Recently, I tested this golf club.
The test club is the EPON Tour Wedge type M.
The shaft is the N.S.PRO MODUS3 WEDGE 125.
The specifications are: loft of 58 degrees, club length of 35 inches, balance of D3, mid-kick point, and a total club weight of 470g.
This is EPON’s latest sand wedge.
EPON clubs, from drivers to putters, exhibit exceptional beauty, and this wedge further reinforces that impression.
While golf clubs are tools for hitting golf balls, I believe they are, first and foremost, something to enjoy visually. In that sense, this wedge is incredibly appealing.
Recently, I took a trip to see autumn foliage. The breathtaking beauty and grandeur of nature cleansed my soul, and this wedge evokes a similar feeling.
Autumn foliage embodies “natural beauty,” whereas golf clubs represent “man-made beauty.” While nature’s beauty is beyond human control, the craftsmanship and artistry displayed in creating such equipment are equally captivating.
When I graduated high school, a technical instructor told me:
“Watch the movements of skilled craftsmen and engineers. Every motion they make is purposeful and logical, with no wasted effort.”
That advice has stuck with me ever since. Observing such a beautifully crafted club brings those words to mind.
EPON not only excels in creating high-quality and beautiful clubs but also seems to reflect the efficient and elegant work of its craftsmen. It’s genuinely fascinating.
This simple design is simply irresistible.
Without extra features like weights or “assistive technology,” the club feels deeply accommodating, ready to adapt to the player’s style.
While high-tech, easy-to-use clubs certainly have their benefits, they sometimes feel less responsive to the player’s input, almost rejecting individuality. (Of course, this is just my personal perspective.)
The manual nature of this wedge makes subtle adjustments easier.
Despite its sharp design, it retains a certain roundness, avoiding any overly harsh impressions.
This level of refinement is quintessential EPON.
This simple, flat-back design is a delight to behold.
Just looking at it brings a smile to my face.
The words “Tour Wedge” engraved on the heel are incredibly stylish.
This design feature sets it apart from its predecessor. While there are likely many other changes, I haven’t had the chance to explore them yet.
It shares the same simplicity and elegance as its earlier model.
The topline thickness is standard.
There are countless club designs available, but this wedge reaffirms the timeless appeal of “classic simplicity.”
Ultimately, I believe designs tend to circle back to these fundamentals.
The sole appears slightly wider, but this is standard for sand wedges.
While tapered designs are common, this wedge uses a parallel sole.
This shape is prevalent and frequently seen.
The heel grind is quite pronounced, making it easier to open the face.
This design is familiar and reminiscent of Vokey wedges.
The leading edge features minimal grinding, with only a subtle bevel.
While this style was once common, more aggressive grinding is now widespread, making this design somewhat rare.
It seems to prioritize “precision” over “ease of turf interaction.”
Despite its sharp appearance, it doesn’t hinder performance when the face is opened. I often open the face for approach shots, so this design poses no issues for me.
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The neck length is just right, offering an excellent balance.
This design inspires confidence in spin retention and stopping power.
Recently, both wedges and irons have been leaning towards “semi-goose” or “minimal-goose” necks. However, this wedge features a nearly straight neck, which enhances its ability to pick up the ball cleanly.
Straight necks and goose necks both have their merits, and there isn’t a definitive answer as to which is superior. The right choice depends on the individual player.
Over time, some golfers who initially favored straight necks may grow to prefer goose necks, and vice versa. If your approach game feels less precise than before, it might be worth reconsidering the neck design of your clubs.
Changing the neck design can simplify your game and improve ease of use, emphasizing how crucial neck shapes are.
I’ve always preferred straight necks, even as a beginner. While I’ve experimented with goose necks, they never quite felt right, no matter how much I practiced. I suspect I’ll remain a straight-neck fan for the rest of my golfing career.
The face design is exceptionally crafted and distinctly EPON.
Although similar to previous models, this face feels slightly different.
The simple appearance of the face belies meticulous detailing, with the scorelines appearing particularly well-engineered.
Scorelines are a crucial element as they represent the club’s only point of contact with the ball. Many irons and wedges use stamped grooves, which streamline production and reduce costs, but can sometimes feel less refined.
This wedge’s scorelines, however, feature noticeably sharp edges. When I touched the face, I could feel its coarseness, which hints at high spin performance.
EPON’s original grip is familiar to anyone who has used their clubs.
It has a soft feel, which is pleasant, though it lacks the tackiness of grips like the Tour Velvet. If I were to make this my go-to wedge, I’d likely replace the grip immediately.
This isn’t a criticism of the stock grip; it’s simply a preference for what feels “best” to me, and for me, that’s Tour Velvet.
Unfortunately, grip prices have remained high, and as someone who frequently changes grips, I hope prices will drop to previous levels. A few years ago, grips were around 400 yen each, but now they’re over 1,300 yen, which is a significant increase.
When addressing the ball, this wedge exhibits the classic EPON beauty, making it exceptionally easy to set up.
The heel is appropriately wide but doesn’t feel bulky, and it’s neatly streamlined. It strikes the right balance, making it seem effortless to pick up the ball.
The curve from the leading edge to the topline, as well as the slight roundness of the topline itself, is stunning.
It’s a visual treat, enough to uplift my mood and alleviate daily fatigue.
The setup is so stable and grounded that it reminded me of Cleveland wedges, known for their exceptional sole designs.
Although I’m unsure if the sole has changed from the previous model, this wedge feels more grounded than its predecessor, allowing me to settle into my address position almost instantly.
The face is easy to open, as I anticipated from its sole design.
As mentioned earlier, I often open the face when using a wedge, so ease of opening is a critical factor for me. Recently, it seems more wedges have adopted designs that allow for easier face opening.
Looking at the sole, the bounce appears prominent but doesn’t interfere when the face is opened.
This is a clear difference from older wedges. I remember struggling with high-bounce wedges in the past, but modern wedges seem to retain the advantages of bounce while minimizing the drawbacks.
When opening the face on older wedges, there was often a “floating” sensation, but this wedge sits flush against the ground (or mat), ready to glide smoothly through impact.
This design allows for creative shots, including lob shots, with ease. I could envision utilizing the face diagonally for a delicate cut shot, making this wedge highly versatile.
Test Session Begins
The feel at impact is, as expected, very soft and comfortable.
It isn’t just soft; there’s a sense of “cling” as the ball seems to stay on the face momentarily, allowing you to savor the experience.
While this is just a sensation (the ball doesn’t actually cling to the face), it enhances the impression of the wedge as an extension of your hands.
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The “spin performance” is outstanding, allowing the ball to stop sharply.
It provides a stable and reliable spin rather than an overly aggressive or flashy performance. This stability makes it practical and easy to calculate for real-world play.
Even after the ban on square grooves in irons and wedges, manufacturers have worked hard to develop high-spin wedges, and this club is a testament to that effort. The spin is consistent and controlled, perfect for players seeking predictability on the greens.
The club is forgiving in picking up the ball, and the launch angle remains consistent.
As mentioned earlier, the ease of opening the face allows for a wide range of shot heights,
making it easy to adjust trajectory and control distances. This feature makes the club reliable, especially for tricky in-between distances.
The “stability” of the club is adequate.
While it may not offer the same solid stability as cavity-back wedges, it compensates with its beautiful design, which makes alignment easier. Additionally, the high-performance shaft ensures that the club remains composed during normal swings, reducing the chances of mis-hits.
Using the club’s weight effectively, particularly in your downswing, seems to yield the best results. Let gravity do the work for you.
The “workability” is remarkable, making it easy to execute a variety of shots, from low runners to high lobs.
While it lacks the forgiving nature of cavity-back wedges, it excels in responding to the player’s intent, showcasing its versatility and adaptability.
Each shot feels unique, and the club invites you to keep experimenting. It’s the kind of wedge that you’ll want to spend hours with, honing your skills.
“Distance control” is intuitive and precise.
The wedge’s elegant face makes it easy to visualize the launch angle and speed of the ball.
Combined with the excellent feedback, it naturally enhances your ability to judge distances.
As I’ve mentioned before, my approach to distance control focuses on the ball’s launch height and speed. In this regard, this wedge is top-notch.
If the face design were thinner or less responsive (as with some cavity-backs), achieving this level of precision might be more challenging. However, this is a matter of preference and personal compatibility.
The key to finding the right club lies in exploring and identifying what feels right for you. Popularity or professional endorsements should not be the sole deciding factors.
Post-Test Impressions
This wedge met all my expectations, and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
Whenever I test wedges, I tend to spend more time and hit more balls compared to other clubs, and this time was no exception.
At some point, I completely forgot I was testing and simply enjoyed playing with it.
That said, not all wedges are equally enjoyable for me. Some just don’t suit my preferences, despite their quality.
Initially, I tried to identify the differences from the previous model, but the joy of using the club quickly made me forget that goal.
As I reflect on the experience while writing this, I recall noticing differences in “setup feel” and the “face design.” There are likely more subtle changes that I haven’t yet pinpointed.
I would love to do a side-by-side comparison with the previous model if the opportunity arises.
The more time you spend with this club, the more it grows on you. It’s the kind of club that feels increasingly natural the more you use it.
As I’ve mentioned before, I feel that clubs can be categorized as either “absorptive” or “repulsive.”
This applies not just to wedges but to drivers, fairway woods, hybrids, irons, and even putters.
An absorptive club understands and responds to the player’s intentions, helping to refine and execute shots with precision. Think of it as a kite with a taut string—completely under your control.
In contrast, a repulsive club can feel unresponsive, failing to adapt to your inputs, like a kite with a tangled string, spinning uncontrollably until it falls.
Modern, high-tech clubs sometimes lean towards the repulsive side, appearing cold and overly mechanical. However, this wedge is firmly in the absorptive category, making it a dependable and comforting partner.
This wedge reinforces the idea that “simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.”
Golf is a game where every shot counts, and achieving a great shot requires harmony between the player and the club.
A club on its own is inert, but when paired with a skilled player, it becomes a powerful tool for precision and artistry.
As I reflect on this wedge, I’m convinced it will make an excellent partner, enhancing both performance and enjoyment.
Despite being made of cold, hard steel, it exudes warmth and a sense of connection.
I’m grateful to live in Japan, home to outstanding manufacturers like EPON, who create such exceptional clubs.
This wedge provided me with a fulfilling and luxurious experience.
☆
Ease of Setup: ☆☆☆☆☆
Feel: ☆☆☆☆☆
Spin Performance: ☆☆☆☆
Ease of Launch: ☆☆☆☆
Stability: ☆☆☆
Distance Control: ☆☆☆☆☆
Workability: ☆☆☆☆☆
Thank you for reading to the end.
EPON Golf Official Online Shop
EPON Tour Wedge Type M: A Precision-Forged Masterpiece
Elevate Your Short Game
Introducing the EPON Tour Wedge Type M, a meticulously crafted wedge designed to elevate your short game to new heights. This precision-forged masterpiece offers golfers of all skill levels the ultimate combination of control, versatility, and style.
Key Features:
Precision Forging: The EPON Tour Wedge Type M is forged from a single billet of premium carbon steel, ensuring a soft feel and consistent performance.
Versatile Sole Grind: The versatile sole grind provides optimal turf interaction, allowing you to effortlessly execute a variety of shots around the green.
Progressive Groove Design: The precision-milled grooves offer maximum spin and control on all types of shots, from delicate chips to aggressive bunker shots.
Customizable Options: Choose from a variety of lofts, bounce angles, and finishes to create a wedge that is perfectly tailored to your game.
Why Choose the EPON Tour Wedge Type M?
Enhanced Feel: Experience a soft and responsive feel that inspires confidence on every shot.
Ultimate Control: The precision-forged head and progressive grooves provide unparalleled control and spin.
Versatility: The versatile sole grind allows you to adapt to any course condition.
Stunning Aesthetics: The sleek design and premium materials make the EPON Tour Wedge Type M a truly beautiful piece of equipment.
Elevate Your Short Game
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a weekend golfer, the EPON Tour Wedge Type M can help you improve your scoring. Its combination of performance, versatility, and style makes it a must-have for any golfer looking to take their game to the next level.
Consider a Custom Fitting
To ensure the perfect fit for your game, we recommend scheduling a custom fitting with an EPON-certified fitter. A custom fitting will help you determine the optimal loft, lie, and grip for your swing, maximizing the potential of the EPON Tour Wedge Type M.
