Choosing the Correct Wedges

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By AMartin

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  • 7 Replies
  1. I've been playing Vokey wedges for years and while I think I'm playing the correct ones for my game, I'd like to make sure. Let me know your thoughts...

    Current lineup: SM6 58 with 12 degrees of bounce; SM6 54 with 12 degrees of bounce; SM6 50 with 8 degrees of bounce.

    My game: I use the 58 everywhere around the greens (chipping, bunkers, etc). I can flight it down and run it or open it up for higher trajectory. I find myself chipping mostly from tight lies, so I don't try to play a lot of flop shots. The 54 and 50 degree wedges are used from the fairways on full or 3/4 shots.

    Going to have to upgrade the set soon (grooves are worn) and I'm wondering if I would benefit from more bounce in the 58 and less bounce in the 54. Thoughts?

  2. Todd T

    Todd T
    San Diego, CA

    Military
    As you said, playing SM6's, those groves have to be shot.. Just get fit and end all doubt! Good Luck!
  3. Get the SM7s and get fit for them. This action made a big difference in my game.
  4. Garry B.

    Garry B.
    Houston, TX

    Several years ago I had a complete fitting…all clubs except the putter. The package cost included wedge fitting but I told the fitter I did not need that as I had just bought my Vokeys several months earlier. He said you’ve already paid for it so you might as well hit a few with your current wedges. I did and they were decent shots. He handed me a wedge and said hit this. It was like a hot knife through butter. I could not believe how much better it was and I asked him why. He said your wedges have the least amount of bounce Vokey makes and, with your swing, you need as much bounce as you can get. I ended up buying a new 56 and 60, both with the maximum bounce.

    I was under the impression I needed the least amount of bounce and was very wrong so, as Todd T. suggested, getting fitted is the best way to know.
  5. Might be too late for you, but the way you use that 58, sounds like the D grind you want is the right choice.

    I played around with the wedge selector tool prior to going into a free fitting at a demo day (on course, so I got to play with them in traps, rough, fairways and different conditions). The 50 was basic, so just tried that out to make sure I was gapped correctly. While I primarily play on my home course (softer turf, firmer sand), I get to a variety of courses so wanted a little versatility and tried a few combos between the 56 and 60 ( .08, .10, .12 for each). Ended up not liking the feel or perf of the M grinds and fortunately saved a few bucks by deciding on the 60.12 D because the 56.12 D is only available thru the Wedgeworks custom shop)

    After the fitting, ended up with 50.12 F, 56.10 S (adjusted to 55), and 60.12 D with some additional customization. 50 is mainly used for full and 3/4 shots, 56 will be my most versatile club for around the green and has low enough loft and grind that i can use it from the firmer fairways when traveling, and the 60 to help in softer sand and tough flops when I short side myself. This is the opposite of my current set (60.07 and 56.12) and makes sense on how I have changed to use my 56 as the go to wedge.

    The wedge selector tool for my home course conditions actually suggested 50.12 F, 54.10 S and 60.12 D, with a secondary recommendation of 50.12 F, 56.10 S and 60.12 D - so it is a good way to narrow down your options before getting fit.
  6. Chris J

    Chris J
    Winter Haven, FL

    I live and play in central Florida. This, lots of tight lies particularly in the summer. If a little wet, then very little margin for error. On top of that, the bunkers are often firm and easy to bounce up and hit the ball 50 yards. I just got a 60D grind with only 4 degrees bounce and have to say, after 3 rounds, might be my new best friend. It is awesome from tight lies and firm bunkers. You can take less sand and no fear of hitting a home run. I used to play a 54 and 58 Cleveland True Forged with 12 degrees bounce. I changed to a 52F with 12 degree bounce, 56S with 10, and 60L with 4 degrees of bounce. My thought was I actually have a good long pitch, long bunker, and fairway club in the 52, a little more versatile sole in the 56, and a club good with tight lies in the 60. The design of the 60 is beefy enough on top to handle contact a little higher in the blade as in open face bunker shots. So now, the loft is not the only consideration but I have bounce variations from low to high for different lies. I have tried about a dozen different wedge types and gone back to my Cleveland’s. I think Mr. Vokey wins this one. I really like these.
  7. Chuck Z

    Chuck Z
    Mt Pleasant, SC

    Military
    Get fit by a professional certified fitter. You are loosing strokes with those worn wedges. Vokey SM7..... Was fortunate to be fitted by Mr Vokey and his team at Pinehurst. Made a difference. Even got a lesson in the sand trap.
  8. Lou G

    Lou G
    San Diego, CA

    This is what works for me. I'm using the 46-08 as a 9 iron (bent to 44*). Lofts of the others are 50-54-58-64.
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