Golf Wedge Fitting: Where to Start

[GolfSpy_APH]

A new series and great read from the main site with a wealth on information, insights and simply if you are thinking about new wedges this a must read to help you get started. 

Have questions about wedge fittings? They are likely answered here!

https://mygolfspy.com/news-opinion/wedge-fitting-101-where-to-start/

Were you fit for your wedges? What determines which wedges made it into your bag any do you have wedges from the same company or different? 

Let us know!

[sirchunksalot]

Jamie, I think the link might be incorrect. I clicked on it and it wanted me to start a new topic on the forum. I went over to the main page and copied the link since I'm thinking about new wedges this year. 

https://mygolfspy.com/news-opinion/wedge-fitting-101-where-to-start/

[GolfSpy_APH]

1 minute ago, sirchunksalot said:

Jamie, I think the link might be incorrect. I clicked on it and it wanted me to start a new topic on the forum. I went over to the main page and copied the link since I'm thinking about new wedges this year. 

https://mygolfspy.com/news-opinion/wedge-fitting-101-where-to-start/

Thanks, looks like I grabbed from the wrong tab! Fixed and changed.

[sirchunksalot]

5 minutes ago, GolfSpy_APH said:

Thanks, looks like I grabbed from the wrong tab! Fixed and changed.

No problem! It's a really good article and I appreciate you posting it. I think wedge fitting needs to be done more, but I can understand how it can be frustrating. When I bought my Vokey wedges I wanted to test them on the simulator and the fitter said he would have to tape then up. That's a big nope, I just picked out the lofts and grinds I thought were best for me and paid for them. 

[revkev]

I was unable to provide a link but received an ad from Renegar yesterday that had a link to a website piece that argues that wedge fitting is a waste of time. 
 

It’s primary argument is that since the overwhelming majority of wedge shots are not full shots and since wedges are hit from such a wide variety of lies and conditions fittings that include things like specialized grinds are a waste of time. Instead players need the technology of a specialized sole that is designed to assist with the variety of shots that a player faces.

I don’t completely buy that argument because we have a variety of wrist to floor measurements and swing speeds. We will need different length and shaft types for that. I do however agree that most players should either have a neutral bounce/grind scenario or a varied one in their wedges to account for the variety of conditions faced. 
 

I’ve had discussions with fitters about wedges but have never been expressly fit for them. The closest that I came was a Titleist ball fitting where wedge was used to determine ball fit. I got some help comments/suggestions from that. 

 

[KC Golf]

The article is definitely very thorough.   I think feel and results from actual course like conditions is key.  I know Titleist and others have a various wedge fittings and in person stuff to assess your wedge game etc.  

Other than gapping, bounce and type of course you play mostly can be assessed for wedges. But I think grind, shaft stiffness are all dependent on the person for feel.  

Some seem to advocate some work on a LM to check launch and spin in controlled situations. I agree that seems like a great step (if you can do it) to make sure you can hit shots with it at half the stated wedge loft with spin.  Using your own ball is vital to make sure the wedge is right for you.

I still can’t justify paying $200+ for custom wedges.  I think switching out for new wedges more often is better, so I just try to buy new heads of wedges I like now.

 

 

 

[revkev]

Okay so I did ultimately have a wedge fitting and ended up in Indi's - see my review that is in progress or comments in the wedge/iron section.

While at that fitting I did use my ball and my fitter suggested that I try the AVX - I've switched off of the Pro VIx because it's become too spinny for my long clubs - he agreed (he fit me for driver, too).  I tried the Chrome Soft x LS completely by accident, we got a sleeve as a door prize at the clubs member-guest last March.  I had them in my bag, was playing like crap and said what the heck, hit one off the tee off of 14.  Hit a lower draw down the left side - went to where I thought my ball would be - around my son's drive - I have one that hits it a mile one that doesn't, this was the one who doesn't and normally we are about the same length.  My ball wasn't there - we found it just in the rough 20 yards farther.  Uhmmmm - the rest is history - I've been gaming that ball since but I would prefer some more green side and part shot spin.  

 

So I will be trying the AVX over the next few weeks - I'm concerned that the ball flight will be too low.  After that it will be the Pro VI.  I'm betting that's the winner for me.  

[Fred Mitchell]

On 7/4/2023 at 7:04 PM, revkev said:

Okay so I did ultimately have a wedge fitting and ended up in Indi's - see my review that is in progress or comments in the wedge/iron section.

While at that fitting I did use my ball and my fitter suggested that I try the AVX - I've switched off of the Pro VIx because it's become too spinny for my long clubs - he agreed (he fit me for driver, too).  I tried the Chrome Soft x LS completely by accident, we got a sleeve as a door prize at the clubs member-guest last March.  I had them in my bag, was playing like crap and said what the heck, hit one off the tee off of 14.  Hit a lower draw down the left side - went to where I thought my ball would be - around my son's drive - I have one that hits it a mile one that doesn't, this was the one who doesn't and normally we are about the same length.  My ball wasn't there - we found it just in the rough 20 yards farther.  Uhmmmm - the rest is history - I've been gaming that ball since but I would prefer some more green side and part shot spin.  

 

So I will be trying the AVX over the next few weeks - I'm concerned that the ball flight will be too low.  After that it will be the Pro VI.  I'm betting that's the winner for me.  

The left dash Titlist should be long, low spin and high flight if you can find a buddy to share a sleeve, some of the Bridgestone Tour balls might work as well, the newer versions are a big improvement to me and my old eyes pick up their "optic" yellow better than any other ball, Dont forget according to MGS themselves Maxfli is coming to the front so they would be a cheap experiment if one of theirs fell into the parameters you want, good luck.

[revkev]

3 hours ago, Fred Mitchell said:

The left dash Titlist should be long, low spin and high flight if you can find a buddy to share a sleeve, some of the Bridgestone Tour balls might work as well, the newer versions are a big improvement to me and my old eyes pick up their "optic" yellow better than any other ball, Dont forget according to MGS themselves Maxfli is coming to the front so they would be a cheap experiment if one of theirs fell into the parameters you want, good luck.

Appreciate the help - I was a Bridgestone and Maxifli tester in testing years past. 
 

I think it’s more which ball in a brands menu fits - there will be several of that “type” to chose from. 

[CrazyGolfNut]

I did a wedge fitting with the Titleist rep.  He had me hit a couple of wedge shots using my set pitching wedge to start the process.  After that, he had me hit wedges without me looking at what they were so I did not know what the loft, grind or bounce was.  Durning the session we discussed where I play and how I use wedges. When we were all done, he showed me what I had been hitting the best and that is what I ordered.  

I have been told and read in the article to replace wedges after 75 rounds.  My main wedge around the green is my trusty 56 degree.  Since I have been playing about 125 to 150 rounds the plast few years, that would mean I would need to purchase two 56 degree wedges every year.  That's a lot of $$.  After about 100 rounds on my current 56 degree wedge, the height and distance is still good but balls do not stop on a dime.  I have adjusted to the extra roll out and think that I will wait until next year to buy new ones.     

Edited July 8, 2023 by CrazyGolfNut

[revkev]

10 hours ago, CrazyGolfNut said:

I did a wedge fitting with the Titleist rep.  He had me hit a couple of wedge shots using my set pitching wedge to start the process.  After that, he had me hit wedges without me looking at what they were so I did not know what the loft, grind or bounce was.  Durning the session we discussed where I play and how I use wedges. When we were all done, he showed me what I had been hitting the best and that is what I ordered.  

I have been told and read in the article to replace wedges after 75 rounds.  My main wedge around the green is my trusty 56 degree.  Since I have been playing about 125 to 150 rounds the plast few years, that would mean I would need to purchase two 56 degree wedges every year.  That's a lot of $$.  After about 100 rounds on my current 56 degree wedge, the height and distance is still good but balls do not stop on a dime.  I have adjusted to the extra roll out and think that I will wait until next year to buy new ones.     

I know, I love that 75 round thing, for someone who is retired or lives in a warm weather climate that's $600 a year.  Right easy for people who get theirs for free or at cost to say, not easy for us normal guys to do.  Plus there's the comfort level that may develop with a certain wedge.

 

I've just replaced wedges that I had in the bag for 10 years.  I've tried replacing them over the past two years and couldn't find anything that I liked until I went to an agnostic fitting and had a very knowledgeable guy who got me into something that fits my game - not that fits his brand.  

 

At any rate on the recommendation of guys here I've been using a groove sharpener for my old wedges.  It helps and it's a heck of a lot cheaper than $600 to replace 3 wedges ever other year or so.  I think it was under $20 on Amazon.  

[knotthead17]

Great article. I've recently done a wedge fitting and was able to hit some outside. that was a big help for sure. My only challenge was that they only had a few choices (yay lefty's). I often just order a set few wedges with different grinds and shafts and slowly have found more of what I like over the years. It's not easy