When golfers think of TaylorMade products, they often associate the brand with drivers, irons, and their impressive tour staff, which includes stars like Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods. However, they are not typically the first name that comes to mind when discussing wedges. Despite this, TaylorMade has developed a strong reputation with their Milled Grind series. In recent iterations, the brand has focused on optimizing face designs to enhance spin in all conditions. Today, they introduce the MG5 wedges, which not only continue their efforts to increase spin but also provide a softer feel than ever before.
TaylorMade Milled Grind 5 Improved Feel
After gathering feedback from their tour staff, TaylorMade realized that their players all prefer wedges with an incredibly soft feel. While the MG4 was no slouch in the feel department, TaylorMade aimed to enhance this aspect significantly for the MG5. A key focus was to create a softer feel that would appeal to the best players in the world. This direction has led to a notable change for the Milled Grind series: for the first time, TaylorMade has decided to use forged soft carbon steel in the construction of the MG5 wedges.
As part of the manufacturing process, TaylorMade starts with a billet of carbon steel, which is heated until it can be bent into an L shape. Next, the head undergoes a rough forging procedure where excess material is removed. At this stage, the hosel, face, grooves, and sole grind are machined and milled to ensure that each MG5 wedge has the same level of consistency as the previous one. Once this is complete, the wedges proceed to the final detailing phase.
“Inspired by some feedback from Collin Morikawa, we set out to make the best feeling wedge TaylorMade has ever created. The best players will tell you having great feel around the greens is critical to having confidence in your short game, and to have the best feeling wedge, it needs to be forged.”
Matt Bovee, Director of Product Creation – Iron and Wedges.
In addition to providing a softer feel, TaylorMade has made subtle shaping adjustments compared to the previous generation. These adjustments include a more refined leading edge and a reworked topline that creates a more symmetrical profile. While these changes are noteworthy, they are likely not considered drastic by consumers.
Saw Milled Grooves
For a long time, it seemed like there was a race among brands to see which one could generate the most spin with their wedges. Nowadays, however, the focus has shifted. A key selling point for wedges is no longer just overall spin, but also spin retention, particularly in wet conditions. The MG4 had a solid reputation in this area, but with the upcoming changes in the MG5, TaylorMade believes they have taken performance to a whole new level.
It all begins with the aggressive saw-milled grooves, which are being used for the first time in the Milled Grind family. The advantages of these grooves include the ability to bring the groove geometry closer to the USGA legal limits, featuring steeper walls, sharper radii, and precise cuts within the tight tolerances that are characteristic of Milled Grind wedges.
Working alongside the saw-milled grooves is the RAW face featuring new continuous Spin Tread Technology. These laser-etched channels function like aggressive all-weather tires, effectively pushing and redirecting water and debris away from the face. This design helps to keep the face cleaner, resulting in increased friction at impact. Compared to the previous generation, the Taylormade MG5 wedges provide 13% more spin in wet conditions. They also help to control the launch angle by preventing the ball from sliding up the face during contact. Consistent launch combined with increased spin is the perfect combination for ultimate short game control.
TaylorMade Milled Grind 5 Grind Options
Available in six different grinds and eight loft options, the MG5 wedges offer a total of 23 combinations. TaylorMade categorizes these grinds into two groups: those with standard bounce, which will suit most golfers, and those designed for more specialized needs.
“For the first time in my career, the MG5 lineup of wedges represents the closest thing to the perfect array of grinds, shapes, feel, and spin in one package that I’ve seen in over 45 years.”
Greg Cesario, TaylorMade Wedge Master Craftsman.
Full sole design with trailing edge relief. A four-way cambered sole helps increase the versatility of this wedge for those who want to manipulate the face. Consider this the jack of all trades grind as it can easily suit all swing types and playing conditions.
Representing TaylorMade’s mid-bounce option, it offers more camber in the middle of the sole with plenty of heel, toe, and trailing edge relief. It will be the wedge for those who like to get creative around the greens, but still want something that can offer full swing stability.
The newest grind in the MG lineup, and it features the widest sole of the lot. With a reverse-C trailing edge, it will help promote a more consistent bounce angle regardless of how one manipulates the face.
Crafted for those with a steeper swing or for softer conditions. While it offers a high bounce design, it also presents some heel and trailing edge relief, allowing it to resist digging.
A low bounce option that gets that leading edge incredibly close to the turf. It will be a better match for golfers who have a very shallow swing and those who frequently play on firm conditions.
Surely you know what TW stands for. This grind has been updated to bring some increased camber with a new leading-edge blend into the sole for additional effective bounce. It also has less heel relief at 60° when compared to the original TW grind.
“For my entire career, I’ve been a universal player, and that’s been reflected in my wedge setup. Over the years, I’ve specifically honed in on grind profiles that allow me to execute all the shots I need in all different conditions. The MG5 TW grind allows me to do exactly that.”
Tiger Woods
TaylorMade Milled Grind 5 Customization Options
What could look cooler in your bag than new MG5 wedges? How about MG5 wedges that have been expertly customized to match your unique style? TaylorMade offers an extensive customization program for their wedges and putters, and the MyMG5 program continues that tradition. Through this program, golfers can personalize their wedges with up to 12 characters in 15 different color options, as well as choose from 50 different logos. With five different grinds and four finishes (Charcoal, Chrome, Aged Copper, and Tour RAW), there are countless ways to create your ultimate wedge.
With the college football season just around the corner, TaylorMade has introduced the MG5 as part of their collegiate collection. Fans from the following 18 schools can now purchase the MG5 featuring their favorite team’s logo and colors: Alabama, Clemson, UCONN, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, LSU, Miami, Michigan, North Carolina, Oregon, Texas, Duke, Kentucky, Auburn, Penn State, Tennessee, and Ohio State. Get ready to support your team on Saturday mornings before kickoff in the afternoon.
The Details
TaylorMade Milled Grind 5 wedges will be available in two standard finish options: Satin Chrome and Charcoal. Additionally, Aged Copper and Tour RAW finishes can be custom ordered through the MyMG5 program. The wedges will come equipped with either the well-regarded Dynamic Gold Tour Issue 115g wedge flex steel shaft or the UST Mamiya Recoil Dart 80g graphite shaft.
The official preorder window starts today, and the wedges are set to arrive in stores on September 4th. The price for these wedges is $199.99, while the TW Grind will be priced at $219.99.
More information on the new MG5 wedges is available at www.taylormadegolf.com.
