Used wedges?

[SVTGolfer]

Originally Posted by delav

I think what he meant to say was that used wedges generate less spin, and only players able to "spin" a ball will notice this.  Therefore, only a new wedge will do for him.  Truth is, we all spin the ball, even if we make a pathetic hack of a flip at it.

While I agree that a better player may notice worn grooves more than a novice, I think there are certainly more tactful ways to go about making such a point.

Yes.

And I wasn't trying to sound uppity, just making a point. Sorry, I just tell it straight, no sugar coating.

[sean_miller]

Originally Posted by SVTGolfer

Yes.

And I wasn't trying to sound uppity, just making a point. Sorry, I just tell it straight, no sugar coating.

Yeah, I tried the trick up wedges and found them to be the wedge version of Belly Putter. If you can put spin on the ball you don't need the laser milled lines that wear off in a month anyway.

Having said that, I do appreciate your POV since a lot of Tour pros switch their wedges up for same reason. Sorry for jumping on you for adding your thoughts.

[SVTGolfer]

No worries…

Just dont let it happen again or ill eat you!!

Hahaha, Just kidding.

[jmanbooyaa]

More times than not the groves on used wedges are in great shape. Clean them off add a grip and you could walk out with a premium wedge for cheap. Of course checking the face is key

[95124hacker]

There's a famous study documented in the book "The Search for the Perfect Swing" (1968).  Yes it's old, but so is Physics!  In that study, they found that a groove-less 9-iron spun the SAME as one with grooves from a normal lie.  From the rough or wet grass, the grooves funnel moisture (grass juice) away from the club/ball striking area, and provide slightly better "traction".  Think of bald/racing vs all-season tread car tires.

According to Tom Wishon (legendary club designer):

So the bottom line is that the grooves can add a very small amount of spin to the shot, but by far the vast majority of spin comes from the other elements not related to the grooves - clubhead speed, loft, face roughness, angle of attack, ball type, point of impact.

Yes, sharp grooves are important, but not as much as everyone thinks.

[WUTiger]

...  In that study, they found that a groove-less 9-iron spun the SAME as one with grooves from a normal lie.  From the rough or wet grass, the grooves funnel moisture (grass juice) away from the club/ball striking area, and provide slightly better "traction". ...

Instructors at the GolfWorks clubmaking school do a demonstration on this.

As far as used wedges go, I tend to find wedges that are pretty beat up, or wedges that someone played for a month and just didn't like.

Dents in the face that would scar the golf ball is the main thing I look for.

[iacas]

There's a famous study documented in the book "The Search for the Perfect Swing" (1968).  Yes it's old, but so is Physics!  In that study, they found that a groove-less 9-iron spun the SAME as one with grooves from a normal lie.  From the rough or wet grass, the grooves funnel moisture (grass juice) away from the club/ball striking area, and provide slightly better "traction".  Think of bald/racing vs all-season tread car tires.

According to Tom Wishon (legendary club designer):

So the bottom line is that the grooves can add a very small amount of spin to the shot, but by far the vast majority of spin comes from the other elements not related to the grooves - clubhead speed, loft, face roughness, angle of attack, ball type, point of impact.

Yes, sharp grooves are important, but not as much as everyone thinks.

I don't believe that is accurate.

- Grooves begin to add spin above 24° or so, IIRC.

- Also IIRC, "face roughness" adds little to no spin.

The book is old… and balls and clubheads have changed.