Cavity backed vs. 'standard' wedges

[cmarkmyers]

A lot of Iron sets that I have been looking at lately come with at least a sand wedge that is designed just like the pitching wedge - that is cavity backed. If the set also has a lob or a gap wedge then that will also be cavity backed.

However, when I instead look at individual wedges they are more of the traditionally designed blades.

So my question is, what is the difference? One advantage I can see is getting a wedge with the irons you can be assured that it is properly gapped and it should feel very similar to the other irons. On the other hand, buying a seperate wedge may mean you get a better quality club specifically designed with the proper bounce.

Anywho, what is the difference and should I look for a set of irons that includes a sand and gap wedge or should I buy seperate?

[Donald MacKenzie]

If you're a 36 handicapper, stick with the wedges that come with your set. Cavity backs are much more forgiving on full shots and even on chips around the green. The standalone blade wedges look cool, but won't help you much on forgiveness (except maybe the CG11 from Cleveland).

As far as "quality," the wedges that match your set will be the same quality as the irons they go with. It's not as if they're made at a separate factory. I say go with the cavity backs and take advantage of the extra forgiveness. Hope this helps.

[cmarkmyers]

Thank you for the response. I guess it was just thinking about hitting out of the sand with a standard looking cavity backed club that seemed a bit odd to me. The wedge with my beginners set is not cavity backed, and it seems ok. My gap wedge is cavity backed but I really don't like it.

However, since I just purchased a new set of clubs where the PW is 46* I am now thinking of getting new wedges to go with it. A 52 and 58 should fill the gap nicely, I hope. I may even pass on cavity backed and 'standard' wedges, and try the F2's.

[xd3vilx]

i am a high handicapper but i try usin both club and the blade wedge give me more feel around the green...try both kind and see which suit u...

[Maverick]

I use a Cleveland 588 56 deg., I guess it doesn't have a cavity, that was just the wedge I got when I first started. I've heard you get more feel with the "muscle back" in the wedges..but yeah, if you don't hit it it's no good. It's beautifu around the green though.

[Guest]

I'm looking to answer the same question. My Taylor Made RAC OS 2005 are 3-PW, so I bought the cool-looking RAC TP Black 56 wedge. This is a forged blade "old school" style wedge, but I really have trouble hitting it. Off-center hits go flying wildly to the side, and it feels heavy compared to my other irons...

So I just bought the matching RAC OS 2005 sand wedge (cavity back) to my iron set. But What am I missing by giving up my blade wedge? Should I keep it in the bag just for sand shots, and use my cavity back sand wedge for approaches and chipping?

[c_mack9]

i use my 50° set gap wedge on full shots, and my 56° cg10 in close cause i cant get the balls to hit it full, i just choke down on the gap wedge.

[joey1234]

i have the admas wedge set - they are like traditional wedges - and i hit them better than the pitching wedge that cam with my set... I lov emy wedges and for 80 bucks you cant go wrong