All purpose wedges - legit?

[Joe Sandbagger]

I'm in the market for a new gap wedge. I've got a 48 and a 56 I'm reasonably content with. I only play 4-5 rounds a year and I'm intrigued by the all purpose wedges coming out, namely the Taylor Made ATV and the re-issue Cobra Trusty Rusty. Are these designs really what they say they are or is it just a bunch of marketing hype? If they really are so versatile all around I might be inclined to get one. Or, is it just a ploy to get slouches such as myself to shell out  $100+ when I could pick up a used Vokey for half that.

[Old1964]

The ATV's are available in 7 different lofts (that's 7 different wedge options from 50 - 64 degrees).

They advertise these as All-Terrain. I guess they mean you can hit these out of sand, rough, or fairway. Of course, every wedge can be hit from all these places as well.

Sounds like you need to stick a 52 degree wedge in your bag - since that is where your gap is. 4 more degrees than your first wedge and 4 degrees less than your 56.

Enjoy.

[Joe Sandbagger]

Indeed, 52 is what I'll go for. Picking the bounce is what troubles me. That's why I was curious about these all purpose wedges. TM says they don't even put a bounce rating on the ATV because they allege it will perform with needed bounce based on how open the face is and hand and club face position. Were this true, I'd take a chance. I just wonder, is there really is such a wedge with a contoured bounce that can sweep AND dig?

[BugDude]

I only have my set's pitcing wedge and a Vokey 54* sand wedge with 8 bounce (kind of a tweener loft).  I can lay it open or hood it and get a lot of variety out of it.  To me it is easier to learn a couple wedges than three or four.  I tried a lob and I just didn't use it enough to justify carrying it.

[Old1964]

It does sound like they designed it to be a "tweener" indeed.

Most of my golfer friends just get wedges that are middle of the road (in terms of bounce) and then learn to use the club brilliantly. Sounds like you have a plan now.

Of course, let us know if this wedge is incredible

[Joe Sandbagger]

Hopefully I'm not breaking any rules with this link but... http://www.golfwrx.com/forums/topic/615965-taylormade-atv-wedges-photosreview-theyre-on-to-something-here-boys/page__pid__4520935#entry4520935

Seems there is some validity to the claims TM is making, at least by a few TM fan boys. Not sure I can afford $130 right now, considering a Maltby Tricept 52* 6 bounce for $35 and making it myself.

I agree with Bugdude, I don't want an army of wedges. If I can find a gap that I can open up and feel confident I'm not going to skull it 20 yards past the pin, I'll be happy. None the less, I will continue to follow the word on the ATV.

Thanks for the words of advice. I'll keep you posted

[glock35ipsc]

The Maltby Tricepts are as good as any out there, you would be very happy with that wedge.  And if you can wait until April, the Tricept MG would be the one to get.

[Joe Sandbagger]

I called Golfworks today to see if the Lamkin X10 grip that comes with the MG Tech club pack came in oversize (which it doesn't, they recommended build up tape). They never mentioned it wasn't available, I got the impression they were ready to ship. I like the chrome look and the smaller sole, if that means I wait a few weeks so be it. Can't beat that price and I get to brag I built it myself. Thanks for the heads up!

[glock35ipsc]

Maybe they are ready, I should call.  Been waiting to get a few!

[GaijinGolfer]

IMO, its all marketing hype.  Im not a believer that you can make a club with a variable bounce or a bounce that works out of any lie equally well.  Sorry, not buying it.

[Mr. Desmond]

IF there are "all purpose" wedges, then I think OEMs need to produce an Owner's Manual to show you how to properly use the wedge in various conditions. IN fact, I'm surprised there is not a "quick start" manual with wedges on how to use bounce, loft, etc. in various conditions.

I do think conditions play a role in what grind you should choose on a sole to put the bounce into play. I am not of the camp that you can use any wedge, and that various "grinds" are laughable. I've owned and tried to play some wedges and just could not hit the ball with them on certain shots - some have too much bounce or too little bounce too wide, or too much or too little camber - it's like Goldilocks and the 3 Bears - you're trying to find a wedge that is just right (although you can have many that are jussst right).

I've found it easy to choose the "right" gap and sand wedge -- it's the lob wedge with a versatile grind that is difficult. I have three at the moment - one has high bounce (15) with some camber and relief but it's tough to use for every shot I want in drought type conditions. The other has 10 of bounce with some camber and relief and is better in drought conditions (Vokey SM4 60-10), and also have a SM4 62-07 for a particularly dry course with small greens.

I'm thinking that one needs a couple of high lofted wedges - I know Utley believes in a 58-12 (see the SM4 M grind 58-12) with relief everywhere and a guy with his talent can use it off the sidewalk and make it work for him. That is a nice wedge (similar to the 60-10), just slightly too wide for me. Of course, I can  make any wedge work by eliminating the bounce and holding my hands far ahead of the club head - but that defeats the purpose of the sole and how it is designed.

Okay - back to the original question - the TM ATV Wedge or Eidolon V Sole are two all purpose wedges that come to mind - do they work? Yes, some do. I once played the Eidolon (it spun like heck but the feel was jarring to me) and it did work. I'm sure the ATV Wedge will work for most shots. But once again, I think you need a quick start manual on how to make the sole work for you.

[Joe Sandbagger]

Glock, I got my order confirmation from Golfworks. Shows the MG tech is "backordered" until April 6, so you were correct

As for a wedge manual, I'd love one! 100 yards in is the money shot, imho.

[Joe Sandbagger]

I got the 52/6 yesterday and built it last night. The Lamkin X-10 grip it comes with is too smooth for a wedge imo so I put a Permawrap Classic on it. Visually, it looks like a nice stick. It opens up a LOT and I have a hard time seeing the difference between it and my 56. Conversely, compared to my 48 it looks like 8* difference not 4. I'll post a review once I've had a chance to smack it around.