TaylorMade has unveiled its latest line in the Milled Grind wedge family, Milled Grind 5 (MG5). The MG5 line features numerous proven TaylorMade technologies as well as several new updates designed to enhance feel, spin, versatility and overall performance.
MG5 wedges will be available for preorder on August 7 and at trusted retail outlets on September 4 for £179 / €229 TW Grind wedges will sell for £199 / €259
THERE’S FEEL. THEN THERE’S FORGED FEEL
Having spent countless hours with the best players in the world, the TaylorMade R&D team has learned that a wedge can never feel soft enough in their hands.
That’s why for the first time ever, MG5 wedges are fully forged from soft carbon steel. Not only does the forging process allow golfers to experience soft feel around the green where they need it most, it ensures consistency in the wedge from top to bottom.
The process starts with a billet of soft carbon steel that’s heated and bent into an L-shape. The piece then goes through a rough forging process where excess material is trimmed away, and the wedge begins to take shape.
Next comes precision forging where the cosmetics and the grind begin to form. From there, the grind, face, grooves and hosel are machined to ensure consistency and that each wedge comes out exactly as it was designed.
The final steps involve a slew of cosmetic detailing processes to round out the final product.
Compared to MG4, MG5 features refined leading-edge curvature and an updated top line blend for a more symmetric overall profile.
“Inspired by some feedback from Collin Morikawa, we set out to make the best feeling wedge TaylorMade has ever created. The best players will tell you having great feel around the greens is critical to having confidence in your short game… and to have the best feeling wedge, it needs to be forged.”
Matt Bovee, Director of Product Creation – Iron and Wedge
SAW-MILLED GROOVES
MG5 wedges are the first in the MG family to employ aggressive saw-milled grooves. The saw-milling process allows TaylorMade’s designers to come even closer to the legal limits of groove geometry.
Reengineered with ultra-tight tolerances, steeper walls and sharper radii, these grooves help MG5 produce more spin than previous MG generations.
SPIN RETENTION IN WET CONDITIONS
Like MG generations before, MG5 wedges utilise a RAW face finish and all-new continuous Spin Tread Technology to help golfers maintain spin and control in wet conditions.
The continuous Spin Treads act like all-weather tires on a road as they redirect water away from the face and increase friction at impact.
With Spin Tread Technology working in concert with the saw-milled grooves, MG5 retains 13% more spin than MG4 in wet conditions. These technologies also maintain a more consistent launch angle between wet and dry conditions.
MORE GRIND OPTIONS FOR MORE GOLFERS
MG5 wedges feature six different Tour-inspired grinds that were crafted by TaylorMade master wedge craftsman Greg Cesario to give golfers a wide array of options to fit their game.
Three of those grinds fit TaylorMade’s standard bounce profile that the majority of golfers gravitate toward: the SB, SC and SX grinds.
SB GRIND
The SB grind features a full sole design with constant trailing edge relief for smooth and consistent turf interaction that’s compatible with most swing types.
This grind’s gentle four-way camber allows for increased versatility for golfers that like to manipulate the face.
Additionally, the increased sole width provides an added layer of forgiveness, especially for golfers with steeper swings. Most golfers will find this wedge beneficial in virtually all turf conditions.
SC GRIND
The SC grind is TaylorMade’s signature mid-bounce grind and has quickly become the preferred grind amongst staff club professionals.
The medium-low bounce design with added camber in the middle of the sole also features distinct heel, toe and trailing edge relief.
The result is a grind that’s crafted for ultimate greenside versatility in all turf conditions for players that like to manipulate the face, while providing consistent full-shot stability at the same time.
SX GRIND
A new grind in the MG family, the SX grind features the widest sole and utilises increased curvature to provide consistent turf interaction and performance out of the bunker.
The reverse-C trailing edge provides relief which keeps the bounce consistent as golfers manipulate the face.
This grind is ideal for golfers looking for the ultimate blend of stability and versatility.
“For the first time in my career, the MG5 lineup of wedges represents the closest thing to the perfect array of grinds, shapes, feel and spin in one package that I’ve seen in over 45 years.”
Greg Cesario, TaylorMade Wedge Master Craftsman
In addition to the three standard bounce options, the MG5 line also includes three additional grinds for golfers looking for specialised performance.
HB GRIND
The HB grind is crafted for golfers with steeper swings or that play in soft conditions. Its high-bounce design provides stability and forgiveness.
At the same time, unique heel relief and the tapered trail edge allow for plenty of versatility, and for the wedge to exit the turf quickly without digging.
LB GRIND
The LB grind features minimal bounce and allows the leading edge to sit close to the ground. The modified C-grind emphasises this address orientation, especially when the face is in an open position.
The pronounced beveled leading edge and added camber prevent the leading edge from digging. This grind is perfect for golfers with shallow swings and those that play in tight, firm conditions.
TW GRIND
The TW grind has been updated to reflect Tiger’s most current desires in a wedge. This grind features additional camber, and a new leading-edge blend into the sole for increased effective bounce and less heel relief in the 60° compared to the original TW grind.
“For my entire career, I’ve been a universal player, and that’s been reflected in my wedge setup. Over the years, I’ve specifically honed in on grind profiles that allow me to execute all the shots I need in all different conditions. The MG5 TW grind allows me to do exactly that.”
Tiger Woods
Read the full article here