JP Wedges are back

[Stetson]

I wonder what effect this will have on Wedgeworks in terms of cannibalization. I think Titleist already had a pretty good seat at the table in the premium market, obviously moving folks from a product to a product that cost twice as much is preferred.

[Doc420]

Everything about this wedge concept is a joke, until Pure745 jumps on board and validates them. :stop: lol

[SPY ZINGER]

www.independentgolfreviews.com/jp-wedges-by-titleist-brand-launch.html you are welcome

 

Crazy.. I was at that bar he's talking about last week! haha. My GF lives down the street from there, which means I live down the street from there half the week lol. Pretty cool to know where his roots started.

 

They're beautiful wedges, but they're a bit progressive in the idealistic sense for me. Would I get them if I had that kinda disposable income? Sure. But there's rival craftsmanship out there that I'd choose as well. Best wishes to the hometown guy! That's awesome.

 

Would love to meet you there sometime and thanks for the kind words.

 

You can take a look at the Wedges for yourself, I'll bring the bag.

[TheMoneyShot]

2000 for a set of irons is way different than 4 wedges that titleist has told us will lose their spin in ~75 rounds or whatever the marketing was. For me that's 4-6k in wedges every year.

 

It would be $2500 for 4 wedges. Kind of crazy...

[SubaruWRX]

If it was 2g for a fitting and design like his original wedges with plugs and crazy colors, I'd probably do it. When I first saw his wedges years ago I wanted a set, but they weren't available. But these new ones just don't do it for me. They have that assembly line feel. A custom grind job just doesn't have the appeal of his old designs.

 

The wow factor is now gone.

[rebby]

I was in the process of buying a set of JP wedges when the Titleist deal went down. Sadly, I missed out on my JP's because of it. I'm bummed that I didn't get my wedges but still super excited for JP. His hard work and dedication and surely paid off.

 

IMHO, the new wedges look even better. I was always a fan of his previous design too but I'm glad that he took it another direction (especially considering that the previous design has been more or less photocopied by others). I'm skeptical about the multi part design though. I don't even go that route with my irons! I'm sure that they've worked out the details so it's not an issue but I really wish that they would shared more details about the final assembly.

 

As for price... Considering all that is offered, fitting + 3 wedges, I think that the $2,000 is about right. Other high end custom wedges are in the $350 price range and a fitting of that degree could easily be valued at $1,000 thereby justifying the price of admission. Using the same logic however, I think that the individual wedge price is too high. Price them at the aforementioned $350 though and I think that they'd be right on. Also, giving customers that have already gone through the fitting the option of buying replacement wedges at the $350 just "feels right" to me as well. I think that this is especially important considering the relatively short lifespan of wedges.

 

I'm one that replaces my wedges on a 12-18 month schedule. I always replace all 3 as a matched set when I feel that any 1 of them is ready for replacement. If I were to move to something like this however, I'd like the option to replace each one independently while retaining the "wedge set match" from the start. Due to my rate of turnover though, I've abandoned the idea of full custom wedges (like the TD Scratch wedges that I still own) and stick with those in a more conventional price range and modify as necessary. I'll likely continue with the trend of "off the rack" customization but my lust for a set of JP wedges does remain so... I'll at least keep my eyes open. ;)

 

JP, it's nice to have a product from you back on the market! Congrats on what look like another phenomenal offering from you!

[Skaffa77]

Can someone clarify...are these hand ground for the $2k fitting? From what I was reading, he's switched to a CNC machine milling because they have tighter tolerances than what he could produce by hand...thus he's created multiple lofts and bounce/grind options. The 2K does include the fitting and he will build the wedge by hand (put the 4 pieces together, personalize it), but I almost got the impression that they wouldn't be hand ground.

[AThompson_3]

I think you all are missing the point entirely. These aren't for the average golfer and never were meant to be. They are an exclusive product that use better materials, designed by one of the most intelligent wedge designers in the world. For my money he is second only to the Voke himself, and he fits you himself. These aren't meant to compete with SM6, RTX3, MD Milled, etc. they are there own market. These aren't even the same product market as PXG. This market is even smaller. Titleist knows the market for this due to the program they already have with Voke at the same price point. It's a genius idea. If you don't understand it, it's probably likely you aren't their target market.

[J13]

I think you all are missing the point entirely. These aren't for the average golfer and never were meant to be. They are an exclusive product that use better materials, designed by one of the most intelligent wedge designers in the world. For my money he is second only to the Voke himself, and he fits you himself. These aren't meant to compete with SM6, RTX3, MD Milled, etc. they are there own market. These aren't even the same product market as PXG. This market is even smaller. Titleist knows the market for this due to the program they already have with Voke at the same price point. It's a genius idea. If you don't understand it, it's probably likely you aren't their target market.

 

I think it's more about affording this type of experience/product. They've done well with Vokey and JP will keep the momentum for them as Bob Vokey finishes his career. I"m sure at this point he's had enough of grinding wedges.

[boxerjoe2011]

A little concerned with this new high end market for clubs in the US considering golf courses are closing and general rounds played are down. It's not helping golf's stigma as an elitist sport. I guess if the market is there, so be it, but I don't know if this type of stuff grows the game.

[Kenny Lee Puckett]

FWIW call me confused on this one. where is Titleist now going with Vokey wedges in the future, who makes the next Titleist wedges for the masses?

 

I thought JP was gonna be "the man" for the passing of that torch. the process being bring him on board, begin his own R&D dept, and then at a certain time start the slow & steady Tour validation of his stuff.

 

but after all this time he's being put in his own little box to only do boutique wedges in one on one fittings for 2K a pop?!?!.... I'm not even a Titleist guy and yet I feel a little bit robbed of this guys unique talent.

[J13]

A little concerned with this new high end market for clubs in the US considering golf courses are closing and general rounds played are down. It's not helping golf's stigma as an elitist sport. I guess if the market is there, so be it, but I don't know if this type of stuff grows the game.

'

 

Titleist's job is to make money for stock holders as it's a business. What other sport do you see people advocating to "grow " the game? Golf is just fine despite the doom and gloom you hear.

[cane700]

They look cool but I'm not seeing the value. I can get fit and ground for wedges for much less and wedges take a beating more than any other club. It's like buying a diamond studded cell phone case.

[bladehunter]

I guess they just snagged JP to keep Parsons from getting him? essentially putting him in a Cad program,,that is a Sin....I just dont see these selling many ... maybe enough to suport his sallary and pay for the tooling.. But to a company as big as Acushnet breaking even isnt the goal by a long shot

[TAG617]

$2,000 is cheap considering you are getting 3 hand ground wedges fit to you specifically by one of the top 3 wedge specialists in the world. Bob Vokey charges $2,000 for his wedge experience and its the same deal 3 hand ground wedges fit by Voke himself. $2,000 is a bargain.

 

GTFO.

[Thrillhouse]

A little concerned with this new high end market for clubs in the US considering golf courses are closing and general rounds played are down. It's not helping golf's stigma as an elitist sport. I guess if the market is there, so be it, but I don't know if this type of stuff grows the game.

 

Golf has always been a tiered game with an elitist element to it. Wealthy people (who buy stuff like this) play at expensive exclusive private clubs, and regular people play public golf, sometimes with less expensive equipment. No one group owns the game, and public golfers aren't any more "real" golfers than private club golfers are.

 

The wedges are fine. Like I said in another thread I wouldn't buy them as they aren't really my thing (I like my vokeys), but if this is how someone else wants to spend their money that's fine with me.

[SPY ZINGER]

This isn't just another high end golf product. Three years went into the R&D of not only the head but also the fitting system. At $2000, you're getting fit for a set of three wedges on what will be recognized as the most advanced and comprehensive fitting system in golf. Not only fit, but fit by the guy that designed the head as well as the fitting system. It's probably about a four hours process. Then, the same guy will build them to your specs by hand while manipulating the internal weighting system so they are completely customized to you. From start to finish, there is no other service offered like this in golf, to this extent. All by the same guy, one by one. That guy is JP.

 

Having been through the JP Wedges fitting at TPI, I can tell you that the experience is priced accurately. Is it expensive? Yes it is. But the average consumer cannot make a phone call to an OEM and get what he is offering.

 

[95124hacker]

I find it hard to believe a multi material wedge would perform that much better than a solid single piece forging

[SPY ZINGER]

I find it hard to believe a multi material wedge would perform that much better than a solid single piece forging

 

It feels as solid as a forged wedge. The weighting system and bonding of the Titanium plate is pressed on. Think of it not as hollow, it's just a thin rear plate which permits the manipulation of swing weight and CG location. The plate is extremely light. You're hitting a forged wedge not a game improvement iron.

[Peanut191]

Looking at the Titleist website, they look to have a pretty rounded sole. Are these just example pics, or does it have something to do with JP's philosophy on how the sole should be more rounded(maybe even slightly higher leading edge)?

[SPY ZINGER]

Looking at the Titleist website, they look to have a pretty rounded sole. Are these just example pics, or does it have something to do with JP's philosophy on how the sole should be more rounded(maybe even slightly higher leading edge)?

 

Multi-Directional Camber Sole Design - Aggressive Heel to Toe Relief and Sole Curvature in every direction provide more efficient turf interaction and less heel and toe drag through impact.

[BigHook25]

All this for the clubs (wedges) that I hit from the worst lies. Bunkers with rocks, creek beds, cart paths, etc. Going to be tough to want to hit a $500 club off a not so good lie.

[TTURaider]

Of course this is my own speculation, but I hope the future of JP wedges plays out something like this...

- This initial release of JP wedges through the exclusive custom fitting process generates customer interest as well as instill the exclusivity of the brand and at the same time generating name recongnition for JP with Titleist (like Bob Vokey and Scotty Cameron).

- As Voke's career winds down and JP takes over, he will continue offering premium custom products (like the Vokey hand ground wedges and Scotty Circle T limited release offerings through the Gallery) as well as take over the design of the mass produced line of wedges in the future as the Vokey name is transitioned out.

- Hopefully some of the old JP design elements could be included in the mass produced line with more basic colors etc. with some additonal customization options available through Wedgeworks.

 

At least thats how I could see it playing out in my perfect fairytale imagination.

[scratchswinger]

If you blink an eye at that price then you are not the target customer. The people interested in buying these are more concerned with finding the time to get to Carlsbad than they are with the price tag.

[hanetrob]

Saying that, if I wasn't married I'd...

 

Just imagine the possibilities.

If I wasn't married...I'd be broke and couldn't get them anyway! Ha!

[bogeypro]

2k for wedges from a guy with a fancy logo and one mediocre pro on his About blurb. This is what golf is becoming....boutique expensive clubs. We wonder why the sport is shrinking....

[swizbeatz]

If you blink an eye at that price then you are not the target customer. The people interested in buying these are more concerned with finding the time to get to Carlsbad than they are with the price tag.

 

He's back!

[Jasonic]

Those are some ugly wedges. Ewww

[widow-maker]

Need to see them and hit them to figure out if you'll even like them. But, they're not off the rack so you take a leap of faith by plopping down $2000 up front for the fitting and 3 wedges. A bit of a gamble. I'd sure like to hit a few before I decided to lay out that kind of money.

 

JP was one of the better grinders in the US. It's a bit surprising that he's stopped grinding and is putting together a 4 pc head. Might be great, but as yet, I haven't found any wedges I've liked that weren't forged from a single block of steel. Maybe these are different, but $2000 is a lot to find out they aren't for you.

[PreppySlapCut]

The only thing that I find less appealing about this model, much like the Vokey Hand Grounds, is that I go through wedges. There needs to be a system in place for getting more wedges once someone has gone through the fitting. If I can pay Vokey or JP $2k, and then let's say $900/yr to get the same wedges recreated, I'm ok with it. But as it stands, it just doesn't make sense to me.