WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: Tour Edge launches its new Exotics Milled lineup of putters that feature a new TriGrind sole with a leading edge chamfer and extra trailing edge relief. There are three bounce options through the line’s 17 options, which also includes a new, steeper-walled milled groove.
PRICE: $120. 17 loft/bounce options on lofts from 50-60 degrees, three grinds (LB, MB, HB). Available in stores Sept. 14.
3 Cool Things
1. Turf wear. The new sole grind on the Exotics Milled wedges works the bottom of the wedge in three different directions. It starts at the leading edge, which features a softer curve or pre-worn chamfer that is designed to reduce digging. That leading edge can help the sole move more freely through the turf because it’s combined with additional relief on the back end of the sole that effectively narrows the amount of sole that is flush to the ground through the hitting area. The remaining center section of the sole is flatter with less camber than previous Exotics wedges to create crisper, more consistent contact.
The effect of that overall change to the grind on the Exotics Milled also takes on three different options. As the letters imply, there are low-bounce, mid-bounce and high bounce versions within the 14 options. The most versatile MB features 10 degrees of bounce through five lofts (50, 52, 56, 58 and 60 degrees). The shot makers LB offers a low bounce of eight degrees on the 54-, 56-, 58- and 60-degree models. It features more heel relief and favors those players who attack wedge shots with a shallower angle. The more forgiving HB offers the highest bounce (12-14 degrees) and is best on shots played from softer, fluffier sand and deeper rough and for players with naturally steeper attack angles. It’s an option on the 54-, 56-, 58- and 60-degree models
2. Wall ball. While there is a lot of talk about groove edges in terms of creating additional grab and spin, a key component of getting those groove edges sharper within the rules involves steepening the internal walls of the grooves. With tighter manufacturing tolerances through a CNC milling process, the Exotics Milled wedges can get closer to USGA limits on the edge radii. That steeper wall also enables the design to feature tighter spacing between grooves so six grooves occupy nearly the same place as five grooves on the previous Wingman offering. The faces and grooves are milled so that the flat area also features milling marks for additional consistency on shorter shots and on dewy fairways.
3. Soft targets. The traditional shaping of the Exotics Milled wedges also includes a more traditional approach from a material standpoint. First, the thicker mass behind the face center enhances feel, while the soft 304 stainless steel alloy aids a softer response. It’s a softer steel alloy that also has been used in some putter designs. The 304 stainless steel body is triple chrome plated to preserve groove shape, and the satin finish reduces glare.
This article was originally published on golfdigest.com
