TaylorMade Hi-Toe Raw Wedge Review
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What we say...
TaylorMade Hi-Toe Raw wedges have a face that will rust over time to bring even more spin and control to your short game.
TaylorMade have brought the Raw Face Technology from their hugely-successful MG2 wedge into their Hi-Toe line-up for 2021.
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The design features sharper, deeper and narrower grooves and a sharper edge radius, with a rougher laser etched surface between the grooves, which TaylorMade say will help generate greater greenside spin.
Compared with plated grooves, the design increases friction by reducing the ability for the ball to skid up the clubface before it grips, enabling a more consistent ball flight with each wedge shot and higher spin rates in wet conditions.
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Each Hi-Toe Raw wedge head is created from 8620 Carbon Steel and comes with an air-tight adhesive sticker on the face to prevent rusting before use. When you remove the sticker, though, the face will immediately begin oxidising, which in turn, begins a rusting process.
Milled Grind soles maximise consistency from wedge to wedge and ensure repeatable performance and turf interaction,
Available in 50º – 62º, the lower lofted models feature standard face scoring lines as they’re more likely to be used on full approach shots, while the models in 56º and above have full face scoring lines to encourage consistent ball contact out of the deep rough and increased spin on off-centre strikes.
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First introduced in 2018, the new wedge has a lot of similarities to the original.
Hi-Toe was developed in close association with then TaylorMade staffer Justin Rose to add short game versatility and the opportunity to hit explosion shoes from anywhere.
A toe height that is 5mm higher than a standard wedge allows a higher of centre of gravity, providing a flatter ball flight and higher-spin performance on full approach shots or finesse shots around the green.
The idea proved a hit with Dustin Johnson, Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm as all have had Hi-Toe wedges in their bags.
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The 2021 Hi-Toe Raw has seen TaylorMade’s engineers alter the geometry of the clubhead to create a “Thick-Thin” head design which is more commonly used in metalwood and irons designs and the brands Milled Grind 2 wedge.
The thinner topline, along with additional redistributed mass, allows engineers to optimise the centre of gravity location for precise flight and enhanced feel
The new wedge also has a less ‘in your face’ look thanks to a classic aged copper finish.
As well as the standard models, there’s also a Hi-Toe Raw Big Foot. First introduced in 2019, Big Foot is aimed at game-improvers with its ultra-wide sole (32mm compared to the traditional 26mm) making it easier to use regardless of the conditions, but especially out of bunkers.
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The anti-dig leading edge is blunter and has a bevelled leading edge radius, with a maximum bounce of 15°. The centre of the sole is 32mm wide and with added bounce towards the toe to help golfers with an outside to in swing path and tendency to strike towards the toe.
Extra heel shaping also allows for versatility, and Deep CG pockets have been developed to increase spin, flight control and allow for mass to be redistributed to the sole.
What is the difference between Hi-Toe Raw and Hi-Toe Raw Big Foot wedge?
TaylorMade Hi-Toe Raw Big Foot is aimed at game-improvers with its ultra-wide sole (32mm compared to the traditional 26mm) making it easier to use regardless of the conditions, but especially out of bunkers.
The anti-dig leading edge is blunter and has a bevelled leading edge radius, with maximum bounce of 15°, while the middle is now flatter at 32mm wide and with added bounce towards the toe apex to help golfers with an outside in swing path and tendency for the strike location to be towards the toe.
There is also a slight heel reduction on the to allow for versatility, and Deep CG pockets have been developed to increase spin, flight control and allow for mass to be redistributed to the sole.
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Key tech in the TaylorMade Hi-Toe Raw wedge
Thick-Thin Design
A thinner topline along with additional mass redistributed nearer to the top of the spine allows engineers to optimise CG location for precise flight and enhanced feel.
New Aged Copper Finish
Slightly tarnished look creating a classic rich reveal.
Milled Grind
Milled Grind wedges ensure precision where it matters most. The process maximizes consistency when crafting each sole for repeatable performance and turf interaction.
Raw Face Technology
Raw Face Technology designed for increased spin, precision and feel with sharper, narrower and deeper grooves in the face, as well as laser etching. The face will rust over time and was engineered to preserve consistent spin throughout the life of the wedge.
Full Face Scoring Lines
Designed to encourage consistent ball contact out of the deep rough and increase spin on off-centre strikes.
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Verdict: TaylorMade Hi-Toe Raw wedge
When we spoke to TaylorMade’s wedge and putter guy Bill Price in January, we asked if golfers can expect a performance gain when comparing the Hi-Toe Raw to TaylorMade’s brilliant MG2 wedge line-up. Surprisingly the answer was yes. And the reasoning Price gave was how the higher toe design draws the centre of gravity up the face, so shots launch a little lower with more spin. And originally that sort of performance was a direct request from TaylorMade staff players on tour.
Our test data doesn’t quite have the Hi-Toe Raw down as our highest spinning model but it’s worth remembering our test shots were hit with a brand new, fresh face, which hadn’t yet had the time to rust, and it was comfortably among the top performers.
We’re big fans of the Hi-Toe’s straight leading edge, and the new knocked back, less in your face, aged copper finish. The Hi-Toe is a wedge that looks brilliant at address, and if you happen to struggle from sand we also like how the wide soled Bigfoot (the sole is 6mm wider than the standard model) is well equipped to help out.
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Specs: TaylorMade Hi-Toe Raw and Hi-Toe Raw Big Foot wedges
The standard bounce comes in 50°, 52°, 54°, 56°, 58°, 60°, 62°, with the low bounce in 58° and 60º and Big Foot (High Bounce) in 56º, 58°, 60°.
The wedges come with KBS Hi-Rev 2.0 115g Taper shafts and a Lamkin Crossline 360 52g 0.580 Round black and red grip as standard.
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Product Information
TaylorMade Hi-Toe Raw wedges
RRP: £149
Material: 8620 Carbon Steel
Stock Shaft: KBS Hi-Rev 2.0 115g Taper
Stock Grip: Lamkin Crossline 360 52g 0.58- Round (Black and Red)
First Released: February 19, 2021
Standard Bounce
Loft / Length / Bounce / Lie / Swingweight
50º / 35.5" / 9º / 64º / D3
52º / 35.5" / 9º / 64º / D3
54º / 35.25" / 10º / 64º / D5
56º / 35.25" / 10º / 64º / D5
58º / 35" / 10º / 64º / D5
60º / 35" / 10º / 64º / D5
62º / 35" / 9º / 64º / D5
Left-handed: In all lofts except 62º.
Low Bounce
Loft / Length / Bounce / Lie / Swingweight
58º / 35" / 7º / 64º / D5
60º / 35" / 7º / 64º / D5
Left-handed: 60º only.
Big Foot (High Bounce)
Loft / Length / Bounce / Lie / Swingweight
56º / 35.25" / 15º / 64º / D5
58º / 35" / 15º / 64º / D5
60º / 35" / 15º / 64º / D5
Left-handed: 58º and 60º only.
