Wedges

[Focker Singh]

Wedges are probably the most underrated club in our bags. Everyone likes to have the big $600 drivers or $200 putters. Irons are always being talked about how good and forgiving they are but how about the wedge? You probably use it the most out of any of your clubs besides a putter. From 130yrds to a delicate greenside chip we use our wedges. What do you recommend or prefer and why?

[Ego Woods]

Having diff't lofted wedges are important. I always found it odd that for the avg golfer, we have about 7 irons to cover distances that range from 120yrds from the pin to 210 yrds pin...thus the range of 7 irons would cover only about 90 yrds.......yet we only have like 2-4 wedges to cover everything from 120 yrds an in.........:D

[malarky]

You are right about the greater distance covered by the few wedges compared to the other clubs.

The other aspect of shots made with wedges is the wide variety of shot types ... full wedge shots to spin back to the pin, to half-wedge 'feel' shots, to bunker shots, to chips, and even the wedge-putt for those lazy times when you forget your putter on the other side of the green.

Yup ... underrated. But you find one that feels good, and stick with it until the grooves wear out. That's the beauty of wedges is that the design is so pure, it rarely changges trends year to year like drivers and putters.

What I look for ... solid heavy weighting, clear visuals, and matt finish (i like the rusting kind). I've had my Cleveland 588 RTG's for about 7 or 8 years now. In that time, I must have gone through 5 drivers, LOL.

[Mok]

to me wedges are the second most important clubs in my golf bag next to my putter. (all clubs are important in the end of course, but some will stand out a bit more) i rely on my PW for pitches over sand traps, shots just outside 100 yards and my trademark, bump and running from within 80 yards! haha! I once bumped and run from the tee box, GIR, 2 putt for a par haha...it was a short par 3 but still haha...

[Focker Singh]

You are right about the greater distance covered by the few wedges compared to the other clubs.

The other aspect of shots made with wedges is the wide variety of shot types ... full wedge shots to spin back to the pin, to half-wedge 'feel' shots, to bunker shots, to chips, and even the wedge-putt for those lazy times when you forget your putter on the other side of the green.

Yup ... underrated. But you find one that feels good, and stick with it until the grooves wear out. That's the beauty of wedges is that the design is so pure, it rarely changges trends year to year like drivers and putters.

What I look for ... solid heavy weighting, clear visuals, and matt finish (i like the rusting kind). I've had my Cleveland 588 RTG's for about 7 or 8 years now. In that time, I must have gone through 5 drivers, LOL.

I agree that wedges don't have much room for redesign like drivers and putters. Though they have come out with the hybrid wedge. Its not a blade, like a wood, but lofted from 52-64 deg. Makes chipping out of the rough of beach a lot easier.
I have a 10 year old Callaway, Bobby Jones SW that has great bounce and feel. Only thing is, the grooves are worn out and I don't get much spin from it. This year I got the Taylor Made RAC wedges, 52 and 60 deg. Both are very good.
I read that Roger Cleveland sold his name to Cleveland Golf and now works for Callaway to help them develop their wedges. So, go with Callaway now!!

[malarky]

Ya, Roger Cleveland now works for Callaway. I think even before that he'd been disassociated with the company that bears his name for a while.

I've not tried the Callaway wedge, but they look pro. Very classic.

The RAC wedges are awesome. I tried my buddies RACs. Almost made me want to buy them. What I liked about them was the weighting, and the soft feel. I couldn't believe they were so much softer than my RTG.

Anyway, my wedges work .. er, I mean they are pretty predictable. Anytime I make a bad wedge shot is the result of user error :)

If I were looking, I'd demo the RAC, Vokey, Cleveland, Callaway, and Mizuno (to match my irons). Nikes look great except for the stupid swoosh.

[dacx]

I bought a KZG forged a year ago. Now have two. If they had a lower bounce in a 60º, I would trade in my RAC. Luv 'em.

dacx

[Mok]

hi dacx, welcome!

[Mule56]

I bought a KZG forged a year ago. Now have two. If they had a lower bounce in a 60º, I would trade in my RAC. Luv 'em. dacxHey DACX,
My club fitter turn me on to the KZG line this year. I was looking for 4 Clev's and he suggested the KZG's 9500R. I have the 50 - bent to 48, 52, 56, 60. I love them. Stop'em or back'em up with no effort.
Mule

[Focker Singh]

Hey DACX,
My club fitter turn me on to the KZG line this year. I was looking for 4 Clev's and he suggested the KZG's 9500R. I have the 50 - bent to 48, 52, 56, 60. I love them. Stop'em or back'em up with no effort.
Mule
Hey DACX/Mule56,
I've never heard of KZG wedges. They're that good eh? hmmm...too bad I just got new RAC's this summer...but you have anymore detail about them? Thanks.

[Special_K]

I play the Vokeys. Tried a bunch of other brands (e.g., Cleveland) but they just don't seem to have the feel and touch of the Vokeys.

I like a 54 in my sandwedge. It gives me 100-105 consistently. And of course the 60 with less bounce.

[dacx]

Thanks for welcome guys. Here is a link to KZG's homepage, for those interested. Like Mule56 said, they put the spin on the ball easier than any other wedge I have used. Far superior feel to the cleveland 588's I was using. I am sure the 900's would be a closer comparision to the forged KZG's. There is alot of good wedgesout there, but man, do I like these. I have 52º & 56º. KZG have dealers in Canada and the US.

http://www.kzgolf.com/

Regards,
dacx