TaylorMade Milled Grind Hi-Toe 4 Wedge Review
GolfMagic tests out the new TaylorMade Milled Grind Hi-Toe 4 wedges.
TaylorMade Milled Grind Hi-Toe 4 Wedges Key Features
- Raw Face: Provides an extra level of friction for increased spin
- Hi-Toe design: expanded toe pad that increases clubface surface area and adds a layer of player confidence
- Full face grooves: in the 54°, 56°, 58°, and 60° lofts and all lofts utilise Spin Tread technology to increase friction and improve performance in wet conditions
TaylorMade's new Hi-Toe wedges are designed to be as versatile as they are good looking. Boasting three sole grind options and a wide variety of lofts, could these wedges be the new short game Swiss army knife you need in your bag?
TaylorMade has been making Hi-Toe wedges since 2018, and when the 1st generation Hi Toe hit the market it was deemed as somewhat of an ugly duckling. However, much like the ugly duckling the Hi Toe design has flourished with age and found its way into the bags of many Tour pros as well as our best wedges of 2024 list.
An increased toe height has since been adopted by a number of brands, with a large profile and full face of grooves now considered by many to be the most versatile and forgiving wedge design.
TaylorMade's newest offering the Hi-Toe 4 has come a long way from the first iteration, with a sleeker design, improved grooves and three new grinds designed to help specific swing types and attack angles.
The three grind options that are now available are ATS, ATC and ATV.
To save you sometime, here's a breakdown of what each one is designed to do.
ATS: It’s suitable for players that prefer a neutral face angle at address, fits all swing types, and can be used in a wide variety of playing conditions.
ATC: lowest bounce option with its unique, reverse C-sole design. Noticeable heel and toe relief make this grind a trusted choice for shallow players and firm conditions.
ATV: best suited to golfers with shallow angles of attack or that play off tight, firm turf
So, how do these wedges perform out on the course? Well we took them down to Mannings Heath Golf and Wine Estate to find out.
Let's get into it.
Player Level
The Hi-Toe 4 wedges are very versatile and thanks to the increased surface area of the face and full face grooves, they're also very forgiving. Golfers of any handicap level could effectively use these wedges, and we would highly recommend them to anyone who's low on confidence with their short game.
TaylorMade Hi-Toe 4 Wedges Looks and Feel
It's fair to say the Hi-Toe wedge range has come a long way since generation one, and one of the most noticeable improvements is undoubtedly aesthetics.
The first Hi-Toe wedges weren't exactly lookers, but some things get better over time and that's certainly the case here.
The aged copper finish is beautiful and the sole design is also absolutely superb. Previous generations had quite a busy look, even being printed with actual human toes at one point.
It's fair to say the Hi-Toe 4s have a much more toned down and minimalist feel, with clean lines and subtle branding combining for a very sleek profile.
Down at address the face does look quite a bit larger than your standard wedge and this may take some getting used to, however it's certainly confidence inspiring, and if you're someone who struggles to make good contact with your wedges, you will undoubtedly be reassured by the huge surface area staring up at you.
Another feature we love with these wedges is how the grinds are highlighted by the finish. On all thee grind options, you can really see the bounce thanks to copper highlights which define the grind to the naked eye. While it's only a small detail it adds an extra premium detail that really elevates the overall look of each wedge.
In terms of feel, these wedges are as grippy as they look. Thanks to the raw finish and spin tread technology, these puppies really get some zip on the ball, and you can certainly feel it through contact.
We're sticklers for the weight of a wedge, and TaylorMade have got it spot on with these bad boys. They're heavy enough to provide a good level of stability throughout the swing, and they also feel very solid at impact, a combination we absolutely love.
TaylorMade Hi-Toe 4 Wedges Performance and Forgiveness
When we tested the High Toe 4 wedges we did so over a variety of different shot lengths and turf conditions.
Starting with 100-yard full shots, the Hi-Toes performed very well. We sampled all three grinds and upon finding the one that suited our swing the best, we then hit roughly 30 shots to a variety of different pin positions.
Our biggest takeaway was how well these wedges performed when it came to our worst shots. From the middle of the clubface we were impressed, but at the same time that's kind of what we were expecting. The ball flight was stable, the level of spin remained consistent and turf interaction was spot on.
However, when we started to hit some wipey fades, that was when these wedges really started to shine. Our bad miss is quite often high on the toe, and as you might have picked up form the name of these wedges, that's where the design really comes into its own.
Thanks to the added padding on the toe and the additional grooves, these wedges do a fantastic job of keeping the ball on the face for longer, thus increasing spin, while also allowing more meat of the club to get behind every shot, preventing the ball from falling out of the air.
Tricky 100-yard shots can often be the making of a round of golf, and it goes without saying that not every amateur golfer is going to find the centre of the face every time. With these wedges though, you get as much help as you could possibly hope for on those sub optimal strikes.
The result was more greens found and better proximity to the hole.
Moving closer to the green, we were once again impressed by the feel of these wedges on short chips, but what impressed us most was their versatility.
From the fairway we found we were able to pick the ball with ease, playing deft bump and runs and higher lofted chips that stopped on a dime. It's worth mentioning at this point that if you do buy a set of these wedges, it's paramount you get the right grind.
We tried all three and the difference in turf interaction from one to another is quite stark. If you want to hit better chips and approach shots, make sure you see a fitter to help you select the grind that's right for you.
From both the rough and the sand, these wedges once again impressed with their versatility. They cut through both thick grass and compact sand with ease.
Retaining spin from the rough is always a tricky task, but we found we were still able to maintain some level of control over our launch and roll out with the Hi-Toe 4s.
All in all, we have to hand it to TaylorMade, the Hi-Toe design has come a long way since its inception and the newest iteration will certainly take some beating. The overall performance is top notch, and when you throw the versatility, forgiveness and stunning looks in too, you've got one hell of a wedge.
Should you buy a set of TaylorMade Hi-Toe 4 Wedges?
Unlike drivers, irons and putters, it's well worth replacing your wedges every two years or so. So, with that in mind, if you've got a set of wedges that are getting a little worn down and fancy a shiny new set, we would highly recommend the Hi-Toe 4s.
If you've never used Hi-Toe wedges before, the appearance at address may take some getting used to, but once it fits your eye, you will wonder what all the fuss was about.
Offering forgiveness, versatility and excellent aesthetics, these wedges are the full package.
Without wanting to repeat ourselves, though, we have to recommend you get fit for these wedges to ensure you get the right grind profile to suit your swing.