2012 Wedges

Although technology has not had a great impact on the wedge market in recent years the new groove rules brought in by the USGA and R&A mean that manufacturers must now make all new wedges conforming to the 2010 rule change.

The result of this is that manufacturers are taking more care in improving the design and cut of their grooves. This is evidenced in the 2012 range of wedges, many of which feature new groove technology and precision laser cutting and milling.

Below is an un-biased overview from Golfshake of the new wedges to hit the market in 2012.  You can also view the 2012 Drivers, fairway woods and hybrids.

Cleveland 588 Forged

Cleveland have long been associated with making excellent wedges, the 588 continues that tradition with a head shape that is similar to its predecessors.  Forged from a 1025 block of steel, the 588 has a soft feel for shots around the green and in addition the grooves are laser cut for maximum spin control. There are two different finishes, satin and chrome as well as a choice of bounce options for each wedge.

Titleist Vokey SM4 Tour

Bob Vokey’s latest wedge design continues his classic head shape while using precision technology methods to create an accurately manufactured wedge. New conforming grooves have been heat treated to make them more durable and the sole has been improved for a better ball/sand/turf connection. Vokey continues to spin mill the face to create extra control both from the fairway and around the green. The SM4 is available in three different finishes; black nickel, chrome and oil can.

Ping Golf Tour S-Wedge

As with its irons, Ping has been very successful in producing great playable wedges which still offer control and forgiveness. The Tour S-wedge has a small compact head which is complimented by a vertical custom tuning point to increase forgiveness.

The face has been machine milled to create precisely cut grooves for extra spin control. The head is made from 17-4 stainless steel and comes in a both a brushed silver and a rustique finish.

The rustique finished wedge is made from 8620 carbon steel and naturally tarnishes with time.

Taylor Made ATV Wedge

After years of research and development as well as extensive player testing, TaylorMade Golf have introduced the ATV (All-Terrain Versatility) wedge with an innovative sole design and no bounce necessary.

Each ATV sole is slightly different, depending on the loft with the sole designed to make the club more versatile.  Depending on how the club is positioned at address and how much the face is opened changes how the sole reacts.

Taylor Made Rocketballz

An ultra modern design with a black finish makes the Rocketballz wedge a striking club to look at. It has been constructed using Rocketballz Metal Wood technology to create a hot feel off the clubface. In addition to this the Rocketballz employs ATV sole technology making it incredibly versatile around the greens. An RBZ mid weight steel shaft with a low kick point increases swing speed and launches the ball high into the air.

Callaway Forged Chrome

The new Callaway forged wedge has a traditional feel and look, although the copper option is unusual in today’s market. A new conforming 21 groove pattern enables great spin control and versatility to play a wide range of shots from the fairway and around the green. The wedge comes as standard with a True Temper Dynamic Gold Steel shaft and is available in two different finishes – Copper and Dark Chrome.

Cobra trusty rusty

Cobra’s famous trusty rusty wedge makes a return in 2012. A fan favourite in the past thanks to its designed to rust appearance. You can purchase either a pre-rust wedge, fully rusted wedge or black rust wedge. Each is made 8620 un-plated carbon steel which is designed to tarnish over time. Cobra’s short game guru Phil Rogers is behind the new trusty rusty and has added modern technologies to this old time favourite by incorporating laser cut grooves and a tri-bounce sole. Each wedge comes with a Dynamic Gold S200 as standard and a Cobra Lamkin 3Gen grip

Nike Golf VR Pro forged wedge

Made from high quality S20 Carbon steel the Nike Golf VR Pro provides a soft feel off the face. The X3X grooves are cut conforming to new R&A regulations and have been cut deeper to provide greater ball flight and spin control. Designed specifically for a low handicapper the VR Pro has a small, compact head shape and is a classic blade wedge design. It has a satin chrome finish giving it a smooth classy look and comes as standard with a Dynamic Gold True Temper shaft.

Snake Eyes 695LZ

Snake Eyes were originally a wedge specialist in the 1990’s and as a result have a history of producing top quality wedges. The 695LZ is a classic bladed shape and is made from 8620 carbon steel. The grooves are laser engraved to create the maximum amount of spin and the sole features new geometry design for better turf/ball contact. The 695 is available in both chrome and anti-glare black nickel finish.

Benross Golf Zip It Tour Groove

The new BenrossTour Groove wedge is aimed at mid to high handicappers and as a result features perimeter weighting for extra forgiveness and club head control. It is made from soft 431 carbon steel for great feel around the greens. The Tour Groove also features a C-grind sole to improve versatility when faced with different lies. Extra club head speed is created by the Dynamic Gold Lite shaft.

Mizuno Golf MP T-11

Mizuno are well known for their stunning forged irons, so it is not surprising that they have produced a great looking forged wedge for 2012. The MP T-11 is manufactured from 1025 pure steel which is soft and creates great feel around the greens. The head is a classic wedge shape, but it features modern technology in R&A conforming quad cut grooves for maximum spin control.  The top line on the MP T-11 is thicker than some models helping to inspire confidence. Each wedge comes with a True Temper Dynamic Golf steel shaft and is available in both white satin and black nickel.

MD Golf NV Drew Signature

Ryder Cup winner and short game specialist Norman Drew has once again teamed up with MD to help create a classic wedge in both a standard and low bounce option. The standard bounce wedge is designed to help cut through heavy rough on parkland courses. The Drew signature comes in two different finishes, a low glare cobalt and a black pvd.