

If your nail slides over the groove and onto the next, it’s time to start searching for a new wedge. If it does, you’re doing just fine in the groove department. Run your nail down the face of the wedge and notice if your nail gets caught up in each groove.

It’s a basic test, but Briand suggests doing what’s called the “fingernail test” on your wedge to get a quick idea of where your grooves are at. That being said, don’t let this deter you from buying raw wedges.

However, that probably isn’t the case for the average mid-handicapper.
#LAZARUS WEDGES PRO#
“It’s not a rapid rate of decline, but depending on where you live and the course conditions you typically play, you might need a new wedge sooner.”įor a pro stick who gets his wedges for free, it’s a trade-off they don’t even consider. “Without the plating, you’ll likely see the grooves wear quicker than something with a chrome finish,” Briand said. However, if you decide to go away from the standard chrome finish - chrome can keep the wedge from rusting - it’s important to be mindful of a potential tradeoff that exists. Nearly every manufacturer offers a raw option these days, so getting your hands on a set isn’t a problem. They rust over time, are generally resistant to glare, and tend to produce a softer feel at impact.
#LAZARUS WEDGES PROFESSIONAL#
Raw (or unplated) wedges are a popular option in the professional ranks. But for those on a budget, it might be worth it to bring a small towel along to clean off the pellets. If you’re OK springing for new wedges on a semi-regular basis, don’t worry about cleaning off the balls. Factor in all the range balls you’re likely hitting and it can no doubt accelerate groove wear.” “For people who work on sandy-based practice ranges, hitting wet balls covered in sand is going to chew the face up over time. “If you are a practicer, keeping your practice balls clean prior to strike can help extend the life of your wedge grooves,” Briand said. According to Tim Briand, Executive Vice President of ’s sister company True Spec Golf, you should be paying more attention to the condition of the practice balls, especially if you frequent courses with a certain soil content. Speaking of practice, you likely aren’t analyzing the balls you’re banging while perfecting the mega-flop. But what happens if you practice more than you play? That certainly needs to be taken into consideration when it comes to the life of the grooves, especially if lengthy short game sessions are a regular part of your practice routine. For the average recreational golfer who plays regularly, that comes out to about every 18 to 24 months. Studies have shown that a typical wedge will last 65-75 rounds before there’s a dip in performance. There are practice rounds at home and countless hours spent working around the green. Of course, each wedge in a Tour player’s bag is logging more than just competitive rounds. It probably comes out to 35-50 rounds, with many requesting fresh sets in advance of major championships. The average Tour player replaces his wedges at least a handful of times per season. If your wedges are on the newer side but you’re still not sure if they need to be replaced, it’s still considering these 5 thoughts to determine if a set of wedges is in your future.
#LAZARUS WEDGES UPGRADE#
If you’ve been using the same wedge for longer than you can remember - and play golf regularly - it’s probably time to upgrade to something with fresh grooves. With a price tag around $110-160, it’s the kind of purchase that will yield immediate results without breaking the bank. Spending extra time on the short game practice area can make it a reality, but if you find that even well-struck wedge shots aren’t producing positive results, it might be time to take a closer look at your scoring clubs.Įvery wedge has a lifespan and depending on how often you practice and play, you’ll eventually hit a point where a new wedge (or two) becomes a necessary purchase.

Analyzing the grooves can give you an idea of the life left in your wedge.Īny golfer would love to have the drop-and-stop pitch shot in their arsenal.
