According to Bob the bottom line is that rust does virtually nothing to affect spin. We have not been able to measure any meaningful change in spin because of the typical surface rust we see on raw wedges. Grooves and player technique is what determines spin. That said if the rust is significant enough to change/reduce the groove area, width and spacing it could start to reduce spin.

We offer the Oil Can finish (essentially a raw wedge) for two reasons. The first and biggest reason is appearance. Players like the look. Some players feel it has less glare than our Tour Chrome and Black Nickel finishes. The second reason is that some players have the perception that a raw wedge is softer than a plated wedge. We have never been able to measure this and the fact that all Vokey wedges use a soft mild carbon steel 8620 base material, the wedges will feel soft no matter what finish you choose. However perception is a powerful thing and "if a player believes it then so be it".

The final point is that grooves on raw wedges wear quicker which is what typically reduces spin, not rust.

I have a macbook with a built-in isight video camera and imovie editor. I set it up on a chair and record my swing from two angles. You can play it in slow motion going backward and forward.

Checking swing plane, spine angles, head level, and impact position is important. I also date each recording session to chart progress.

Don't forget that many still cameras have a video feature on them now that will allow you to put them on the computer as well, but the quality will not be the same.

I bought my irons and driver some six months back. At the time I was playing at about 14.6 handicap index. I think of myself as a bogey golfer.

But I went ahead and bought Taylor Made r7 TP irons. I went with TP instead of the more forgiving r7 (which I owned previously) to force myself to have to swing better. These clubs are much less forgiving that the regular r7s and if I swing to hard or don't focus, its going to shank or go off where I don't want it to.

As a result, my handicap index is now 12.6 (I know its not because of my putting). But the first 8 or so rounds were very tough. Now I swing with a good tempo, keep my head down and insure I follow thru. Without those three given my swing the r7 TP would almost certainly result in a bad shot. I've gained a bit of distance, but not much of consequence.

So that is my reason. I also really loved the Mizuno MP 57, but they were much more expensive at the time. I also got fit for these clubs, every club had to be cut down by half an inch including my driver. Seems to have really helped me.

I prefer my irons but would enjoy the distance that hybrids can and should give.

Rust: I carry two Titleist Vokey wedges, 50 & 54 degree, both in oil can finish. They play fantastic and I have never allowed them to rust nor will I. Take the time and clean your sticks, they're an investment. Take a look at your bag, if you keep the latest gear, you're talking about thousands of dollars in golf equipment. I don't know of anything else that men and women will spend money on in these amounts and then treat as badly. Spot on, clean and care for your clubs and they'll give you a better result on the course.

Ranges: This is where I disagree the most, financially speaking. Ranges and courses are doing what's best for their bottom line. They have to have a cheap, durable ball, and it's not going to respond like your Titleist. Practice your swing, don't worry about shape, control, height, etc. You're not going to get that unless you're a Pro, or belong to a pretty exclusive club.

Cameras: Couldn't agree more! Get your swing on camera, it will be the most humbling and educational thing you ever do for your game. You really want to see why Pros hit the 6 iron 200 yards, watch your swing, compare, and you'll see.

Hybrids: Most folks I know, they help, they help a lot. Know your game and your swing. Get fitted.

Balls: Get fitted for those too, and stick with one.

Furthermore, driving-ranges just seem to be clogged-up with complete lunkheads showing off in fron of their girlfriends/wives by smashing ball after ball with the driver (or not, as the case generally tends to be).

I typically use mid-range balls for practice rounds, but stick with Pro V1s when playing for blood. I don't think it makes a whole lot of difference which reasonably good ball you use when competing except for consistent expectations, especially for putting.

Totally agree with that. I have stopped asking play partners and friends what they hit. Instead I will ask why they hit them. Of course I generally ignore answers like "straight and long".