The world already has All-Terrain tyres, cars, forklifts, bikes, dog strollers, skateboards and Crocs. Now, TaylorMade adds to the collection with the world’s first “All-Terrain” wedge.
The new TaylorMade Hi-Toe 4 wedge earns its All-Terrain stripes because it’s designed for all kinds of conditions, slightly overshadowing the fact it’s also designed for all kinds of golfers.
Prepare to make room in the bag because the new Hi-Toe 4 isn’t your conventional wedge.
BIGGER AND BETTER
TaylorMade’s Hi-Toe wedge range has always been a completely different animal to the TaylorMade Milled Grind wedge line. For starters, there’s the full-face grooves, gigantic head shape, extended toe area and a unique centre of gravity that delivers a distinctive ball flight.
For the Hi-Toe 4 update, it appears TaylorMade have swung for the fences.
The head shape is bigger and the toe area has been further elongated, meaning golfers can now use even more of the face to play open-faced shots with complete control. And the centre of gravity has also been shifted higher up the face to produce a lower-launching trajectory, more spin and additional stopping power.
The new upgrade package gives the Hi-Toe 4 added juice, further differentiating its performance profile from almost every other wedge in the game.
SPIN TREAD FULL FACE GROOVES
Cast from soft 8620 carbon steel, Hi-Toe 4 wedges are equipped with the same Spin Tread technology originally seen in TaylorMade’s Milled Grind 4 wedge.
Spin Tread sees hundreds, if not thousands, of tiny hollows laser-burned into the Hi-Toe 4’s face. The micro grooves are cut into the face at a 45° angle in between the main, full-face grooves.
The Spin Tread concept increases friction for extra spin while also allowing moisture an exit route off the face. It means the Hi-Toe 4 maintains consistency of spin when conditions are wet, soggy and dewy out on the course.
The Hi-Toe 4 also features a raw face that will rust. The absence of plating means the Hi-Toe 4’s full-face grooves are sharper and remain faithful to the geometry of the groove architecture, just as the designer intended.
ALL-TERRAIN GRINDS
To understand the All-Terrain fanfare surrounding the Hi-Toe 4 wedge, you’ll have to turn your attention to the milled sole.
There are five different grinds available in the Hi-Toe 4 wedge line-up and each one is designed to handle a specific course condition and/or playing style.
It’s a hearts-and-minds approach that means there’s a Hi-Toe 4 wedge model to match anyone’s game.
HI-TOE 4 GRINDS
ALL-TERRAIN STANDARD GRIND (ATS):
The all-rounder grind. A four-way relief camber is compatible with closed or open-faced shots and offers a neutral face angle at address. Suited to a variety of course conditions.
ALL-TERRAIN VERSATILITY GRIND (ATV): Suited to tight lies, firm turf and a shallow angle of attack. Features a concave sole that offers proportionate bounce when the face is open, delivering an impressive range of shot versatility.
ALL-TERRAIN XTRA GRIND (ATX):
Wide and forgiving sole will suit a steeper angle of attack and softer course conditions. The three-tiered grind pattern prevents the leading edge from digging in, while the flatter mid-sole grind guarantees stability. Meanwhile, the more aggressively-sweeping trail grind generates a quick and clean exit from the turf.
ALL-TERRAIN C GRIND (ATC):
Low bounce grind designed for firm turf and a shallow delivery of the head into the ball. The reverse-C split sole grind has a low leading edge, while heel and toe relief offers versatility for shots requiring face-manipulation.
ALL-TERRAIN WIDE GRIND (ATW):
High-bounce grind and ultra-wide sole is perfect for soft and wet course conditions and a steep angle of attack. Well suited for bunker play, the high bounce prevents the leading edge from digging in while the wide sole is ultra-forgiving.
TAYLORMADE HI-TOE 4 WEDGE SPECIFICATIONS
Australian Release Date: 6th September 2024
Hand: RH/LH
Grip: Lamkin Crossline 360
Shaft: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue 115g
TaylorMade Hi-Toe 4 Wedge Grinds: ATS, ATV, ATX, ATC, ATW
TaylorMade Hi-Toe 4 Wedge Loft/Bounce Combinations:
ATS Grind: 56°/10°, 58°/10°, 60°/10°
ATV Grind: 56°/11°, 58°/11°, 60°/11°
ATX Grind: 56°/12°, 58°/12°, 60°/12°
ATC Grind: 58°/8°, 60°/8°
ATW Grind: 56°/14°, 58°/14°, 60°/14°