Loft/Grind/Bounce Survey

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By Doug E

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  • 37 Replies
  1. Doug E

    Doug E
    Urbana, MD

    Hey fellow TT members. I was hoping to use (and glean from) your collective info regarding your wedge choices relative to the courses you play and the types of shots you PRIMARILY hit with each. I am writing an article for a golf blog and am collecting data and doing research at this point, for use in developing the story. Titleist/Vokey players are a perfect group from which to pull info. I am also interviewing some Vokey wedge players around my club. Obviously, Titleist players interest me the most, from a personal perspective, because I understand the various Vokey grinds so much more than I do other brands, since I have played (and researched) Vokeys exclusively over the last 10-12 years.

    If you would be so kind to offer, what I would like to know are: *Model (SM8, SM7, etc.)/Loft/Grind/Bounce of your present set of Vokeys (whether it is the same three/four everyday, or you pick three/four from a larger pool of wedges, based on the conditions of the day). *Your Approximate Handicap Index or Average Score *Age range (Juniors, 20s, 40s, 60s etc.) *In what area of the country (or world) you play most of your golf *Do you change your wedge set up for different conditions/turf-types/locations And most importantly, *Types of shots you generally use each wedge for. (Chipping, pitching, bunkers, flops, full swings, open faced, square, etc....similar to the Vokey Selector Tool, question 5.)

    Feel free to elaborate on any of the above.

    Thanks in advance to any of you who will take the time to respond.

    P.S. I'll reply to the questions myself in a separate post below once this gets approved and posted.

  2. Doug E

    Doug E
    Urbana, MD

    SM8 48.10F/54.12D/58.12D/SM7 62.08M
    4.8 index
    Senior Player/60s (Ouch!)
    Mid-Atlantic/Maryland

    I mostly play just the three SM8s, 48/54/58, but often times will drop a long iron to play the 62.08 as well, when conditions are firm or in winter when everything goes dormant, with a lot of bare spots, like now. (Actually, we just had 8 inches of snow yesterday, so maybe not NOW.)

    The 54 and 58 are my short game workhorses as well as used for 3/4-full distance approach shots between 75 and 100 yards. I play both with a variety of open-faced shots, as well as more squared up when I want a little more rollout.

    In winter, I use the 62 for short-sided shots, from just off the green or from the downhill side of a greenside mogul. Typically, I open the face a bit for both of those. I rarely hit the 62 with a square face unless it's for my exact max distance with a full swing, and even then, only in firmer conditions. I'd rather use a 3/4 swing with the 58 for that same distance in most cases, from most lies. I have a lot of confidence in what I can pull off with that 58.

    I tend to use the 54 for longer greenside bunker shots, uphill pitchips and low, quick checking chipitches. The 58.12D works wonderfully for most bunker shots otherwise. I rarely need the 62 from a bunker, other than when the sand is frozen or is very hard packed....or all the sand is missing and the bunker is basically dirt.

    The 48 is like a weak PW (my T200 PW is a strong 43*) or strong gap wedge and is played pretty much as such. Hardly ever use it for anything other than a 3/4-full swing shot.

    Overall, I feel I have a very good grasp of all my wedges and a fairly deep repertoire of shots of which I can pull off with them in most conditions. But, when the conditions get extrememly soggy/muddy, for me, that's a whole different ballgame. I'm not so sure of myself in those conditions. Thankfully, it doesn't happen here too often. When it does, I can assure you the 62 lives in the trunk of my car those days.
  3. Dave M

    Dave M

    48.10F, 52.12F, 56.14F, 60.04L in the RAW SM7's and in the SM8's I have the Jet Black in 50.12F, 56.12D, 62.08M. I still play the SM7's, but since I was gifted the SM8's I changed up some options. My Pitching Wedge is a T100 set 2* strong at 44* so on the occasion i want to front load my bag with another fairway wood i will ditch the 48 and 52 and bag the 50. The 56D was to try a different grind and the 62 was purely for fun - works surprisingly well. I play in the PNW and usually have soft/wet conditions, but in the summer courses can get pretty baked out and firm. I have met Bob Vokey a couple times, he loved seeing that i had a wide range in bounce 14 to 4 and prefers seeing players do that. He is also adament that any of wedges can work in any condition, but there is an inherent design feature in each grind that makes certain shots easier to play. For example, a 20 yard chip off hardpan with a 56.14F would not be the time to try a flop shot, but you can square it up play the ball back and pick it clean with a high spinning low runner that checks. Inside 50 yards the lie (not the distance) will dictate which club i use, most of the time its the 56. Full swings with the 48 and 52, rarely if ever, full swings with the 56 and definitely zero full swings with the 60.
  4. Brock L

    Brock L
    Fort Myers, FL

    Just went through another wedge fitting, as it was time for new wedges. I pretty much exclusively play Florida golf, and mostly during the wetter months (April to November). With some minor swing changes over the last year, and some gripes about my wedge weaknesses, I made a couple grind and bounce changes.

    I am what the fitter classified as a "middle of the road to slightly driver/digger" swing type, as I primarily set up with my weight forward and stay there throughout the swing. I was previously playing with 50.08F, 54.10S, and 60.08M.

    The 50 is strictly a fairway club and goes 115 on a normal swing. The 54 is my 100 yard club, and gets used for fairway shots, routine pitch shots with a square face, and longer bunker shots when extra run-out is needed. The 60 degree goes 82 yards on full swings, is my primary bunker club, and gets laid wide open for lofted shots around the greens.

    So what changed? Well, I have gone with more bounce on the 2 primary fairway clubs to help with turf interaction during the wetter tournament season here in Florida. I am now using the 50.12F, and changed to a 54.14F. The extra bounce on the 54 also helps with some of the tight, grabby, into-the-grain lies you get in the short approaches here. I had issues with the sole of the club grabbing on occasion, and the extra 4 degrees of bounce has solved that issue. Contact is now crisp on those shots, which helps with confidence and spin control. The 60 degree was unchanged, as I liked the way it performed as is.

    All in all, I'm happy with the setup, and it gives me even more versatility and confidence around the greens. This experience reaffirms why it is SO IMPORTANT to not only get correct lofts, but to find the appropriate bounce and grinds for your swing, your playing conditions, and to fit the style of shots you need to play. GO GET FIT!
  5. Mike M

    Mike M
    Marblehead MA

    46 degree png S-55 PW;SM7 54.10S; Vokey 58.08(not sure of grind but it looks like an M)
    Haven't had an official handicap in years ( when I did it was anywhere from 1-5)
    Average score 75 Quota avg. 32
    Senior player-64
    Northeast.
    Municipal course-firm conditions.

    Doug, I'm not sure what Vokey model my 58 is.My son gave it to me as a gift with my name etched in it some years ago. It's either an SM4 or 5.That's my primary bunker club. I can open it or shut it down. I use it for everything;bunker, chip, pitch ,flop,knock down, stop and check, roll-out. I never hit it outside 60 yards, and rarely hit full shots with it.

    When I could it hit it 100 yards, would carry a 56. Father time is catching up to me, so I've gone to a 54 which I can hit 100 yards.Choosing between the S and M grind on the SM7 was a toss up.I chose the S because I liked the way it looks and feels at address.I use it the same way as I use the 58, except I don't tend to use it in green side bunkers and it's my go to wedge for full shots..

    If you're wondering why there's a 6 degree gap between the 46 and 54 I can't take anything out of the top end of the bag ...yet, although I know it's coming. I still hit the 4 iron pretty well. I can hit the 46 120 yards. If I'm in between 100 and 120, I choke down on the PW and swing normally.
  6. DeanoBravo

    DeanoBravo
    Ballarat, 0

    I play in Ballarat, Australia. 90mins from Melbourne sandbelt
    Age 40 HCP from 4-8
    I potentially should have different wedges for summer and winter but not affordable

    Sm4 F grind 52* bent to 51* used for pitching and chipping rarely hit full shot

    Sm8 M grind 56* raw used for pitching and chipping only. Very occasionally used in sand when high bounce is required.

    Sm8 L grind 60* raw used for pitching, chipping and bunker play. Also for soft high shots including flops.
  7. Matt C

    Matt C

    Handicap: 5.3
    Location: Newfoundland, Canada
    Age Range: 20s

    4 Wedge Set Up
    + PXG 0311T Gen2 46° (Full shots)
    + SM8 50.12F (Full shots, chipping)
    + SM8 56.12D (Full shots, chipping, bunker, pitching)
    + WW SM8 60.04T (Pitching, chipping, bunker, flop)

    3 Wedge Set Up
    + PXG 0311T 46° (Full shots)
    + SM8 54.12D @ 52.10D (Full shots, chipping, pitching, longer bunker)
    + WW SM8 58.06K w/Heel and Trail Edge Relief (Full Shots, chipping, pitching, bunkers, flop)
  8. George L

    George L
    Mentor, OH

    Just got my new wedges, Vokey Sm8's; 52 08 F and 56 08 M. These replace my 54 and 60 08 SM6's. My iron set, 718 AP3's have a PW and a 48 wedge, the old SM6 wedges left too big a gaping between. I have not, live in Ohio, gotten to the course with these as of yet, but from what I see on the simulators, I am looking forward to it. the difference is more than I expected; especially on approach shots. Pitching and chipping will come early spring on course practice greens

    Also got a new DelMar Putter, to go along with my Futura (that I like a lot), but trying something new. So far, again on practice mats, this is a great putter.

    Looking at replacing my aging 910F fairway wood, hate to think about it, it has been a good one for some time. Maybe a TSi2 or 3? Hybrid in same scenario, maybe.....

    My TS2 and Irons are going nowhere for now, too consistent.
  9. Mitch B

    Mitch B
    Huntsville, Alabama

    Just ordered some SM7s. 50.08F, 54.10S and 60.08M. I play in Alabama, late 20s. Never had a true handicap, but it would say around 6.
  10. mason h

    mason h

    2 hcp. 30 years old. SE USA (NC) mostly soft conditions, sometimes firm, all shot types, majority of the time player has the option on the type of shot to play. Versatility is important in a wedge. condition/firmness of Sand can be hugely sporadic.

    For my game I like to have an automatic full wedge that goes 100 yards. For me that's a 54 degree f grind. 2008 SM wasn't technically called f grind. I also use that wedge for Mid to low chip / pitches also.

    I also like having a 70-yard full. wedge. For me that's a 58° high bounce. I use that wedge for full shots from the fairway from soft bunkers and for soft turf conditions.

    I also keep same lofted, same model wedge in a super low bounce for the summertime/ just in case I encounter a hard pan lie or the bunkers are very hard I find it nice to have 2-58° wedges in the bag one high bounce one low bounce and it offers a lot of versatility. All three of my vokies are the 2008 spin milled, so those don't have specific grinds the 54° has 12° the 58 also has 12 and the low bounce is 4. I'm pretty confident in saying that year model before the different grinds became available that my wedges would be a present day f grind or s grind.

    Two of the 3 are the raw. One is oil can.
    Post Image
  11. Johnny B

    Johnny B

    SM8 50.12F, 54.12D, SM7 60.12D
    7.8 index
    37 yrs
    Honolulu, Hawaii - mostly damp occasionally soggy/muddy ala 2020 Sony Open

    take this for what its worth...I'm here to learn mostly, but I'll try to contribute

    I've been taking golf seriously for the last two years and I'm just getting to the point where learning how small changes in equipment can help my game. High bounce and D grind have served me well, but I'll definitely be experimenting in 2021.

    50 gap serves just as that ... gapping my PW to SW. full swing only
    54 does it all ... full swing at 100 yards and I have a pretty good shot at 70 yards. I can pitch it high and low, but I'm happiest 70-100 yards out with a tight lie!
    60 is for bunkers and the occasional flop after considerable cost/benefit analysis!

    Let us know when your article is published
  12. Chris B

    Chris B
    San Diego

    13 Handicap
    40s
    San Diego
    All SM6 - 52.12F, 56.14F, 60.12K

    My 52 is really only used for full shots. I hit a variety of shots with the 56 and 60 - full, sand, chips, pitches, flops
  13. calvin a

    calvin a
    Dumfries, VA

    Military
    12 Handicap and here is my wedge set up:

    T300 pitching wedge (Full shots)

    Cleveland CBX2 50. Full shots, chipping, bunker, pitching)

    Cleveland RTX 2 58. (Pitching, chipping)

    Made the switch based Vokey due to cost and similar performance.
  14. J22abe

    J22abe
    Texas

    I'm too new to know how bounce and grinds play into my shots. Just today I hit my first 2 bunkers of my life. Only 4th time ever on the course, first on a Par 72.

    This is what I have:
    SM4 52-08 (I don't know the grinds of these)
    SM4 56-08
    260-08 (which I just gave to my friend tonight)
    SM4 60-10 S grind (which hasn't come yet)

    Vokey also has their tour pros witb on their website www.vokey.com/.../pibpbmvbcvwcqm2zjmc6:550:0]
  15. Lou G

    Lou G
    San Diego, CA

    Doug E said:

    Hey fellow TT members. I was hoping to use (and glean from) your collective info regarding your wedge choices relative to the courses you play and the types of shots you PRIMARILY hit with each. I am writing an article for a golf blog and am collecting data and doing research at this point, for use in developing the story. Titleist/Vokey players are a perfect group from which to pull info. I am also interviewing some Vokey wedge players around my club. Obviously, Titleist players interest me the most, from a personal perspective, because I understand the various Vokey grinds so much more than I do other brands, since I have played (and researched) Vokeys exclusively over the last 10-12 years.

    If you would be so kind to offer, what I would like to know are: *Model (SM8, SM7, etc.)/Loft/Grind/Bounce of your present set of Vokeys (whether it is the same three/four everyday, or you pick three/four from a larger pool of wedges, based on the conditions of the day). *Your Approximate Handicap Index or Average Score *Age range (Juniors, 20s, 40s, 60s etc.) *In what area of the country (or world) you play most of your golf *Do you change your wedge set up for different conditions/turf-types/locations And most importantly, *Types of shots you generally use each wedge for. (Chipping, pitching, bunkers, flops, full swings, open faced, square, etc....similar to the Vokey Selector Tool, question 5.)

    Feel free to elaborate on any of the above.

    Thanks in advance to any of you who will take the time to respond.

    P.S. I'll reply to the questions myself in a separate post below once this gets approved and posted.

    Lofts 44-50-54-58-64. This set works in all conditions.
    Post Image
  16. Lou G

    Lou G
    San Diego, CA

    Doug E said:

    Hey fellow TT members. I was hoping to use (and glean from) your collective info regarding your wedge choices relative to the courses you play and the types of shots you PRIMARILY hit with each. I am writing an article for a golf blog and am collecting data and doing research at this point, for use in developing the story. Titleist/Vokey players are a perfect group from which to pull info. I am also interviewing some Vokey wedge players around my club. Obviously, Titleist players interest me the most, from a personal perspective, because I understand the various Vokey grinds so much more than I do other brands, since I have played (and researched) Vokeys exclusively over the last 10-12 years.

    If you would be so kind to offer, what I would like to know are: *Model (SM8, SM7, etc.)/Loft/Grind/Bounce of your present set of Vokeys (whether it is the same three/four everyday, or you pick three/four from a larger pool of wedges, based on the conditions of the day). *Your Approximate Handicap Index or Average Score *Age range (Juniors, 20s, 40s, 60s etc.) *In what area of the country (or world) you play most of your golf *Do you change your wedge set up for different conditions/turf-types/locations And most importantly, *Types of shots you generally use each wedge for. (Chipping, pitching, bunkers, flops, full swings, open faced, square, etc....similar to the Vokey Selector Tool, question 5.)

    Feel free to elaborate on any of the above.

    Thanks in advance to any of you who will take the time to respond.

    P.S. I'll reply to the questions myself in a separate post below once this gets approved and posted.

    I returned the 56-08M. My short iron setup is 9-P, 54-10S (bent to 52), 60-14K (bent to 58) and 64W. My other option is 46-10F (bent to 44) in place of the 9 iron, 50-08F in place of the P and 54-10S.
  17. Lou G

    Lou G
    San Diego, CA

    As you can see in my thumbnail, the setup of 44-52-58-64 is here to stay. I shortened my 46-10 to 35.25 and it's easier to hit (also set the lie angle the same as my 54-10S). The 54-10S set to 52 nails pitch and chip shots.
  18. Lou G

    Lou G
    San Diego, CA

    Lou G said:

    As you can see in my thumbnail, the setup of 44-52-58-64 is here to stay. I shortened my 46-10 to 35.25 and it's easier to hit (also set the lie angle the same as my 54-10S). The 54-10S set to 52 nails pitch and chip shots.

    Still going and I am playing some of my best golf lately. Nearly shot 38 for 9 last time (bogeyed 9th so I ended up with 39).
  19. Lou G

    Lou G
    San Diego, CA

    Lou G said:

    As you can see in my thumbnail, the setup of 44-52-58-64 is here to stay. I shortened my 46-10 to 35.25 and it's easier to hit (also set the lie angle the same as my 54-10S). The 54-10S set to 52 nails pitch and chip shots.

    I put a 9 iron back in the bag and replaced the 46-10F with a 48-10F (bent to 46) so my wedge gapping is 46-52-58-64. The 54-10S (bent to 52) is my go to wedge for about 99 percent of my short game. I use the 48-10F for pitches over 70 yards and full swings. The 60-14K (bent to 58) is primarily to tight pins from 50 yards in and, despite the bounce, gets under the ball pretty well. The 64W is a go to out of greenside bunkers.
  20. Lou G

    Lou G
    San Diego, CA

    I went back to a 695MB P set to 47.
  21. Lou G

    Lou G
    San Diego, CA

    Lou G said:

    I went back to a 695MB P set to 47.

    My setup is standard player lofts on 6-P, 49-56-64.
  22. Former Member

    Former Member

    I just bought 3 new SM8s and went 50.08 F, 54.14 F, 60.08 M, replacing a 716 AP1 W (47), 54.14 F and 60.04 L SM6s. The gap wedge replacement became a necessity after I replaced my 716 AP1 with 718 TMB in Spring of 2020, since the AP1 PW was 43 and the TMB PW is 45 degree, so as much as I loved that AP1 W, the 2 degree gapping wasn't cutting it lol. I absolutely loved my old 54.14 F SM6 so it was a no-brainer to replace it with the same loft and grind in SM8. I changed out the 60 grind this time around (I have been using the 04 L in my past 2 wedges (SM4 and 6)) mainly because as much as I loved it from really tight lies, it was super unforgiving on any other lie and I wasn't getting a ton of use out of it. Unless it was really firm sand, I'd always use the 54.14 from bunkers and most of the time chipping/pitching from the rough as well. The 60.08 M should be way more verstatile for me.
  23. Harry L

    Harry L
    Germany

    PW 48° T-200

    SM6 54° S-Grind

    SM8 58° D-Grind

    I think i have to switch to a 54° SM8 / D-Grind. Thats what the Bob Vokey wedge selector told me!
  24. Chuck Z

    Chuck Z
    Mt Pleasant, SC

    Military
    I play the wedges that came with my T300s, plus one Vokey wedge. Seniors (75)need all the help they can get. 15 handicapper.

    Vokey SM7 58.12D

    T300 53W
    T300 W (48*)
    T300 P (43*)
  25. Doug E

    Doug E
    Urbana, MD

    Who you kidding, Chuck? You don't need help. You are not only a legend here on TT, I hear South Carolina has your picture on the wall in the I-95 Welcome Center under Legendary SC "Players." ;-)
  26. Chuck Z

    Chuck Z
    Mt Pleasant, SC

    Military

    Chuck Z said:

    I play the wedges that came with my T300s, plus one Vokey wedge. Seniors (75)need all the help they can get. 15 handicapper.

    Vokey SM7 58.12D

    T300 53W
    T300 W (48*)
    T300 P (43*)

    Made change: Still playing the T300 P and W, but put the T300 53W away and purchased the new SM9 52.08F and 56.10S. Kept the SM7 59.12D but very seldom use it. Just to much bounce for most fairways in our area.

    A 56.10S sand wedge is a great wedge for most golfers for most conditions.
  27. Keith M

    Keith M
    Acworth, GA

    16 handicap

    SM7 54.10S
    SM7 58.08M

    I was fit for them about a year and a half ago I believe. The other two are a part of my set, 718 AP1s, the standard PW and 48 gap wedge. My club pro recommended these for gapping purposes as I was previously playing an SM4 56.14 and SM5 52.12.

    Not sure if it's worth noting, in my current wedge setup I use the same shafts as my irons and they are ported to get the swingweight closer.

  28. michael k

    michael k

    Hi
    5 handicap
    Over 60 ( Just ha ha )
    SM8 - 52 - 08 F GRIND SM8 60 -10 S GRIND
    DRY / WET CONDITIONS IRELAND

    Recenty changed from the SM6 TO THE SM8 ( LOVED THE LOOK OF THE SM6 BUT the SM8 PREFORMS OUT OF THIS WORLD - NEVER LOOKED BACK )

    Wedges can be a nightmare just a matter of understanding the LOFTS / GRINDS AND BOUNCE and how they can suit your game and what you need them for.

    What ever you put in your bag at the low end ( Shorter clubs ) it is at cost to the top end ( Longer Clubs )

    I did some time ago to carry x3 Vokey Wedges plus the pitching wedge from CB iron set - thats 4 Ouch
    To put you in the picture - I have 10-yard increments between each iron : ie 8 iron CB 150 yards and so on.

    The issue I had was that I hit the ball higher than most - great stopping ability but murder in windy conditions.
    To combat this have a 4 and 3 iron TMB that has a low flight path and the 3 wood can do both.

    That left me with aa excess and the low end of the bag

    I needed a 60 degree and short distance height ( Over bushes / bunkers near green etc . )

    The 52 is my most versital and most used as it gives me a wide range of shots high / low / close / far etc which I can alter and adjust to suit situation / lie etc.

    What I call my scoring club ( along with putter )


    Now for me the Sand wedge was kinda obsolete as the 60 degree I found is is just perfect out of sand - Wet or Dry - so got binned.

    The point I am saying - try and avoid having clubs in your bag that are obslete - and if possible get one wedge that can multi-task - it will fast become your best and most used .

    There is now such a wide range to choose to cover almost everything












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