WEDGES

CLUBS LISTED IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER

: ADAMS PUGLIELLI 418 TOUR; STREET PRICE: $100
WEBSITE: adamsgolf.com
LOFTS/BOUNCE: 48/8, 50/8, 52/8, 52/10, 54/10, 56/10, 56/12, 56/14, 58/8, 58/10, 60/4, 60/6, 60/8

TECH TALK: The forged 8620 carbon-steel head features a high-density polymer weight chip in the back to dampen vibration. The chip is factory-adjustable, which helps keep the swingweight consistent after the grinding is done. Grooves are milled to USGA limits on width and depth. Sound and feel are controlled through an insert and a rear pocket cavity featuring multiple thicknesses. The head shape is angular like a traditional pitching wedge in the lower lofts and rounded in the higher lofts.

PLAYER COMMENTS: (M) "Might not look like you can hit delicate shots with it, but you can." ... (M) "Cuts through the sand nicely and is good in the rough. Works great on long shots." ... (L) "This is the club of the year for me. I love the feel, and it's great around the greens."

HOT: Through bending, this tradtional-looking wedge accommodates 105 combinations of loft, bounce and offset.

NOT: Those who need 105 choices are not getting their equipment advice from this magazine.

: BOBBY JONES PELZ WEDGE; STREET PRICE: $150
WEBSITE: bobbyjonesgolf.com
LOFTS/BOUNCE: 52/4, 56/10, 56/14, 60/4, 60/8, 64/4

TECH TALK: The face insert is made from Carpenter 440XH steel, a wear-resistant alloy typically used in industrial bearings and valve assemblies that permits the grooves to last for years instead of months, according to designer Jesse Ortiz. The hard insert is countered with a 3M structural-bonding membrane that is slightly spongy, giving it a shock-absorbing effect.

PLAYER COMMENTS: (M) "Rounded toe and leading edge set up well for all types of shots." ... (L) "Easy to use out of the thick stuff and from tight lies." ... (L) "From the sand this is outstanding, and it has great turf interaction. I would buy this sand wedge."

HOT: It's intriguing to imagine having the equivalent of new grooves even after years of use and abuse. With these you won't have to stockpile enough to get you through to 2024, the anticipated end of the grandfather period for clubs with old grooves.

NOT: It doesn't have the variety of loft and bounce options desired by better players.

* Category Leader

: CALLAWAY X-FORGED; STREET PRICE: $110
WEBSITE: callawaygolf.com
LOFTS/BOUNCE: 48/10, 50/12, 52/12, 54/14, 56/14, 58/9, 58/10, 60/9, 60/10, 62/9, 64/9

TECH TALK: The C-grind sole (in which material is removed from the heel and toe of the sole to improve playability) is a result of feedback from tour players, who wanted more versatility on a variety of lies and turf conditions. Other updates include a tighter angle on the leading-edge radius, and the "mack daddy" grooves, once available only in the higher lofts, have been added to three models (52, 54 and 56 degrees). The company's two traditional finishes (white chrome and vintage) have undergone some tweaking as well.

PLAYER COMMENTS: (M) "I guess [designer] Roger Cleveland improved on a good thing." ... (L) "It has great turf interaction and feels super smooth on long shots. Doesn't dig, even on tight lies."

HOT: When Callaway's tour players speak, Roger Cleveland listens, and the consumer benefits.

NOT: The grooves might impart too much spin for players without the ability to control it.