New Wedge Needed...anyone got experience with them?

[lamebums]

I'm looking into getting a new sand wedge probably tomorrow. My current one, a 56*10, is 10 degrees too much of bounce. I can't hit it well because it...well, bounces off the ground and I catch it super thin. I'm good out of the sand (I've been using my 60 for the past two weeks because at least it doesn't bounce off the sand and cause me to top the ball) with little to no bounce, so, really, I am getting a gap wedge instead of a sand wedge.

I'm looking for a wedge in the 54-56 degree range, with 5 degrees or less of bounce. Any suggestions, and experiences people have had with them?

Ultimately I'm going to demo half a dozen wedges or so and pick the one I feel most confident standing over the ball with, but I'd like to hear other people's experiences first.

[iacas]

I'm looking into getting a new sand wedge probably tomorrow. My current one, a 56*10, is 10 degrees too much of bounce. I can't hit it well because it...well, bounces off the ground and I catch it super thin. I'm good out of the sand (I've been using my 60 for the past two weeks because at least it doesn't bounce off the sand and cause me to top the ball) with little to no bounce, so, really, I am getting a gap wedge instead of a sand wedge.

You don't seem to understand how to use a sand wedge (or a lob wedge, perhaps). I suggest you get a lesson rather than a new sand wedge.

[lamebums]

You don't seem to understand how to use a sand wedge (or a lob wedge, perhaps). I suggest you get a lesson rather than a new sand wedge.

This has nothing to do with what I asked. I don't need un-necessary comments about my game. I only asked what your own experiences with wedges have been.

Edit: To clarify a bit about my problem with using the sand wedge, the sand at my course ranges from beach-fluffy to basically hardpan, depending on which course you play. I can get it out of the fluffy stuff no problem, but the hard sand is causing me grief. The club bounces off the surface of the sand, and I pick the ball clean and it flies clear over the green. (Also, I need something to use between 80 and 120 yards.)

[teece31]

Well, if you use your 60° well then you should try out one of the same brand and model. I guess a 56°5 Mizuno MP-R. I've played a Mizuno wedge and I really liked it. Also, other good wedges are the Vokey (SM or not) or the TaylorMade black TP wedges.

[iacas]

This has nothing to do with what I asked. I don't need un-necessary comments about my game. I only asked what your own experiences with wedges have been.

It has everything to do with what you asked. You said "My current one, a 56*10, is 10 degrees too much of bounce." That makes no sense - sand wedges have bounce. Why? Because they're designed to have bounce if they're used properly. Even your pitching wedge has more bounce than 0 degrees, which is what you've implied you want.

So, sorry, nobody can answer your question because the question itself doesn't make any sense. If you're topping the ball out of the sand, you're not using your clubs properly. I use a 54.10 from fluffy sand (or for longer bunker shots) and a 60.04 for harder sand (and shorter bunker shots). I also hit both from the fairway, even firm fairways, without problems.

[lamebums]

Well, if you use your 60° well then you should try out one of the same brand and model. I guess a 56°5 Mizuno MP-R. I've played a Mizuno wedge and I really liked it. Also, other good wedges are the Vokey (SM or not) or the TaylorMade black TP wedges.

Yeah, I'm leaning toward the MP-R simply because the 60 is money around the greens.

[MGP]

Yeah, I'm leaning toward the MP-R simply because the 60 is money around the greens.

So what are you going to do from fluffy sand lies once you have no wedges with any significant bounce on them?

[lamebums]

So what are you going to do from fluffy sand lies once you have no wedges with any significant bounce on them?

I found myself in that exact situation today. Got myself in a fairway trap, fluffy sand, and the ball finished in a foot print. (the kids had played in the morning) Still got the ball on the green with a 7 iron. I just clubbed up three clubs and made sure I didn't dig too deep.

But, I'd like to get back on topic.

[iacas]

I found myself in that exact situation today. Got myself in a fairway trap, fluffy sand, and the ball finished in a foot print. (the kids had played in the morning) Still got the ball on the green with a 7 iron. I just clubbed up three clubs and made sure I didn't dig too deep.

That is on topic. And clearly he meant a greenside bunker, not a fairway bunker.

I think you should read this article (and maybe this one too) and, again, get a lesson. A sand wedge with 0 degrees of bounce doesn't make sense.

[lamebums]

Let me put it this way, then. I'm replacing the sand wedge with a gap wedge, since I've been using the sand wedge that way, with bad results. I need something I can get off a tight lie, and I'm already at 14 - so simply adding another club isn't an option. I need to get rid of something.

[Shindig]

This has nothing to do with what I asked. I don't need un-necessary comments about my game. I only asked what your own experiences with wedges have been.

There has to be a pro at your course who knows both types of sand and can teach it to you. I'll admit there's a certain job in a new club, but the advice you're rejecting is likely to save you money and strokes: how often do you get a combination like that?

[fusioncal]

Let me put it this way, then. I'm replacing the sand wedge with a gap wedge, since I've been using the sand wedge that way, with bad results. I need something I can get off a tight lie, and I'm already at 14 - so simply adding another club isn't an option. I need to get rid of something.

Keep the sand wedge and swap your 3-iron with gap wedge. You don't need much distance accuracy with 3-iron. Now with wedges, you need to get the ball as close as possible to the pin. I think it's a fair trade.

In manner of hitting the ball too clean in the bunker, IMHO, it has to do with the swing not the bounce nor the sand condition. Even with high bounce and firm sand you should be able to "dig out" a bit of sand.

[thementhol]

I don't think there is any wedge has less than 5* bounce between 52*~56*

Well Vokey has 60.04 but you don't want a 60 anyway ....

[Guest]

I'm looking into getting a new sand wedge probably tomorrow. My current one, a 56*10, is 10 degrees too much of bounce. I can't hit it well because it...well, bounces off the ground and I catch it super thin. I'm good out of the sand (I've been using my 60 for the past two weeks because at least it doesn't bounce off the sand and cause me to top the ball) with little to no bounce, so, really, I am getting a gap wedge instead of a sand wedge.

I have to admit to being a little confused by the question, as well. Clubs are tools and like any tool, they can be used for the designed purpose or they can be used for something else. One

could drive nails with a pair of pliers. No, it's not the right tool but it can be done. It might be more descriptive to state Your looking for a "wedge", period. 10* of bounce for 56* sand club is considered mid to low-bounce. As an approach wedge many would consider it a balanced club, or at least I would. I have to agree with those who have suggested looking at your set-up. There is no way to bounce any club into the ball with a downward blow to the ball. If you do you have hit it fat and might try the ball further back in your stance. This is not a club issue. Sand is a whole different deal with a totally different set of issues. What loft and bounce is your Cobra 3100H/I PW? What you have doesn't look bad. You might add a wedge between the 56 and PW in the 8 to 10 bounce range? I feel wedge selection starts with a look at your 9 iron. My 9 is a 45-9. This is 3 degrees weaker then most current 9 irons. I carry the following wedges, and to accommodate these within the 14 club limit, I drop clubs depending upon the track I'm playing. My swing is average angle and I take 3-5 inch divots, generally, with the , 9 iron, 47, and 53 wedges. If I blade the ball it's me, and not the club. 588 RTG 47-8, pitching, chipping, approach, most lies 588 RTG53-8, Hard sand, pitching, chipping, approach 588 RTG56-14, soft sand and fluffy lies, pitching, chipping 588 RTG60-3, Hard sand, Hard Pan, tight lies, pitching, chipping, approach These give me all the tools I need. My Eye-2 PW is 50-12, which I find very limited. The bounce is significant and the sole is wide, making it almost impossible to open up. I will say it's the bomb for approach shots from pine needles and it does make it in the bag from time to time. So I typically carry the 3-9, driver,3 wood, putter, 4 wedges. I may sneak in an 18*or 22* hybrid and drop my 4 iron, also, depending on the track. I can lay off a 3 iron and never really miss the 4. Finally, you can have anything you want made-to-order. As a wise man once stated, "money is the answer; what's the question?" Good luck!

[lamebums]

I demo'd a bunch of wedges and after an age settled on the Titleist Vokey 58*08, spin-milled, but without that oil can finish. I had it bent to 56*06.