Lob Wedge - 60˚ and 64˚

I've been looking into buying a nice lob wedge as of late. My shortest wedge is 56˚, a SW. I was wondering if anyone had a recommendation for a good, not-so-expensive lob wedge. I've been looking at Wilson, Nike and Cleveland. Wilson is closer to my price range, since I don't know how much I will like/use the club, since I've gotten quite good with my SW.

I've seen a lot of good wedges on sale at local golf shops lately. Nike, MacGregor, Wilson, even Cleveland and Callaway, all under $70. Last year's models on closeout. All of the above make good wedges, though I'm partial to Cleveland and Callaway (designed by Roger Cleveland, actually) because they look and play great, and because they're available in multiple bounce angles to fit your swing needs.

One bit of advice: Don't get a lob wedge just to say you have one. I know a couple people who have 60-degreee wedges in their bags and never use them. It can be a tricky club to hit on full swings. You may find that you can do everything you'd like to do with your lob wedge with your current sand wedge. If you don't have a wedge in between your pitching and sand wedges, I'd suggest investing in a 52-degree gap wedge before a lob wedge. Very handy for full shots from the fairway, and could plug a yardage gap in your bag. I use my gap wedge more than any other club in the bag other than the putter. Good luck, and let us know what you decide to buy.

I second what Donald said. Just got a 52 degree gap wedge with a 7 degree bounce (in my case a Mizuno Tour Style) and it has proven very useful. I also carry a 56/11 sand wedge but the higher bounce is more difficult to play from the grass (for me, at least). Lob wegdes are indeed tricky beasts on full swings and I only had wished for one once when I was close to a small water hazard with the green right behind.

I have to echo Donald on this. I have a 61* wedge that is a thing of beauty when hit well, but at my modest level that can be challenging. More often the oh-so-flat head almost slides right under the ball resulting in a chili-dip or goes to the other extreme and blades a line drive. Admittedly, I am not the world's best player, but I am a little better than that. No such problems with my P or S. I have decided that at my current level I am actually more comfortable and consistent hitting a pitch and run with a 9 iron on those 50-60 yd shots than trying to hit the 61*.

Just a word of caution. They are sexy, but can be challenging to hit well. I would demo a few if possible to see what feels best.
Regards,
Raymond

[QUOTE=Donald MacKenzie]

One bit of advice: Don't get a lob wedge just to say you have one. I know a couple people who have 60-degreee wedges in their bags and never use them. It can be a tricky club to hit on full swings. You may find that you can do everything you'd like to do with your lob wedge with your current sand wedge. [QUOTE}