wedge has Full Face grooves.  You can see above that the SPN-FF has a similar sole to the SPN-VS with significant heel, toe, and trailing edge relief, but there are two key differences.  The SPN-FF has a slightly wider sole, but the bounce is lower – 6 or 7 degrees (depending on loft) versus 10 degrees in all of the SPN-SS and SPN-VS wedges.

While there are meaningful difference among the three models, I found them all to be versatile.  The SPN-SS has a thin sole and is more than capable of hitting different shots.  While some may regard 10 degrees of bounce as fairly high, the leading edge doesn’t dramatically lift off the ground when the face is opened.

In my launch monitor testing, all of the New Level SPN wedges produced good spin numbers.  New Level states that they kept more weight higher in the club to control ball flight.  I would say that the SPN wedges are in line with most major OEM Tour-style wedges in that regard.  These did launch 1-2 degrees higher than my Edison 2.0 wedges [review HERE], but were consistent with both launch and spin.

One other thing I noticed in my testing is that the sweet spot of the New Level SPN wedges is on the heel side of geometric center.  This is true of the Vokey SM10 [review HERE] also, because Tour players feel this gives them more control of the face.  My short game is decidedly not Tour quality, but I do tend to miss on the heel side, so this shift suited me very well.

Finally, New Level Golf offers golfers the ability to buy the SPN wedges as head only.  For players that like to build their own clubs or those that want a specific shaft not offered by New Level, this is a great option.  Buying the head alone costs $100 compared to the complete club cost of $150.  At the time of this writing, New Level is also offering a discount on multiple wedges – two for $260 and three for $360.

Conclusion

The New Level SPN wedges make it easier to assemble your wedge set but don’t sacrifice quality or versatility.  With a clean, compact look and superb feel, they have a lot of appeal, especially for the better player.

Visit New Level HERE

New Level SPN Wedge Price & Specs

The post New Level SPN Wedge Review appeared first on Plugged In Golf.

50 Words or Less

The Wilson Staff Model ZM wedges provide consistent, tour level performance along with very satisfying sound and feel.  Wonderful aesthetics.

Introduction

Few things garner our immediate and full attention like seeing “Staff Model” clubs from Wilson Staff.  Matt Saternus and I have been mesmerized by Staff Model irons for years at the PGA Show, clamoring for elbow space to get closer looks.  There’s just something pure and simple about them.  Wilson relies heavily on input from their Advisory Staff, and the new Staff Model ZM wedges are no exception.  Knowing that major champion Padraig Harrington along with Kevin Kisner, Brendan Steel, and Kevin Streelman were behind the new wedge designs is a positive in my book.

Looks

In addition to the standard Wilson Staff Model ZM wedge is a distinctively different HT version.  The HT is easily distinguished by its namesake high toe shaping and its full-face grooves.  In the address position, I needed a minute or two to get comfortable with the look of the HT.  I’d seen photos of the similar TaylorMade Hi-Toe [full review HERE] and Callaway JAWS Full Toe [full review HERE] models, but having one in hand, getting ready to execute a shot, is another thing.  That said, it’s really just a small mental hurdle that I’m confident readers can overcome like I did.

In the bag, the two Staff Model ZM wedges look similar, with a lot of eye appeal.  Three finishes would normally be a negative for me, but Wilson designers used them masterfully.  The polished strip that bisects the backside gives a premium touch, while the milling arcs across the mid-section harken to the business side grooves.  And I love the empty Wilson shields that appear like stamps of approval from the 100 plus year old company. 

Sound & Feel

Let me start with feel – it was wonderful, just as you’d want from a forged carbon steel head.  Impact location was easily discerned but never harsh.  Regardless of the type of shot I attempted, the Wilson Staff Model ZM wedges felt stable through the hitting zone, encouraging me to trust the execution.

On the sound front, my ears enjoyed a mid-volume “pick.”  I selected pick instead of click or tick because the sound had a softness with urethane cover balls.  Sound was fairly consistent around the normal face contact area but was appropriately clanky at the edges.

Performance

As I learned researching the new Staff Model ZM wedges, that softness in sound was likely the result of a new groove design and face finishing.  The combination is meant to “ensure a faster, deeper, and longer ball interaction.”  Wilson doesn’t offer any details on the grooves, but does reveal that the face is blasted with garnet particles in lieu of industry standard aluminum.  This was an area of emphasis from the Advisory Staff who were seeking more consistency in wet conditions.

The Staff Model ZM wedges also feature higher and variable centers of gravity (CoG) for improved trajectory control.  As loft increases, CoG is elevated.  This is something we’ve also seen – and enjoyed – in Edison wedges [see our 2.0 review HERE].

My testing was conducted with a 56°, 10° bounce standard Staff Model ZM and 60°, 10° bounce HT version.  With both wedges, stopping power was excellent.  I also found the wedges to be very distance consistent.  Hitting half or three quarter chip or pitch shots, the landing zones were nice tight circles.  I hadn’t engaged a true lob wedge in a long while and thoroughly enjoyed the HT.  We’re in the transitional Bermuda rough growing stage in the South Carolina Lowcountry and the wide soled HT allowed me to pull off some magical shots that boosted my short game confidence.  Both ZM wedges were proficient at escaping bunkers with good spin.

Conclusion

This was my first hands-on encounter with a Wilson Staff wedge and the overall experience was great.  The Wilson Staff Model ZM wedges had wonderful feel and excellent performance.  Not surprising when you learn they are the “highest-spinning – and most consistent-spinning – wedges Wilson has ever produced.”  If you’re in the market for new tour level wedges, the Wilson Staff Model ZM are certainly worth a look.

Visit Wilson Golf HERE

Support Plugged In Golf, Buy HERE

Wilson Staff Model ZM Wedge Price & Specs

The post Wilson Staff Model ZM Wedge Review appeared first on Plugged In Golf.

50 Words or Less

The Titleist Vokey SM10 wedges make modest improvements on the #1 wedge in the game.  Elite spin.  Grind options to fit every swing and condition.

Introduction

“Don’t step on the rake.”

I learned in my podcast with Aaron Dill and Kevin Tassistro that this is a favorite phrase of Bob Vokey [listen HERE, there’s a ton of great information].  It aptly describes how they went about designing the new Titleist Vokey SM10 wedges.  If you have the #1 wedge on Tour, don’t screw it up.  The Vokey SM10 makes minor tweaks to raise the bar on performance without altering the essential Vokey DNA.

Looks

Aesthetically, the Titleist Vokey SM10 wedges are a modest change from the classy SM9 [review HERE].  At address, the head is compact and traditional in shape.  If you’re looking for an extreme teardrop or round head, you won’t find it here.  There is a slight progression in the head shape – rounder at the higher lofts, more iron-like at lower lofts – but it’s subtle.  The leading edge also transitions from straight to slightly rounded as the loft increases.

In the bag, the SM10 wedges split the focus between the winged “BV” logo at the top and the strip of chrome that encases the “SM10” and “Vokey Design” branding.  The loft and sole designations are moved to the toe for a cleaner look and improved visibility.  The Titleist Vokey SM10 wedges are offered in four finishes: Tour Chrome (shown here), Nickel, Jet Black, and Raw.

Through Vokey WedgeWorks, you can opt to have your wedges customized like I did.  I opted for the “Tour Saw” stamp on the toe – a throwback to the Vokey SM4 wedges that I gamed many years ago.  For the color scheme, I kept it to blue and white, though there are a rainbow of options.  Finally, I had them stamped with “Alligator Blood” and “Respect,” references to one of my favorite movies, Rounders, and a reminder to keeping hanging around and make plays I’ll be proud of.

A finishing touch on the customization is a WedgeWorks shaft band.  There are a dozen options, and I couldn’t pick just one, though my favorite is the boarding pass sticker.

Sound & Feel

With Titleist’s focus on Tour and highly skilled amateurs, it’s no surprise that the Vokey SM10 wedges provide outstanding feedback.  Regardless of skill level, players should be able to feel the impact location easily which will help you to improve your short game.

There is also clear feedback in the sound.  On center, the Titleist Vokey SM10 wedges produce a crisp, robust “click.”  When you get away from the sweet spot, they get louder, more of a “knock.”  Centered contact is also rewarded with a sweet, crisp feel.  Mishits feel substantially firmer.

Performance

The Titleist Vokey SM10 wedges are the farthest thing from a wholesale redesign.  If you loved SM9, you’ll have no problem transitioning to SM10.  The most-discussed tweak is to the CG.  In the SM10, Vokey Wedges moved the CG closer to the center of the face.  This was done to reduce draw bias, though the CG is still on the heel side of center.  Per Vokey, this is done to give players more ability to control the face.

The CG is these wedges is also progressive vertically.  In the lower lofts, the CG is lower.  In the higher lofts, the CG is higher.  This is done to create consistent, strong ball flight.  In my testing, I found that the Titleist Vokey SM10 wedges produce a penetrating trajectory.  They naturally produce Tour-style wedge shots with lower launch and higher spin.

If there is a hallmark of Vokey wedges that hasn’t changed, it’s elite spin.  It’s right in the name: SM standing for Spin Milled.  Thanks to that slightly higher CG and some of the best grooves in golf, the Vokey SM10 wedges are at the very top end in terms of spin production.  From pitches to full shots, if you can’t spin a Tour ball with these wedges, the problem is your technique, not your equipment.  The SM10 wedges also feature a heat treatment on the grooves to enhance their lifespan.

Another thing that Vokey wedges are well known for is a wide array of sole options.  The Titleist Vokey SM10 wedges have the largest number of grinds yet, giving players a major incentive to get fit for their swing and local conditions.

In my mind, the six grinds fall into two categories: full soles (F, S, and K) and soles with heavy relief (D, M, and T).  The F Grind is a full sole, which is what I chose for my gap wedge.  I think it’s a great choice for your full swing wedges.  The S Grind adds some relief to the trailing edge which allows players more freedom to control the loft with hand position.  Finally, the K Grind is the highest bounce option with a full sole and enhanced camber, ideal for bunkers and soft conditions.

Among the soles with toe, heel, and trailing edge relief, the D Grind has the highest bounce.  This is my choice for the sand wedge because I can open the face but still have a lot of protection against digging.  The M Grind is suggested for players with shallow swings who like to rotate the face open and shut, which is why I chose it for my lob wedge.  For those seeking the thinnest sole with the most relief, there’s the T Grind.

When I spoke with the Vokey team, I asked about the process of deciding which grinds to offer.  They said they wanted to offer a grind for every player and condition while limiting it to grinds that were clearly different from one another.  I think they’ve achieved that balance.  The three grinds I tested are all decidedly unique and balance versatility with a measure of specialization.

Finally, I want to touch on the Vokey Flight Lines.  This is an idea that was developed by Parker McLachlin and is available through Vokey WedgeWorks.  The lines are essentially cues to help you set up more consistently.  As someone who tends to set his hands too far forward, I found the Flight Lines to be extremely helpful.  Additionally, I think there’s a lot of versatility in them: there’s no right or wrong way to use them.  If you’re even a little curious about giving these a try, I’d suggest that you do it.

Conclusion

The Titleist Vokey SM10 wedges don’t reinvent the wheel because the wheel does not need reinvention.  This is an evolution of the #1 wedge on Tour that players at all levels of golf can enjoy.  It provides elite spin, controlled launch, and an unmatched array of sole options to fit every player.

Buy Titleist Vokey SM10 Wedges HERE

Visit Titleist HERE

Titleist Vokey SM10 Wedge Price & Specs

The post Titleist Vokey SM10 Wedge Review appeared first on Plugged In Golf.