It is one thing to challenge paradigms, but quite another to change one.
Especially when it comes to golf equipment.
We believe what we believe, but it takes a lot for that framework to break down and be replaced by a new one. That’s why, when we say that these new forged wedges from Maxfli might just change a paradigm, it’s important to understand what paradigm we’re talking about.
You see, young woman Maxfli XCW forged wedges will not redefine wedge performance. You won’t see crazy new spinning numbers, and there’s no revolutionary custom or single story to tell. However, they will challenge your thinking about what you can get for $130.
We have a few rounds in the books with these Maxflis and we need to give fair warning. Whether your wedge status quo says Vokey, Cleveland, PING, TaylorMade, Callaway or bust, the Maxfli XCW will make your status quo more than a little uncomfortable.
Have we piqued your curiosity? Maybe just a little?
Wait, Maxfli is making wedges now too?
That they are, my friends. A year after introducing two new sets of irons, the folks at DICK’S/Golf Galaxy are taking another step toward bringing the classic Maxfli brand to full-line status.
“These new Maxfli XCW wedges are really a departure from our forged irons,” Quin Silker, golf equipment business development associate for DICK’S, told MyGolfSpy. “They are forged from 1025 carbon steel, just like our irons, and use the same ceramic matrix composite material to save weight and maintain weight.”
We will elaborate a bit on the forging process and the composition of the ceramic matrix, but first let’s get an idea of ​​what this line is all about.
First, we’re not sure if you know this, but DICK’S not only owns Golf Galaxy and the Maxfli brand, but also owns GolfWorks, the online component retailer and creator of the direct-to-consumer Maltby brand. DICK’S used Maltby’s engineering know-how to create the new Maxfli XCW wedges.
“They’re really the brains of the operation,” says Silker. “We have some great in-house industrial designers here at DICK’S who helped make these wedges ours. Then the GolfWorks team took their design and made it work.”
So even though there’s enough of a family resemblance to know they’re related, the new Maxfli XCW wedges are NO simply renamed Maltbys.
“We’re using their brains and our sporting goods vehicle and massive reach to push these things out there.”
Maxfli XCW Forged Wedges: A Complete Line … mostly
We’d give the Maxfli very high marks for design and feel. These things are sweet, clean and, based on early returns, feel like a forged wedge. We can also give the Maxfli a solid B for the sole grinding options, especially considering XCW wedge are the company’s inaugural offering. They cover the bases with their A, M and X fights.
“A grind is for full-motion wedges, the 50- and 52-degree models,” says Silker. “The M is our multi-purpose grind that’s good for a variety of playing surfaces. The X is a super wide single grind and really great for bunker play. This one has gotten a ton of great feedback already.”
The M grip is available in 54 to 60 degree models while the X is available in 56 and 60 degree models.
While it’s not nearly as powerful as you’ll find from Vokey, Cleveland, PING, TaylorMade or Callaway, it’s a solid lineup.
One thing you will notice almost immediately with The XCW line is that the heads are on the large side. While they still feature the classic 588 teardrop shaping with an almost toe-high look, they’re a little bigger and a little more game-changing.
“This is something that GolfWorks specializes in,” explains Silker. “They can make them super playable and forgiving. You don’t get that with a lot of forged wedges out there that are geared toward the top player.”
A quick note: Sorry, left. of Maxfli XCW forged wedges are just to the right.
Give six steps …
Just like last year XC2 AND XC3 new iron sets Maxfli XCW Wedge they are one-piece fakes with a little twist. They are forged in six steps. The first three steps turn a hollow 1025 carbon steel housing into the rough wedge shape. The fourth step is implemented 1200 tons pressure to improve the shape leaving a small opening at the back.
This opening is for the ceramic matrix composite (CMC) we discussed earlier. CMC is lighter and significantly less dense than carbon steel. This gives Maxfli designers discretionary weight, which is extremely valuable in a blade-style wedge, to optimize the center of gravity. Specifically, the CG is lower on lower pitch wedges for added forgiveness on full shots. Higher pitch models have a higher CG for lower trajectory control and increased spin in partial shots.
For the fifth step, a special piece of 1025 carbon steel is placed over the opening to cover the inserts. The head is then reheated and joined back into a single piece. The sixth and final forging step applies another 2,000 tons of pressure to create a uniform grain structure in the carbon steel.
Who are these Maxfli XCW wedges for and what paradigm shift can they take?
I don’t care who you are, $129.99 per wedge is very tempting. At least you won’t have to take out a second mortgage.
On the other hand, while three sole shots won’t set the world on fire, they should be enough for most recreational players. The added forgiveness doesn’t hurt either. Additionally, while the CNC-milled faces feature what Maxfli is calling “Milled Micro-Grooves (more grooves closer together—within the rules, of course), there’s no compelling story or spin. What you’ll find, however, is a solid wedge that feels great with enough agility to get you on the green.
So where is this paradigm shift we were talking about? At $130, Maxfli XCW redefines what you can expect from a wedge in that price range. At the very least, it might be the best fake $130 wedge you can lay down before whipping out your credit card.
“What we’re trying to do is get a clean look and a great feel to a wider audience that would rather spend $130 instead of $200 for a wedge,” says Silker. “We’re trying to find that Goldilocks price point. We also know that customers who buy at that price point may not know the difference between forged and cast.”
Whether Maxfli is a direct-to-consumer brand or simply “vertically integrated” is debatable, but ultimately immaterial. We know you can find cheaper direct-to-consumer wedges online, but you can’t demo them or walk through an in-store rig with a wide range of axle options. For many golfers, this matters.
“Our 830 locations are a huge weapon for us,” says Silker. “No matter where you live in this country, you can go and see this stuff and touch it and feel it and hit it. That’s very unique.”
Personalization options
From the picture shown here, you’ve no doubt noticed the clean and minimalistic design of these Maxfli wedges. This is intentional.
“The first thing people see when they walk into a store is the back of a wedge and what it looks like,” explains Silker. “Pure simplicity doesn’t exist much there. There are a lot of bells and whistles and badges – it’s ‘in the club’ marketing.”
Maxfli wants pure simplicity to be its brand image, from its bags to its golf clubs and golf balls. with XCW wedgehowever, there is a secondary reason for the unadorned rears.
“We know there’s a big push for customization in the wedge,” says Silker. “So that’s something we’re going to be offering in all of our Golf Galaxy and DICK’S House of Sports stores. They’re all going to have stamping kits.”
If you’re so inclined, you can consider each wedge a blank canvas and let your imagination run wild. You will be able to do anything you want with stamping and ink fills and it can all be done at home.
Additionally, Silker says DICK’S is working on a full-scale fit system for all Maxfli clubs.
“We shipped shackles attached to different axles and angles to our stores. But it’s not a good customer-friendly experience. We’ve been working on a mounting system for two years now, and we’re getting pretty close.”
Another family Maxfli is coming
Whenever I talk to Silker, I make sure to pester him about the revival of Maxfli’s classic “Australian blades,” the iconic forged back muscle bars. And each time he delights in telling me not to hold my breath.
However, he said that Maxfli XC1 – a modern take on a traditional blade – is finding its way into stores across the country. DICK’S prefers soft launches for its Maxfli products and this one has been softer than most.
“They’re really clean, really sharp with a super thin topline. Yet, and that’s part of the alchemy of GolfWorks doing its thing, they’re extremely forgiving.”
If I had a dollar for every time an OEM said their new blade was “extremely forgiving,” I’d have a few bucks. It sounds crazy, but that’s what the folks at Maxfli are claiming. whether Maxfli XC2 Cuff (my players for most of last year), are any indication, I wouldn’t completely discount that claim. For an iron that is on the “best player” side of the player distance, the XC2 irons were, for lack of a better term, extremely forgiving.
As you’d expect, the new one Maxfli XC1 Cuff seems to be quite compact. And, from the photos we’ve seen, they have a top line so thin it only has one side.
of cuff XC1 are now available online and in select DICK’S and Golf Galaxy stores. They should roll out to more locations in the coming weeks. We will let you know more after we receive the samples.
Maxfli XCW Forged Wedges: Specs, Price and Availability
As mentioned (repeatedly!), Maxfli XCW forged wedges retails at $129.99. The Dynamic Gold S200 is the stock shaft with Golf Pride Tour Velvet 360 in the grip. Shaft options from Project X, True Temper, KBS and Nippon are available for an additional charge, as are grip options from Golf Pride, SuperStroke, Winn, Grip Master and Royal.
The 50- and 52-degree models are available with what Maxfli calls its single “A” grind, designed for full-motion shooting. The single all purpose blue “M” is available in 54 to 60 degree loft. The wide “X” grinding tooth is only available on the 56 and 60 degree models.
