Choosing the right wedge

[cbaileyau]

Hi, I am fairly new to the site and have really enjoyed reading the forum and have already learned alot. I have recently gotten more serious about my golf game, taking it from playing once every couple months to 3 or more times a month.

I played in high school (8 years ago) and haven't really bought new equipment since then (except for my dads old driver and irons). I currently have a 58* Vokey wedge thats probably 8 or so years old (It was a demo I bought then). I use it alot, its definately my go to club for any shot within 80 yards.

As you can imagine, the grooves are pretty worn and it doesnt put alot of spin on the ball. I would like to replace it but I am not sure which route to go. I will most likeley stick with Vokeys, probably spin milled. My question is, what is the best way to determine what loft and bounce I want. I honestly don't know a whole lot about the bounce. Does that make a whole lot of difference? Does anyone have any articles that explain bounce well?

I was considering going to a 60* to allow for softer landings on my chips. Is the best method just demoing some for a round and see?
Will the spin milled allow me check up my chip shots?

Thanks for the help.

[r7 425]

The spin mills check....a lot There are two types of wedge players...diggers and sliders--

[larlev]

This is a good question....

First check your PW loft....if it's 44-45 then I would go w/ 50,55,60 or 58.
If it's 46-48, I would go w/ 52,56,60 or 58.

Bounce is the ability of the club to "bounce" off the turf...Example you typically want your sand wedge to have a higher bounce 12-14. If you play on courses that have compacted f/w's you might want a lower bounce gap, and lob, say 5-8.

I am not saying you can't hit a higher bounced club off tight f/w's, it's just what most of the articles I have read say is the norm.

[larlev]

  r7 425 said:

The spin mills check....a lot There are two types of wedge players...diggers and sliders--

Dude at least try and answer the question the OP asked......

[r7 425]

  larlev said:

Dude at least try and answer the question the OP asked......

Here is the link for everything you need to know.... http://www.titleist.com/golfclubs/we...spinmilled.asp

[larlev]

  r7 425 said:

Here is the link for everything you need to know....

Good job...that will work....

[iacas]

  cbaileyau said:

My question is, what is the best way to determine what loft and bounce I want. I honestly don't know a whole lot about the bounce. Does that make a whole lot of difference? Does anyone have any articles that explain bounce well?

Here's an article that'll help too:

http://thesandtrap.com/bag_drop/wedg...why_it_matters

[cbaileyau]

  larlev said:

This is a good question....

I'm not sure if I follow. are you saying that I should get 3 wedges at the different angles?

I guess I just need to spread out the lofts based on my PW? How much shorter will I hit a 60* if I hit my 58* about 90 yards?

[cbaileyau]

  r7 425 said:

Here is the link for everything you need to know....

  iacas said:

Here's an article that'll help too:

Those definately offered alot of the information I was looking for. Thanks

[larlev]

  cbaileyau said:

I'm not sure if I follow. are you saying that I should get 3 wedges at the different angles?

Yes, basically you want 4-5 degrees seperation.

As far as distance....I believe the school of thought is 3 yards for every 1 degree of loft. I currently have a 44 deg. PW, so I have a 50deg(Gap), 54deg(Sand), and 60deg(Lob). Hope this helps...And no you don't need 3 wedges, it's all personal preference.

[cbaileyau]

Will most golf stores (edwin watts, golfsmith) allow you to demo wedges for a round or two? Or do they limit you to hitting in the store?

[iacas]

  cbaileyau said:

Will most golf stores (edwin watts, golfsmith) allow you to demo wedges for a round or two? Or do they limit you to hitting in the store?

That's highly unlikely, given the ease with which they scuff (particularly in the sand).

[DavidFehertysBike]

I never really understood why people carry a 60 degree. you can just turn a 56 or 58 and get the same action with it..and i find its actually easier to pitch the ball 30-60yds with a good trajectory and spin using a gap wedge..I guess everyone is different.

[cbaileyau]

  iacas said:

That's highly unlikely, given the ease with which they scuff (particularly in the sand).

Thats what I was afraid of.