Utilizing a Combination of ZTP Raw Grooves, Laser Etching and CNC Surface Milling, Next Generation of Wedges Take Spin, Feel and Precision to New Levels of Performance in Popular Raw Finish
TaylorMade Golf Company, an industry leader in product innovation and technology, announced the second generation of its globally successful line of Milled Grind Wedges – Milled Grind 2 (MG2). Building upon years of research and working closely with many of the best players in the world, MG2 expands on the success of the Milled Grind franchise while introducing a new raw face designed for optimal spin for precision wedge play. Similar to its predecessor and also found in the new P·7TW irons is the company’s proven CNC milling technology, which allows for the production of wedges to exacting specifications; each leading edge and sole grind is individually CNC milled for unparalleled accuracy and consistency from club to club and grind to grind. This process faithfully reproduces the master design of the surfaces most impactful on the performance of the wedge.
Raw Face Design With the new MG2 wedges, engineers have utilized the combination of face and groove design to create the ultimate spin for ultimate performance. Raw Face design produces a more precise geometry designed to optimize spin and feel. ZTP Raw Grooves offer sharper, deeper and narrower grooves and a sharper radius, which further combined with a rougher surface from the laser etching between the grooves, enable the golfer to create more friction between the clubface and the ball generating more greenside spin. Compared with plated grooves, the raw face design increase in friction reduces the ability for the golf ball to potentially skid up the clubface before it grips the face leading to a more consistent ball flight enabling golfers to get closer to the hole. Our Tour Players have long benefited from the performance raw wedges offer and it’s great to now be able to offer these performance gains to golfers of all levels. We’re confident they will enjoy the look, feel and performance that a raw face has to offer. — Bill Price, Senior Director of Product Creation, Putters & Wedges Unique to the MG2, each raw wedge head will feature an air-tight 3M adhesive sticker which has been specially designed for the wedge and is applied on the face to prevent rusting before purchase/use. When the golfer removes the adhesive sticker, the face will immediately begin oxidizing, which in turn, begins the rusting process.
Creating the Best Feel:
Thick-Thin Head Design To create optimal feel, TaylorMade’s engineers have altered the geometry of the clubhead to create a Thick-Thin Head Design using a design optimization tool previously only used in the metalwood and irons design processes. This tool illustrated that having a thicker backing combined with a thin outer section optimized frequency and duration for the desired sound and feel. The different material thickness in MG2 is highlighted by the movement of weight placement in the clubhead. The face thickness of the head has increased from 5.1mm in MG1 to 6.5mm in MG2. To enable a thicker clubhead without adding weight, engineers were able to move weight by creating a TPU Insert in the back cavity. The TPU Insert is designed to provide vibration dampening to create a solid, positive feel at impact.
Creating the Best Precision: CNC Milling The implementation of machining technology, first introduced in Milled Grind Wedges but more recently in the new P·7TW irons, enables each leading edge and sole grind to be individually CNC milled for unparalleled accuracy and consistency from club to club and grind to grind. By producing wedges not by hand but through CNC milling machines, the CNC tolerances of a milled sole far exceed what a human can do in a repeatable fashion, thus enabling each wedge to be replicated so there is no variance. Likewise, the sole geometry, consisting of contour, angle and surface area must be designed and maintained to interact properly with the turf in the desired manner. Different ground and sand conditions also require variations in sole geometries to facilitate play depending on player type. A low effective bounce (LB) grind provides the least amount of ground resistance and a standard grind (SB) has a median ground resistance.
Choosing Loft & Lie in the MG2
Availability, Specs & Pricing: Available at retail starting September 6, MG2 Wedges are available in two different Satin Chrome and Matte Black finishes, each with an MSRP of $219.99 CAD. Both finishes will come equipped with True Temper’s Dynamic Gold S200 (steel) shaft and a Golf Pride Tour Velvet Burgundy 360 grip.
Hi-Toe Big Foot
In addition to the new MG2 wedges, TaylorMade has also announced the addition of the Hi-Toe Big Foot to the rapidly expanding line. The company’s Hi-Toe wedges, which first launched at the beginning of 2018 and have seen phenomenal success both on Tour and at retail, now welcome a game-improvement option with Hi-Toe Big Foot. Designed to deliver the same optimal short-game control for a multitude of shots and conditions around the green as the original Hi-Toe, it’s now even easier to play with its super wide sole.
We have one of the best wedge line-ups on the market but realized that there was still one golfer out there that wasn’t catered for, with Big Foot we now have a game improvement wedge that’s easier to play regardless of course conditions, especially for those who struggle out of bunkers. The Hi-Toe Family of wedges now cover every aspect of the game; versatility, playability and game improvement.
— Bill Price, Senior Director of Product Creation, Putters & Wedges
Built for versatility around the green, Hi-Toe Big Foot wedges offer an asymmetric C-Grind that is both flatter and has a wider sole at 32mm (compared to traditional wedges which have a sole width of 26mm). Combined with an anti-dig leading edge with maximum bounce of 15°, Hi-Toe Bigfoot significantly enhances playability and ease of use from the sand and rough. The leading edge of the Hi-Toe Bigfoot is blunter and has a bevelled leading edge radius. Additionally, the middle is now flatter at 32mm wide and with added bounce towards the toe apex to help golfers with an outside in swing path and tendency for the strike location to be towards the toe. The trailing edge offers relief with a slight heel side reduction to help keep the leading edge low alongside allowing for versatility. Deep CG pockets have been developed to increase spin, flight control and allow for mass to be redistributed to the sole. By creating bigger chambers this has allowed engineers to maximize the width of the sole. Hi-Toe Big Foot benefits from the same Hi-Toe design technology with an increased toe height upwards of 5mm allowing a higher centre of gravity for a lower launch and more spin. Big Foot’s full-face scoring lines ensure consistent ball contact out of the rough and help increase spin on off-centre strikes.
AVAILABILITY, SPECS & PRICING
Available at retail beginning September 6 at an MRSP of $219.99 CAD, Hi-Toe Big Foot wedges will be offered in 58° & 60° lofts (RH only) and come equipped with a KBS Hi-REV 2.0 115g (steel) or UST Recoil w/SmacWrap 65g (graphite) shaft with a Golf Pride Tour Velvet burgundy 360 GEC grip.
