Review: Bridgestone J40 Wedges

[HipCheck]

A clean, true player's wedge

Bridgestone J40 Wedges Review


Tested
Bridgestone Golf J40 Wedges
Lofts (degrees): 52, 56, 60
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Spinner
Finish: Black Oxide (On 52*, will rust over time), Satin Chrome (56* & 60*, more durable)

From Bridgestone:
Each J40 wedge utilizes Bridgestone's Variable Bounce Technology in the sole for precise shot execution from a variety of turf conditions. In addition, all wedges come standard with Tour-proven Dynamic Gold™ Spinner shafts for increased spin performance.

The Bridgestone J40 Wedges feature:

• a compact head size for optimized shot precision
• increased surface roughness from machine milling for maximum spin among conforming grooves
• 8620 soft mild carbon steel head construction for optimum feel around the greens
  

The J40 Wedges are available in 52, 54, 56, 58 and 60 degrees of loft and feature a street price of $109 per wedge. The line will be available in October 2011 at golf specialty stores and on-course retailers nationwide.


---QUICK LOOK----
Pros:
The J40s are a classic, soft-feeling wedge with a compact head shape, versatile sole and excellent stock shaft. The clean look is handsome and refreshing.

Cons:
Designed for precision over forgiveness. Stock shaft may not be for low ball hitters or slower swingers. Black oxide finish will rust over time, but this is as designed.

Bottom Line (Summary)
Overall an excellent, versatile ‘players’ wedge offering from Bridgestone. The clean look and understated graphics will immediately appeal to most golfers. The soft feel, versatility, and stock DG Spinner shaft will appeal to lower handicappers looking for precision and versatility.

---IN DEPTH REVIEW----
Look
These will instantly appeal to a wide variety of golfers. They are clean-looking and free of extraneous stampings or distractions. They set up well to ball with a fairly straight leading edge. It’s nice to see these in multiple finishes. The Satin Chrome hides glare very well, although you might see minor glare in direct sunlight. If you want a completely glare-free look, opt for the Black Oxide, just note these are designed to rust over time. The laser etched ‘B’ on back of the wedge face is very cool.

Performance/Playability
According to Bridgestone, the sole of the J40 incorporates ‘Variable Bounce Technology.’ In short, this allows the the wedge to be playable in all sorts of turf conditions. On course, from hardpan, sand and most turf I found this to be absolutely true There was a little excess digging in soggy conditions, but to be truthful, there has been over 12 inches of rain during the last 30 days -- truly rare conditions.

The sole grind allows for imagination. You can open the J40s up and let the grind do it’s job, without the leading edge staying close to the ground. The 56 and 60 degree are equally impressive from the sand as well.

Spin was impressive. The machine milled face imparts enough spin as any wedge I’ve tried in its class. On full shots, distance was predictably consistent. I’m not used to the Spinner shaft, so my ballflight was lower than I’m used to, but not uncomfortably so. The head / shaft combo launches lower, but with plenty of spin.

Feel
As handsome as the J40 Wedge is, feel is where this wedge excels. It’s soft feeling, but contact around the greens is crisp with good feedback. On full shots, solid hits feel soft and muted, but with plenty of feedback. Mishits are noticeably harsher.

Bottom Line:
With their J40 wedges, Bridgestone has created a package that will visually appeal to a wide variety of golfers. With other wedge offerings flooding the marketplace recently, but it’s nice to see a traditional no-frills forging designed to let the player take control. Performance-wise, these are true players wedges. While anyone could play them, if you like to play a variety of shots, these wedges are ready and willing thanks to the clever sole grind. Feel is first rate and the Dynamic Gold Spinner shaft is a terrific stock offering.

[bjackson]

Really clean - love the look. I like the sole grind and think this will be yet another great performer coming out of Bridgestone. I'll definitely try this one out.

[Puppetmaster]

Thanks for the review. Are the bounce and sole grind options the same for both finishes? It appears from the pictures that the black oxide has a thinner sole than the satin, but it may just be an optical illusion.

Edit - nevermind, I see that the black ox is a 52, and the satin is a 60.

[jdanlaw]

It is my understanding that the J40 wedges are cast, not forged. If they are cast, it's obvious that they are impressive nonetheless.

[shootermcgavin2]

aside from a slightly different look and the stock dg spinner shaft, what's the diff btw this and the j38, if any?

[HipCheck]

[quote name='ghoSt2K' timestamp='1317307162' post='3602587']
aside from a slightly different look and the stock dg spinner shaft, what's the diff btw this and the j38, if any?
[/quote]

I'm not sure. I skipped the J38s.

I'm still digging these wedges. It's really hard to find an issue with a soft, solid-designed forging.

[Myherobobhope]

[quote name='HipCheck' timestamp='1317826049' post='3628189']
[quote name='ghoSt2K' timestamp='1317307162' post='3602587']
aside from a slightly different look and the stock dg spinner shaft, what's the diff btw this and the j38, if any?
[/quote]

I'm not sure. I skipped the J38s.

I'm still digging these wedges. It's really hard to find an issue with a soft, solid-designed forging.
[/quote]


They aren't forged... they are cast. This is according to the Bridgestone Account Rep I met with on Monday.

Check out their website... iron sets first feature is "Midsize forged 1020 carbon steel "... wedges are "Soft, 8620 mild carbon steel enhances feel "

[Jack Pearsall]

cast wedges for the loss!!!!!!!

[Myherobobhope]

[quote name='Jack Pearsall' timestamp='1317833423' post='3628791']
cast wedges for the loss!!!!!!!
[/quote]

They definitely aren't as soft as the forged irons, but they sure do feel nice (and look great)

[HipCheck]

[quote name='Myherobobhope' timestamp='1317828368' post='3628325']
[quote name='HipCheck' timestamp='1317826049' post='3628189']
[quote name='ghoSt2K' timestamp='1317307162' post='3602587']
aside from a slightly different look and the stock dg spinner shaft, what's the diff btw this and the j38, if any?
[/quote]

I'm not sure. I skipped the J38s.

I'm still digging these wedges. It's really hard to find an issue with a soft, solid-designed forging.
[/quote]


They aren't forged... they are cast. This is according to the Bridgestone Account Rep I met with on Monday.

Check out their website... iron sets first feature is "Midsize forged 1020 carbon steel "... wedges are "Soft, 8620 mild carbon steel enhances feel "
[/quote]

Holy! I didn't even realize it. Thanks for pointing it out! Amazing.

[Myherobobhope]

No worries... they are still great wedges, even if they are cast. I'm going to pick up a set soon.

[fonetic]

+1 for the laser etch. too bad it's not forged.

[wolfpack]

Sole grind looks like my Rac TP Y wedge.

[HipCheck]

[quote name='fonetic' timestamp='1319665693' post='3722603']
+1 for the laser etch. too bad it's not forged.
[/quote]

Feels good though. Fooled me!

Everyone talks about Vokeys, but there's no forging there.

[Johnny T]

Really like the looks of these. I have a couple of the old WC wedges that have the variable bounce technology and love them. May be time to upgrade. Thanks for the nice write-up.