Wedges Buyer's Guide 2007Known as the most versatile club in the bag, the wedge is a bona fide score saver
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By Staff
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Page 4 of 5
| | Tech Talk
Wedges Rule
By Scott Carlyle
Cleveland Golf
The objective of modern wedge design is to perfectly blend aesthetics, material science and new manufacturing techniques to create an unrivaled shot-making experience. Compared to the past, wedge designers are much less limited by manufacturing constraints, so more emphasis is put on product design and performance optimization. Also, improved methods for understanding shotmaking, impact and launch conditions allow designers to improve data collection and product analysis. With all of the options currently available to wedge designers, the industry has created an exciting environment that facilitates innovation. Future wedge designs have potential to focus more on shape/geometry optimization, groove geometry, “feel” materials, impact surface options and off-center hit improvement. As a result, golfers are going to see noticeably improved wedge products for players of all abilities—and even more options!
When selecting a new wedge, the recreational golfer should avoid overcomplicating the decision. Almost all models of wedges are designed to perform well for players of all abilities. Pick wedges most suitable to improving scoring for your game. Try to pick lofts and designs that will allow you to execute the most common shots in your repertoire—from full shots to short chips. Also, consider using your 14 clubs more efficiently by adding an additional wedge to your bag (taking out a longer club) to reduce gap yardages and increase shot options around the green.
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Solus Wedge
solusgolf.com
(800) 899-6513 | $120
 Company engineers developed the Solus in response to the diverse spin, trajectory and distance characteristics of short shots.
Features: The Solus wedge is loaded with unique features, like a Crescent Cut sole contour, which allows the face to be opened and closed at will and the golfer to employ bounce when it’s needed (sand) and negate it when it isn’t (tight lies).
Advantages: Minimal offset, a relieved heel section and the club’s overall shape produce a high and rearward CG, which combine for more spin and forgiveness.
Benefits: Solid game-improvement wedge for all. Even touring professionals are using it!
What We Like: The lowered leading edge affords better setup at address.
Lineup: Solus Wedge
Clubhead: Carbon steel
Clubface: Same
Design: Cast cavity-back
Size: Standard
Clubs: 51° GW; 56° SW; 61° LW
Shafts: Solus
Q-Shaft steel (wedge)
| Sonartec t35 Wedge
sonartec.com
(760) 930-2454 | $120
 The t35 wedge, Sonartec’s first offering that isn’t a fairway wood or hybrid, is outstanding in look and feel, but its playability is even better, especially when it comes to its “Yo-Yo” grooves.
Features: Made of 8620 carbon steel with a brushed satin finish to reduce glare; multi-grind sole; milled face and Sonartec’s very own “Yo-Yo” grooves.
Advantages: The multi-grind sole allows for a greater manipulation of the clubface for a wide range of shots with the face square, open or closed.
Benefits: Its trailing leading edge and heel grind allows the leading edge to be flush with the turf and therefore minimizes thin shots.
What We Like: The t35’s forged 8620 carbon steel produces a soft feel.
Lineup: t-35
Clubhead: Forged 8620 carbon steel
Clubface: Same
Design: Forged blade
Size: Standard
Clubs: 52°/8°, 54°/8° GW; 56°/11°, 58°/9° SW; 60°/9° LW
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold steel (wedge)
| Srixon WG-504
srixon.com
(888) 4-SRIXON | $125
 Shaped
for better players who want the option to play a variety of shots
around the green. A special sole grind affords the perfect blend of
bounce and loft when the face is closed, squared or opened, and the
modified box grooves impart considerable spin from a variety of lies.
Features: The soft, forged construction and muted gunmetal finish have a Tour look and feel.
Advantages: The special sole grind allows golfers to slip the club
beneath the ball effortlessly through impact, even with an open face.
Benefits: A wedge for the better player.
What We Like: V-grooves pack serious bite.
Lineup: WG-504
Clubhead: Carbon steel
Clubface: Same
Design: Forged blade
Size: Standard
Clubs: 52°/8°, 54°/8° GW; 56°/8°, 56°/12° SW; 58°/8°, 58°/14°, 60°/8° LW (52°/8°, 56°/8° available LH)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold steel (wedge) | TaylorMade rac Satin
taylormadegolf.com
(800) 888-CLUB | $120
 When
a company thinks of adding feel pockets to the back of the clubhead to
dampen impact vibration, you know they’ve made a complete wedge.
Features: Teardrop shape, satin finish and “C-grind sole” which makes it easy to play high, soft greenside shots.
Advantages: Y-cutter grooves (not named for their shape) feature sharp
edges and a wider, deeper design. TaylorMade claims they deliver up to
300 additional rpm than their Dual-Draft grooves.
Benefits: Generates lots of spin and affords golfers the opportunity to
hit a variety of different shots without worrying about turf
conditions.
What We Like: Its premium satin finish reduces glare and looks great.
Lineup: rac Black TP, rac Satin, rac Satin TP
Clubhead: Carbon steel
Clubface: Same
Design: Cast rac cavity
Size: Standard
Clubs: 52°/8°, 54°/10° GW; 56°/12°, 58°/8° SW; 60°/6° LW (52°/8°, 56°/12°, 60°/6° available LH)
Shafts: Dynamic Gold steel (wedge) |
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