Gunmetal finish durability

[B-Con]

I'm looking at buying a/some wedge(s) and I've seen a lot of deals with gunmetal finishes around. I saw the sticker on a 588 DSG with a gunmetal finish and it said that

The GunMetal finish on this wedge will wear, fade and rust after repeated use in bunkers and over time.

Does this mean

a) nothing, it's just a standard "don't expect the club to look brand new forever" warning, or b) that gunmetal similar to RTG finishes, in that it's supposed to rust? Or, c) that gunmetal is just an alternate finish on a club that wears off. In the event of (c), would a chrome finish last longer? I'm not overly concerned with looks, but the gunmetal finish looks very nice. But ultimately I'd prefer something with a hardy finish.

[alf174]

Chrome will last longer. A true gunmetal finish, say black oxide, adds only a mild corrosion resistance. As the finish wears off, the metal is unprotected and rust may/will naturally form.

[Jesh]

Are wedges supposed to rust, or is that a certain type? I'm a fairly new golfer, and one of the guys I golf with sometimes told me that the 50 degree wedge he has is rusted on purpose.

[B-Con]

Are wedges supposed to rust, or is that a certain type? I'm a fairly new golfer, and one of the guys I golf with sometimes told me that the 50 degree wedge he has is rusted on purpose.

I know that some types are. Like for the Cleveland 588 model, the RTG finish is supposed to be rusted. I've heard of people who leave them in a bucket of water over night the moment they get them to get the rust started.

Frankly, it seems odd to me, but if it doesn't inhibit the usability of the club, then to each his own.

[glbrum]

I know that some types are. Like for the Cleveland 588 model, the RTG finish is supposed to be rusted. I've heard of people who leave them in a bucket of water over night the moment they get them to get the rust started.

I'm pretty sure that's the model SW I have and it is rusty. It doesn't inhibit the playability of the club, nor does it increase it. I think it was a marketing gimmick that said, "rust=more spin". I don't think that has made a different in my wedge play...

[B-Con]

I'm pretty sure that's the model SW I have and it is rusty. It doesn't inhibit the playability of the club, nor does it increase it. I think it was a marketing gimmick that said, "rust=more spin". I don't think that has made a different in my wedge play...

Maybe the idea is that rust is rougher and will do a better job of gripping the ball on contact.

Chrome will last longer. A true gunmetal finish, say black oxide, adds only a mild corrosion resistance. As the finish wears off, the metal is unprotected and rust may/will naturally form.

For those who like to maintain the GunMetal finish, is re-finishing every X hits a standard practice?

[alf174]

No, haven't heard of anyone refinishing the gunmetal versions; they're usually trying to accelerate the appearance of rust by soaking them in something corrosive (IIRC, its coca-cola or pepsi).

[Zeph]

Have you considered Black nickel, if the wedges you are looking at offer it? Not as bright as chrome, not as dark as gunmetal, got the same protective finish as the chrome and got great feel. I've got black nickel on my wedges and love it.

[B-Con]

No, haven't heard of anyone refinishing the gunmetal versions; they're usually trying to accelerate the appearance of rust by soaking them in something corrosive (IIRC, its coca-cola or pepsi).

True, most people do seem more eager to encourage it than discourage it.

Have you considered Black nickel, if the wedges you are looking at offer it? Not as bright as chrome, not as dark as gunmetal, got the same protective finish as the chrome and got great feel. I've got black nickel on my wedges and love it.

I can't find a black nickel version of the 588s. The 588 TA is only made in Chrome now, and the 588 DSG is made in Chrome, RTG, and GunMetal.

I've actually ordered a 60* GunMetal DSG. If I feel so moved, I might get one for my GW as well. In making that purchase decision, I'm not sure if I'll choose the same finish. It really is a nice look, but you can get Chrome re-finished.