When it comes to wedges, at the top of the mountain when talking about grind options as well as customization, you will find Vokey and WedgeWorks. With each release cycle you just know that something is going to drop in the WedgeWorks lineup, and with the SM10, that remains true. Hard at work as always, both Bob Vokey and Aaron Dill have taken the L-Grind, evolved it, and brought it back to the world. We were able to get one in-hand and put it to the test.
Quick Take
The L-Grind returning to WedgeWorks means that the broadest range of grind options out there continues. Implemented within the new SM10 head design, the L-grind creates a middle ground between the ever-popular M and T designs. The in between width with significant heel/toe relief makes this a weapon in the hands of someone who demands shot making versatility from their lob wedge.
Vokey WedgeWorks L-Grind Review
The L-Grind is touted by Vokey and company as an option for golfers who are looking for a low bounce lob wedge which offers heel, toe, and trailing edge relief. All of this enables the wedge to sit more closely to the ground, and naturally that means it is intended to excel in firm or tight lie situations. One of the more interesting aspects of the L-Grind is that according to Aaron Dill, it is a low-bounce design which will play more like mid-bounce.
Visually, the L-Grind has a lot of similarities to the M-Grind, just in a much lower bounce design. The more common comparison is to the T-Grind, which we were able to compare head-to-head. The T-Grind is arguably the thinner and more demanding design in terms of the fact that a low-bounce wedge can be a lot for most amateurs. As someone who plays on a lot of tightly mown and hardpan situations, both options stand out.
However, on the course, it was the L-Grind that showed out more comparatively. The big reason for that was a resistance to digging on any non-hardpan lies when the swing got a little steeper into the ball. With the T-Grind, there was always a bit of an issue there, but the forward bounce on the L-Grind is what showed out for my particular delivery and course situation. While you can look at the data below comparing the WedgeWorks L-Grind to the SM10 T-Grind and not see any real difference, it is that aforementioned on-the-course feedback which separates them.
| FULL | BALL SPEED | LAUNCH ANGLE | SPIN | CARRY | TOTAL | PEAK | OFFLINE |
| L-Grind | 89 | 30.0 | 10710 | 104 | 102 | 29Y | 3Y – L |
| T-Grind | 89 | 30.0 | 10695 | 104 | 102 | 29Y | 5Y – L |
| 75Y | BALL SPEED | LAUNCH ANGLE | SPIN | CARRY | TOTAL | PEAK | OFFLINE |
| L-Grind | 69 | 28.0 | 8935 | 78 | 77 | 16Y | 0Y |
| T-Grind | 69 | 29.0 | 8843 | 77 | 76 | 17Y | 1Y – L |
| 50Y | BALL SPEED | LAUNCH ANGLE | SPIN | CARRY | TOTAL | PEAK | OFFLINE |
| L-Grind | 55 | 31.0 | 7813 | 54 | 54 | 12Y | 1Y – L |
| T-Grind | 54 | 30.0 | 7527 | 54 | 54 | 11Y | 1Y – L |
Now, does that mean one is better than the other? Of course not. What is does mean thoug,h is that fitting when it comes to bounce and grinds remains critical. Both wedges offer all the open faced or toe down versatility you could dream of, but it is the little differences which optimize things, and that of course is where Vokey and WedgeWorks shine compared to the majority of the industry.
The Details
The L-Grind is an interesting design that plays with more thump than the 4-degree bounce would initially lead you to believe. It is offered in 58 and 60 degree lofts, and available only through the WedgeWorks program for $225. As always, the customization options through WedgeWorks is also second to none.
