Cheap wedges

[jkelley9]

Probably not the question you're thinking.

Firstly, I have been fitted for my irons, woods, and driver. I have not had a chance to be fitted for AW, SW, LW or any hybrids. 

I have cheap wedges in my bag, a 52 Solus, 56 Solus, and a 60 Ray Cook. My PW is a tm, part of my iron set. I don't think I paid more than $30 for each of my "cheap" wedges though, brand new.

A co-worker of mine said that when it comes to wedges, getting cheap ones can really hurt your game. Something about how the shafts they put on them are really no good when it comes to what you're looking for in a wedge swing. 

This peaked my interest because my approach shots with my wedges has been a particularly bad part of my game. My handicap is dropping which is great but on a round of 9 currently I will scramble at LEAST 5 times out of say 8 fairways hit. 

I have been working hard on my short game more than anything at the range (about 70% of balls hit) but I am constantly struggling with them on full swing shots. 1/2 shot and down I'm usually okay with.

What are your thoughts on this? Should I be getting fit for wedges? Is there really that large of a gap in quality of club going from Solus/Ray Cook to the more premium clubs?

Thanks! 

[bigalun]

I cant speak of wedge fitting as ive never had one, but I would certainly say cheap wedges hurt your game. IMO there is an argument to be made about the technology, quality of build and bounce options alone. You're clearly aware of how important custom fitting is, what did you learn during your fitting that was worth having it? surely these principles will apply to your wedges.

Regarding quality, I bought a RAM SW and a Cleveland CG15 about the same time, both stored in the same conditions and used a similar amount, I didn't particularly care for my clubs maybe the way I should have back then but within 6 months the ram shaft had started to peel and flake and rusted quite heavily. I still bag the Cleveland. Could just be a duff club, but I wont hold my breath on that one.

This is kind of like the whole $300 driver and a $3 putter argument, you use the putter WAY more than the driver and the scoring with the putter is more important so why treat them differently. Maybe im talking nonsense, im sure someone will back up the argument with similar experiences soon. hope this helps 

[SavvySwede]

When the shaft is as short as it is with a wedge they're not going to flex much regardless of the brand/flex. I doubt it is much of an issue.