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HOT LIST 2007: WEDGES
1
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Gold (Editor's Choice)
- TITLEIST VOKEY SPIN MILLED
- Street Price: $110.
- specs: 54 degrees of loft/10 degrees of bounce, 54/14, 56/10, 56/14, 58/8, 58/12, 60/4, 60/8.
- Key Technology: Titleist uses a circular sawlike tool to cut precise grooves that have steep edges. This gives them about 30-percent more volume than a conventional groove. The additional volume is designed to channel moisture and debris through the groove and increase spin rates from grassy or wet conditions. The face of the classic teardrop-shape head is machined to a slightly rough texture on nongroove areas for better spin on off-center shots. Made from 8620 carbon steel, the Vokey is available in a Tour Chrome or Oil Can finish.
- Panelist Comments: "As solid as they come. The leading edge works well on full shots and was surprisingly good on short chips. . . . Out of the sand it was automatic. . . . I like the way the Vokey sets up."
- Judges' Verdict: It spins like a hippie's head, and its classic design is easy on the eyes. On any given week, close to 150 Vokey wedges will be in play at a PGA Tour event. Titleist's dominance on tour is deserved.
- Hot: No. 1 wedge on tour and in the domestic market.
- Not: A 52-degree version would be a nice addition.
- Prevalent tour use leaves no doubt what player type this is for.
- titleist.com
2
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Gold
- CALLAWAY X-TOUR
- Street Price: $110.
- SPECS: 50/11, 52/11, 54/13, 56/13, 58/9, 58/11, 60/9, 60/11.
- Key Technology: Designed by Roger Cleveland, the X-Tour is one of the few forged wedges on the market. Only the 58- and 60-degree models have "Mack Daddy" grooves, which are at the U.S. Golf Association limit.
- Panelist Comments: "It has plenty of grab, and the click you get provides nice feedback. . . . Looks sexy. . . . The finish can help you to set up properly."
- Judges' Verdict: With Roger Cleveland and Phil Mickelson behind the design, you know it has to be good.
- Hot: Vintage finish is cool.
- Not: Why not spread the Mack Daddy love down to the 56-degree version?
- Custom logos are an option in 56 and 60 lofts.
- callaway.com
3
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Gold
- CLEVELAND 588 DSG
- Street Price: $110.
- Specs: 54/12, 56/14, 58/10, 60/3.
- Key Technology: The Dynamic Sole Grind adds versatility to a classic, 19-year-old head shape. There's enough bounce to play shots from the sand and soft turf, but the head is ground in such a way that it will sit cleanly when you open it to flop from a tight lie. The face is milled from 8620 carbon steel.
- Panelist Comments: "At the top of the food chain for pretty. . . . Not sure if I like the sole grind for long shots, but around the greens it was nothing short of magic."
- Judge's Verdict: A great utility wedge. You can confidently take this to any course, any time of year.
- Hot: Durable yet attractive Double-Nickel Chrome finish.
- Not: Lowest loft only 54 degrees.
- For the golfer who hits all the shots.
- clevelandgolf.com
4
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Gold
- CLEVELAND CG10
- Street Price: $120.
- Specs: Eight lofts, 46 to 60 degrees, many in three bounce configurations.
- Key Technology: The company's Carbon Metal Matrix material is infused with 17 times more carbon than traditional 8620 and 1020 steels. This process decreases the metal's density without sacrificing hardness. The goal is to have a soft feel with limited vibration.
- Panelist Comments: "Looks great, very classic. . . . The most versatile sand wedge on the market. . . . Feels the same on every shot."
- Judge's Verdict: You're not a serious player if you haven't tried this wedge at least once.
- Hot: Loads of loft and bounce options available.
- Not: Small head is not forgiving on off-center strikes.
- Spec options make for 24 different wedges.
- clevelandgolf.com
5
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Gold
- MIZUNO MP-R
- Street Price: $100.
- Specs: 52/7, 54/10, 56/10, 56/13, 58/10, 60/5, 60/9.
- KEY TECHNOLOGY: The computer-milled square grooves are designed to optimize spin. The head is forged with the "grain flow" process the company uses to make its irons. At the end it's finished with Black Nickel or Chrome to lessen the glare.
- PANELIST COMMNETS: "The finish and teardrop shape make this one of the prettiest wedges of the bunch. . . . Another nice-looking wedge that performs better than most. . . . Felt solid and well-balanced."
- JUDGE'S VERDICT: It'll make the other clubs in your bag feel ugly and fat.
- Hot: Workshop grind offers nifty heel and toe sole relief.
- Not: No 50-degree option.
- 1025E steel is the result of five years of research.
- mizunousa.com
6
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GOLD
- PING TOUR
- Street Price: $100.
- Specs: 50/10, 52/12, 54/12.5, 56/13, 58/13.5, 58/8, 60/14, 60/8.
- KEY TECHNOLOGY: The rounded sole is intended to help the user manipulate the club into open or closed positions. The company's patented hosel notch provides a bend point for accurate loft and lie adjustments.
- PANELIST COMMENTS: "This wedge performs in every way. It spins so much out of the sand that it could audition for 'Dancing with the Stars.' . . . Loved the leading edge."
- JUDGE'S VERDICT: It's a top-tier performer at a great value.
- Hot: Polished- and Black-Nickel Chrome finishes make for two fetching looks.
- Not: Slightly unconventional profile might not please your eye.
- 50-degree option can make a nice gap wedge.
- pinggolf.com
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