Wedge Material: 1020 Steel, 304 Stainless, or Brass

[DavidNJ]

I've seen all three uses. 1020 seems most common. Wishon uses 304. And there have been brass wedges that claim great feel (at one time many putters were brass).

The only clubfitting book that seems to mention it is Summitt/Jackson; and they say it makes no difference.

What are the advantages of each? Which do you play?

Thanks,

David

[aquacooled]

feel and cost is the difference.. when it feels better then it usually costs more.. Brass I wouldnt try changing loft or lie with them..

[gas_can]

I've seen all three uses. 1020 seems most common. Wishon uses 304. And there have been brass wedges that claim great feel (at one time many putters were brass).

DavidNJ,

As aquacooled mentioned, there are differences in feel between all the different metals used. Carbon steels are typically the softest according to the Rockwell Hardness Scale, with 8620 and 1020 being very close together. However, carbon steels are typically less durable than stainelss steel applications. Stainless are typically harder, but have much better durability. Most stainless alloys are too brittle to be forged which is why you typically see them in cast applications. The exception being 17-4 and 410 which is used in clubs like the Titleist 755. If you're a range rat, I'd strongly consider a stainless set for the durability aspects alone. Berillium Copper was a very common alloy used in the past since it is very soft, yet is still very durable. However, its use is prohibited in the golf industry these days due to EPA restrictons on the use of Berillium which is carcinogenic when airbore. From a pure performance aspect, it makes no differnece. You are still hitting a white ball with a piece of metal. However, there is a bit of a difference in feel, but not neccissarily one which isn't influenced just as much by club design than by material used. Don't get too caught up in the hype between all the different metals used and the forged versus cast debate. There are stainelss Ping clubs which feel just as soft as the carbon steel Mizunos I've played.