Taylormade Hi-Toe (Unofficial Review)

[Shankster]

Welcome to Shanky’s place, where the grooves are sharp and the toes are high.

 

 

Most of you know my story by now, so I won’t bore you with that stuff.

 

This is my unofficial review of the Taylormade Hi - Toe wedge. I’ve been drooling over this wedge since it first arrived in JR’s bag at The Masters a few years back. If you look back even further you can find a prototype from the Tour Preferred wedge line with a high toe.

 

Plus it is a nod to the PING Eye2 wedge, that you guessed it, my hero Seve had in the bag for a while... see where I’m going with that?

 

STAGE 1

 

A few quick hits:

 

1. Wedges are my favorite club, if I was handy with cad design and metal working I’d make my own, but I am not, so I have to settle for mass production stuff.

2. I play out of Da UP eh, but I am moving to Maryland this summer. Should be fun... right?

3. Ok that’s enough of those.

 

What is in my bag?

“Driver” Callaway Mini 1.5 12°

3 “Metal” Taylormade SLDR TS 14°

Taylormade JetSpeed 17° hybrid

Taylormade RocketBladez Tour 3-PW (for now)

BStone 52, 56, 60 (last years testing)

PING Anser 1966 TR

 

 

100 yard Club?

I don’t have a 100 yard club, but a nice smooth 56° is 100 yards bone stock. I like to finesse shots, so I could use a 5 iron from 100 if I needed too, but for the sake of the review a 90% 56° shot I am expecting 100ish yards.

 

Ball Flight?

Another interesting topic. Stock swing is a high draw. But this thing has to be able to go low, medium, and high.

 

Best Part of my game?

Wedge game, close second would be iron game. Chipping, bunker play. I love it.

 

Swing Tempo?

I’ve been trying to figure this out. You tell me.

 

Weakness of my game?

Woods and putter. So I have 1/3 of my game in order.

 

 

Here is the marketing pitch right from the website...

GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR SHORT GAME

 

TaylorMade’s HI-TOE wedge lineup has been expanded to include a full range of wedge lofts from 50° to 64°.  Featuring full-face scoring lines in the 56° to 64° and standard scoring lines in the 50° to 54°, each HI-TOE wedge also has an expanded toe area to deliver high-spin performance whether you’re taking full swings on your approach or playing finesse shots around the green. 

The HI-TOE wedge offers three different sole grinds to match your style of play:

 

Standard Sole (50°, 52°, 54°)

The all-purpose grind that is perfect for full approach shots into the green. This sole is well suited for both normal and soft turf conditions. All of these lofts feature standard scoring lines.

 

4-Way Sole (56°, 58°, 60°)

New 4-way cambered sole with a mid-bounce design of 10°. The leading edge has less belly with a more blunt contour. This new sole has an increased trailing edge and heel relief—great for players with average or steep swings from normal turf and/or softer sand.

 

ATV Grind (58°, 60°, 64°)

Channel-cut ATV mid-sole with a bounce of 12°. The “V” shaped leading edge moves through the turf and sand more seamlessly for better contact.

 

So mine is the 4 way sole. Here’s my specs when I ordered it.

 

 

I went with the Tour Issue S400 soft stepped twice because it will play a lot like the spinner shafts in the BStones, or so I’ve read. And I like to feel the shaft load and unload. I’ll be the judge, and let you know here.

 

 

First Impressions

 

Love at first sight. The finish is a lovely whiskey color of oil can. The grooves going out all-the-way is amazing to look down at. I am surprised with the leading edge, and offset I was worried it wouldn’t fit my eye, but it’s beautiful.

 

A Taste of what’s to come

 

So I’m still snowed in, it’s melting slowly, but still stuck with only the indoor golf for at least for the near future.

 

My first round of testing will be done inside with a launch monitor, so you’ll get to see some spin numbers, launch angles, dispersion, carry distances. This thing will be put through the ringer.

 

So what do you you all want to see tested with this thing?

 

Stage 2 will be when the snow melts.

 

 

[PING Apologist #9]

Sharp looking stick right there! Good start on the review too, well done. I'd like to know how is performs from 50 on in and if you can bump-n-run with it at all. Nice Job Shanks!

[Shankster]

Sharp looking stick right there! Good start on the review too, well done. I'd like to know how is performs from 50 on in and if you can bump-n-run with it at all. Nice Job Shanks!

50 and in is the fun zone. You got it.

Here’s the first strike. A chip in my basement.

[Kenny B]

Very nice!!  I seriously considered the Hi-Toe last month, but finally decided on the new Callaway PM grind.  The main reason was Callaway went to a C-grind sole, and they added a 54º to their lineup.  What I am not sure about is the bounce angle.  These clubs have more bounce than I am used to playing; might be nice on softer turf, but I will see.  I like the grooves all the way across the face.  It seems that when I open the blade for chip shots, I tend to hit toward the toe.  Both the Hi-Toe and the PM Grind have a groove lower on the face than most wedges.  I like that playing off firm turf.

Let me know how easy you can vary chip height and rollout from 4 feet off the green when the snow melts.  I haven't had my PM grind out yet either.  Snow is about gone, and the 50-60º days are helping.  Should be able to get out later this week.

[Shankster]

Thanks Kenny. I considered the Callaway version myself. Could have got the shaft combo for cheaper. It was a $25 upcharge. Plus Phil the thrill helped design them. He is the hi toe ninja.

4’ off the green you got it.

[edingc]

Looking sharp!

Hope you get out from under the snow, soon. Under the bridge we're looking at playing this weekend already.

 

 

[Kenny B]

5 minutes ago, Shankster said:

Thanks Kenny. I considered the Callaway version myself. Could have got the shaft combo for cheaper. It was a $25 upcharge. Plus Phil the thrill helped design them. He is the hi toe ninja.

4’ off the green you got it.

I had to wait 3 weeks for the KBS Tour 90 shaft.  Callaway said it was back ordered.  Then they got it and put the Tour Grey head on it.  I got a call asking if I wanted it that way; I ordered the chrome and 2º flat lie.  I special ordered the club; why would I want something different!!

[Shankster]

I had to wait 3 weeks for the KBS Tour 90 shaft.  Callaway said it was back ordered.  Then they got it and put the Tour Grey head on it.  I got a call asking if I wanted it that way; I ordered the chrome and 2º flat lie.  I special ordered the club; why would I want something different!!

As far as I can tell they matched my specs. Shaft feels nice and soft. I am wondering about the extra two wraps of tape though. Grip feels skinny. But they said it wouldn’t ship till today originally, and here I am staring at it, trying to will the snow away.

[Kenny B]

4 minutes ago, Shankster said:

 

As far as I can tell they matched my specs. Shaft feels nice and soft. I am wondering about the extra two wraps of tape though. Grip feels skinny. But they said it wouldn’t ship till today originally, and here I am staring at it, trying to will the snow away.

 

Callaway didn't have the shaft I wanted; Nippon that matches my other clubs.  I asked if I could get the head only... No.  I may be changing the shaft out if I like the feel of the club-turf interaction.

Mine feels pretty good with 3 wraps, and the stock Golf Pride grip is OK but it will be changed out shortly anyway.  They don't offer my Pure Grips.

[Shankster]

Ah, one more note on why I got this.

*The most important part!!*

The higher center of gravity is what sold me. Can’t wait to see what wizardry is in this thing.

[StrokerAce]

Maryland?  =) 

[Shankster]

Maryland?  =) 

Yep. Be there late July for at least a year.

[StrokerAce]

Just now, Shankster said:

Yep. Be there late July for at least a year.

Nice!  Should be able to play at least 11 months out of the year. 

[GC70]

Great start to the review. Snow sucks. I’m very interested in this (spatula looking wedges) and the PM. I just don’t understand if there that great why don’t more Pros game them? The TM is received pretty good from their staffers, but the Callaway staffers not so much. I’ve never seen one on the course and play about 70 rounds a year.


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[Shankster]

Great start to the review. Snow sucks. I’m very interested in this (spatula looking wedges) and the PM. I just don’t understand if there that great why don’t more Pros game them? The TM is received pretty good from their staffers, but the Callaway staffers not so much. I’ve never seen one on the course and play about 70 rounds a year.


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Very not spatula looking... very happily surprised. Much smaller than I expected.

Hi - Toe vs BStone

[GC70]

Very not spatula looking... very happily surprised. Much smaller than I expected.

Hi - Toe vs BStone

Oh I definitely like the looks over the PM.


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[Shankster]

Oh I definitely like the looks over the PM.


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I’m loving it so far. Obviously no grass, but I hit about 50 shots in the basement.

[CarlH]

Good looking club

[sirchunksalot]

That's one great looking club, I'm looking forward to see how they compare to the Bridgestone's.

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[bens197]

That side-by-side is a dealbreaker. I never gave these much of a look but this puts things in a very clear perspective.


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[Shankster]

That side-by-side is a dealbreaker. I never gave these much of a look but this puts things in a very clear perspective.


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Don’t like or do like?

[bens197]

Don’t like or do like?

Wow, that post was clear as mud.

I’m super impressed. They’re not obnoxiously large and I can see why they’re so popular.

[Shankster]

Wow, that post was clear as mud.

I’m super impressed. They’re not obnoxiously large and I can see why they’re so popular.

Haha. All good. Yeah, I was expecting a frying pan, and I think they are actually smaller than the BStones by a hair, definitely compact looking. I hope they never quit making these. Might have to stock up.

[bens197]

Haha. All good. Yeah, I was expecting a frying pan, and I think they are actually smaller than the BStones by a hair, definitely compact looking. I hope they never quit making these. Might have to stock up.

Compact is the word.

I’ve been seeking a 58* for the longest time that I love. I’ve tolerated a lot of designs and haven’t really found anything I loved as much as my Cleveland 900 wedges.

These are worth a serious look.

[Shankster]

Compact is the word.

I’ve been seeking a 58* for the longest time that I love. I’ve tolerated a lot of designs and haven’t really found anything I loved as much as my Cleveland 900 wedges.

These are worth a serious look.

Not sure what the ATV grind looks like, they have a different leading edge. But you can get the 58° in the 4 Way sole. I am a guy that HATES offset and these are not off putting at all. More of a little gooseneck.

I’m probably going to add a 51° (50 bent weak), a 60° 4 way sole, and a 64°.

They shape alone is enough to sell me after getting one in hand. A touch more triangular shaped than “traditional” wedges but not by much.

Add the non glare face... mmmhmmmm

[bens197]

Not sure what the ATV grind looks like, they have a different leading edge. But you can get the 58° in the 4 Way sole. I am a guy that HATES offset and these are not off putting at all. More of a little gooseneck.

I’m probably going to add a 51° (50 bent weak), a 60° 4 way sole, and a 64°.

They shape alone is enough to sell me after getting one in hand. A touch more triangular shaped than “traditional” wedges but not by much.

Add the non glare face... mmmhmmmm

They’re definitely not obnoxious. And let’s be honest, they’re validated from their Tour use.

Good luck, we are expecting to see photos when the others arrive!

[Kenny B]

McIlroy uses a 54 and a 60.

DJ uses 64

Rahm use 56 and 60

[Shankster]

McIlroy uses a 54 and a 60.
DJ uses 64
Rahm use 56 and 60

Woodland a non staffer has a 64 too I believe

[BIG STU]

I never was a fan of the Eye 2 wedges back in the day. But in the course of my wedge hoeing and experimenting I sorta fell in love with them. I ended up with a Callaway PM Grind I got cheap. I messed around with it some and it was too light for me to begin with plus at 13* Bounce that was way too much bounce. I ended up hand filing it and reweighing it for me. Yeah I like that high toe cut flop. Can not see too many lies I can't get it out of.  Basically I carry 2 wedges but lately I have been carrying an old Eye 2 plus at 50*--- It does not hit like a 50* but hits the ball really high and spin good gracious. I will end up trading or scrounging some deal and end up with a TM High Toe

[Kenny B]

4 hours ago, BIG STU said:

I never was a fan of the Eye 2 wedges back in the day. But in the course of my wedge hoeing and experimenting I sorta fell in love with them. I ended up with a Callaway PM Grind I got cheap. I messed around with it some and it was too light for me to begin with plus at 13* Bounce that was way too much bounce. I ended up hand filing it and reweighing it for me. Yeah I like that high toe cut flop. Can not see too many lies I can't get it out of.  Basically I carry 2 wedges but lately I have been carrying an old Eye 2 plus at 50*--- It does not hit like a 50* but hits the ball really high and spin good gracious. I will end up trading or scrounging some deal and end up with a TM High Toe

I still love my Eye 2's; maybe that's why I went with the Callaway PM Grind over the Hi-Toe.  Yes, the PM has a lot of bounce and that might be an issue for me.  However, I got the 2019 version and they put a C-Grind on it, and that seems to work pretty well.  I got out today, first time in 6 weeks because of snow.  I was impressed with chip shots; haven't be able to hit anything longer because the rest of the course is still closed.