My take: Spending less on a new wedge beats hanging on to a worn one

If you’ve been hanging on to your old wedges because they were $189 each and just don’t want to spend another $189, this might change your mind.

I’m not going to tell you that the cheapest wedges on the market are the best. But me WILL I tell you this: if you’re playing premium wedges with worn groovesit might be time to let them go.

We tested what happens when wedges wear out. We’ve tested what new wedges (even those under $130) can do. When you put these two data sets next to each other, the conclusion is hard to ignore.

What happens when the wedge grooves wear out

In one MyGolfSpy Labs testwe set out to isolate the ear and groove.

Using a brand new 56-degree wedge, the putt was simulated to reflect approximately 75 rounds, based on guidelines from Titleist and its Vokey team. The wedge was tested in three stages:

• Brand new
• After ~50 rounds of simulated wear
• After ~75 rounds of simulated wear

All shots were hit from grass to a 50-yard target, focusing on the metrics that matter most to wedges: spin, launch and consistency.

The result after 75 rounds

• Average rotation: 3737 rpm
• Launch angle: 35.2°

For context, the same wedge was produced more than 7000 rpm when it was brand new.

How the worn wedges compare to the new wedges tested in 2025

IN The best wedges of 2025 TRIAL by MyGolfSpy, we evaluated 18 new wedges with multiple testers and a total of 13,860 recorded shots.

Each new wedge in this group was produced about 3000 rpm more torque and started the ball six to eight degrees lower than the worn wedge.

50 Meter Dry Comparison: Premium Worn vs New Value Wedges

Why does spin and release change when wearing wedges?

As the grooves wear, they lose their ability to grip the ball at impact. When this happens:

• The ball slides up the face instead of being caught
• The turnover drops dramatically
• Release increases because friction decreases

This combination of low revs and high starts is exactly what shows up in the wear data. It also explains why distance control becomes unpredictable. Without consistent friction, two shots on the same swing can produce very different results.

Another option you have

Current model wedges are not your only solution.

If you’re comfortable playing an older generation’s technology, there are brand new wedges from recent testing cycles that still offer strong spin, predictable launches, and solid durability.

These wedges still have fresh grooves and much more to offer than a premium wedge with worn grooves.

Here are some examples currently available:

• TaylorMade Milled Grind 4 – 129 dollars
• Title Vokey SM10 – 159 dollars
• Cleveland CBX Full-Face 2 – 119 dollars
• Cleveland RTX 6 ZipCore – 139 dollars
• Mizuno T24 – 129 dollars

All these models delivered strong test results in 2024especially in spin and durability, and all are now priced well below their original launch cost.

This is not “cheap expensive”

There are significant performance differences between wedges. Sole design, bounce options, grindability, terrain interaction and feel all matter if you’re trying to find the best wedge for your game.

But none of that matters if you can’t spin the ball, your launch is unpredictable, or your distance control is suffering.

If these things are happening, the smartest move might just be to put new channels in your bag.

Takeaway

If your wedges are worn and you’re keeping them simply because they cost you a lot of money a few years ago, it might be time to rethink that decision.

For many golfers, the ideal next step is a new premium wedge, properly equipped for loft, bounce and grind. Modern groove patterns and face treatments can help maintain performance longer, especially in wet conditions. But it is not the only choice.

The point is, you have options – and the worst can be trying to force a worn premium wedge to keep working.

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