64 degree wedge

[jmanbooyaa]

I currently use a 58/10 and 54/15 wedge set up by Callaway, the X-Forged vintage. I have had them for almost a month and absolutely love the 58/10. At the course I frequent I rarely use the 54/15. My question is what would the benefit be to adding a 64 degree wedge? I have taken my SW(Callaway X-20 55%) out of my bag because I love the 58 so much. I have also messed around with a 52/56/60 set up for a few months.

[mrbillinoc]

I use the EXACT same wedges and lofts as you, and luv 'em as well. I did get a 64 degree wedge and finally retired it to the back of my garage with all my other old clubs.

I'm a 4 handicap and I'll be damned if I could master that 64*! No matter how hard I tried I just coulndn't get it down pat. Turns out I was getting all the extra loft I needed when I just opened the face of my 58*.

Obvioulsly it's up to you my friend, but that 64* is soo fickle I'll let Phil Mickelson hit it and stick with the 58*.

[jmanbooyaa]

Thanks for the post mrbillinoc. I think I will pass on it. I am in that new golfer phase where I just want equipment whether its good for me or not. I got talked into a hybrid that way and I hate it because 1. I can't hit it well 2. Not sure when to use it. Thanks again for sharing the info.

[wrx_junki]

How come you don't use your 54° much? Do you use an iron from iron set for your bump n run shot? You have more to lose than gain from gaming a 64° wedge. Controlling a 64° takes a lot of precision which requires a lot of practice. Stick to your wedge setup and you will benefit from practicing instead of contemplating on wedge setups.

What's your PW loft?

[jmanbooyaa]

PW=45 SW=55. I never use the SW, I just do not like it for some reason. I bought the 54 to replace the SW of sorts. Well not really since I technically replaced the SW with the 58 I just hit is so much better and feel more comfortable(most likely a mental thing) I bought the 54 as a companion club for the 58 so there would be a a drop in loft and I didn't like 52 I had used for a bit. I think I don't use the 54 much do to the course I frequent and where I am usually hitting from.

[Danattherock]

Consider a 60 deg wedge with less bounce. 10 deg is a lot of bounce for a lob wedge. I just bought a 60 deg wedge with 7 deg bounce which is similar to the one I am replacing. It depends on the courses you play of course. But my set of Miura's I just bought are 52.7, 56.9, and 60.7. In having less bounce, you can open the face (increase loft) and not worry as much about blading flop shots. Comes in very handy on tighter lies as well. Honestly, in doing so, I never find myself wanting a more lofted wedge.

-Dan

[wrx_junki]

Isn't there quite a big distance gap between your pitching and 58? I had a 52, 56, and setup for a long time but used the 60 maybe once or twice a round and it probably got me in more trouble than it did good. Might be a different story for you to be getting 64 but for the masses I think going past a 58 is not really recommended. Would've suggested a 51-52 wedge might work out real nice for you but since you already stated that you didn't like it.

[jmanbooyaa]

Thanks for the responses. Is it possible that the 52 deg I was using was a really cheapo brand($19) for me to practice with. I was always topping the ball so instead of a high trajectory if was a horrible line drive. I have since changed up my swing to a slower back swing and have been able to really hit down now. That being said since I really love the 58 deg by Callaway and the PW is 45 deg should I pick up either a 48 deg or a 52 which would only be 2 deg less than the 54 I rarely use. OR stay put because at this stage I am either withing range on the PW, 54 or 58. Thanks

[Danattherock]

If you had your PW bent to 46 and bought a 52 GW you would have three wedges each separated by 6 degrees. That would be pretty slick.

If any clubs in the bag are worth spending money on it is the wedges and the putter. Add up all the strokes taken with wedges and putters and then think about why folks spend most their money on the opposite clubs used. It makes no sense at all.

If you buy a new wedge, give lots of thought to the bounce.

-Dan

[wrx_junki]

I'd say stick with the wedge setup you have or if anything you can go to a shop and have the 54 turned into a 52. I find a 52 to be very versatile and it's a must have in my bag for a variety of shots. The 100 yard lay-up, pitch shots that hop-and-stop, green side bump-and-runs.

[Danattherock]

I rely heavily on my 52 as well. Perfect club from 100-110. But I wouldn't want mine to have 15 deg of bounce as the OP does. My new SW only has 9.

[jmanbooyaa]

What about this idea, odd yes compulsive you bet. Since in a few weeks the old X-forged can't be sold anymore and they are only $55 after coupon at Golfsmith should I just buy a 52 and maybe a 56 or 64 just to have and fool around with? $110 is not going to kill me financially and could prop sell them come the start of next season for about $40 or so to a player who missed out on the old groove wedges

[Danattherock]

You said you love your 58. Just get the PW bent to 46 and buy a 52.

Then you got 46, 52, and 58. Logical set up.

Give the bounce a lot of consideration.

[jmanbooyaa]

I also have 54 deg 15 bounce

[mrbillinoc]

Originally Posted by jmanbooyaa

Thanks for the responses. Is it possible that the 52 deg I was using was a really cheapo brand($19) for me to practice with. I was always topping the ball so instead of a high trajectory if was a horrible line drive. I have since changed up my swing to a slower back swing and have been able to really hit down now. That being said since I really love the 58 deg by Callaway and the PW is 45 deg should I pick up either a 48 deg or a 52 which would only be 2 deg less than the 54 I rarely use. OR stay put because at this stage I am either withing range on the PW, 54 or 58. Thanks

Hey jman...I think you figured out the biggest secret of all.....hitting DOWN on the ball. A friend of mine started using that new "Tour-Striker" training club...what a difference in his game! He's only been playing about a year, but already just the SOUND at impact with his irons is night and day! When I swing a wedge it's almost like I'm trying to drive the ball into the ground...but the result is a high launch with super spin. Try that 54* with your hands just a bit ahead of the ball through impact swinging DOWN and thru it...you'll luve it!

[Danattherock]

The Tour Striker is awesome. Ordered one from their website a while back, 1.25" over and 2 deg upright. Cool they will do that.

Really helps feel the forward leaning shaft with hands ahead of the clubhead. Something many golfers would benefit from.

The dvd that comes with it actually had some great info. I was impressed. Martin Chuck at Tetherow in Bend, Oregon invented it.

-Dan

[jmanbooyaa]

Just wanted to thank all the posters, really helpful and insightful. Decided not to pull the trigger on a 64 deg.

[mlf16507]

The omly time a 64* wedge comes in handy if you play on a course with small,elevated greens.  Any other time you can open up the face on a 58*or 60* and be spot on.