Gap Wedge vs Approach Wedge

[Zakko]

Is there a difference?

[Big_M]

isn't this just a term manufactures use for a wedge between 50-53*. As far as I'm concerned a wedge is a wedge... I pick mine based on feel, loft, and bounce. If the one I'm buying is called a gap, sand, approach, or lob, doesn't matter to me.

I see you're from Warren... any course recomendations in the downriver area. I used to live in Oxford, just North of the Palace, so I've played everything from say 12 mile north and down here in the Toledo area, so now I'm playing courses in the middle.

[TommyD69]

Nope....... Just semantics, one manufacturer got one name, another manufacturer got the other. They are basically the wedge that fits between your pitching wedge (which is really a 10 iron - because it is designed like the rest of the clubs in your set) and your "standard" sand wedge. Lofts could be anywhere from 50 to 53 degrees (give or take a degree).

[watrboy4]

I think that the gap wedge is used to fill the gap in your bag between your pw and sw. The approach wedge is used as a cane as you approach the wedge.

[Shindig]

Nope....... Just semantics, one manufacturer got one name, another manufacturer got the other. They are basically the wedge that fits between your pitching wedge (which is really a 10 iron - because it is designed like the rest of the clubs in your set) and your "standard" sand wedge. Lofts could be anywhere from 50 to 53 degrees (give or take a degree).

Since PW is basically a 10-iron, if I get a set that includes AW, is that essentially an 11-iron, different from what it would be if I were to purchase a wedge with the same loft separately? Is there an advantage or disadvantage to it being part of the set?

[Bowker]

Since PW is basically a 10-iron, if I get a set that includes AW, is that essentially an 11-iron, different from what it would be if I were to purchase a wedge with the same loft separately? Is there an advantage or disadvantage to it being part of the set?

Essentially there is no difference between the Approach wedge and the gap wedge, besides the names, which are basically interchangeable, but more commonly called the gap wedge.

That being said, the approach wedge would be considered one club shorter than a pitching wedge and one club longer than a sand wedge. There would be no difference that I know of in purchasing it separately.

[fusioncal]

Attack wedge, approach wedge, gap wedge are just like tomatoes and to

h matoes. They're the same.

Since PW is basically a 10-iron, if I get a set that includes AW, is that essentially an 11-iron, different from what it would be if I were to purchase a wedge with the same loft separately? Is there an advantage or disadvantage to it being part of the set?

I believe the advantage of having different wedges is for control actually. You see, I used to have Fusion 3-LW. At first I thought I'd never use different kind of wedges and it felt kind of nice to have them as a set for consistency in feel and swing weight.

Later on, I bought second irons set (the MP-60) that I'm using right now and it has no wedge. Since MP-60 only comes in 3-PW doesn't have the SW, I had to get another wedge. My only choice was Vokey (I read the reviews). Let me tell you straight, this has by far the best wedge I've used even the CG10. I became more consistent with the Vokey than Fusion wedges. It's just amazing! If you ask the difference between your irons wedge and different brand of wedge - it's just huge. First of all it's the blade-like head, then heavier shaft, better feel, etc. I can't explain in detail but one thing is for sure, the Vokey gave me control and consistency ball striking that I never had before. Perhaps the same reason pros never had wedges that come as a set with their irons (also same reason why players club set ends at PW). I also agree with you that PW is actually 10-iron, but it stops there. As I stated on another thread before, for me wedges are in different category than irons. Just put it as specialty clubs.

[Shindig]

If you ask the difference between your irons wedge and different brand of wedge - it's just huge. First of all it's the blade-like head, then heavier shaft, better feel, etc. I can't explain in detail but one thing is for sure, the Vokey gave me control and consistency ball striking that I never had before. Perhaps the same reason pros never had wedges that come as a set with their irons (also same reason why players club set ends at PW). I also agree with you that PW is actually 10-iron, but it stops there.

Thanks for the info. It helps, but it also makes me realize I left out an important detail: 8-iron on down is a blade in this set, so the PW and AW are blade-types, not cavity backs.

[TommyD69]

By definition, what makes a wedge "a wedge" also makes it completely different from the other "wedges" in your set (be they 10 & 11 irons, or PW & AW). The clubs in your set are all made to look, weigh, and "perform?" alike, even, if you have cavity back long irons, and blade short irons.

Wedges are designed specifically to perform, well, like a wedge. The major design difference IMHO has to do with the flange and bounce on the bottom of a wedge.

As far as preference goes, only YOU can answer that one. Some golfers like all their clubs to look and weigh the same, and some golfers feel more confident with "after Market" wedges (be it 2, 3, or 4 wedge systems).

It's what makes America GREAT... it is ALL UP TO YOU!

EMJOY!!!

[Shindig]

As far as preference goes, only YOU can answer that one. Some golfers like all their clubs to look and weigh the same, and some golfers feel more confident with "after Market" wedges (be it 2, 3, or 4 wedge systems).

I will give them a try when I get them, and if I don't like 'em, I can always get after-market wedges. Good point.

It's what makes America GREAT... it is ALL UP TO YOU!

Exactly!

[powertrip240]

While we're on the subject of gap wedges, my set of Cleveland TA4's has a 52 degree wedge labeled "D" wedge. Anyone know what the "D" stands for?

[Zakko]

While we're on the subject of gap wedges, my set of Cleveland TA4's has a 52 degree wedge labeled "D" wedge. Anyone know what the "D" stands for?

I believe, Diadic.

[powertrip240]

I believe, Diadic.

It appears you are correct. Thanks. Now if I only knew what the heck "diadic" meant!!

[Guest]

Its stands for "defense" wedge

[thisguy]

Unfortunately the terms are interchanged too often among different manufacturers. However, most commonly an approach wedge is an extension to your iron set, in essence your pitching wedge with a little more loft. And gap wedge is most commonly a forged wedge with less loft and bounce than a sand wedge. They both serve the function of filling the distance gap between your PW and sand wedge when a full swing is used, useful for sticking greens from select distances. Its personal preference which type you prefer.

[youmakememad]

It's not just semantics or just a name. If you're buying an approach wedge, chances are the flange on the bottom be a different width than another wedge marketed as a gap wedge. The angle of the flange might differ as well. A 56˚ wedge, for instance, can vary in more than just the angle of the bottom, but also in the cut of the bottom. It might be a 56˚ wedge, but that doesn't mean it is the *same* as another 56˚ wedge that is marketed as a sand wedge, unless it is also optimized for sand traps.

[Mozgolf]

B~llocks its semantics. GWs run the gambit of bounce, flange thickness etc. Hogan sets had some other moniker E (equalizer) wedge or some such guff. Still looks and smells like a GW, probaly is a GW!

[Hardballs]

Same difference as all wedges! Personally I would always buy the gw/aw that comes with a set of irons and choose my sw & lw separately. The gw/aw is basically the pitching wedge anyway, with pw being the 9i and so on!