Groove "Life" Expectations

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By Chris92009

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  • 7 Replies
  1. Chris92009

    Chris92009
    Ohio

    I was in Arizona recently talking with a Pro about what they view as the life of their Vokey Wedge Grooves.  We discussed the new Hand Ground Wedges vs. SM4 Oil Can Finish vs. SM5 New Finishes.   We thought that the approximate life of some finishes vs others was dramatic.  Could anyone shed any scientific or specific knowledge of these three types of wedges. Someone had at some point I thought mentioned in this forum that the new SM5's have a longer groove life compared to Hand Grounds and the SM4 Oil Can Finish...thoughts?

    Thanks!

  2. Cameron D

    Cameron D
    Newport, RI

    Chris, 

    Both the SM4 and SM5 grooves are heat treated compared to the hand grounds that are not.  This will help make the SM4 and SM5 groove last longer in the heat treated areas.  Also, since the new SM5 wedges have the TX3 grooves (Deeper grooves with 7% larger volume), they will ultimately last longer than the SM4 groove.  The finish is different when you compare plated (SM5 Chrome and Gold Nickel) vs stained (SM4 Oil Can and SM5 Raw Black).  The plated finish will last longer than a stained finish, but in terms of groove life, won't have that much of an effect. 

    Cameron

    1-888-TITLEIST

  3. Chris92009

    Chris92009
    Ohio

    Cameron, so how much shorter would one expect the Hand Grounds to last? Half as long under normal conditions or just slightly less?? Just curious... interesting response though and I appreciated your input!

  4. Cameron D

    Cameron D
    Newport, RI

    Chris, 

    This will all depend on the amount of play and conditions the wedge is being used.  If we consider the type of shot, for example bunker shots, we have found that the heat treated wedges will have roughly 2 times the amount of spin retention. 

    Hope this helps.

    Cameron

    1-888-TITLEIST 

  5. Stephen M

    Stephen M
    Sonora, CA

    Cameron,

    Are the groves on the new TVD's coming out heat treated? Also is the new Black Ion finish similar to the PVD coated Graphite Ion SM4 K grind? Thanks

  6. David N

    David N
    San Diego, CA

    Team Titleist Staff

    Hi Stephen,

    The TX3 grooves on the new TVD's are treated with the same process as the SM5 TX3 grooves.  

    The answer to your second question is yes, the Graphite Ion and Black Ion platings are very similar, same process, slightly darker result.  

    Thanks for all of your support.  

  7. Stephen M

    Stephen M
    Sonora, CA

    Thanks David!
  8. Stephen M

    Stephen M
    Sonora, CA

    Cameron D said:

    Chris, 

    Both the SM4 and SM5 grooves are heat treated compared to the hand grounds that are not.  This will help make the SM4 and SM5 groove last longer in the heat treated areas.  Also, since the new SM5 wedges have the TX3 grooves (Deeper grooves with 7% larger volume), they will ultimately last longer than the SM4 groove.  The finish is different when you compare plated (SM5 Chrome and Gold Nickel) vs stained (SM4 Oil Can and SM5 Raw Black).  The plated finish will last longer than a stained finish, but in terms of groove life, won't have that much of an effect. 

    Cameron

    1-888-TITLEIST

    Hey Cameron, I was looking at WedgeWorks web site, and noticed, they advertise that the Hand Ground series wedges are heat treated. Could you clarify this.. Thanks for your time. Steve

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