Wedge shafts

[kbbgood]

Should wedge shafts be the same as my regular irons. I use regular shafts in my irons but most of the wedges off the racks are stiff. I have a set of Cleveland 588 rtg wedges in 49, 54 and 60 but they are stiff shafts. I have thought that because they are so short it really doesn't matter that much but am I right?

[WUTiger]

Cleveland uses the Tour Concept Wedgeflex as stock shaft for the Cle 588 RTG (raw tour grind) wedges. This is a 118 gram shaft, a bit lighter than the True Temper Dynamic Gold S300 shaft.

From the Cleveland website:

TOUR CONCEPT WEDGEFLEX SHAFT

• Exclusive stiffness profile with less active tip
• More penetrating ball flight, increased spin and optimal distance control - along with superior feel.

This shaft is similar to the older TRAction (Tour Reflex Action) Wedgeflex that was used in the CG14, CG15 and CG16 wedges. The TRAction shaft had a stiffer than normal butt for lower launch, but a somewhat softer tip to allow increased spin and touch on partial shots. The TRAction had similar profile to the TT Spinner Flex (minus the flex joint at midshaft).

It appears the Tour Concept Wf has a slightly firmer tip than the TRAction. (Cleveland partnered with True Temper in developing both shafts).

Many players can handle Wedgeflex (moderately stiff) shafts in their wedges because, as you noted, the shafts are shorter. Also, the heavier Wedgeflex shafts allows the golfer to drop the club "into the slot" easier on partial shots.

But, it all comes down to feel. Some players like their wedges to have the same shafts as their irons. If you check out the 588 RTG link, you'll see seven custom shafts you can order if you don't want the Tour Concept.

A good clubsmith could offer you additional shafts, if you wanted to reshaft.