This is Golfer Geeks’
I’m a teaching pro & scratch golfer who has played golf for 30 years. I’m always looking to improve my game, even if it’s just a shot or two here and there. I love testing new strategies both on and off the course and studying golf swings to see what actually works.
I’ve got 2 rounds, 4 hours on the range, and one session on a Foresight GC3 launch monitor with the
Summary: The
In this review of the
- Good spin rates on partial shots
- Milled from 8620 carbon steel for premium feel
- Multiple bounce options
- No lofts below 50 degrees
- Low spin rates on full shots
- Odd shape takes getting used to
TaylorMade Hi-Toe 3 Wedge Overview
I’ve heard a lot about
I was pretty excited about what they had to offer, especially from a spin perspective.
TaylorMade creates the Hi-Toe in lofts starting at 50 degrees.
Why?
These wedges are for the short shots around the greens. If you need to get up and down quickly, out of a bunker, save par (or all of the above), the technology here is what you are looking for.
The
Combine that with a really nice aged copper color, and you have yourself a greenside partner.
Translation- If the short shots are where you need the most help (even if the golf ball is in the rough), the
Why Consider the Hi-Toe 3 Wedge?
The
However, the
I you need short game accuracy, precision, and spin from within 50 yards, the
The main benefits of the
- Higher launch, even on short shots
- It has a firm yet workable feel when hitting some of these more difficult shots around the green
- Good spin rates out of the rough, and especially out of the sand
- Above-average spin rates on partial shots
Club tested:
- Loft – 58 degrees
- Bounce – 10 degrees
- Grind – Standard
- Shaft – KBS Hi-Rev 2.0 125 S
TaylorMade Hi-Toe 3 Specs and Loft Options
TaylorMade makes it simple with these Hi-Toe 3 wedges. You can only get them in lofts of 50 or above, and you will have to choose a bounce, but there are no grind options. Again, this is kind of a unique tool; I would think just one of these in the bag should be enough.
- 2 finish options: Chrome, Aged Copper
- Loft options: Ranging from 50 to 60 degrees
- Grind options: Low Bounce (7 degrees), Standard Bounce (9 or 10 degrees), High Bounce (13 degrees)
My Experience with the TaylorMade Hi-Toe 3 Wedge
As always, I like to start with the Foresight GC3 launch monitor and see what kind of numbers the
On the longer approach shots, I couldn’t get much more than 7700 rpm. I was hitting this 58 degree, about 80 yards, which is pretty standard for me, but the spin rates just did not want to climb. For comparison, when testing the Callaway Jaws or Titleist SM9, the spin rates were 9500+ consistently.
However, on the short shots, 50 yards and the spin rates from Hi-Toe 3 were some of the best. Expect the numbers to be in the 7300-7500 range for a golfer with a similar swing speed to me (75-78 mph with a steel shafted wedge).
On the course, you can really see what the Hi-Toe 3 wedge is made of.
Anytime I used the club from about 40 yards in, I instantly saw what people liked about the forgiveness, feel, and precision. I don’t love the full scoring lines on clean shots from a perfect lie, but when you get in the rough and you want to open the face a little, the Hi-Toe 3 has you covered.
One last thing: don’t let this blade style scare you away if you are a higher handicapper; there is plenty of forgiveness in the Hi-Toe 3 design.
Review of the TaylorMade Hi-Toe Wedge
Looks: (A) Overall, the shaping of the club isn’t as clean or classic-looking as other brands, but I did love the aged copper finish.
Sound/ Feel: (A+) Excellent sound and feel; no trouble throwing this right in the bag and adjusting to it within a hole or two.
Distance and Distance Control: (B+) You will hit this higher than other wedges in your bag because of the optimized center of gravity. It takes a bit to get distance control down, but then it’s quite good on shorter shots.
Forgiveness: (A+) One of the more forgiving choices on the market; I like it for higher handicappers as much as I like it for lower handicappers.
Spin: (A) I couldn’t give the Hi-Toe 3 wedges an A+ on spin because of those full swing shots; however, for short shots, it would earn the A+ without a doubt.
Consistency: (A) Even though total spin rates were lower on the longer shots, the consistency is there – consistency all around is great with the Hi-Toe 3.
Value: (B+) Premium wedge pricing, and it won’t perform as well on longer shots; I would say the value is great if you need to regain control, specifically around the greens.
Customer Reviews
The customer reviews were overwhelmingly positive for the
Some golfers mentioned that even though the raw face will turn over time, it blends in well with the copper coloring of the wedge.
- “Great Wedge, when I’m using this, I feel like I have unlimited control with the club and can put whatever spin I want on it. Would recommend it for new golfers as well, as it is very forgiving.”
- “Great feel, accurate shot making. The smooth bounce helps to make solid contact and get it up in the air quickly.”
- “Should have higher loft options like the original Hi-Toe; it doesn’t need to stop at 60.”
- “Fantastic wedge, especially from fluffy lies and soft sand. I got the 60 degrees with 13 degrees of bounce.”
Potential Alternatives
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Description:
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- Exceptional spin rates
- Superb feel & distance control
- Available in several finishes & grinds
- Nada
- Impressive distance control
- Great feel on both long and short shots
- Not too soft coming off the face of the club
- Spin, regardless of the lie
- Zilch
- Similar technology and feel to Jaws Raw Chrome
- Anti-glare black finish
- Stays looking new for a longer time
- Not as consistent as Chrome version
Our Verdict on the TaylorMade Hi-Toe 3 Wedge Review
The
Just don’t expect a ton outside of that 50-75-yard range; there are better options.
If you are carrying four wedges, you have plenty of room (and reason) to incorporate this TaylorMade Hi-Toe 3 into the mix.
Our #1 suggestion is to get your hands on it before you buy. Either at your local golf store or use Global Golf’s Utry trial program. I use it and recommend it.
Thanks for checking out our
- Good spin rates on partial shots
- Milled from 8620 carbon steel for premium feel
- Multiple bounce options
- No lofts below 50 degrees
- Low spin rates on full shots
- Odd shape takes getting used to
