Indi Golf Wedges - 2023 Forum Review

[Willie T]

Mid Jan '24 update:  Well we are finally cold and wet, so its been a good time to see how these perform in less than optitmal turf settings.  How have the wedges done?  For the most part, extremely predictable in distance and stopping power.  Even tried them against my CBX2's in the backyard today - wet and soft there too!  Feel wise - I have grown to truly prefer the INDIs to the CBX2s (which feel clunky).  Accuracy - more predictable with the INDIs (then again they have been my steady wedge since the test).  With the introduction of the CBX4s, I will be following the discussions there as I have been a long time CBX fan. 

[BMart519]

Chipping practice these days consists of shots off my basement carpet as it has been -20C or colder for more than a week. Really liking the 52 for simple bump and run type shots with no wrist hinge. Working to engrain the feel of 4-12 yard chips in 2 yard increments both through ladder drills and hitting random numbers. 

Exciting times...

[Willie T]

It's Still Winter Wedge Alert - Thought I'd update those who may still be following the Indi Wedge story.  Three rounds of late and three sets/types of course conditions.  How did the wedges do in the varied conditions.  They are very consistent in producing a distance I am expecting.  In some of the more "solid" (read slightly thawing fairways), you can chili dip if you get too steep.  However for buzz cutting the grass and seeing the ball stop on cue these wedges continue to impress.  I have found that I really dig the 50deg to get those low spinners and the 54 for the soft landings. The 58 has become more of stricty straight up and straight down club.   Till next time....

[Nunfa0]

On 1/27/2024 at 10:07 AM, Willie T said:

It's Still Winter Wedge Alert - Thought I'd update those who may still be following the Indi Wedge story.  Three rounds of late and three sets/types of course conditions.  How did the wedges do in the varied conditions.  They are very consistent in producing a distance I am expecting.  In some of the more "solid" (read slightly thawing fairways), you can chili dip if you get too steep.  However for buzz cutting the grass and seeing the ball stop on cue these wedges continue to impress.  I have found that I really dig the 50deg to get those low spinners and the 54 for the soft landings. The 58 has become more of stricty straight up and straight down club.   Till next time....

Keep the updates coming  @Willie T, I'm loving them . On another note, my achillies is finally at a point where I can start playing again (It's only been nearly two months during summer). What I have also learnt is that my left leg is shorter than my right, explains why I have always hit the ball high. Hopefully my new inner soles won't change my delivery too much but we will see 

[Willie T]

55 minutes ago, Nunfa0 said:

Keep the updates coming  @Willie T, I'm loving them . On another note, my achillies is finally at a point where I can start playing again (It's only been nearly two months during summer). What I have also learnt is that my left leg is shorter than my right, explains why I have always hit the ball high. Hopefully my new inner soles won't change my delivery too much but we will see 

Oh man - hate that you’ve been dealing with an injury.  Good thing is that the correction via orthotics may just give you the needed correction to get even better scoring!  

[Nunfa0]

Well I managed to play a full round on the weekend and the wedges didn't let me down. In fact, I even managed two up and downs from bunkers . The full shots were right on the money as well. It seems that firm, dry conditions suit these perfectly.

Oh and I shot 78 on a par 72

[Willie T]

Just now, Nunfa0 said:

It seems that firm, dry conditions suit these perfectly.

My thoughts as well - this fall was dry and firm and the wedges loved them.  Have to say even in soft conditions they still hold their own, but really shine in the former…

[Willie T]

Super Bowl Friday update: Got to play ahead of the Friday men’s group - as a solo.  It was a so-so round in the long game, however the short game (wedges and putter) was super on!  A couple of highlights: hole 2  - mishit iron leaves me about 5 yds off, and it’s a middle pin to about 30’.  Opted to take the 50* to pitch up and tap in for par.  A smooth swing and the ball flies perfectly, lands about 15’ from the hole and roles center cup for a chip in birdie.  Hole 3 (par 4) again short 5yds off, pin about 22yds - take the 54 and hop stop to 3’ (a 1 putt par).  Hole four about 10yds and back pin (33yds) - take 54 again and land to a 4’ finish (another 1 putt par).  Had several of the same on the backside as well.  Was a fun day with the wedges….how’s your wedge life? 

[RichL85]

21 hours ago, Willie T said:

Super Bowl Friday update: Got to play ahead of the Friday men’s group - as a solo.  It was a so-so round in the long game, however the short game (wedges and putter) was super on!  A couple of highlights: hole 2  - mishit iron leaves me about 5 yds off, and it’s a middle pin to about 30’.  Opted to take the 50* to pitch up and tap in for par.  A smooth swing and the ball flies perfectly, lands about 15’ from the hole and roles center cup for a chip in birdie.  Hole 3 (par 4) again short 5yds off, pin about 22yds - take the 54 and hop stop to 3’ (a 1 putt par).  Hole four about 10yds and back pin (33yds) - take 54 again and land to a 4’ finish (another 1 putt par).  Had several of the same on the backside as well.  Was a fun day with the wedges….how’s your wedge life? 

Haven't gotten to play as much as I want recently, but still keeping the Indi's in the bag. Completely nitpick thing is that I do still prefer the sound from my PXG wedges, but nothing to say against the performance. The 50 still tends to be my go to club for short game unless I need to use one of the others. I've always been that way though so it's nothing against the wedges, I just feel most comfortable with a 50 degree wedge. 

[Willie T]

Presidents Day update:  Played today with my son and grandson, awesome wedge day around the greens.  All three were nailing the spin and stop….worst shot was the 54 that I hit too easy and did not get it spinning enough to hold - releases off the side for a long comeback….best shot was a tie between the 50 and 58 - both had a hop and stop to less than 3’.  Gotta love when the wedge game gives solid confidence!!! 

[Nunfa0]

I don't know about the other testers but one thing that has been really impressing me is the resilience of these wedges. The faces are barely showing a mark and the sole of my bunker club, the 56, is hardly scratched as well!!

[GolfSpy BOS]

3 hours ago, Nunfa0 said:

I don't know about the other testers but one thing that has been really impressing me is the resilience of these wedges. The faces are barely showing a mark and the sole of my bunker club, the 56, is hardly scratched as well!!

As much as I l love a dark or black finish on wedges, there is certainly an upside to a plain satin finish.

[Willie T]

9 minutes ago, GolfSpy BOS said:

As much as I l love a dark or black finish on wedges, there is certainly an upside to a plain satin finish.

Very true - my son’s Mizuno’s finishes are showing wear….in some ways kewl, however the satin on the Indi’s still look amazingly fresh (approx 24 rounds and countless days in the backyard):

[Willie T]

29 Feb 2024 update: My son and I played yesterday and as I am reviewing my note book (yes, I track every shot w/approx distances to flag, cover hazards etc by hand).  I love going back to look at the data and spotting trends...but this is not about that but rather how the wedges are doing in the midst of things starting to green again.  I have found that over the winter I have really begun to dial in these wedges to where at a given distance I pretty well know what a full swing will deliver, a 3/4, a 1/2, etc.  Yesterday was a good case of what was for me solid wedge work.  Hole 1 - just miss the green (its a par 4), need an up and down save for par.  I'm sitting about 18yds from the pin, I figure an easy 54 to check and roll close would be perfect.  The wedge delivers to 3' and I miss a knee-knocker for bogie.....uggh!  Still the wedge set the stage, I failed to deliver the win!  Move on to 3, another par 4 and I'm about 20yds from the flag again needing up and down for par.  As it is an elevated green, I opt for a little more pop and use the 58, this time to 5' and an 1 putt for par....now we're cooking.   It wasn't all cookies and cream as on 7 I'm about 78 yds out from the green and need a good wedge to be looking birdie.  An easy 50 is all I need, I get the distance but not the hold and it gently rolls off the back of the elevated green.  Now I'm thinking "I'm shorter sided so let's go 54 to try for up and down for par."  It comes off smooth and the ball rolls to about 15' from the flag, narrowly miss the par putt for a tap in bogie.  Shot of the day for the wedges comes on 13 the first par 5 on the back side (which we started on the back and then played the front).  I'm about 75yds out and figure a good little 50 will be the call.  It was solid as the ball finished about 8" from the hole for a tap in birdie. That was fun.  18 was another good wedge opportunity for up and down as I fatted the PW on the approach leaving me about 40 yds from the pin.  Another 54 to about 8' and 2 putt for bogie.  End of the day thoughts - these wedges continue to deliver predicatble flight patterns, distances and accuracy that evokes confidence in a predictable outcome of minimized misses.  

 

[Nunfa0]

A little update from the weekend. These wedges continue to impress and surprise, I had a shot of 98 yards into a par four, so I pulled out the 52. I put an average swing on it, felt a toey contact but it still flew pin high to the right of the pin. When I looked at the face, I was very surprised to see the contact mark right out at the toe of the club. I still managed to get some spin thanks to the full-face grooves, and yet again the forgiveness of these clubs shone out for all to see. I missed the birdie putt, but you can't have everything right?

[Willie T]

March 18 update - This is when hitting wedges is fun….hitting some easy pitches with the 54 FlexS at about 22yds or so in the backyard to one of the three flag locations I have set up.  Working on engaging the bounce and getting the ball to stop and drop.  First couple of swings and I’ve got both less than a club length away.  Hit the third and I hear clang of the flagstick as the ball disappears…feeling good about getting a lucky dunk.  Hit another and it’s about 2’ short.  The next one follows suit with the third one as the flagstick clanks and the ball disappears…I finish the group with a couple more in the single club length distance.  It was after the second I wished I had been videoing my practice.  All that to say the more I continue with these wedges the smaller the misses seem to be getting…now to just dunk some wedges for hole outs…

 

[Willie T]

Mar 30 update:  Early morning round with my niece's husband (they are in town for the Easter holiday weekend).  The course is starting to green nicely but was really wet in places from the rains on Thursday.  So how did the wedges perform?  All did their jobs nicely today - the 58* did its thing when I was short sided with nice hop and stops, the 54* got me out the sand once and then a few release and rolls pitches, but the star of the day was the 50* where on #7 I had a short chip and roll that needed a good roll to finish close.  It did exactly as I envisioned as it finished about 12" below the hole coming in from the 9 o'clock position.  Stoked on the continued predictability of these wedges.  

Big question - are the other testers are still seeing simliar good work with their wedges....

[Nunfa0]

13 hours ago, Willie T said:

Mar 30 update:  Early morning round with my niece's husband (they are in town for the Easter holiday weekend).  The course is starting to green nicely but was really wet in places from the rains on Thursday.  So how did the wedges perform?  All did their jobs nicely today - the 58* did its thing when I was short sided with nice hop and stops, the 54* got me out the sand once and then a few release and rolls pitches, but the star of the day was the 50* where on #7 I had a short chip and roll that needed a good roll to finish close.  It did exactly as I envisioned as it finished about 12" below the hole coming in from the 9 o'clock position.  Stoked on the continued predictability of these wedges.  

Big question - are the other testers are still seeing simliar good work with their wedges....

Yes, I am still enjoying these wedges very much. They are still performing so consistently  every round, even when my swing is not at its best.

I am planning on getting some numbers for these in the next week now that I have the Garmin to play with.

Edited March 31 by Nunfa0

[Willie T]

19 Apr update - Played today in the local Men's group Friday round at Minnesott.  Also was the first full round with the Bridgestone Tour B RX Mindset ball going solo (no other balls in play today) as part of the "unofficial" test.  It was a great day to see how it reacted off the wedges and how the wedges worked with it.  Today was my typical up and down for par day as 7 of the 10 pars were such.  Three of those involved some serious wedge play - where the 58 and 54 were called upon the get the ball up and stop it close.  The shot of the day was with the 58, just off the green on the side of the turtle shell (the greens are those turtle back style) from about 20yds total distance to the flag.  An easy wedge - pretty straight on and the ball pops up and drops about five yards from the hole and gently rolls to a stop 6" from the hole for a tap in par....The 54 did almost as well on another hole where I would up about 18" from the hole.  So the wedges keep wedging spin onto the balls to get them to hop and stop or at worst gently roll out.  One thing is for sure - they love a urethane ball!   

[GolfSpy SAM]

First of all, @Willie T - LOVING the updates you've been posting in here.  Legitimately my favorite part about coming into a thread I haven't checked in on in a while is to find the 6-week test turning into a long-term test with updates like this.  Absolutely killer info!

 And actually, one of the reasons I wanted to come in here was to do a bit of the same.  I played on Friday at one of my favorite courses in my area - links-style course designed by Gil Hanse, where there are tons of shaved-down areas around the greens, forcing you to either putt it 80-100 feet, or chip something with some spin and get it to roll out closer to the correct shelf the pin is on.  Well...the Indi 56 is just a shot-making joy to use.  The amount of spin I was able to get was pretty incredible, and the TP5 Pix I was using made it pretty clear just how much spin was being imparted.  

Shot of the day was a 35 yard spinner that I had to land on top of a shelf that was 10' above my feet, and then checked hard and trickled down past the hole to about 18" - the ball was thrown back to me by my playing partner with "I know you don't usually do gimmes, but that was ridiculous." 

I took it

Anyway, it's gotten to the point where I just love using these wedges, and as my technique gets better over time, these wedges have continued to shine. 

Playing again tomorrow on another Hanse design with similarly styled greens, so excited to report back with any more "wow" type shots

[Klutzgolfer]

On 2/22/2024 at 3:31 PM, Willie T said:

Very true - my son’s Mizuno’s finishes are showing wear….in some ways kewl, however the satin on the Indi’s still look amazingly fresh (approx 24 rounds and countless days in the backyard):

Thanks for the pictures and update.  They look amazing after all that use.  I’m getting ready for new wedges and these just joined the thought process 

[BMart519]

Played first round of the year last weekend and got up and down for par on first hole. Starting the year by simplifying my short game. I’ve dropped the Indi 60 as I never use it other than green side. It had worse proximity and up/down rate than the 56. I am also testing using the 56 as much as possible for short game after practicing with it indoors most of the winter and comparing to the 52 and 60. 
 

These wedges continue to shine on full and half length shots putting me close from 50 and 75 yards. But I couldn’t resist picking up the back to back most wanted winner - Milled Grind 3 for 40% off after seeing the Indis score so low for spin in the 2023 test. At some point the Indis will get worn enough that I will need a new 56 as my most lofted wedge for short game anyway. I could definitely see using the 52 longer term since it is mostly used from 80-110. 

[Willie T]

7 hours ago, GolfSpy SAM said:

 

First of all, @Willie T - LOVING the updates you've been posting in here.  Legitimately my favorite part about coming into a thread I haven't checked in on in a while is to find the 6-week test turning into a long-term test with updates like this.  Absolutely killer info!

 

Hey - thanks for the compliment.  I like that the other testers do post as well…these wedges, though not a top finisher in ‘23’s Most Wanted, have proven consistent time and time again for me.  What’s neat is that I took out my CBX’s out for a backyard spin and found what used to be a pleasant sounding wedge loud and cranky….i know the INDIs will fade as the grooves wear out, but till then I’ll enjoy the spin! 

[RichL85]

Interesting note @BMart519. I'm kind of in the same boat with the 58 degree myself. I am keeping it in the bag because it has enough uses around the green for me, but it is definitely the most finicky on distance. It feels like the full swing distance is shorter than I expect frequently, and I seem to hit the same distance anywhere from about 70% to full swing, slightly different flight, but same distance. It's a little strange. Because of this, and just for my personal self, I'm more comfortable taking a little off the 50 degree than I am going at the 58 degree. This isn't necessarily exclusive to the Indi wedges because my most lofted wedge has always been more of a special situation club, it just seems a little more noticeable with the Indi compared to my old wedges. Either way, the Indi wedges aren't going anywhere anytime soon. 

[Nunfa0]

Today I hit a shot with my 56* that was so good I just had to share it.

I was playing at my home course, testing my Haywood irons, and generally having a great time.

I came to the 16th, par 5, 498 yards, a fairly simple hole with two bunkers in front of the green and trees either side of the fairway.

I hit an OK drive but I was a little blocked by a tree for my second. I then hit a low draw with my three wood and ended in the very front of the right hand bunker. The lie was hard packed sand, a real nightmare when you have to fly the length of the bunker, clear a high lip, avoid the down slope on the back of the bunker and somehow stop the ball near the pin that is 20 feet on the green.

I looked at the shot, momentarily considered putting it, and decided to try to chip and nip a 56*. After a couple of practice swings, I stepped up and played it exactly as I pictured it. The ball flew out of the bunker, took two hops and nipped 5 feet from the hole. To say I was ecstatic is almost an understatement!! Just another example of the Indi wedges doing wonderful things and giving me the confidence to hit "impossible" shots.

Edited Wednesday at 11:54 AM by Nunfa0

[Willie T]

23 minutes ago, Nunfa0 said:

I looked at the shot, momentarily considered putting it, and decided to try to chip and nip a 56*. After a couple of practice swings, I stepped up and played it exactly as I pictured it. The ball flew out of the bunker, took two hops and nipped 5 feet from the hole. To say I was ecstatic is almost an understatement!! Just another example of the Indi wedges doing wonderful things and giving me the confidence to hit "impossible" shots.

Now that’s having the right “mindset” for sure….it’s so “next level” in terms of feel when the planned shot executes perfectly.  A couple of quick questions: How are they paring up with the Haywood irons - in terms of feel, gapping, etc?  Are you seeing any drop off in terms of spin control, etc?  Lastly how has the fall weather been in NZ?  
 

[Nunfa0]

48 minutes ago, Willie T said:

Now that’s having the right “mindset” for sure….it’s so “next level” in terms of feel when the planned shot executes perfectly.  A couple of quick questions: How are they paring up with the Haywood irons - in terms of feel, gapping, etc?  Are you seeing any drop off in terms of spin control, etc?  Lastly how has the fall weather been in NZ?  
 

They are pretty good but there is a big gap between the PW (44*) and my 52*. I need a 48* in the bag to cover this and I can live without the 60* to make that space. (Yes, I would consider getting an Indi for that space.)

The Indi's compare well when it comes to feel, the Haywood's will always have the softness over the Indi's but that's about all.

I am not seeing any drop off yet, the Indi's are holding up really well. I can hit full shots to a target and trust the ball to stop where I want it to.

As for the weather, it has been the coldest start to fall in over a decade. we haven't had frost yet or too much rain, but I can see us getting actual snow this year for change. 

[Willie T]

37 minutes ago, Nunfa0 said:

They are pretty good but there is a big gap between the PW (44*) and my 52*. I need a 48* in the bag to cover this and I can live without the 60* to make that space. (Yes, I would consider getting an Indi for that space.)

The Indi's compare well when it comes to feel, the Haywood's will always have the softness over the Indi's but that's about all.

I am not seeing any drop off yet, the Indi's are holding up really well. I can hit full shots to a target and trust the ball to stop where I want it to.

As for the weather, it has been the coldest start to fall in over a decade. we haven't had frost yet or too much rain, but I can see us getting actual snow this year for change. 

Gotcha - we gapped mine well as the SLDR PW is 46deg, so the 50deg GW slides in nicely.  If I go a degree or two stronger, say to 44deg on PW, the 50 will still gap ok….glad to see you’re still able to get some rounds in.  

[Nunfa0]

5 minutes ago, Willie T said:

Gotcha - we gapped mine well as the SLDR PW is 46deg, so the 50deg GW slides in nicely.  If I go a degree or two stronger, say to 44deg on PW, the 50 will still gap ok….glad to see you’re still able to get some rounds in.  

We can play 12 months a year here in paradise, the grass doesn't even really go dormant.