When to Replace Your Wedges // NEW VS. OLD

[@rohittalluri]

The quality of these videos are unreal!

[@NomadJoe0323]

I loved Ian’s reaction when he heard that Matt had played about a 100 rounds over the past year. Matt’s been out playing while Ian’s had his nose to the grindstone.

[@brentninedorf6617]

See, Honey. The lads said I NEED new wedges!!! 😂🤣😂🤣

[@OpaKnows]

See, honey? 40 to 50 rounds a year is just AVERAGE. Don't you want me to be the best I can be?

[@jaytucker4338]

Great video - how did I not watch this when it came out 4 years ago?!! Stands the test of time.

[@willl5250]

"Hey honey! I need new wedges!" "?" "...TXG said so, standard deviation and stuff"

[@m0rbidr00ster6]

You guys still set the standard for youtube golf analysis. Hilarious comment about the Driver being the most changed out club. Rewound the video to relive that comment. Very true.

[@bobnokley]

The most honest golf videos on the web.

[@Ipwnnoobs7]

I literally just bought a wedge set 30 minutes ago and then this video comes out - coincidence? I think not! Great video!

[@SChester-nv2me]

When do i know when to replace my wedges? its so easy. when its in the bottom of the lake.

[@8466849]

Not a fan of playing golf with people who throw temper tantrums

[@SChester-nv2me]

Well, you must be fun at parties

[@detaildon]

@@8466849 doesn't have to be a temper tantrum. Perhaps just a nice burial at sea.

[@nickmirabito2]

Love the video fellas! How about adding a scenario where you sharpen the grooves on an old wedge?

[@camchann]

Nick Mirabito I second this!!

[@andrevanwyk1110]

Exactly my thoughts as well!👍

[@bartscholten476]

rick shiels has an vid off doing that

[@MarkSmith-lz5rk]

I wanna see this too

[@PGRPGRPG]

Isn't it illegal?

[@jackyzhang2047]

Great content, my wedges are about two years old and I practice 6 hours a day, watching this video made me realize maybe that’s why I can’t get spin 😂 just got fitted for my wedges, can’t wait for them to come

[@andrewwolf4963]

ITS RALLLLLLY TIME BOYS WOOOOOO ALMOST 100k

[@richardvaughan5533]

Thanks for this video, I've just ordered new wedges as I felt mine just didn't stack up anymore. This just confirms the purchase and love the videos. Keeping them coming.

[@babutler83]

I don't know if you guys would be into doing a video like this but it's an idea... might be something that either of you could take to do with Larry Chung during a lesson if he'd be into it. Have Matt walk through a proper warm-up (static stretching, mobility, dynamic movement, golf swings (optional), etc) on camera and then do a TPI type of golf specific mobility screening. This sort of content could help us viewers understand, to some degree, how and why Matt's swing can as smooth and stable as it is while remaining powerful. If viewers follow along with the video, they might find some areas where they can improve their own games through a bit of fitness. As always, I really enjoy and find tons of value in the content you guys are creating. I hope you keep it up for a long time to come.

[@adamhartman4312]

I have a little experiment maybe try sharpening Matt’s old wedge grooves and see if you can bring them back to life and give them a tighter grouping

[@anthonycsimmons7215]

Great video guys. I usually replace my wedges when Titleist comes out with a new model and the previous generation go on sale and i have found that works very well for me. Still have friends that treat wedges like any other club and would never consider replacing them.

[@stephenmoxley3004]

Great video, guys. I've been thinking about replacing my wedges for all of the reasons you highlighted. Now, I'm convinced! Keep up the good work.

[@barrymills8597]

Mattie boys got those wedge shots on a string. Looking forward to seeing you guys on the golf course. Enjoyable as always.

[@scottmanthey3549]

I just need to show this to my wife every time I tell her I need new wedges! I play 50-60 rounds a year with lots of wedge practice so I tend to replace them every season.

[@sterlingjuarez]

This is the kind of thing I absolutely need, thank you!

[@MikeJones100_]

Just ordered new wedges today and this video helps justify my purchase lol. Old ones were about 2 years old possibly 3, Can’t remember. Def due for the upgrade. Great video!

[@namutwigim5754]

Sweet justification! My old wedges are like 6 yrs old, and I just got fitted into the same wedges as you Matt, can't wait!

[@ltpga-lessthanperfectgolfe1043]

Conversely to the old wedge test, maybe a follow up after a groove tool or tools if you'd like to review those at that time and do a double test of regrooving and which is best for the job. Love the channel and am spreading the word. Cheers!

[@MK355]

Another great video, have loved the bag set up work

[@skylarsteel91]

It was interesting to see the old 60 getting more spin than the new. However the mizuno was much tighter in standard deviation between shots. 10 years ago, I’d tell you I’d rather more spin than tighter tolerance. Today I’d rather consistency because I’ve seen how much more beneficial it is. Great video Ian and Matt

[@jacobfry2259]

Yes please. Compare the new wedge vs. 5 year old wedge. Should be very interesting results

[@jacobmccain8082]

Same boat here. I have 2 sets of SM8s this go around. A 58D-54S as my stock and 58M-54D for courses that are firmer/require more lofted shots. I have a SkyTrak and hit at least a couple hundred wedges per week in practice. Played PM Grind 19 last year and went from around 10500 on a full shot all the way down below 9000 by the time I replaced them.

[@mackenziehoyle2168]

Wish you guys did a comparison between a new wedge, slightly used wedge and a very beat up wedge. My wedges are getting pretty beat up and wouldve been nice to see. Good video either way boys

[@TheVanDamminator]

I agree. The golfer who is buying new wedges every year or so is not the same golfer Matt references when he says "most golfers are hitting their wedge on every hole." That golfer is the one who probably replaces his wedges every 5 or 10 years. That golfer isn't thinking about it. They're thinking driver.

[@ronaldmarcelo9456]

Alright **clap** guys welcome back... Officially a TXG video.

[@andrewchung3623]

Can you do a test comparing fresh wedges and refinished wedges?

[@gvl123456]

You could try sharpening the older wedge grooves, like your weekend hack would probably do. Great video!

[@bobbykrechuniak8875]

Great video guys! Makes me think it's time for some new wedges lol

[@lroberts4162]

Great video. Thanks guys.

[@garytirohn9409]

Perfect timing on the replacing wedges video. I just ordered my new Mizuno T-20 wedges to replace my old Mizunos. BTW any update on how both of you are doing with the Tour Striker Planemate? My daughter is looking for some Father’s Day ideas.

[@tommyboston7976]

Awesome videos guys 👍🏻👍🏻

[@Mboogie69]

Definitely showing this to the wife to “prove” my wedge purchases. Lol

[@lowcodelucas1088]

You need approval from your wife to buy new wedges?

[@Mboogie69]

No, but I get questioned about it. Lol

[@stlc3415]

Nice content and video! Keep up the great work...

[@ryang1910]

I wish you would have kept Testing vokey to vokey. For me not using the same wedges changed some variables

[@Ryan-fx7jx]

Well you'd have to find a new set of SM7's if you want to do that test - there's an appreciable difference between SM8 and SM7. It won't make THAT much of a difference. The number you're looking at is the standard deviation, which is clearly a lot tighter with new wedges

[@stevef4010]

@@Ryan-fx7jx Tons of new SM7s out there on ebay and other sites.

[@coobay978]

Excellent test. And I also would like to see new compared to 5 year old wedge. I play with a 54 deg Wilson TW9 and I have definitely seen a difference in stopping spin from now to when it was new.

[@8466849]

Great video. I have been trying to not practice full swings too much with my SW and LW to "save" groove wear. I use my set wedge more on the range for that reason.

[@zacknewman6697]

Love this idea, but now I want to see when to replace all the clubs. I have 5+ year old driver/woods and irons, have the technology advanced far enough to make a difference?

[@clubchampionmedia]

after 5 years, yes probably

[@simonbratt7260]

So, I'm right in wanting a wedge fit asap? I love my Cleveland 588s, but they are 10 years old now! 😉 Great work, chaps!

[@zacharymilos392]

I didn't expect to see massive changes on perfect dry lies, but I agree, where I would expect to see a big discrepancy would be from the rough and/or wet conditions. Would love it if you guys could do this test again as you described with the rough or wet conditions with various aged wedges. Awesome stuff guys.

[@awesomebillfromdawsonville8715]

Great video 👍

[@richardnigro9712]

Would love to see you do some testing outdoors. Not just for wedges but other clubs as well.

[@HanJin907]

Another great video. Love this channel. For part 2 (new vs. old vs. older) would you be able to use the same make, model, lie angle, bounce, etc. wedges?

[@ShotShySheriff]

When a new shiny one winks at you is of course the correct answer.

[@kevochanner8859]

What about using the groove improvement tools? Will that bring back the performance?

[@markmaioli4]

I see all these comments about using a groove tool, but if you're not playing with V groove wedges (and who is?) then why would you do that? All wedges these days have specialized grooves which differ by company & some times within a wedge line. If you're using a groove tool you're changing the characteristics of the face.

[@kevochanner8859]

I have a tool that has square and v, but it would save me having to buy a new set of wedges every year if these results are confirmed.

[@numchuck180]

Did part 2 ever come out? I can't find it

[@philr.666]

Great video. I'm curious as to how old irons compare to modern irons. I currently play the Titleist DCI 990's and they seem to perform pretty well, much better than the irons in my old box set.

[@wallstreetoneil]

For me, now that I'm practicing my short game a lot, it all boils down to trajectory. A new and clean wedge with a dry face and a premium ball you can repeat the trajectory - once any of that changes, the way the ball leaves the face is pure chance; and for Pros, who have amazingly high putt percentages inside 8 feet, versus longer than 8 feet, there is real money left on the table - and thus they change their wedges all the time - if you don't have a repeatable wedge swing, this would be a non issue completely.

[@nathwak]

not sure those differences are large enough to justify a new wedge set for me. but i will reserve proper judgment until you guys do the outdoor test. great video guys

[@Aleks7234]

This is interesting - I remember seeing an R&A video a while back that suggested the grooves made no difference at all to spin unless there was something between ball & face (ie rough, water), and that a totally flat faced club would perform the same from a clean lie. Is that not the case or has groove construction changed since then, or is it that the older, rough face actually has protrusions affecting spin?

[@vidyuththattai1030]

Watch a video by Rick Shiels, he tested a wedge with no grooves on it against one with grooves on it. The groove less was usable but it got half the spin of the grooves one

[@FoolProof777]

Love the videos. I was checking out the txg site and noticed Matt isn’t listed on “The Team” page, does he only help out with the videos?

[@timseebold2355]

Great content! But what about rusty wedges? How does the rust effect the spin?

[@Jefafa73]

I'd be curious if they could do a similar test with a 7-iron. I've had the same wedges and irons since playing in high school (over 8 years ago, and we practiced every weekday). I definitely need new wedges, but I wonder if irons are as big of a difference? I really don't want to change irons if possible. Maybe a groove sharpener? I don't play in tournaments either, so I'm not worried about a mild groove sharpen to get some spin back and breaking any rules.

[@davidcarnicom5635]

You can buy one online for $10 u.s. i sharpen my irons atleast 2 times per year and i dont play that often.

[@stevecernuto740]

I'll be interested to see the outside test. I didn't see any practical difference here. Carry to total distance was the same and 80 revs difference in standard deviation comes out to 4 or 5 revs during the 3 second flight of a shot. Thanks for doing this sort of testing

[@kensb2]

I currently have SM5s that I purchased in 2015(?). I don't get to play nearly as much as Matt, but I'd say I have at least 100 rounds on them and some practice. As a higher handicap player whose technique isn't as good as Matty's, I'd be willing to bet I'm giving up even more performance. As always, I'd love to see this test done by a mid-handicapper as I feel it's a bit more relatable. Also, really hoping for an entire bag fitting next Spring.

[@andycarroll3]

I would like to see the test on a flat green where the slope of the green does not affect distance to the hole.

[@random_dad99]

So recently came across your channel and starting to play again with co workers after probably 10 years. Question I have, I have an old set of clubs that are maybe 15-20 years old. I want to get fitted to see if I need to get longer or shorter shafts etc. Is it bad etiquette to go to a place to get fitted and get fitted to the clubs I already have and not buy new clubs? Not really able to spend money on what new clubs cost these days with family and kids lol. Enjoy watching the videos and learning what I can 👍.

[@nielsaxelsson]

Please do the New / Worn / Very worn comparison - will be very interesting to see and relevant for all of us :-)

[@nateborowitz6987]

During the outside testing could you talk about the difference in sand shot performance too?

[@davidcarnicom5635]

I dont expect to see much difference in the sand, unless you are a picker. You dont get much actually face contact with a conventional bunker shot. Still rough on the club face.

[@andrewwolf4963]

y’all should do this test with SM8s vs Original Spin Milled vokeys

[@Jjwalways70]

How about sharpening grooves guys , I’ve never done it , but is it something you do regularly in the shop or do you do it at all , I’ve always just gone and got new wedges .

[@keithmchugh2558]

I'd love to see a taylormade rac tp vs new mg2 wedge as I still play it in 58* and still has good spin for playing in west of Ireland. Love the videos and podcast keep it coming👍🏻

[@mangoman2148]

I'd like to see a video on those 'raw finish' rusted wedges. Some tour players claim they spin more when rusted but I've never seen that tested.

[@thatguymark8381]

Do you remember the scene in The Big Lebowski when the Dude has his walkman on, listening to bowling sounds? Hearing the dirty dog hit wedge after wedge ... kinda relaxing

[@L1GHTHECANDLE]

So my 2009 vokey wedges with 40+rounds a year are done hey? I just don’t want to give them up.

[@booksiebhoy]

I’ve got my CG 12s from high school still in my bag and I love them. Probably played 400+ rounds with them plus many practice sessions. I just got new irons and want to get fitted so I have better gapping. Also want conforming clubs so I don’t sweat people realizing they have the zip grooves haha

[@annefilippobertozzi7601]

Keep them in the fridge.

[@jacksoni349]

Time to buy new wedges!!

[@littlesmitty]

I've got some old wedges from pre 2010 when they changed the groove rules if you want to test. The only issue for your team is that they are right handed.

[@prex345]

When I replaced my wedges I bought Callaway's one forged one cast, my forged wedge definitely shows it's age over the cast head. I will have to replace it after this season.

[@justinemery4870]

Is one raw one plated?

[@camchann]

Please do the video with an older but “good condition” wedge!! I would love to see the numbers.

[@Fadee]

i literally just bought 3 sm8's today and this comes out. what a coincidence and all of my wedges are around 2-3 years old

[@patrickkelly2394]

I would love to see the difference between fitted clubs vs off the shelf stock clubs

[@kevinhong1072]

Could you please test out BETTINARDI HLX 3.0 WEDGES? It will be nice to see comparison video with other brands like Mizuno, Vokey wedges etc. Thanks so much. Love your channel.

[@dougholtz]

so MY dilemma is I have Rogue X irons, and these are really strong. the 9 iron is 36 degrees, the PW is 41 degrees. I can't really "pitch" with them, so I still carry an older forged P iron at 46 degrees and also a 50 and 58 degree newer wedge. What should I expect to use when I'm pitching less than "full" swing? 46, 50 or 58? Been practicing and can't come up with a direction. tnx

[@FlyboyAF22]

Just feathering some 'ol wedges into 18 🤣🤣🤣🙌🙌🙌

[@waynethomas9957]

Nice video

[@grigsbypoland3203]

I think it's about how many times you hit the wedge more than how old it is. I'm guessing 1000 hits is probably close to the upper limit before consistency goes out the window if not before. I also think it's fair to say one should think about replacing their set after 300 rounds which at 40-50 swings/round (excluding putter) works out to 12000-15000 hits. But you have to adjust the number of rounds by how many range balls you also hit to come up with the 15000 hit total for the set. For example, I finally bought a new set of irons after 85 rounds and 17000 range balls.

[@emiliofedele3428]

Would these numbers change on real turf? Wet conditions?

[@DoneRightReviews]

Where do I buy that amazing blue shirt?

[@Jjwalways70]

Gday lads , correct me if I’m wrong guys , I’m thinking it’s all about groove wear in the wedges , groove wear relative directly to spin numbers , more spin equals more accurate distance control in the wedges , true or false boys. ...? The actual age of the wedges doesn’t really matter compared to groove condition . Ian what are your thoughts on groove sharpeners do they actually work .

[@nufantbsnofx]

Shots out of rough/bunkers would be a bigger difference as mentioned at the end. Would love to see how this shows up in the follow up outside at around 75-100 rounds

[@stevef4010]

How about Forged vs cast (new and/or old?) or different metals....copper vs chrome plated. I

[@derekhoskins9854]

Would of been nice to compare 2 of the same wedge worn and new. Would crossing brands account for some of the deviation in numbers

[@BenLowery]

Would it be better to not have the added face roughness? That might make the performance more consistent over time, with only a little loss of overall spin.

[@jeremylonsdale3350]

Forged face vs cast face ? Any longevity difference or minimal.

[@Pnode88]

Still Ace for Matt lmao. He has been chasing one for ages now...

[@andrewcarver3671]

Guys what do you think about going back to old golf balls to stop hitting monster distance with balls they are playing now with. Will it stop hitting the balls 320 yards +

[@Davedave445]

I have a 13 year old Cleveland 588 Tour Action 53 bent to 54. Time to change?

[@clubchampionmedia]

most likely

[@annefilippobertozzi7601]

Time to send him to high school.

[@skylarsteel91]

Would love to see a very worn “new” iron like a heavily used T100 vs a brand new T100 and see if it makes a huge difference

[@ericcurlett4598]

With the Mizuno T20 and T7 lines having boron in the forging, has anyone ever tested the longevity of the T7? I have a set of T7s from when they were launched and seem to be holding up well after several years of 40ish rounds

[@wallstreetoneil]

I have the S18s with boron. The 52 is great as I never use it in the sand. The 56 is a mess because I use it in the sand - I've order a new T20 56 to replace it. I have the 60 T20 with the boron and so far so good - but it doesn't get sand use for the most part. I also have a JPX 919 50, that I've done a lot of practice with, and it seems to be very good - no boron but it is cast - but it has a ding that I know was a rock - so for me it comes down to grit / stones / etc getting on the face during a full'ish swings that causes the damage.

[@jaytucker4338]

IMHO - it is not just proximity to the hole...well, it ends up being proximity to the hole...I 'splain: I find once my wedges have jumped the shark, the shot height increases dramatically and has a tendency to fade out to the right (for a right-handed golfer), well struck shots are launching significantly higher as the wedge looses its ability to grip the ball at impact and pull the launch angle down. Hitting shots harder doesn't really put on more distance, just increases the height and fade action. This happens relatively slowly in practice (e.g., like the story of a frog in a pot where the temperature is slowly increasing, and the frog never actually jumps out and ends up getting boiled), as the grooves deteriorate, as a golfer you do have time to adjust for the fading grip and increasing amount of roll out by playing shots a bit further left of target, increasing force and allowing for additional roll out to target, but at a certain tipping point, where you look back and realize that you've adjusted well beyond what is optimal. *If your wedges start to 'float'...it's time for an equipment refresh.

[@chrisjackson1266]

My wedge might be as old as my dad. I'd love to see what that does. All I know is it was made by Wilson and says "Pitching Wedge" stamped on the bottom. No model name, no idea the loft, and the grooves are kind of, well, gone.

[@jcstreck74]

So you’re saying my 2008 Vokey SM58 oil can wedge is probably too old? ;-)

[@robbiles]

100 rounds a year on the course and 1000 rounds in the studio. No wonder Matt's swings on point. My life sux.

[@davidcarnicom5635]

Its probably time to get new wedges. I had mine for 4 years, and used to play topflight golf balls

[@BillyTheKidAudit]

Wouldn't it makes sense to just have the wedge grooves resharpened?

[@clubchampionmedia]

could help, can't fix the face milling being worn out though

[@3rdgroove]

@@clubchampionmedia and back in the day players were proud of their wear spot... (maybe the drop off wasn't as bad with the balatas?)

[@DavidSmith-lo7wf]

Ha! Most people play 40-50 rounds per year .... I wish! 5-10 more like it for me! 😞

[@larryyoung9106]

sharpen the grooves and see what happens...or does that really work?