Wedges 52.56.60 or 50.54.58?

[cciciora13]

Hi,

I currently have a PW with loft of 45 Deg. I currently game 52, 56, 60 degree wedges. Thinking about making the move to 50, 54, 58 Deg to help with yardages and galling. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

 

Also what would be closer shaft to DG wedge flex shaft- dynamic golf s300 or s400?

 

 

[RickyBobby_PR]

If it fits the gaps then it’s fine. If the wedges allow you to hit the shots you want/need then it doesn’t matter what the number on the bottom states.

most wedge shafts are s200. The difference between the 3 different shafts is weight. Same profile

[bdo96]

what about 50,54,60 lol

[revkev]

So I've learned the very hard way that not all wedges marked with the same number fly the same distance.  For that reason it's very hard for anyone to give you a blind answer to your question.  

 

So you need to ask yourself - what is the actual yardage gap between my new PW and my 52?  If it's much more than 12 yards you may have to make a change.  What that change is depends on the answer to the next questions:

 

How do you use your wedges?  Do you hit them full?  Is it just the 52 that you hit full?  How well do you like your current wedges?  

 

If the answer to that last question is allot and it will impact my shot game (for example my tracking system says I'm significantly better on about any short shot around the green with my 52 than anything else that I've tried the last 5 years) then may consider weakening the loft on your new pitching wedge 2 and 9 iron 1 degree respectively.  That's the cheapest way to solve it, assuming there is a gap.  I've gone both ways at one time or another - I've strengthened 6 and 7 irons to fit a gap between 6 iron and 5 hybrid and I've weakened PW and 9 iron in another set of irons to fit the gap so that I didn't need to change my wedges.

 

As for the shaft generally speaking go a step weaker in your wedges than your irons - but that's a generalization.  

 

Good luck - lived in Wisconsin for 6 years and loved every minute of the summers there, July 27 though August 3rd as I recall it.   Just kidding of course, met lots of great people who love visiting me in Florida in the Winter.  Plan on visiting this summer in their home state and to take my daughter to the Packer's share holders meeting for the first time.  

[Siamese Moose]

I started with a 45° PW, and 50°, 54°, and 58°. I had a nearly 20 yard gap between the PW and 50°. I had the 50° and 54° bent stronger to narrow that gap to about 12 yards. (I worked with my instructor and a Trackman to get the yardage right.) I left the 58° untouched as I don't often use it for full shots, and when I do it goes farther than expected for it's loft anyway.

[GolfSpy_APH]

I'm a 50,54,58 guy and just find they go better distances for me. 

If possible demo where you can. It will help a lot and be something you won't regret. Also with so many bounce options that can be critical as well.

The wedge 101 fitting guide mgs just did was a long, but certainly very good read. 

[Preeway]

I’m currently using 52/56/60 but finding a desire to move to 50/54/58. Resisting the urge to buy a new set and trying to keep better data on my rounds in 2023 to see if I really do have a need to switch or if my current set up is working just fine. 

[Randall Robbins]

Only a 50 and 54 in the bag for me.  Use the extra spot for a utility club for chipping or bump and runs.

[GolfSpy_BEN]

I was a 52, 56, 60 until last fall. I switched to 54,58 to fit with the irons I was playing at the time. I have since moved to a more traditionally lofted set of irons that didn’t come with a GW. I have added a 50 to close the gap, but I don’t think I like it all that much. So my next “what equipment are you thinking about?” post will probably deal with my budding search for a 50 wedge.

[Javs]

When I was playing my PXG P Gen’s my wedge set up was 50, 54, 58. Now that I am playing the Callaway Paradym’s for the testing I have the Callaway 47, then PXG 0311 54, 58. I am considering taking out a hybrid and going Callaway 47, Edison 51, 55, 59. 

[Lee Stanek]

My iron set has a 48deg pw and a 56 deg sw.  I have had a 60 deg lob wedge for long time and I added a 52 deg gw last fall. The gw has become my favorite from about 85 yards.  

[Shon89]

My wedges are 48, 54, and 58. Best fills my gaps and needs.


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[aguybadatgolf]

I have a 50, 54, and 58. Although not a huge difference between a 58 and 60 I like to force myself to play safer shots since I’m a high handicap. I find I’m less likely to try to go for an unnecessary flop shot without a 60 in the bag. I also really like the 50 I just added I had an awkward gap between my 130 yard PW and my 110 yard 54. Instead of trying to kill a 54 or take a hair off the PW I can swing with confidence. 

[GolfSpy_APH]

How many have been converts to non set 50ish degree wedges? 

I think that also plays a factor and I have used a lot of set wedges, but found good success with it as well. 

I do give a lot of credit to the 659 tc 50 degree being a fantastic club.

[Kanoito]

1 hour ago, GolfSpy_APH said:

How many have been converts to non set 50ish degree wedges? 

I think that also plays a factor and I have used a lot of set wedges, but found good success with it as well. 

I do give a lot of credit to the 659 tc 50 degree being a fantastic club.

I'm also a 50, 54, 58 guy and actually considering going back to a set GW. Why? I feel my 50 wedge is mostly used on full swings, just like my PW. All touch and feeling shots around the green are done with the 54 and 58.

But since I'm still gaming an older JPX919 set, hard to find those GW lying around... so maybe time to get a new iron set?  

[gajrsports]

Make the move.  4 dgrees between clubs will average your gaps out.

[dinomack99]

My gap wedge is 48, so I have a 54 wedge strengthened to 53 and then a 58. This gives me more options at the top of my bag. I don't think I would be good enough to notice the difference between a 52 and a 54.

[tdroma98]

On 5/13/2023 at 9:50 PM, cciciora13 said:

Hi,

I currently have a PW with loft of 45 Deg. I currently game 52, 56, 60 degree wedges. Thinking about making the move to 50, 54, 58 Deg to help with yardages and galling. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

 

Also what would be closer shaft to DG wedge flex shaft- dynamic golf s300 or s400?

 

 

I changed to that wedge set up @cciciora13 (50, 54, 58) back in November and like it. The 54 & 58 degree wedges helped to get to the yardages I was looking for.  I did prefer the 60 for chipping around greens, but getting used to the 58.  Went with Wedge Flex shafts in wedges, which are S200.

[Mr_BogeyPro]

I use a 52, 56, 60. I am looking to maybe replace the 60 with a 54. I think it is about what you want to do with the wedges. For me, I find the 52 perfect from 100 yards and in. I use the 56 for chips shots I need to land and have little roll (which is the majority of my chips). The 60 is used for bunkers and when I need to toss it in the air high. 

I would go with what you want to achieve. 

[Scott M]

I'm in agreement with most on here...when it comes to choosing your wedges/lofts it depends on a few factors - gapping, use case, comfort level, weight, grind etc. I used to game 52, 56, 60, then switched to 50,54,60 and now I'm using 50, 54, 58. However in every case mentioned, I usually had about a 45 degree PW. My #1 reason for the lofts chosen is for gapping. Next, is forgiveness (ease of use, consistent on mishits). The last reason was weight. I was deciding between CBX and Glide 3.0s and both were great but I just felt I had more control and was more consistent with the Glide 3.0 because they felt better in my hand. I think the weight was very close to being the same but I just felt I could control the Glides better. I could go either way between the 58 and 60 wedges. I lean 58 for gapping but I lean 60 for more stopping power. 

[Preeway]

4 minutes ago, Scott M said:

I'm in agreement with most on here...when it comes to choosing your wedges/lofts it depends on a few factors - gapping, use case, comfort level, weight, grind etc. I used to game 52, 56, 60, then switched to 50,54,60 and now I'm using 50, 54, 58. However in every case mentioned, I usually had about a 45 degree PW. My #1 reason for the lofts chosen is for gapping. Next, is forgiveness (ease of use, consistent on mishits). The last reason was weight. I was deciding between CBX and Glide 3.0s and both were great but I just felt I had more control and was more consistent with the Glide 3.0 because they felt better in my hand. I think the weight was very close to being the same but I just felt I could control the Glides better. I could go either way between the 58 and 60 wedges. I lean 58 for gapping but I lean 60 for more stopping power. 

All these are the reasons I am second guessing my wedges. THese are the only clubs I have that are truly "off the rack". All my other clubs are fitted but I just didn't see a real purpose to hit these on a launch monitor like I would for a typical fitting. But I do agree about the overall feel being a big factor. I'm more interested now in my distance gaps as my PW is 46 and there does seem to be a bigger gap down to my 52 than I like. Will be taking time this fall to analyze all my yardages from this season to see if a change is needed.

[Kansas King]

On 5/13/2023 at 9:53 PM, bdo96 said:

what about 50,54,60 lol

I know the gaps look bad but I love my 60. My theory on wedges is to work backwards and pick the wedge lofts you think suit your game. I like a 60 in my bag regardless of my PW. SO if my PW was 45, I could do a 50, 56, 60, or a 50, 54, 60. I don't find myself swing wedges at 100% that often, so gapping isn't as big of deal to me but I know others play differently. For me, I need my 60 and I'm comfortable with it up to about 60 yards out. So my next wedge decision is what wedge loft do I need to throw a dart from 60 yards? For me, that is generally a 56* but I've also had success with a 54*. Then I would generally fill the gap between the PW and 56*. However, I currently don't have a wedge between my 46* PW and 56* wedge and I get along just fine. I feel I need the help in the longer end of my bag currently. 

[DGOhacker]

I've removed a long iron/wood from my bag to carry more wedges.  My game is strongest at 120 yards in than it is trying to get on a green from 200+.

My PW is 45, GW is 50 and I carry 56, 60, 64.  Have gone through MANY different brands over the years.  Previously I had Jaws MD5 50, 56, 60, 64.  I wear out the grooves and replace my wedges about every 2 seasons, especially the 56 and 60.  The 50 and 64 last longer.

Currently I put back my set matched Apex 19 Pro GW (AW) and had Sub70 JB Raw Wedges.  I play low bounce.  Got them shafted with same as my irons, KBS C-Taper Lite R, tipped 1".  These have similar grind to the Vokey M Grind.  I also put a 64 back in my bag, the Vokey Wedgeworks 64W special edition.  This I got with KBS 610 Wedge shaft.  Man I love this club.  I think when my Sub70 wear out, I'll go with Vokey for 56 and 60 and maybe even the 50.  

I'm due for a new set of irons after this season, going to all the demo days at the club this summer.  I'll have to see where the PW sits with my new set.  Even though I don't hit my irons all that far, I still prefer retro lofts over the jacked up lofts of newer sets.  Look at the new Callaway Paradym.  The PW is 42.  They have GW at 52 but added another AW at 47.  Their 4 iron is the same loft as a 2 iron back in they old days, and you had to be a damn good golfer to hit a 2 iron back then.  Do you really have to hit a 9 iron 180?  Many of the guys I play with will hit 1 or 2 clubs less than me, but when you look at the loft, they are the same or within 1 degree.  A lot of it is a marketing game around the technology.

[Oudefart]

IMO and experience as a fitter for the last 10 years, along with spending an inordinate amount of time with PGA Class-A pros, a 60* wedge is probably the most wasted wedge/purchase of amateur golfers.

They don’t know how to play them, they’re typically too low a bounce.   Put a club in your bag that actually helps.

[J7Hawkins]

15 minutes ago, Oudefart said:

IMO and experience as a fitter for the last 10 years, along with spending an inordinate amount of time with PGA Class-A pros, a 60* wedge is probably the most wasted wedge/purchase of amateur golfers.

They don’t know how to play them, they’re typically too low a bounce.   Put a club in your bag that actually helps.

I was given this advice in the past year as well. Take the 60 out and add another club at the top of the bag to help you hit fairways and get GIR on long 4s and 5s.

[DGOhacker]

For those that don't know how to use a 60 or 64 degree wedge, I highly recommend Dave Pelz Short Game Bible and also attend one of his 3 day scoring schools.  3 swings (7:30, 9, 10:30)  x 4 wedges = 12 distances, in my case 5 wedges = 15 distances.  Actually it's more like 6 swings, since he differentiates between a wrist break swing vs no wrist break swing, the follow through is different too.  That gives you 24 distances with a 4 wedge bag or 30 with 5 wedges.  Bounce, maybe you need a fitter, a swing coach or learn more about it.  For me, our course is fairly firm, as is our sand.  I am more of a sweeper than a digger.  Thus, low bounce works well for me.

Pelz also was the one who determined that the biggest money winners on the tour are those that score best from 100 yards in.  Something to think about.  I dropped from an 11-12 handicap to a low of 5.4 last summer thanks to this methodology.  I don't swing a club over the winter, hockey keeps me busy, so my HC goes up in the spring until I get back in the groove, goes down throughout the summer and fall until our season ends.  I really need to setup a simulator in my garage. 

 

[Cali Ian]

I play a 52 and a 56.  I haven't bothered trying a 60 deg.  My wedge game isn't the strongest part of my game and I think you need to be excellent before entertaining a 60.  On top of that, I find if you are playing the bounce a 56 goes very high to begin with.  I've considered getting a chipping club although I also find an 8 iron works quite well for that.  Right now I only carry 13 clubs and I'm fine with that, although I've considered adding a 2 Hybrid to play around with and assess against a 4W I carry but occasionally miss hit.

[Siamese Moose]

I previously mentioned I hit 50° and 54° wedges bent strong, but I realized I left something out. My set-matching PW is cavity back, the wedges are not. With my swing, cavity backs go farther and higher, but with less spin. I had a spell with the CBX wedges, and was not happy. (The fact that so many are very happy with them says you need to test.)

For those of you thinking about trying other makes, nobody has mentioned the TM milled grind series. Don't sleep on these! More than half the staff at my range uses them. (But avoid the MG2. There's a reason TM replaced it very quickly.)

[Fjd]

Gapping on high lofted clubs such as 9i thru gap wedge are at least 4° and more likely 5°, therefore with a 45° PW, using the 50°, 54° and 58° wedges would be the preferred wedges.  Also, keep in mind they can be bent up to 2° if the clubs are cast, and up to 4° if forged.  So you are not strictly locked in to those lofts.  There is some adjustability.

[fredsharky]

Wedge play is something that is fined tuned for each individual and each brand of wedges - when I used Cleveland, TM and New Level wedges I had diff lofts and bounces 
I play Vokey SM9 right now 

45, 48, 54 and 58
This gives me the numbers that I need 
 

The biggest thing is (if you want to get better) get fitted for wedges, it is def worth it - you nedd to know your gapping and what you want to do with each club