In simple terms, the grind describes the overall shape of the sole. That’s fine, but we’d be remiss not to point out that most wedge designers will tell you that bounce is your friend, and that golfers often choose less bounce than they should. For brands who take a one-bounce-fits-all approach, it’s almost invariably a mid-bounce option. If you’re not sure which bounce is right for you, a mid bounce wedge is the safest option, though we always recommend taking the time to get fit for your wedges. High bounce is also ideal in soft conditions, including bunkers with light, fluffy sand. High bounce wedges (more than 10°) are ideal for diggers – golfers with steep attack angles. Low bounce wedges can also be beneficial in firm or dry conditions. Low bounce wedges (4°-6°) are generally a better fit for what is often described as sweepers – golfers with shallow attack angles. Aligning wedge bounce with both the turf conditions (soft, firm) you’ll face on course, and how you deliver the club at impact promotes optimal contact, control, and spin. Conversely, a low bounce wedge will typically sit closer to the ground. Wedges with high bounce have a leading edge that sits higher off the ground at address. It’s is the part of the sole that makes first contact with ground as your club impacts ball. Wedge bounce is the angle created between the leading edge of your wedge and the lowest point of the sole (trailing edge). As with anything else, you should go with what works for you. While it wasn’t that long ago that 52°, 56°, and 60° was the most common arrangement of gap, sand, and lob wedge, many golfers are now moving to 50°, 54°, and 58°. Be aware that if your iron lofts have gotten stronger, you may need to adjust your wedge lofts accordingly. While there is no standard for wedge gaps, 4° to 5° is typical. Determining the right lofts starts with knowing the loft of the shortest set iron in the bag. Many golfers carry just three wedges (pitch, gap, and sand), while others add a lob wedge to the mix. With that in mind, properly gapping your wedges is essential. It’s imperative that you can not only cover any distance but control trajectory and hit whatever shot the course necessitates. When you pull a wedge, you should be able to trust that the ball will go the distance you need it to. Whether you’re swinging full or trying to control a 3/4 or 1/2 shot, distance control is everything inside 100 yards. Performance should be your primary concern when buying a new wedge, but there are some additional things to consider before making your purchasing decision. The Wilson FG Tour PMP was the only raw finish wedge tested.To that end, be aware that TaylorMade’s Milled Grind Wedge tested is the prior model.The Callaway MD5 Jaws and TaylorMade Milled Grind 2 Wedges were not included in our 2019 Test as neither was available at the time of testing.The Most Wanted Wedge of 2019, the Honma TW-W4 wedge, did not finish at the top in any of the test scenarios but was a strong performer across the board.Spin Retention accounts for the final 20%. We use a weighted scoring system with Full Shots and 40-yard shots accounting for 40% each (80% of the total score). The data you see below represents the performance breakdown for the three scenarios in our 2019 Most Wanted Wedge Test (Full Shots, 40-yard shots, and Wet vs. We hope that simplifying will make things a bit easier for readers to understand. On the display side, we’re presenting the results using a 100-point system. For this year’s wedge test, we eliminated the 15-yard portion and added a wet vs. Most Wanted: Honma TW-W4Įvery test presents an opportunity to evolve both our protocols and the way we present the data. Our 2019 Most Wanted Wedge Test should serve as a guide to help steer you in the right direction towards optimal performance. The best way to ensure you have the right wedges is to get fit. Several factors like loft, bounce, sole grind, and even the shaft impact how a wedge will perform in the variety of situations you’ll face during a round of golf. So, how do you know what is truly right for you? The right wedges will complement your game and help you shoot lower scores. We’ve said it before every club in your bag should have a purpose, and it’s no different with your wedges. Your wedges will often be the determining factor in whether you save par or pencil in a bigger number. That’s why it’s essential that you have the right tools in your bag to execute those precarious shots around the green. The point is that, while you’ll hit plenty of full wedge shots throughout a round and a season, you’re going to hit significantly more wedge shots from 100-yards and in. Don’t sweat it the best players in the world do too.
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