Indi Golf Wedges - 2023 Forum Review

[billpierce]

What was the fitting that Indi did - in person?

[Willie T]

4 minutes ago, billpierce said:

What was the fitting that Indi did - in person?

Not for me - it was virtual (they are West Coast, I am East Coast).  We spoke on the phone and based on my answers and comments, they came up with the wedges I tested.  One thing to remember, they only have two grinds - the FLX S and ATK C.  The former more for those who take light divots and the latter for those who take deeper divots.  I was fitted with the FLX S grind.  I would really like to try the ATK C as it reminds me heavily of the grind of the Cleveland CBX’s I’ve used the past few years. 

[billpierce]

did they fit to a shaft as well?

[Willie T]

2 hours ago, billpierce said:

did they fit to a shaft as well?

Yes - they work to match up what you are currently playing, steel vs graphite, S vs R  vs A flex. For me I play composite (graphite) shafts across the board, so the Recoils in R flex were what they fitted me with.  

[BMart519]

Getting more comfortable hitting wide stance flop shots with the 60 from 20-40 yards on my Florida swing playing Bay Hill, Copperhead and Southern Dunes. Still on the fence as to the overall benefit in strokes gained the club is providing and will need to review shot level data at end of season. But am in a situation where I am finding less need for an additional club at the top of bag. Began using the 56 on some longer sand shots with success after a minor swing tweak that has me consistently getting out of the traps now. This has relegated the 60 to short sided duty only, which may be enough to warrant keeping it in the bag to support my short game which is a weakness relative to other areas based on my skill level. 

[Nunfa0]

I played yesterday in very strong wind and the wedges impressed. I was able to stop full shots on the greens, even with a tail wind. Also the 56 has cemented it's place as my bunker club.

[Willie T]

16 hours ago, Nunfa0 said:

 the 56 has cemented it's place as my bunker club.

That's what my 54 has done as well - of the times I've been in the bunkers, whether hard pack (post rain) or powdery, the 54 has been the go to.  It really gets the ball out well, usually with some great spin.  The course I play most (it's closest to the house and has the most reasonable greens fees) has the least number of greenside bunkers, so its a "treat" when I do find one.  I know that sounds sadistic, but there is a great sense of accomplishment when you nail a wedge out the bunker and the ball lands and checks nicely.  The 50 has earned as the role of nailing those longer approaches, whilst the 58 is the up and down greenside baby (which is where I find myself a lot!)  A little off topic - the past couple of rounds I did not have the Indi's with me as I was going totally older school with the bag (Toney Penna 1 - 3 - 4 - 5 persimmon woods, MacGregor Mike Souchak blades 3 - 9 (the 4i is a MacGregor Tourney, the 6i is a Lynx USA and Titleist 254-10 wedge, old NMG Ab broom stick style putter).  THEN again - it may be fun putting modern wedges in play with vintage irons/woods!!!      

Edited October 16, 2023 by Willie T
grammar

[BMart519]

Post Review Follow Up

I reviewed full season stats in Shot Scope yesterday as I have likely played my last round. Overall the Indi wedges performed well on both approaches and around the green. The 56* has performed noticeably better than either my previous 54 or 58 and is staying in the bag. The 60*LW has been an outlier however. 

                  Proximity       Up/Down
58 Ping      21 ft               14%
60 Indi       30 ft               7%

At a shot level around the green, only 2/7 previous rounds with the 60* resulted in positive Strokes Gained totals with that club vs my benchmark. Of these 7 rounds, they were all played on different courses in 2 different provinces and in Florida across multiple golf trips.

I am considering removing the 60 from the bag to eliminate the ability to use it and see if stats improve using the 56 more often. But these numbers have me considering whether I should put the 58 Ping Glide 3.0 back in the bag for a low bounce/short sided option. The Ping clubs produced more spin during my indoor testing and I wonder if this carries over outdoors where the wet performance should separate them further and assist in stopping power. All of this must be viewed through the lens that the 60 is only used in short sided scenarios or where I need to carry a trap within 50-60 yards of the green. (The most difficult partial shots faced round to round).

My 48* set AW is my 115 yard club which I used for partial shots all the way down to 70/80 yards. The 52 Indi tops out around 105 which was nice to have another full swing and became my default from there down to 70-80 yards given the strong performance I felt I was seeing on course. Upon final review of my approach stats, my 48 produced 9% higher GIR (66 vs 57) from up to 10 yards further from the green with 6ft closer proximity to hole (37 vs 44) and 0.1 fewer strokes to hole out.

The above leads me to wonder whether the 52 is needed or that wedge should be removed vs the highest lofted club in my bag. 

The things I need to consider over the offseason are:
- Of the 12 rounds tracked with the Indi's: 7 rounds were on golf trips at courses I've never played before with 5 being on grasses I also don't play regularly (fescue, poa, bermuda)
- 3/5 remaining rounds played locally were the first time playing that course this season, so the basis for comparison (10/12 rounds) is a difficult one vs previous gamers
- 3/4 local rounds with the Indi's resulted in positive SG vs a 5 index (previous performance was at that of a 15 index or ~1.5 SG worse)
- just prior to receiving the Indi's I spent 1-2 weeks focusing on greenside play due to poor performance mentioned above. This drove some improvement with my previous gamers and continued with the Indi's along with more dedicated short game time to evaluate their reactions around the green, distance gapping, etc. 
- would the improvements have been similar with previous gamers given another 2 weeks of dedicated practice? 

[Willie T]

Did it - played the vintage clubs with the INDIs in the bag.  Man I have missed the ease and confidence I have with these wedges.  Played while the few was heavy, had opportunity to test in wet grass (yes, I see these rounds as ongoing tests as winter conditions will be seen in the next couple of months).  Was a fun day…

[Willie T]

Question to the testing team(@Nunfa0,  @BMart519, @RichL85, @GolfSpy SAM)

, myself included: Will you be testing the wedges in “winter” conditions?  If I recall @Nunfa0, it’s going into his summer.   It has been so dry here in eastern NC along with moderate temps, it’s more like later summer just with brown grass.  Just seeing what the thoughts are for these. Me - planning on being out there as often as feasible, wet or dry….

Edited November 7, 2023 by Willie T

[GolfSpy SAM]

42 minutes ago, Willie T said:

Question to the testers ( @Nunfa0,  @BMart519, @RichL85, @GolfSpy SAM) - Will you be testing the wedges in “winter” conditions?  If I recall @Nunfa0, it’s going into his summer.   It has been so dry here in eastern NC along with moderate temps, it’s more like later summer just with brown grass.  Just seeing what the thoughts are for these. Me - planning on being out there as often as feasible, wet or dry….

I'm in Southern California, so we don't typically get a LOT of "winter", at least compared to most of the country.  That being said, there are a lot of indications that we're in for a wet winter, so I'll be curious to see how the Indi's hold up (they're fully ensconced in the bag at this point) - and I'll be updating the thread accordingly!  Thanks for the question!

[RichL85]

20 hours ago, Willie T said:

Question to the testing team(@Nunfa0,  @BMart519, @RichL85, @GolfSpy SAM)

, myself included: Will you be testing the wedges in “winter” conditions?  If I recall @Nunfa0, it’s going into his summer.   It has been so dry here in eastern NC along with moderate temps, it’s more like later summer just with brown grass.  Just seeing what the thoughts are for these. Me - planning on being out there as often as feasible, wet or dry….

Similar to @GolfSpy SAM, central California doesn't really get "winter", just... less hot. We tend to be fairly dry but last year was an exception with quite a bit of rain so maybe it will happen again. I'll definitely keep trying out the Indi wedges through the different weather, but my area definitely isn't the best location to really test winter conditions. I'm thinking of swapping back and forth between the Indi and my old wedges over the next few months to see if they stay in the bag. Nothing really against either set, just want more concrete data to justify which wedges I go with. That little part of my brain won't accept that the better results with the Indi wedges are solely due to the wedges without at least testing the theory that the increased focus on wedge practice may have played a part.

[Willie T]

Played Wednesday as we were headed north to visit family on Thursday - typical NC weather, in the 60’s with a light breeze.  Made full use of the INDIs getting a lot of 100yd to greenside opportunities.  Course conditions - dry and tight lies in the fairways, greens firm as well.  Made for working the spin top get great stop and checks.  Hole one, missed green calling for a 15 yd pitch.  The 54 put the brakes on for an 18” tap in par.  Similar results with the 58 when it was straight up and down short side on 16 to about 3’.  The 50 was equal to the task in those intermediate approaches, getting and close to make it an honest putt for par.  Now - as much as I don’t care for wet and messy conditions, I am looking to see how they work in those conditions (most likely not till Dec thru Feb).

[BMart519]

On 11/6/2023 at 3:24 PM, Willie T said:

Question to the testing team(@Nunfa0,  @BMart519, @RichL85, @GolfSpy SAM)

, myself included: Will you be testing the wedges in “winter” conditions?  If I recall @Nunfa0, it’s going into his summer.   It has been so dry here in eastern NC along with moderate temps, it’s more like later summer just with brown grass.  Just seeing what the thoughts are for these. Me - planning on being out there as often as feasible, wet or dry….

My season ended unknowingly October 10th at Copperhead on my Florida trip. When I got back to Canada the weather turned and courses closed a few days later. There is one goat track that will open on and off over the winter on temp greens. But I don't foresee being desperate enough to get out and if I did it would be in dry, dormant conditions as they don't let you play if its wet. 

Won't be many updates from me in this post over the next few months as I also sold my MEVO+ monitor. Next season will start with a comparison of the Indi 60 with my PING Glide 58 that produced better stats this season. But there is some bias in the sample size due to multiple golf trips to new courses/grasses which disadvantaged the Indi's. Indoor work will be on speed training, driver/hybrid full swings, and 40-100 yard wedges on my SC200 launch monitor. The latter is primarily using the Indi's but I don't plan on comparing to previous wedges as they outperformed at the onset of testing already.  

[Nunfa0]

On 11/7/2023 at 11:24 AM, Willie T said:

Question to the testing team(@Nunfa0,  @BMart519, @RichL85, @GolfSpy SAM)

, myself included: Will you be testing the wedges in “winter” conditions?  If I recall @Nunfa0, it’s going into his summer.   It has been so dry here in eastern NC along with moderate temps, it’s more like later summer just with brown grass.  Just seeing what the thoughts are for these. Me - planning on being out there as often as feasible, wet or dry….

I did all of my testing in winter conditions and I am looking forward to the warmth and firm conditions of summer

[Willie T]

2 hours ago, Nunfa0 said:

I did all of my testing in winter conditions and I am looking forward to the warmth and firm conditions of summer

Hear ya! 

[Fatshot]

The discussion of Indi Wedges here piqued my interest, so last week I poked around their website, found out they're having a "Black Friday" sale with a nice discount;  so I called Indi, talked to Zane, and ordered myself one of their  "Super Gap" wedges (48* bent to 49)!   It's on the way.....should arrive either tomorrow or Wednesday!   Unfortunately, the weather here in NW Ohio is turning less fall-like and starting to feel more like winter.   But, I'm sure there will be a mild day or two in late November or December (I've played here in every month of the year, at some time or another!), so I'll be trying it out.....

Edited November 21, 2023 by Fatshot

[Fatshot]

My Indi Super Gap 48* arrived today!!  Beautiful piece of equipment, and it arrived in 4-5 days, IIRC.    Even though my wife is stressing about Thanksgiving and has a list of "honeydo" chores for me a mile long, I told her, "I gotta take a break and go check this thing out!!"   Took it down to the basement, checked it for length and swingweight (right on!), and proceeded to chip a couple of dozen balls off the tight weave carpet we have down there (I always chip there in the winter, figuring if I can chip off that stuff, chipping off of grass will be easy!).   It feels great, and I like the fact that the head looks nice and compact compared to so many of the oversized heads I see in the stores.  Next will be a session outside in the back yard....weather permitting....and then it'll be in the bag!!

[GolfSpy_APH]

How are these wedges holding up now in the off season for the testers?

[Willie T]

3 minutes ago, GolfSpy_APH said:

How are these wedges holding up now in the off season for the testers?

It’s been dry here until this past week, so it’s been more like “summer” conditions in terms of turf interaction.  Hence I am seeing no real difference in performance.  With the recent rains I am looking to get out and see how they work in soft, sticky turf. 

Of course @Nunfa0 is doing the opposite as his summer is just getting ready to crank up. 

[RichL85]

6 hours ago, GolfSpy_APH said:

How are these wedges holding up now in the off season for the testers?

Pretty much the same results as summer so far. 50 and 54 are working great, the 58 can get a little weird at times. Since rain isn't really an issue here the only real difference is the amount of grass involved and how hard to ground is. I have a work trip to Florida coming up so I'm trying to justify taking the clubs with me for a few rounds over the weekend I'm there. 

[Willie T]

Spent some time in the backyard hitting a few wedge shots (54deg and 58deg).  Ground was a little soggy (had rained overnight), starting to cultivate a feel for how the Indi’s work in less than optimal turf conditions….

[Willie T]

First colder (40’s) weather round in the books with the wedges.  Had the set down to 5w, 5i, 7i, 50-54-58 INDIs, Versa putter: Played 18 holes at my local course.  Big rule of the day: 150yds or closer - wedges only, as I tend to be shorter that meant in most holes was two shot minimum.  
Course conditions: residual moisture from weekend rains making for soft turf (easy to plow turnovers) but making the greens softer.  Winds - NW at 10-15mph.  
So how did the wedges perform:  on the fairways - great turf interaction with light even divots, ball flight even more predictable - really think the softer turf plays into sole grind; into the greens - oh boy, hop and stop:  shot of the day, 70 yds out to a back pin, hit an easy 54 to just over mid green with this result:  - stop and 1 hop two inches right with a well worn Pro-V1; from the bunker - only one shot, par 3 #12 greenside bunker to an up front pin, went 58 stopping about 5’ from the hole, also green side chip with the 50 - low and spinny to an 18” stop.  End of the day - the wedges seem to be even better now….

Edited November 29, 2023 by Willie T

[Willie T]

Quick December update on the Indi’s.  In the dormant Bermuda grass at my local course, they continue to be consistent.  Friday was an unplanned round with the Men’s group, one team needed an additional player and I was asked to play as I had shown up to do some range work and testing of the Edel SMS 7i.  Needless to say the bag was light as it was Driver-3W-4h-SLDR 7i-Edel 7i-SLDR 9i. Indi wedges and Versa putter.  This was going to be a challenge - turf was dry, so I did not have to worry about plugged lies and such.  The 54 and 58 were on point getting me one-putt close for a number of up-&-down saves for par.  The closest was on 18 - front center pin, 5 paces in, sloping front….about 40 yds out.  Opt to gently toss one near the flag. The 58 delivers with a hop and stop just over 3’ above the pin.  Makes for a tricky downhill putt that rolls in for a par save.  So how are your wedges doing, given you have conditions that allow play? 

[Willie T]

December update #2:  Played today using the Indi Wedges, the Edel SMS 7i along with the AI-ONE Milled putter I am currently testing.  I thought it would be a good day for the wedges to set the table so the bag looked like this: 

 

How did the wedges do?  Setting the stage - had several inches of rain over the weekend, so ground was soft and you could layover some serious sod if not careful.  Greens super receptive - think serious hop and stop with any decent spin.  The wedges performed as I have come to expect - predictable distances and landing zones.  Had a number of wedge shots well within 10' of the pin allowing for confident putts.  You can read about that journey here: 

I also had the Edel SMS 7i demo iron in play as well, you can read about that one here: 

 

Till next time.....

[Nunfa0]

2 hours ago, Willie T said:

December update #2:  Played today using the Indi Wedges, the Edel SMS 7i along with the AI-ONE Milled putter I am currently testing.  I thought it would be a good day for the wedges to set the table so the bag looked like this: 

 

How did the wedges do?  Setting the stage - had several inches of rain over the weekend, so ground was soft and you could layover some serious sod if not careful.  Greens super receptive - think serious hop and stop with any decent spin.  The wedges performed as I have come to expect - predictable distances and landing zones.  Had a number of wedge shots well within 10' of the pin allowing for confident putts.  You can read about that journey here: 

I also had the Edel SMS 7i demo iron in play as well, you can read about that one here: 

 

Till next time.....

Loving the updates!!

 

You would think that I would be playing golf like mad, seen as I am in the beginning of summer here but life had other ideas.

I currently have a tear in my right Achillies tendon, and golf is off the table for a while . so don't expect any updates from me for the rest of this month at least.

[Willie T]

9 hours ago, Nunfa0 said:

Loving the updates!!

 

You would think that I would be playing golf like mad, seen as I am in the beginning of summer here but life had other ideas.

I currently have a tear in my right Achillies tendon, and golf is off the table for a while . so don't expect any updates from me for the rest of this month at least.

Hate that for you….hope you can get back to swinging the club soon.  

[Willie T]

Had a fun round last week - trimmed bag: Driver (G400 SFT), 3w (G410), 3h (G400), 5h (Nike CPR), 7i (Edel SMS), 9i (TM SLDR), 54* (INDI Flex S) and putter (Odyssey AI-One 7T DB)….that was a fun mix of clubs - loft gaps hovering about 8*.  This post is about the INDI 54 and it’s work all day as the utility wedge.  Anywhere from 75yds in it was called upon.  That became my goal - make up and downs for par using the 54 a viable option.  If GIR isn’t happening but up and down is possible, then the goal becomes “get the ball close” where it’s a good % roll for par.  The 54 as well as its siblings (50 and 58) continue to instill that confidence.  

[Willie T]

Winter Wedge alert! A quick blurb from the nine hole round I played yesterday with a good friend.  The wedges did their thing in blustery (40’s temps, 10-20 mph NNW winds).  Course had had rain the night before so the greens were receptive but slick.  Started on the back - 2nd shot on left had me 5yds short it’s a par 4 and the toughest ranked hole, with a center pin (about 18 yds total).  Green is elevated so I opt for the 58*.  One smooth clip and I am less than 4’ from the flag, one putt for par.  My friend is impressed.  Fast forward to hole 15, the wind takes my par putt off the elevated green backside (did I mention the greens were slick)  I’m looking bogie “if” I hole out.  I’m 5’ below the hole, it’s a back pin that’s maybe two paces off the back as I’m flying less than 10yds.  I nicely clip the ball and it hits and stops about 18” from the hole.  My friend is double impressed and says “That had some spin!”.   Walk off with a double.  Last hole, in trouble again as my 2nd shot 7i skirts on and then off the back of the green with a 20mph tail wind (bye-bye birdie - its a par 4) 10 yds off the back, again 5’  or so below the green, back pin and the green is sloping back to the front.  Need spin to stop…or I’m likely putting/pitching from the front.  The 58 delivers again with a nice hop and stop and I’m about 6’ above the hole putting downhill breaking right (hard).   Wound up two putting, but at the end of the day, the INDI wedges continue to deliver pleasing results and impressing playing partners. 

How are your INDI’s playing?  

[Fatshot]

Down in Florida for a few weeks to escape the winter up north.   I went to the driving range yesterday to shake the rust off my golf swing.   I began with the new Indi wedge that I bought on Black Friday.   Glad to report that I hit it pretty well (after a few of those "unmentionable" shots that squirt out to the right, LOL).  I seemed to hit it very high (hard to determine distance b/c the target flags were not marked for yardage) and very straight.   

Around the chipping green I made solid contact, got a nice low trajectory, and predictable roll out.   Of course, these were Florida conditions which are NOTHING like what I'll face at home in northern Ohio.    We'll see once I get home and start to play spring golf, but I was favorably impressed with the Super Gap the first time hitting "real shots!"