When to freshen up wedges

[ElWagonne]

Folks,

Trying to solicit some advice here....how often do you guys normally get new wedges?  I last bought wedges back in the summer of 09, but during the summer months, I'll play or hit balls 3 times a week or more.  So my questions are:

1) Is every 2 years a good time to re-up on wedges

2) Should I get them all at the same time

I'm pretty partial to Vokey's so that probably won't change, but I appreciate any responses.

[Gordon McTavish]

I've had the same sand wedge for 4 years now, and the same pitching wedge for 3.  The sand wedge is looking pretty rough now, but the pitching wedge still looks in decent condition (and I hit more balls with two clubs than anything else in my bag).

Unless you really do put a lot of mileage on your clubs, I'd imagine they are still in decent condition.

P.S. Are you worried that new, off-the-rack wedges this year are all supposed to conform to the new groove rule?

[Fourputt]

I don't really worry about it.  If I like a club it will stay in my bag for a long time.  I'm quite happy with my current setup (Vokey 54 and CG15 56), and I don't really plan on changing this season at all.  The only reason I might buy a new wedge is if I do well on club tournament and get some book money on the pro shop... I'm always willing  experiment as long as it doesn't come out of my own pocket.

Originally Posted by Gordon McTavish

P.S. Are you worried that new, off-the-rack wedges this year are all supposed to conform to the new groove rule?

No I'm not.  Makes absolutely no difference in my game.  On full shots I can stop the ball with no problems, and on short shots (chips and pitches) I prefer to let the ball run to the hole, and to try and control the runout with trajectory rather than with spin.  My irons down to my GW are all new grooves now - have been for 2 years.

By the way, it doesn't matter if they are off the rack or not, they still have to have the new grooves to be conforming.

[nuck81]

I just bought a new SGS 56* this week.  It's the first new wedge I've ever bought.  I've been using an old Titliest forged that is probably about 30 years old....

[delav]

As a follow-up, anyone use a groove tool on their wedges?

I have a set of Vokeys on their 3rd season, and the shafts match my irons (PX 6.5).  The 60 and 56 are getting a bit worn and I've thought of picking up a groove tool on ebay to breath some life into the set.

Any experience out there?

[ohiolefty]

If you're noticing a decrease in spin, or that you're catching fliers you normally wouldn't...I'd change wedges. There's no set time period, it's more about rate of play, impact dispersion and all of that...the things that directly impact the clubface and cause wear. Wedges aren't pieces of fruit. They don't go bad in a set period of time.

[ElWagonne]

Originally Posted by Gordon McTavish

P.S. Are you worried that new, off-the-rack wedges this year are all supposed to conform to the new groove rule?

I talked with a guy in Golfsmith who advised that the majority of wedges that are on the racks are still non-conforming.....you almost have to ask specifically for a conforming wedge.  I'll probably replace my 54 b/c it does have considerably more wear than my 50.