Let’s talk about TaylorMade’s Milled Grind wedges. Despite being a multiple Most Wanted winner, they’re arguably still one of the best-kept secrets in golf. Already in a good place, you wouldn’t blame TaylorMade for not doing much with the MG5 generation but what we’re seeing here are some of the most significant model-to-model updates in the lineup’s history.
Fully forged
It’s no secret that golfers love the soft feel associated with forging and many lament that many of the most popular wedges on the market aren’t forged. So, you’ll likely be excited to learn that MG5 wedges are fully forged from soft carbon steel. TaylorMade makes the case that, in addition to delivering that softer feel we all crave, forging yields more consistency from part to part than casting.
Of course, it’s also true that there’s plenty of milling happening here – sole, face, grooves, hosel – so TaylorMade was already doing plenty to boost consistency.
Refined shapes
There are some vagaries here but TaylorMade has made some subtle changes to the shape of the MG5. What they describe as refined leading-edge curvature and updated topline blend make it appear more symmetrical. There are definitely personal tastes at play but I haven’t always found the MG series the most visually appealing so I’m optimistic these refinements will make the wedge a bit more appealing – particularly at address.
Saw-milled grooves (because naming is everything)
Manufacturers love to name their grooves, so here you go: TaylorMade has introduced “saw-milled grooves.” The company claims the updated geometry brings them closer to USGA limits. They get there via steeper walls, sharper edge radii and tighter tolerances.
This is reasonably boilerplate as far as groove claims go; the benefit, as usual, is increased spin.
Notably, the grooves are paired with what TaylorMade calls Spin Tread Technology (I told you they love naming stuff). TaylorMade says the new grooves between the grooves work like tire treads to channel moisture and improve friction, ultimately enhancing spin retention in wet conditions. According to TaylorMade, the MG5 retains 13 percent more spin than its predecessor when moisture is introduced.
In years of Most Wanted wedge testing, we’ve seen some pretty dramatic spin dropoff after moisture is introduced so we love to see it when manufacturers tackle the problem head on.
More grind options
When it comes to getting the most out of your wedges, sole grind is a critical and often overlooked factor. As we’ve discussed countless times, finding the right wedge goes far beyond loft and bounce. One size doesn’t fit all so it’s encouraging that TaylorMade continues to extend its grind offerings.
SB Grind – You could make the case that the SB is the grind you choose when you’re not sure what grind to choose. Designed to work for a variety of swings and course conditions, the sole features four-way camber to help glide through turf, especially on partial swings and bunker shots.
SC Grind – TaylorMade’s take on the classic C grind. This mid-bounce option pairs a cambered middle section of the sole with heel, toe and trailing-edge relief. Think of it as a more versatile SB grind that’s become the preferred choice among their staff club professionals.
SX Grind – The widest sole option in the MG5 lineup, the SX grind is billed as ideal for neutral to steep swings and medium to soft conditions. Like other wide-sole offerings, the SX is a great option out of bunkers. The wide sole is paired with a bit of trailing-edge relief that adds just a hint of versatility.
HB Grind – TaylorMade’s take on a versatile high-bounce grind for soft conditions or steep swings. The HB Grind features a relieved heel with a tapered trailing edge. What that gets you is higher measured bounce towards the toe with more versatility than you’ll find in many high-bounce designs.
LB Grind – The lowest bounce option. For firm conditions and shallow swings, this is functionally TaylorMade’s answer to the T Grind. Relief in heel and toe along with leading and trailing edge keeps the wedge sitting close to the ground while offering plenty of versatility for those who like to manipulate the face.
TW Grind – What Tiger is looking for in a wedge has changed so the TaylorMade TW grind has changed accordingly. The updated grind features a new leading edge, trailing-edge relief and increased bounce in the heel. It’s Tiger’s wedge, refined for Tiger’s current preferences.
Pricing and availability
Most MG5 wedges will retail for $199. The TW Grind will, inexplicably, be priced at $219.99 – because apparently Tiger’s preferences cost extra. The wedges are available in Satin Chrome across all loft, bounce and grind combinations, and Charcoal in select combinations. Stock shafts are True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue 115 (steel) and UST Recoil DART (graphite). The stock grip is TaylorMade’s standard Golf Pride Z-Grip Plus 2.
Custom options
With the launch of MG5, TaylorMade is continuing its wedge customization platform (now MyMG5). The system allows you to customize your wedges with one of five different layouts, choose up to 12 characters’ worth of stamping and select from 15 different paint fill colors. There are also more than 50 customized logo options, colored grips and four finishes (Tour RAW, Aged Copper, Chrome, Charcoal).
Available through collegiate program
TaylorMade MG5 wedges are also part of TaylorMade’s collegiate program. Golfers have the option of stamping the logo from one of 18 schools on their wedge. Included schools are Alabama, Clemson, UCONN, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, LSU, Miami, Michigan, North Carolina, Oregon, Texas, Duke, Kentucky, Auburn, Penn State, Tennessee and Ohio State.
Because apparently even your wedges need to show school spirit.
Final thoughts
Between the tech boost, visual improvements and updated and enhanced grind list, there’s a lot to like about the MG5 wedge offering (and there was already a lot to like about TaylorMade wedges). The knock here is that as a challenger brand in the wedge category, TaylorMade has limited options for lefties, and the issue is likely compounded by the mold costs associated with a fully forged offering. The result is that a good bit of what makes MG5 compelling is only available to right-handed golfers. Left-handed options are limited to just a few lofts and only the SC and SB grinds.
Maybe next time.
TaylorMade MG5 wedges are available for pre-order now. Full retail availability begins Sept. 4. For more information, visit TaylorMadeGolf.com.
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