Advice/ Opinions on wedge lofts*

[mbrodeur86]

Not sure if this should be posted here,

I have a 43 degree pw and a 55 degree sw. I want a wedge to fit the gap in between those 2 clubs. I have room for 2 wedges. What do you guys recommend for lofts so that my gaps are covered?? Thanks for any advice/ opinions. I don't have the luxury to go try them out because I'm too far away from any major retailers but I'm leaning towards the vokeys. Will listen to any recommendations though. About a 12 handicap.

Thanks!!

[WUTiger]

Please provide some info for us...

• What is the distance gap between the PW and the SW?
• What is the brand and model of your PW and SW?
• What is difference in shaft length between PW and SW? This is critical. Numbered irons generally have 1/2-inch increments in shaft length up and down the set. When you get to wedges - be it iron-set or specialty wedges - length increments are often only 1/4-inch or less. Rough planning rule: + 1/2" shaft length and + 4* loft = 10 yards between irons for players with medium swing speed.

Basically, if you have a PW from your iron set and three specialty wedges, you may need to tolerate a slightly larger distance gap between PW and GW, than between GW and SW specialty wedges (Vokey, Cleveland G16, etc.). Different wedge head designes will launch the ball differently.

If you like the SW, you might get a matching 50* from the model and bend it to 49*. If you want three wedges beyond PW, things get complicated. You have a really strong PW,

If you can't test things out, it will be hit and miss to fill the gap. Any chance you can go to a regional demo day? Drive up Thursday night, and do major tryout on Friday morning before the weekend crowds arrive.

[mbrodeur86]

Oh crap!! I wanted to include that info...guess I forgot. I'm using Cobra S3 Max with stiff graphite shafts, fitted 2 degree upright. The PW is 43 degree, and the standard length is 36 inches. The SW is 55 degree, and the standard length is 35.5 inches. Both are from the same set (S3 max).  my swing speed is between 98-100mph.

As for demo days, I'm in Atlantic Canada. They usually come early season and don't come back. I went to last years and got fitted for the irons but as I get better, I want to have more versatile wedge options. I did go to this years, but barely had time to try out everything. I only got to try out the Cobra Trusty rusty wedges. Wasn't a big fan of them.

Is there anything else I'm leaving out?? It will probably be a late season purchase.....

[WUTiger]

Do you have any custom clubfitters in your area? It could be someone who has an at-home shop, but who has decent experience and satisfied customers. Do any country clubs or courses have a clubsmith?

There's a number of component wedge head models which you might consider. And, the clubfitter might have some test models you could try. Ask around and see if there's a decent local club shop.

[David in FL]

That's a strong loft for a PW.....closer to most 9 irons. Most PW's are more in the 46* - 47* range. That means you can pretty much have your pick of most other PW's out there, then add a 52* gap wedge and you're pretty much there. Vokey makes a fine wedge, as does Cleveland. Choose a profile and bounce that you like and you won't go far wrong with either one off the rack.