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The TaylorMade Milled Grind HI-TOE wedge is an unusual looking wedge with solid performance.

Introduction

Wedges aren’t usually the hottest product category, but they were having their moment at the 2018 PGA Show.  One of the big reasons was the latest from TaylorMade, the Milled Grind HI-TOE wedge.  Equipment geeks had been seeing it in the bags of pros like Rory and DJ and dying to get a first hand look.  In this review, we’ll discuss whether this is a good option for the everyday golfer or if it’s best left to the top players.

Looks

The Milled Grind HI-TOE is one of the most distinctive looking wedges available.  In the bag, the copper finish and hollowed-out parts of the sole catch your eye.

When you set it down, you see something unique: grooves that run all the way from heel to toe.  The shape is defined by the namesake feature, the HI-TOE, which creates an extra large face.  You’ll also notice a very round toe and leading edge, two features that make it easier to lay the face wide open for creative shots around the green.

Sound & Feel

While the look of the HI-TOE is unusual, the feel is rather ordinary.  It’s neither too soft nor too firm.  Impact creates a robust “click” when the ball is hit well, a duller sound when it’s mishit.

Performance

Though originally released as a specialty wedge in only higher lofts, TaylorMade has expanded the HI-TOE offerings to lofts from 50 to 64 degrees.  TM also released more sole designs.  In the low lofted wedges – 50, 52, 54 – TaylorMade offers the Standard Sole, optimized for full swings in normal or soft conditions.

The other two sole offerings are the 4-Way Sole and the ATV Grind.  The 4-Way Sole is available in the 56, 58, and 60 degree wedges and features relief in the trailing edge and heel.  In the 58, 60, and 64 degree wedges, players can opt for the ATV Grind which has a V-shaped leading edge and a channel cut out of the mid-sole.

Regardless of the grind, I found that the weight that was milled out of the lower section of the head made the HI-TOE a surprisingly strong performer on full swings.  This really stands out at the higher lofts where shots still retain a penetrating trajectory.

Of course, the primary appeal of the HI-TOE is its versatility and increased area for hitting open-faced shots.  I did find the full-face grooves oddly comforting when laying the face wide open.  There’s also little question that the additional area in the high toe can come in handy when dealing with unpredictable lies.

Conclusion

Even if you don’t consider yourself a short game artist, the TaylorMade HI-TOE wedges deserve serious consideration.  Though the look is unorthodox, the performance is strong and the added sole choices make it even more appealing.

TaylorMade Milled Grind HI-TOE Wedge Price & Specs

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Matt Saternus

Co-Founder, Editor In Chief at PluggedInGolf.com

Matt is a golf instructor, club fitter, and writer living in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. Matt's work has been published in Mulligan Magazine, Chicagoland Golf, South Florida Golf, and other golf media outlets. He's also been a featured speaker in the Online Golf Summit and is a member of Ultimate Golf Advantage's Faculty of Experts.

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