Think it’s time for fresh wedges? Do this test to be sure | Fully Equipped Mailbag

Welcome to another edition of the Fully Equipped mailbag, an interactive GOLF.com series in which our resident dimplehead (a.k.a., GOLF’s managing editor of equipment, Jonathan Wall) fields your hard-hitting gear questions. 

I picked up a set of used wedges recently that have some noticeable wear on the faces. I’m not quite sure if the wear is messing with my short game, so I’ve continued to play them because they were relatively cheap. Is there a way to know for sure when they are completely shot? — Titus, Sacramento

Titus, I want you to think of your wedge grooves as a set of tires. When the tread starts to wear down, you increase the chances of a host of things going wrong — suspension, alignment, blowout. These are just a few of the major issues that could occur if you drive on tires with little to no tread. And we haven’t even discussed adding rain to the equation.

This isn’t an automotive mailbag, but it’s important to point out the value in keeping tabs on your tires. The “penny test” is a simple way to determine if it’s time for new wheels. Grab a single Abe Lincoln and you’re good to go.

What’s interesting is a similar groove test can be conducted on your wedges to determine if they need to be replaced. Commonly referred to as the “fingernail test,” it simply requires you to run your fingernail down the face of the wedge to see if your nail gets caught in each groove. If you’re catching each groove along the way, then you can rest easy knowing the wedge still has life.

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TaylorMade Milled Grind 4 Custom Wedge

$179.99

Milled Grind 4 utilizes laser etched Spin Tread and a raw face to provide better bite around the greens and superior spin in wet conditions. Refined shaping creates a smooth aesthetic that inspires creativity around the greens, while improved mass distribution provides a solid feel.
IMPROVED SPIN IN WET CONDITIONS

Spin Tread technology utilizes laser etching to channel away moisture and help retain spin in wet conditions. The same way that tire treads help your car stay connected to the road, Spin Tread redirects water at impact and creates more friction between the club face and golf ball to impart more spin than prior generations.
REFINED SHAPING

MG4 features refinements in shape and visual appeal with a focus on what players perceive at address. Details from the hosel blend, offset and leading-edge straightness were all inspired by the insights and preferences of the best players and most experienced designers. Compared to the previous MG3, MG4 showcases a slightly larger footprint that provides players with a sense of roundness, smoothness and improved ease of use.
RAW FACE & NEW FINISH

There’s a reason raw wedges are preferred by the game’s best players. The unplated material will rust over time to preserve consistent spin while also delivering better performance in wet conditions. A new refined finish with a slightly darker tint minimizes glare and blends seamlessly with the raw face for a unified appearance.

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However, if your nail runs right across any of the grooves — the lower grooves are the most important for most amateurs — it’s probably because they’re completely worn. That’s when you know it’s time to spring for a new wedge.

Thankfully, wedges are relatively inexpensive compared to a new driver or iron, so you won’t have to break the bank for a fresh sand or lob wedge.

And if you’re still skeptical about how much groove wear impacts performance, GOLF.com ran a test a few years back that revealed a new wedge produced nearly 2,000 RPMs more spin on a 90-yard shot when compared to a wedge with grooves that weren’t anywhere close to being shot.

Now imagine what that spin delta would look like against a worn-out scoring tool. Give the “fingernail test” a try to ensure you never have to worry about sacrificing performance on the course.

Want to overhaul your bag for 2023? Find a fitting location near you at True Spec Golf.

Jonathan Wall

Golf.com Editor

Jonathan Wall is GOLF Magazine and GOLF.com’s Managing Editor for Equipment. Prior to joining the staff at the end of 2018, he spent 6 years covering equipment for the PGA Tour. He can be reached at jonathan.wall@golf.com.