Groove Wear & Spin Performance Coverage

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By Mitch D

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  • 12 Replies
  1. Mitch D

    Mitch D
    Richmond Hill, ON

    Team Titleist Staff

    How many rounds do your wedges have in them?
    The wear on your wedge grooves affects your spin control. The Vokey R&D team tested three levels of groove wear using a proprietary wedge robot at the Manchester Lane test facility. The results? Wedges with fresh grooves lead to more precise shots. 

    Check out the video below for a closer look at the results.  You may be surprised!

    Have you ever considered testing the performance of your worn wedges?

  2. Darius V

    Darius V
    Barrie, ON

    Good topic Mitch...
    Personally I have not taken my wedges to test the change in performance. I just purchased new SM6 wedges to outfit my bag in 2016 so I would imagine they are still in good shape. I have however, noted the grooves in my 712 AP1 irons have worn considerably over the years, and I have taken the time this winter to use a groove sharpener tool to enhance the edges. Unfortunately, I know this is only a temporary fix and will not be as good as they were when new. I have spent my last few years replacing wedges, woods, and putter to replace all my non-Titleist clubs. This year I am looking at either replacing my 913 D2 with a 917 model, or perhaps it is time to look at new irons instead :)
  3. Alex Z

    Alex Z
    Scarborough

    Great post (and video) Mitch. Most important clubs after the putter
  4. FJL

    FJL
    Kitchener, ON

    Hmpf!, interesting.
  5. Travis A

    Travis A
    Lasalle, ON

    Thanks Mitch, excellent video, I've always noticed a difference between fresh and worn grooves but never seen it quantified. Typically switch out the wedges every two years and recently started keeping a practice set.

    Were there any pictures of the worn groove wedges from this test to give us a better idea of the amount of wear that equates to the reduced spin?

    Thanks again Mitch!
  6. Dino J

    Dino J
    Burnaby, BC

    Travis A said:

    Thanks Mitch, excellent video, I've always noticed a difference between fresh and worn grooves but never seen it quantified. Typically switch out the wedges every two years and recently started keeping a practice set.

    Were there any pictures of the worn groove wedges from this test to give us a better idea of the amount of wear that equates to the reduced spin?

    Thanks again Mitch!

    Hey Travis ... I like your idea of a "practice" set of wedges ... I was wondering about the benefits of doing the same.

    Do you have a complete second set of wedges that you use for practice and if so, are they matched? I mean for example, are they all the same loft, same model (ie: SM5 or SM6, etc.?)

    Aside from the cost, I do like the idea ... I mean after all, none of us get fresh wedges like the tour pro's so we kind of have to be creative.
  7. Travis A

    Travis A
    Lasalle, ON

    Hi Dino, the practice set is not identical to the gamers, same loft, lie and bounce but typically the prior generation of Vokey. I spend a fair amount of time on the range (2-3 times per week) so it helps keep the gamers in good shape.
  8. Scott D

    Scott D
    Lethbridge,

    Thanks Mitch. Great video and really emphasizes the need for good grooves on the wedges.
  9. Wendy H

    Wendy H

    Interesting. I only got my SM6 wedges last year so have next to no wear on them. Since I am an amateur I don't expect to wear them out as fast as a good player would. Thanks for that info Mitch.
  10. Mark h

    Mark h
    Ajax, ON

    Great info. Tonights golf fix had Bob Vokey talking about his wedges
  11. Barry S

    Barry S
    Oakville, ON

    Watched Mr. Vokey on the Golffix last night. He mentioned that the amateur should changes wedges after about 70 rounds, but I don't think that included practice time.
  12. Darius V

    Darius V
    Barrie, ON

    Barry S said:

    Watched Mr. Vokey on the Golffix last night. He mentioned that the amateur should changes wedges after about 70 rounds, but I don't think that included practice time.

    Ouch....
    Even though our season is only 6 months long, I still get in just over 100 rounds. Sorry, but I simply cannot see the pocket book opening up to replace the wedges every season. I wonder what the time frame is for irons. I picked mine up at the beginning of 2012 when the 712 AP1's came out. They must have at least 600 rounds in them :)
    Darius
  13. Oliver C

    Oliver C
    Capreol, ON

    I agree with Darius's comment. I can understand BV wanting to sell more wedges so he'd like to see us all replace our equipment often and there's nothing like the feel of fresh grooves but not as simple as that. I'll have to look for a part time job but that'll cut into my golf time!

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