Educate me on wedge grinds

[hckymeyer]

With the recent explosion of wedge grind options I'm just getting confused with all the choices. I've just started looking for a new 58 as I'm not getting along with the Scratch 8620. I love the 1018's, but the 8620 seems to have a little different head shape that just isn't working.

 

So what is the difference in all these different grinds? Is it certain shot types that determine what I should play? Or course conditions? Is any one grind better for all around use vs a specific shot?

 

Thanks for the help!

[Blade]

1018 and 8620 are alloys actually. 1018 is a mild steel and 8620 is a harder steel. I'm not familiar with what grinds Scratch uses though.

[hckymeyer]

1018 and 8620 are alloys actually. 1018 is a mild steel and 8620 is a harder steel. I'm not familiar with what grinds Scratch uses though.

I'm familiar with that aspect. The 1018 is also forged while the 8620 is cast. I'm more interested in the different grind options coming stock now that used to only be custom options. TM has standard and ATV, Cally has 3 grinds, Vokey has 5 grinds, Hopkins has several grinds.

 

It seems like there must be some overlap there but they all have different names and I really don't know what's better or different from grind to grind.

 

When looking at a new wedge as a person with limited knowledge on grinds how do I decide which to get?

[MmmmmmBuddy]

It has to do with the type of conditions that you play in and the type of swing that you make..  Titleist does a passable job of explaining what the differences are and what grind fits what swing and condition here

 

http://www.titleist.com/golf-clubs/wedges/sm5.aspx 

[hckymeyer]

 

It has to do with the type of conditions that you play in and the type of swing that you make..  Titleist does a passable job of explaining what the differences are and what grind fits what swing and condition here

 

http://www.titleist.com/golf-clubs/wedges/sm5.aspx 

 

That was a good read, thanks for pointing me there!

[MmmmmmBuddy]

That was a good read, thanks for pointing me there!

Sure thing.  Almost all of the wedge designers that offer grinds will have some type of legend that will decrypt all of the different options.  It really boils down to conditions, swing type, the shots that you like to play, and what you like to look at..

[revkev]

This is a huge help as always from Mmmmmmmbuddy! Thanks

[MmmmmmBuddy]

Dave Edel has some explanations on his website if you click on "Golf clubs > Wedges > Online fitting .. The 2nd page has all of his grinds and what type of player they are for..

 

http://www.edelgolf.com/online-wedge-fitting-right

[furu]

Grind is without a doubt the next big thing in wedges. I like it, but I wish golfers knew more about bounce too before they start considering grinds. 

 

We had all Vokey grinds on a test trip to Portugal. Didn't notice much difference under normal, dry conditions. When you play wet, heavy grass - that's when a good grind and correct bounce really makes a huge difference.

 

ATV and Cobra Tour Trusty/Trusty are soles that dig a lot in wet conditions. Doesn't work at all in my area of the world, perfect other places. These special soles are in my opinion full of compromises. If you feel that your wedge needs to be a special tool that solves problems for you - get a grind and bounce that works for you. 

 

I actually bought a new wedge today - Vokey SM5, 56/14, F grind. Based my decision on playing conditions and my habit of digging for viking villages on wedge shots. 

 

I'm also trying out Callaways C grind on MD2. Very nice so far, works well in wet, soft grass.

 

Callaway wedgeducation has some tips for you.

 

 

 

[MmmmmmBuddy]

Grind is without a doubt the next big thing in wedges. I like it, but I wish golfers knew more about bounce too before they start considering grinds. 

 

We had all Vokey grinds on a test trip to Portugal. Didn't notice much difference under normal, dry conditions. When you play wet, heavy grass - that's when a good grind and correct bounce really makes a huge difference.

 

ATV and Cobra Tour Trusty/Trusty are soles that dig a lot in wet conditions. Doesn't work at all in my area of the world, perfect other places. These special soles are in my opinion full of compromises. If you feel that your wedge needs to be a special tool that solves problems for you - get a grind and bounce that works for you. 

 

I actually bought a new wedge today - Vokey SM5, 56/14, F grind. Based my decision on playing conditions and my habit of digging for viking villages on wedge shots. 

 

I'm also trying out Callaways C grind on MD2. Very nice so far, works well in wet, soft grass.

 

 

 

 

This... Exactly. 

 

Grinds are about conditions and swings.  What works in Texas ans Arizona may not work so well around here where we NEVER see the sun..