The Evolution of Wedge Technology
Wedge technology over the years is the one piece of equipment that has simply not changed all that much.
Hitting soft, precise shots around the green and getting the distance right from inside of one hundred yards has always been more of a result of skill rather than technology.
TaylorMade’s Innovation in Wedge Design
That is anyway, up until recently when companies like TaylorMade have come out with new designs to help players get the most out of their short game and wedge play.
Their new Hi-Toe Raw tour grind wedge equipped with ZTP RAW groom design is created with cutting-edge technology that helps players with skilled hands get the ball closer to the hole more often which results in lower scores.
TaylorMade Hi-Toe Raw Wedge Review
Features of the TaylorMade Hi-Toe Raw Wedge
This limited edition wedge, once exclusively reserved for professionals is now available to the general public. It is unfortunately only made in right-handed and TaylorMade only gives one loft option, sixty degrees with eight degrees of bounce.
This short-game tool is crafted to help great players with shallow attack angles and great hands still be able to get the leading edge under the ball in tight and firm conditions.
It’s aggressive leading edge and v-sole promotes a lower edge through the strike and crisp contact. In addition, grooves are milled from top to bottom and all the way up to the high toe to encourage controlled contact on all impact locations.
One strategy to hit really soft shots around the green is to play them off the toe. This wedge allows precise players to do just that as most other wedges simply do not allow it.
Sound, Look, and Feel
Compared to more traditional-looking wedges from Vokey, Callaway, and other TaylorMade models, the Hi-toe takes some getting used to from an aesthetic perspective.
Also, typically grooves stop before reaching the edge of the toe which sometimes helps frame the ball on setup. Our team found that this also took some getting used to as it was easy to accidentally address this wedge out toward the toe thanks to the Hi-Toes full face design.
The sound and feel of this wedge were very good, however. Most of our team members commented that they felt both the sound and feel were very neutral; not too harsh but not too soft.
They also felt that short-game shots came off as they should as other wedges we have tested in the past have launched faster or slower than we would have thought on impact.
Overall, the sound, look, and feel were exactly what we expected. The look isn’t bad, it just took some getting used to. The sound and feel are spot on with what we were looking for in a wedge.
Performance Metrics: Spin and Launch
Spin and launch are really where we feel that this wedge sets itself apart from the pack. The high toe promotes a higher-than-normal center of gravity (cg) which helps players flight the ball lower with more spin promoting a consistent ball speed.
We found that our distance wedges from 50-100 yards flighted nicely with tons of spin while our short game shots came of soft, high, and very spinny as well. The versatile shape of the head also allowed our better players to get creative around the green. If you are looking for a wedge to bring your flight down while still giving plenty of spin, this one will do just that.
The raw face over a few sessions did start to rust over time, helping to keep spin numbers high as grooves inevitably wore down. This is a key element as us amateurs don’t have the luxury of being able to pickup a new wedge at the tour van every month.
Detailed Dive Into The Specs
As you can see below the Hi-Toe Raw wedge is unfortunately only available for right-handed players. Crafted out of 8620 Carbon Steel, this tour-style milled grind sole features only one sixty-degree loft option with eight degrees of bounce.
Meant for precision and not speed, the stock swing weight comes in a hefty D5. The combo of the loft, bounce, grind, and swing-weight, makes it apparent that this wedge is versatile for a good player while leaving a high handicapper scratching their head.
Shaft Options
The stock shaft for this TaylorMade product is the KBS HI-REV 115 2.0. This shaft specifically crafted for higher spin and wedge performance was perfect. Our team commented on its soft but stout feel and mentioned they felt it did give them a few more revolutions of spin than they were used to.
Grip Options
A staple stock option with all TaylorMade products, they also include the Lamkin Crossline 360 Genesis grip on the Hi-Toe Raw wedge. From our team’s experience, we have many members who actually use these grips from TaylorMade themselves. They are soft enough for comfort while still keeping enough traction for even the most humid conditions.
Final Recommendation
A Revolutionary Solution for Precision Seekers
For golfers who demand the utmost precision and control in their short game, the TaylorMade Hi-Toe Raw Wedge stands as a revolutionary solution in a realm where technology has traditionally taken a back seat.
Wedge technology has seen minimal evolution over the years, with the finesse of soft, accurate shots around the green being predominantly attributed to skill rather than advancements in equipment.
TaylorMade’s Commitment to Innovation
However, the landscape has changed with TaylorMade’s latest innovation. The Hi-Toe Raw Wedge, once an exclusive tool reserved for professionals, has been made accessible to the wider golfing community.
Crafted with cutting-edge technology, this limited-edition wedge is a testament to TaylorMade’s commitment to enhancing players’ short-game experiences.
Designed for Precision and Finesse
Designed with precision and finesse in mind, this wedge caters specifically to golfers possessing shallow attack angles and exceptional hand control. Its aggressive leading edge and v-sole facilitate a lower edge through the strike, ensuring crisp and controlled contact even in the most challenging conditions.
One distinctive feature sets this wedge apart: the ability to execute soft shots off the toe. This nuanced technique, often elusive with other wedges, becomes achievable for precise players, granting them an unprecedented level of control.
Adapting to the Hi-Toe’s unconventional aesthetics might require a brief adjustment period, especially for those accustomed to more traditional wedge designs.
The grooves extending up to the high toe add to the initial adjustment challenge, but the wedge’s sound and feel quickly put any concerns to rest. The neutral sound and feel provide invaluable feedback, allowing golfers to intuitively connect with their shots.
Exceptional Spin and Launch Capabilites
Where the Hi-Toe Raw Wedge truly shines is in its spin and launch capabilities. The high-toe design promotes a higher-than-normal center of gravity, enabling players to flight the ball lower with increased spin.
Our testing revealed impressive results, with distance wedges from 50-100 yards displaying excellent spin control. Moreover, short game shots effortlessly soared off the clubface—soft, high, and remarkably spinny. If you seek a wedge that seamlessly combines a controlled flight with substantial spin, this wedge excels in delivering precisely that.
In summary, the TaylorMade Hi-Toe Raw Wedge is tailor-made for golfers who demand perfection in their short game. If you’re in search of a wedge that not only allows you to master the delicate art of soft shots around the green but also brings your flight down while maintaining ample spin, look no further.
Embrace the innovation, hone your skills, and elevate your game with this exceptional wedge that redefines the boundaries of wedge play.
