The £25 Temu Wedge: Too Good to Be True?

Alright, golf mad family! The question is: can a brand-new 56-degree wedge from Temu for just £25 actually perform? I, Andy 'Golf Mad Dad', was feeling adventurous after successfully re-gripping my entire bag with £25 worth of Temu grips. The impressive performance of those grips sparked my curiosity, and with a desire for new wedges looming, this seemed like the perfect low-cost experiment before diving into a more significant investment.

First Impressions & Initial Hits

The purchasing process was smooth, and despite shipping from China, the wedge arrived in about seven or eight working days. Straight out of the box, it looked surprisingly good!

However, the initial excitement quickly faded after the first few hits. I described the feeling as "hitting an ice ball" or "concrete," with a noticeable lack of spin. It was definitely a bit disappointing to start, but to truly get to the bottom of it, a deeper dive into the data was needed.

 

Watch the full YouTube video review here

A Closer Look: Design & Aesthetics

Despite the initial performance jitters, the wedge's aesthetics were a pleasant surprise. Even my friends were impressed by its appearance! The grip is a standard size, and the overall design, with its black finish and "VB vermillion bird" shaft, was quite appealing. I, who typically don't use black wedges, even admitted I could be tempted to switch!

However, upon closer inspection, a potential issue arose: the grooves. They weren't very deep, which could definitely impact spin performance – a crucial factor for wedges. The club also featured a fair amount of offset, which tends to promote a draw, something I don't typically seek in my game.

The Numbers Don't Lie: Data Deep Dive

To get some objective insights, I took the Temu wedge to the simulator for a data-gathering session on the GC3.

Short Game Spin (15-20 Yard Chips)

Surprisingly, the data for 15-20 yard chips wasn't as dismal as the initial outdoor feel suggested.

• Temu 56-degree wedge: Launched at 31 degrees, 30 mph ball speed, averaging 3,000 RPM spin.
• My Old 54-degree wedge: Launched at 25 degrees, averaging around 3,200 RPM spin.

While the Temu wedge spun a little less, the difference wasn't as dramatic as I expected, especially considering the price point. The consistency of the spin was a bit more varied with the Temu wedge, with some shots spinning significantly lower.

On-Course Chip Test

Taking the test to the green, I compared the Temu 56-degree against my trusted 54-degree. While I noted that the Temu wedge tended to "pop up the face," especially with less-than-perfect technique, it wasn't a complete disaster. I even managed to get one shot to "grab up" nicely, benefiting from recent rain that softened the greens.

The Bounce Factor

I highlighted the importance of bounce in short-game performance, explaining how I use it to prevent digging and ensure cleaner turf interaction. I prefer a high bounce on my 50 and 54-degree wedges (10-12 degrees) and a low bounce on my lob wedge (6-8 degrees).

For a beginner's wedge, more bounce is generally desirable for forgiveness. While the Temu wedge does have some bounce, it's not as much as I would ideally like, leading to a bit more digging, especially on firmer ground.

Bunker Performance

Testing the bounce in a compact, rain-softened bunker, the Temu wedge performed reasonably well for simple pop-out shots. However, when trying a more aggressive shot that relies heavily on bounce, the Temu wedge showed its limitations, tending to dig into the sand. This reinforces the point that while it's playable, it lacks the forgiveness of premium wedges with optimal bounce.

Full Shots: Distance & Spin

Moving on to full swings, the data revealed a more significant difference.

• Temu 56-degree wedge: Averaged 105 yards with 7,200 RPM spin.
• My Old 54-degree wedge: Averaged 120 yards with over 10,000 RPM spin.

The drop-off in both distance and, more importantly, spin was quite substantial. The spin consistency was also a concern, with some shots coming out as low as 4,000 RPM, while others occasionally reached 8,000-9,000.

On-Course Full Shot Test

Despite the simulator data, the Temu wedge performed surprisingly well on the course for full shots. The turf interaction was decent, and the balls ended up tightly grouped around the pin. I was genuinely impressed, even exclaiming, "25 quid, it's not actually as bad as I thought, guys!"

The Verdict: Temu Wedge - Yay or Nay?

So, is the £25 Temu wedge a game-changer?

For the experienced golfer seeking premium performance and maximum spin, the answer is no. This wedge won't be replacing a high-end club in my bag. The lower spin rates and less forgiving bounce are significant drawbacks for a competitive player.

However, for a beginner or someone on a very tight budget, it absolutely has a purpose. If you're just looking to get out on the course and play without breaking the bank, this wedge could be a viable option. It looks good, and while it has its limitations, it's certainly playable.

I also emphasize that the second-hand market offers excellent value, where you might find older premium wedges that still outperform the Temu option.

What are your thoughts? Have you tried any golf products from Temu?