Sub70 wedges review- stage 1

[Sluggo42 7,633]

So yay! My wedges have arrived!! Free shipping from across the country in 4 days basically.

Now with this new format, I’m not sure how to properly locate pic’s within the text for that direct emphasis per pic, so bear with me. This will be like a stage 1, unboxing portion, and in a few days/weeks, I’ll add on thoughts and more pics from actual gaming with them. I’m hoping I’ll like them, because they’re all I’ve got now!

Ordering from Sub70 was a breeze, and really only took a phone call. I spoke with the owner, Jason, and we went through all of my thoughts and got dialed in, really in only a few minutes. I chose the “raw” version, since black is so overdone anymore, and I wanted to go with something new and different. I could have gone “satin”, and had a closer match to my p790’s, and actually would have probably been very similar, but again, I wanted to get different. Two important things I want to mention here as well. The shafts I wanted were NOT in their listing of  available choices, but he asked me if he could check about getting them, and he did! They were slightly more expensive, but that was fine. I was quite happy that he went the extra mile to try to make me happy. He did. Second thing was that he sent me pics upon completing the build and I noticed the grips were not what I wanted, but they were exactly what I ordered, because I forgot to specify the align. He told me that it was no problem, and then reinstalled the align grips, and still sent them out the same day. 

First thing I noticed when opening the box was how wonderfully packaged these wedges were. I mean each head had the tight plastic covers, and additionally, had some bubble wrap held on with a sturdy rubber band. Then they were placed into some foam spacers that held them firmly and safely within the very sturdy shipping box, pretty well guaranteeing that they arrived at their location in perfect condition, which they were.

My specs were easy, as I’m like the perfect example of standard length, loft, and lie. I went with 50°- 8, 54°-12, and 58°- 6. ((Edit- the bounce is 10,12,10))The bounce is not negotiable at this point, they hope to expand with some different options as time goes by. However this was not an issue for me, as that’s pretty much how I like them. Kind of a generally groovy middle of the road settings. I’m not a grind expert, so I can’t really give you a very definitive description of what they’ve got going on. The only thing I really noticed was that the 50° seemed to have a little relief ground along the back trailing edge. Hopefully the pictures will show this. One interesting thing I noticed was a little mark on the sole, very similar on each club, it’s like where they cut off the club from the press, or whatever the initial cleaning up from the forging process. It’s not something that will have any effect on playability at all. I don’t really know anything about how heads are cleaned up and finished, but these give me the feeling that they were all hand finished, and not that perfect computer guided finish that the big boys use to creat a million wedges, all exactly alike. Perhaps it’s the raw finish that gives these heads a feeling that’s so different than the SM6 Vokeys. But my first impression of the raw face is that these puppies will impart some serious spin. I might need to whack a bucket of range balls to break these faces in, so I don’t chew up my balls right off the bat. But that’s just a first visual impression. I hope to get some rangetime tomorrow to see what’s really gunna happen. 

I had them mounted on the same shafts that my irons are on, the UST Recoil 760 ES F3 SmacWrap. I am totally in love with these shafts. They just seem to be perfect for me, and they’re the softest shafts on your arthritic joints ever. Just Fantastic.

Overall, these heads seem similarly shaped like my Vokeys, but I think slightly larger, and a little bit rounder. The leading edge seems to protrude in a slight semi-arc, as opposed to a straighter leading edge. They seem sharp, like they will easily get thru any grass. Top line is quite thin, and the “raw” surface is just starting to get some “patina” working. I’m guessing a few rounds in the extremely wet conditions of late will get these coloring up in no time. I’ve included a few pictures comparing them with the Vokeys, and one of the AP2 “W” wedge (50°)

Overall, my first impression is that they aren’t a “polished “ product like the Vokeys are, and I don’t mean shiny polished, but that they’re a bit more primitive if you will. They seem like some old master “Forged in fire” character just finished with the grinding/polishing wheels on them. The Vokeys are about as perfect as a club can get. And they’re also a billion dollar company with endless resources to create that level. But they also cost about double of what these cost. But with all that, the Sub70’s do exude a feeling of confidence when in your grubby paws. Additionally, with the exact shafts and grips I wanted, I’m very excited to hit these things. I expect some serious performance. More on that in a few days... stay tuned...

 

Edited February 16, 2019 by Sluggo42
Incorrect bounce degrees

[bens197 11,747]

Nice write up, wedges look clean and well built.


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[deejaid 3,945]

Nice looking wedges there Sluggo. I really like the aesthetics, like you said, a hand crafted look, but without a lot of graphics.

I like that the wedge leading had a little radius. I’ve come to realize I like a rounder leading edge since using my old Hogan Sand Iron. I’ve realized that the rounded looking leading edge makes it easy for me to open up the wedge, as it still looks the same when open, where a more straight leading edge makes it harder on my eye.

I hope Sub 70 can get a hold on the market. I like that they have a quality forged iron and wedge at a real good price and that they have great customer service as well.



And I look forward to hearing more about the wedges in review!


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[fixyurdivot 16,662]

To be brutally honest those cosmetic blemishes, straight out of the box, bother me . Were I to order a set of irons and see this, I would not be happy.  I'm actually surprised these passed QA and they chose to ship them. IMO they need to work on a final finishing process (to include passivation, etc.) to prevent corrosion. Unless one likes the look of splotchy, rusted clubs, these will require constant clean-up to keep them looking decent. The small voids on the sole plate is also something that needs to be resolved - I suspect this would be disappointing for most customers. The circular mill finish on the face is cool looking.  I presume the surface roughness is virtually smooth? Looking forward to stage 2 results.

[Munich77 2]

Looking forward to the review - as for the finish is that part of the raw look?  I agree it doesn't look great but then again at the same time wedge do get used and loved.  

[Sluggo42 7,633]

29 minutes ago, fixyurdivot said:

To be brutally honest those cosmetic blemishes, straight out of the box, bother me . Were I to order a set of irons and see this, I would not be happy.  I'm actually surprised these passed QA and they chose to ship them. IMO they need to work on a final finishing process (to include passivation, etc.) to prevent corrosion. Unless one likes the look of splotchy, rusted clubs, these will require constant clean-up to keep them looking decent. The small voids on the sole plate is also something that needs to be resolved - I suspect this would be disappointing for most customers. The circular mill finish on the face is cool looking.  I presume the surface roughness is virtually smooth? Looking forward to stage 2 results.

These are the “raw” version, and intentionally made to allow light oxidation to occur. That was my specific order. I could have gotten then in a satin, or black finish, which would probably be closer to your cup of tea probably?

the small “voids” on the bottom are interesting, surely due to the forging process I would imagine. Performance will not be affected in any way.

[MGoBlue100 2,605]

Awesome write up, great pics. I’ll be very interested to know how they perform!


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[fixyurdivot 16,662]

33 minutes ago, Sluggo42 said:

These are the “raw” version, and intentionally made to allow light oxidation to occur. That was my specific order. I could have gotten then in a satin, or black finish, which would probably be closer to your cup of tea probably?

the small “voids” on the bottom are interesting, surely due to the forging process I would imagine. Performance will not be affected in any way.

It's what 30 years in aerospace does to one's expectations/standards .  Good to know the "raw" is an intended design/option.  What about the surface lay of the circular mill on the faces?

[Sluggo42 7,633]

28 minutes ago, fixyurdivot said:

It's what 30 years in aerospace does to one's expectations/standards .  Good to know the "raw" is an intended design/option.  What about the surface lay of the circular mill on the faces?

That is quite interesting, and you can feel it a bit with your fingertips. I also wonder if going “raw” will create even more spin. I’m not sure about how the satin,black finishes are applied, and if during application, many of the microscopic voids, pores, surface irregularities are somewhat filled and “smoothed” over with the coating/plating, similar to say what a coat of paint would do. Just a mil or two would definately create a smoother surface...

im guessing I will see some white golf ball skin on these faces as I break them in...

[fixyurdivot 16,662]

I'd be interested in what their dark finish looks like and what they do as part of the finishing process to prevent corrosion/staining. I think it was a recent Cobra irons thread (MGS testers) that had that grey/black finish and I thought they looked really cool.  If I do buy new irons, switching to that color (if an option) will be a decision.  The OCD side of me doesn't like seeing rust on clubs and, after 30+ years of service, my PE2's have none.  

[Sluggo42 7,633]

I think the PE2’s were a cast 17-4 stainless? I don’t think they’ll ever rust...

its not like these wedges are going to turn into big balls of rust either- they just settle into a cool patina- and that I believe, turns into a protective coating of sorts on its own. It’s sort of a personal preference thing. I could have gotten them in black, or satin, but I wanted something a little different. Even though the “raw” isn’t a new concept as it was popular perhaps a decade or 2 ago. It’s merely another option. I’d like to think I’m re-starting a new fad, kind of like the blacked out clubs. But those to me, are becoming passé now. Gotta stay on top of the trends! Haha

[revkev 25,207]

Nice job

Looking forward to reading more about them.


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[palvord 3,662]

These look awesome. Thanks for the solid write up. Looking forward to hearing how they work on the course for you.


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[newballcoach 867]

Great start! Anxious to see how this goes! Planning on doing any launch monitor testing head to head versus the vokeys?

[Sluggo42 7,633]

On 2/16/2019 at 7:07 PM, newballcoach said:

Great start! Anxious to see how this goes! Planning on doing any launch monitor testing head to head versus the vokeys?

No, I did some head to head at the range was all. The Vokeys were longer, but it could be because of shafts or something. I did get these bent 2° strong for gapping though, so now they’re about the same distances. These spin really good as a sharp new wedge should. 

[Sluggo42 7,633]

Here they are after 2 rounds...

 

and now after 4 rounds...

 

[newballcoach 867]

They are really getting that raw look quickly, which is definitely nice if you like that sort of thing. The grooves and milling seem to be holding up as well. Looking good!

[Shakey 5]

Very cool. I demo'd their 699 irons may eventually buy a set. Great value for what you get.

[Kwoodfield 84]

I talked to Jason yesterday. May look at getting the 639 irons and a few raw wedges. Just need to play around with the specs. May have them bend the irons weak. 44 degree PW is way too strong. That’s a 9 in my old mizzys


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[Sluggo42 7,633]

Here they are after 8 rounds. I’m finding the “ corrosion” to be mellowing out more as time goes by, they seem to be developing their own little patina as they’re forming the passive layer of thin corrosion that’s pretty well halted more reaction.

this will probably continue as time goes by until it gets to its “sweet spot”.

I want to quickly touch on the performance of these wedges and I must say, it’s been phenomenal.. I’m actually getting some serious spin that I need to start paying attention to. I played one shot today over the pin by 20’, and it spun back to 5’ below the pin. I wish I could hav seen that on tv. And did I mention that they are so soft? Anyways, if you haven’t been able to tell by now, I’m really liking them...