Used wedges?

Golf Novice · May 10, 2011

Relatively new golfer here, just started playing last year and am just now starting to play regularly after taking about 20 lessons over the course of the past year. Because I haven't played nearly as much as I should have during that time, I'm still north of 100, but making progress every week. (121, 120, 109 last weekend). No doubt continuing to learn how to MANAGE the course will take strokes off, but the issue I'm looking at fixing now is wedges. Here's my current setup:

Taylormade Burner Driver (9.5)

Taylormade Burner 3W (15*)

Taylormade Rescue Hybrid (19*)

4-SW (Callaway X-18R's)

Odessy 2Ball White Hot Putter

Obviously, that's 12 clubs, and that's my original setup from Golfsmith from a year ago. At this point, I'm getting to the point where the gap between the PW (46*) and the SW (56*) are too much and I'm having to finesse shots around the green with both. Enter the need for some wedges. Given my handicap and what is hopefully a continuously improving game, I'm trying to decide what I should get. I hear the vokeys are the best, and am thinking about those. I also like the look of the Callaway X-Forged Vintage wedges, which I've heard good things about too. My primary question is if I should just spring for new ones, or if used are ok? I've seen the Spin Milled CC Vokeys online at GlobalGolf.com for $64.99/piece in "very good" condition. Obviously it's tough buying something sight unseen, but that's part of the risk you take. I've heard that them being used doesn't really matter. My irons have extensions of 1 1/4" in them (I'm 6'2 1/2") (done by Golfsmith at the time I bought them). If I buy used, should I also get the same extensions in these? Can I do that? Are new vs. used worth it at my level? Is there a better wedge out there for someone of my skill-level that I should consider instead? The appropriate bounce is also something that confuses me, so that's a concern.

Because my PW is 46*, my thought is to go 50*, 54* (and dump the SW that came with the set) and 58*. Is this optimal?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

**Nole77** · May 10, 2011

http://www.callawaygolfpreowned.com/x-forged-vintage-wedges/wedges-x-forged-vintage-2008,default,pd.html

Callaway pre-owned is running a promotion on their used x-forged wedges. I got mine a few weeks ago and love it.

**sean_miller** · May 10, 2011

Originally Posted by Golf Novice

Relatively new golfer here, just started playing last year and am just now starting to play regularly after taking about 20 lessons over the course of the past year. Because I haven't played nearly as much as I should have during that time, I'm still north of 100, but making progress every week. (121, 120, 109 last weekend). No doubt continuing to learn how to MANAGE the course will take strokes off, but the issue I'm looking at fixing now is wedges. Here's my current setup:

Taylormade Burner Driver (9.5)

Taylormade Burner 3W (15*)

Taylormade Rescue Hybrid (19*)

4-SW (Callaway X-18R's)

Odessy 2Ball White Hot Putter

Obviously, that's 12 clubs, and that's my original setup from Golfsmith from a year ago. At this point, I'm getting to the point where the gap between the PW (46*) and the SW (56*) are too much and I'm having to finesse shots around the green with both. Enter the need for some wedges. Given my handicap and what is hopefully a continuously improving game, I'm trying to decide what I should get. I hear the vokeys are the best, and am thinking about those. I also like the look of the Callaway X-Forged Vintage wedges, which I've heard good things about too. My primary question is if I should just spring for new ones, or if used are ok? I've seen the Spin Milled CC Vokeys online at GlobalGolf.com for $64.99/piece in "very good" condition. Obviously it's tough buying something sight unseen, but that's part of the risk you take. I've heard that them being used doesn't really matter. My irons have extensions of 1 1/4" in them (I'm 6'2 1/2") (done by Golfsmith at the time I bought them). If I buy used, should I also get the same extensions in these? Can I do that? Are new vs. used worth it at my level? Is there a better wedge out there for someone of my skill-level that I should consider instead? The appropriate bounce is also something that confuses me, so that's a concern.

Because my PW is 46*, my thought is to go 50*, 54* (and dump the SW that came with the set) and 58*. Is this optimal?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I'm 6 1 3/4" and find the Vokey's are perfect for tall people. Check out your local Play It Again Sports (or something like that) and see what they have. As a beginner you're going to be hitting your ball from a lot of crazy places so have your wedge "pre-dented" is not a bad thing. If you get a set with decent grips and a lot of groove life left (someone there can probably help you with that) you should be able to develop a solid wedge game.

I picked up some wedges from PIAS and ebay for very cheap. All good and there's a lot of golf left in them.

**BostonSully** · May 10, 2011

Picked up my 3 wedges from 3ballsgolf.com

They are used clevelands either CG12 or CG14 in 50* 56* and 60* lofts. All 3 cost me less than 100$ total the condition of "very good" clubs from this site seems to be outstanding some scratching on the face but everything else is in prime condition no dents and sharp grooves.

**delav** · May 10, 2011

I picked up a backspin buddy groove tool from eBay several weeks ago. These are awesome in breathing new life into a worn wedge.

**LankyLefty** · May 10, 2011

Honestly I can tell you as a fellow High handicapper, find a cheap wedge that is well reviewed and go for it. Most basic wedges are gonna be the same shape and If you can hit one decent you can probably hit them all decent. My wedges are a tour edge 60* wedge i got from Kmart and a Cleveland 54* wedge used from Golf Galaxy for around $30 also.

3balls.com is a great place for some budget wedges and don't forget to check out their ebay store. On stuff they cant sell on the main site they start. $1 raise no reserve auctions on ebay. If you wait around you can get some fantastic deals.

DallasGolf.com is an overstock merchant, meaning if a mainline store like. Golf Warehouse or Golfsmith has new clubs from a few years ago that they cant sell DallasGolf.com buys them for in bulk for very little and sells them off. All their stuff is from 09 or older but it is new and certainly playable. They often have used type prices for brand new stuff.

**WUTiger** · May 10, 2011

Originally Posted by Golf Novice

... Because my PW is 46*, my thought is to go 50*, 54* (and dump the SW that came with the set) and 58*. Is this optimal? ...

Started out 2010 with CG14 - 50.08 and a Callaway XForged 56.14. Last fall, I put the 56.14 aside and picked up a CG14s - 54.12 and 58.10.

Some of the courses I play tuck pins back on little shelves, and the 58.10 will stop like a dart if hit right. The 58.10 is steadier than any 60* clubs I've tried.

That said, I'm finding four wedges is a bit much to manage. This past summer, I've run into some small-college players who have 56* as their highest lofted wedge. Earlier, I found I could hit short lob-bype shots with the 56. I might go back to PW - 50 - 56 if the 58* doesn't start to really click. Wedges 58* on up require a lot of practice to really get locked in.

For now, you might find a "gap" wedge ... 50* or so, and see if that helps you out.

Also: consider getting a short-game lesson. By seeing you hit the wedges you have, the pro could recommend solutions to your wedge problem... and, show you some tricks on partial wedge set up.

**soonerfan** · May 10, 2011

Originally Posted by Golf Novice

Relatively new golfer here, just started playing last year and am just now starting to play regularly after taking about 20 lessons over the course of the past year. Because I haven't played nearly as much as I should have during that time, I'm still north of 100, but making progress every week. (121, 120, 109 last weekend). No doubt continuing to learn how to MANAGE the course will take strokes off, but the issue I'm looking at fixing now is wedges. Here's my current setup:

Taylormade Burner Driver (9.5)

Taylormade Burner 3W (15*)

Taylormade Rescue Hybrid (19*)

4-SW (Callaway X-18R's)

Odessy 2Ball White Hot Putter

Obviously, that's 12 clubs, and that's my original setup from Golfsmith from a year ago. At this point, I'm getting to the point where the gap between the PW (46*) and the SW (56*) are too much and I'm having to finesse shots around the green with both. Enter the need for some wedges. Given my handicap and what is hopefully a continuously improving game, I'm trying to decide what I should get. I hear the vokeys are the best, and am thinking about those. I also like the look of the Callaway X-Forged Vintage wedges, which I've heard good things about too. My primary question is if I should just spring for new ones, or if used are ok? I've seen the Spin Milled CC Vokeys online at GlobalGolf.com for $64.99/piece in "very good" condition. Obviously it's tough buying something sight unseen, but that's part of the risk you take. I've heard that them being used doesn't really matter. My irons have extensions of 1 1/4" in them (I'm 6'2 1/2") (done by Golfsmith at the time I bought them). If I buy used, should I also get the same extensions in these? Can I do that? Are new vs. used worth it at my level? Is there a better wedge out there for someone of my skill-level that I should consider instead? The appropriate bounce is also something that confuses me, so that's a concern.

Because my PW is 46*, my thought is to go 50*, 54* (and dump the SW that came with the set) and 58*. Is this optimal?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

i would suggest used vokey's or cleveland wedges. cant go wrong either way. these can be found very easliy and very affordable. i am also 6'2" i had my wedges mirror my irons 1" over standard. i seem to be more consistent after doing so. 47,50,54,58 is my current wedge setup and i love it. as far as being optimal that's personal preference. for me it is because it fills my yardage gaps perfectly. bounce really depends on the condition of the course's you play and what makes you comfortable i would suggest playing as much bounce as you can get away with. more bounce = more forgiveness. if your fairways tend to be a lil firm then you would better benefit from a lower bounce wedge and vice versa..i generally go with a mid bounce between 8 and 12 degrees. i think i covered all of your ?'s hope this helps. good luck.

**jamo** · May 10, 2011

If you see them in person, as long as you check the grooves, used wedges are fine. If you are buying them on the internet, very good condition should mean good grooves.

Your setup of 46-50-54-58 also seems fine, though you might want to consider going 46-52-58 and buying another hybrid, if that better fits your yardage gaps.

**Dad-2-3** · May 10, 2011

Absolutely nothing wrong with going used as long as you aren't getting a worn out POS with no groove life left. You can buy two used vokeys at a "play it again sports" for less than one bought new.

One suggestion is if you buy used, make sure to get the lie and loft checked before walking out of the store. The check out dude at the "Golf Exchange" sort of chuckled when I asked him to make sure the used 52 degree wedge was really 52 degrees. He wasn't laughing at me when he put it on the loft machine and found it to be 49 degrees. Hmmmm......I wonder why i hit my 47 degree PW only a few yards further than my 52 degree gap wedge?

**SVTGolfer** · May 11, 2011

Used wedges are fine for people who don't/can't spin it… Unless its an obvious almost new club that someone just traded in after using only 4 times, I personally would not buy "used" wedges because I require good grooves that spin the ball. Obviously there are exceptions. That being said I wont buy wedges at full price. Theres no point. Theres plenty of nice wedges on sale almost always, and who cares if they are last years model!?

**sean_miller** · May 11, 2011

Originally Posted by SVTGolfer

Used wedges are fine for people who don't/can't spin it… Unless its an obvious almost new club that someone just traded in after using only 4 times, I personally would not buy "used" wedges because I require good grooves that spin the ball. Obviously there are exceptions. That being said I wont buy wedges at full price. Theres no point. Theres plenty of nice wedges on sale almost always, and who cares if they are last years model!?

You sure say some stange things. A used wedge is for people who can't spin the ball, but you need new wedges to spin the ball?!?!? Sorry if I'm missing something in what you're saying. Maybe you're trying to be helpful and maybe you're a douchebag, I just can't tell. Were you speaking in third person describing why you personally don't buy used wedges - because you can't generate any spin unless the wedge is brand new?

**SVTGolfer** · May 11, 2011

Originally Posted by sean_miller

You sure say some stange things. A used wedge is for people who can't spin the ball, but you need new wedges to spin the ball?!?!? Sorry if I'm missing something in what you're saying. Maybe you're trying to be helpful and maybe you're a douchebag, I just can't tell. Were you speaking in third person describing why you personally don't buy used wedges - because you can't generate any spin unless the wedge is brand new?

Well you seem to be the ring leader of taking things out of context…

What I was saying is that a used wedge typically spins less, does it not? Obviously its a wedge by wedge basis. But If you're a player that spins the ball off a wedge why would you buy a used wedge with less spin, UNLESS you want less spin??? Typically when you go to buy a new wedge its because you've worn out your current wedge and its not (for lack of a better term) "biting" as well, correct? I go through a set of wedges a year, maybe a bit more because its California and we get to play all year round, but I play A LOT of golf. Sometimes 2-3 times a week. My current set has lasted me about 9 months now, and they still feel good, so maybe I wont need to switch these out as soon.

Seems pretty logical to me, how is it so "strange," as you put it…?

**delav** · May 11, 2011

Originally Posted by sean_miller

You sure say some stange things. A used wedge is for people who can't spin the ball, but you need new wedges to spin the ball?!?!? Sorry if I'm missing something in what you're saying. Maybe you're trying to be helpful and maybe you're a douchebag, I just can't tell. Were you speaking in third person describing why you personally don't buy used wedges - because you can't generate any spin unless the wedge is brand new?

I think what he meant to say was that used wedges generate less spin, and only players able to "spin" a ball will notice this. Therefore, only a new wedge will do for him. Truth is, we all spin the ball, even if we make a pathetic hack of a flip at it.

While I agree that a better player may notice worn grooves more than a novice, I think there are certainly more tactful ways to go about making such a point.

**sean_miller** · May 11, 2011

Originally Posted by SVTGolfer

Well you seem to be the ring leader of taking things out of context…

What I was saying is that a used wedge typically spins less, does it not? Obviously its a wedge by wedge basis. But If you're a player that spins the ball off a wedge why would you buy a used wedge with less spin, UNLESS you want less spin??? Typically when you go to buy a new wedge its because you've worn out your current wedge and its not (for lack of a better term) "biting" as well, correct? I go through a set of wedges a year, maybe a bit more because its California and we get to play all year round, but I play A LOT of golf. Sometimes 2-3 times a week. My current set has lasted me about 9 months now, and they still feel good, so maybe I wont need to switch these out as soon.

Seems pretty logical to me, how is it so "strange," as you put it…?

It does seem logical. A player gets used to the jacked up spin of a new Vokey or similar wedge then needs to replace it every year. I do like a wedge with some experience. Does that mean I like "less spin" than a brand new wedge? Damn straight - who needs to spin a good shot off the green? Generating sufficient spin with a used wedge is not a problem, so how does this mean I "can't spin it" as you said?

**Shorty** · May 11, 2011

There are no wedges that are "the best". Cleveland, Mizuno, Vokey, Callaway etc. are all excellent.

I recently bought a couple of Vokeys from 3ballsgolf rated as "very good". They were brand new.

You just have to find a design you like the look of.

I had Vokeys which I really liked.

Then I tried Clevelands which again I liked. Very similar at address to Vokey

Then I changed to Mizuno. Very nice and noticeably smaller than Vokey, but good feel.

Now I have gone back to Vokey. Quite chunky, comp[ared to MIzuno, but you get used to that straight away, and they work well.

Despite what you may read, there isn't a huge amount of technology in wedges. They are outrageously priced if you buy new at retail by the way.

As long as you get the correct lofts and bounce to suit your game and the courses you mostly play, you won't go wrong.

**motteler621** · May 11, 2011

just make sure you try the wedge before you buy would be my advice. To me weight of the wedge is very important, I like a lighter feeling wedge and have that in my Ping tour w sandwedge, I also have literally a brand new Mizuno mpt-10 60 degree that I dont like as much because its super heavy feeling.

I picked that Ping by holding most of the wedges in the store and that had the best weight feeling.

I think Freddy Couples even drills big holes in the back of his wedges because he likes them lighter

**SVTGolfer** · May 11, 2011

Originally Posted by sean_miller

It does seem logical. A player gets used to the jacked up spin of a new Vokey or similar wedge then needs to replace it every year. I do like a wedge with some experience. Does that mean I like "less spin" than a brand new wedge? Damn straight - who needs to spin a good shot off the green? Generating sufficient spin with a used wedge is not a problem, so how does this mean I "can't spin it" as you said?

Well I was never specifically speaking as to your individual game, so Im not sure what you're trying to argue there. Sounds like you want less spin. So buy whatever does it for you. I want better spin, so I wont buy something worn out. I will buy a wedge that works better in that regard. I think you're just looking for an argument though…

Context man, context…

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