ClubTest First Look: TaylorMade Hi-Toe Raw wedge brings the zip

The raw face design currently found on TaylorMade’s Milled Grind 2 is a popular option in the Tour ranks. Pros want to see the ball check and stop around the green, and removing the plating from the face is an effective way to ramp up spin and enhance feel.

What some gearheads may have noticed since the advent of the raw Milled Grind 2 is the proliferation of Hi-Toe wedges featuring the same raw face technology as well. Until recently, the raw Hi-Toe was only available on Tour (and through TaylorMade’s “Vault”). Now it’ll be a click away for the masses.

The ZTP raw groove found on the Hi-Toe Raw is deep and narrow and offers a sharper radius to increase the amount of zip each wedge is able to produce. Laser etching between each groove reduces skidding up the face and enables the ball to produce a consistent launch while generating more friction at impact for extra greenside spin.

Because the face is raw, an oxidization process occurs once the face is exposed. To keep the face fresh, each 8620 carbon steel head features a 3M adhesive sticker covering the grooves. But once the sticker is removed, the face will slowly start to take on a layer of rust.

“We know that raw creates great spin, especially in wet conditions,” said Bill Price, TaylorMade’s senior director of putters and wedges.”

Unlike the Milled Grind 2, the grooves on the Hi-Toe stretch all the way across the face for consistent contact and spin on off-center strikes.

The same thick-thin design found on Milled Grind 2 is now part of the Hi-Toe as well. Using an optimization tool previously applied during the metalwood and iron design processes, a thicker back section transitions into a thin outer section to optimize “frequency and duration” for better overall sound and feel.

The leading edge height on the Milled Grind sole — each sole is CNC milled to ensure the leading edge and sole geometry is consistent from head to head — was also lowered slightly to improve turf interaction.

“[The leading edge] makes it very versatile off of all types of lies,” said Price. “It’s so easy to slide the wedge under the ball, especially in those tight lie conditions.”

Keeping in line with the aged look on the raw face, each head is finished in a “slightly tarnished” aged copper to give it a classic, worn feel.

In addition to the Hi-Toe, the wedge will be offered in a high-bounce Hi-Toe Raw Big Foot with a C-Grind sole that’s 6 millimeters wider (32 millimeters versus 26 millimeters) than the standard wedge to reduce the chances of catching it heavy at impact.

TaylorMade’s Hi-Toe Raw and Hi-Toe Raw Big Foot ($180) will be available Feb. 19 in a multitude of lofts. (See the stock shaft, grip and loft offerings below.)

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