Switching Short Wedges

[rehmwa]

I've been hitting 3 Mizuno JPX wedges:

• GW - 50, (110 yards full)
• SW - 56/14 (100 or so, rarely a full swing)
• LW - 60 (70 or so, rarely too)

I bought them because they were cheap and I was on a Mizuno kick.

Last year - I got to borrow some Mack Daddy 2's.  Loved them, drawing them back, messing with flight angle.  I found a couple on clearance at a local course - new, very cheap for unused wedges, and talked them down even further.

So I'm replacing the SW and LW with these:

• 54/14
• 58/10
• Both are S grind (it's the middle one, or the all purpose grind)

I like having the 60 in the bag and I'm worried about my yardage gaps now.  However, since these dive hard with an 'extra oomph' swing, I think that counters the stronger lofts....I just don't know....

What can I expect?  (I'm regripping them tonight and haven't yet swung them)

Good decision?  or just another impulse buy?

[amoline]

1 hour ago, rehmwa said:

Good decision?  or just another impulse buy?

Who says they have to be separate things? 

In all seriousness, I don't think you'll have too big of an issue. I carry a 58 degree and a 64 degree (I know, I'm nuts) on the upper end of my wedges, and I would never dare hit the 64 on a full swing so you're brave! 

However, I don't think you'll run into any issues. Since you're used to swinging wedges with non full swings -- something I think people struggle with -- I think you'll find that your other wedges do just fine in covering. 

If nothing else, my two cents is play two or three rounds and see how you get on. If you find yourself definitively saying "Dang, if I only had the 60..." then you'll know. My suspicion is that given your handicap you will be a good enough player without it that you don't find yourself missing it too much if you like the other wedges.

Let us know what happens!

[WUTiger]

1 hour ago, rehmwa said:

I like having the 60 in the bag and I'm worried about my yardage gaps now.  However, since these dive hard with an 'extra oomph' swing, I think that counters the stronger lofts....I just don't know....

Not sure if you're talking about the JPX or the MD2 in your dive hard remark...

You'll have to go out on the grass and compare the distances. Here's what you're comparing:

JPX would have XP.105 wedge flex (101 gram stiff) as stock shaft
       GW and SW: 35.25" shafts// LW 35" shaft

Mack Daddy 2 would have Dynamic Gold S300 (130 gram  wedge flex) as stock shaft
      54/14 = 35.25" shaft / 58/10 = 35.125" shaft

if you have the stock shafts in each of the wedges....
    the MD2 will feel a bit heavier going through the ball. Depends on what you like. 

If you end up carrying 54 and 58, you may find the 58 a bit easier to control than the 60. Quite a few players who use a 60 LW don't try more than a half swing ... a fuller swing often launches ball higher but not much longer.

Questions

1. Do you have JPX irons? If so, you may miss the continuity of feel between irons and wedges.
2. You said you like the MD2 wedges, but, what were you hoping to get out of them?

---

P.S. I tried out the Callaway MD3 wedges - similar to MD2 - at a couple of recent demo days, and I actually like them better than the high-toe MD PM grind.

[rehmwa]

thanks guys -

"Dive hard" - that was the MD2's (result of more spin of course)

1 - I don't have the JPX Irons, I play with MP-15s (now I'll have an MP15 at 46, a JPX at 50, and the MD2s at 54 and 58)

2 - I want more spin so I have more options to learn and work with.  Definitely the reason I bought them.

I have no issues on full swing with the 60.  it's nice.  I'm hoping for the same with the 58.  I just want more range of shot choices and the ability to learn to use spin more in the range of short chips and lobs, and up to about 80 yards or so.

--- stock shafts - I think I'll like the heavier feel a lot.  hopefully the rain stops so I can get out and play them.  I gripped them last night and ready to go now.  at one of the local shops I see that contact quality can get spin ranges from 3200 to well over 8000, so that's encouraging.

all 4 are in the car and I'll be having fun comparing now.  maybe even pry open the wallet and take some wedge lessons.....

 

[rehmwa]

finally hit a few shots yesterday

I'm thrilled.  the extra bounce was needed.

The 'heavier feel' (per WUTiger).....I like it, I like it a LOT