I am continuing my slow return to golf and am at the conclusion that inspite of having equipment issues elsewhere, the wedges are most in need of attention.
I have a few concerns. My irons are rifle shafted and I am really quite happy with them. However it seems that wedges very rarely come with a rifle option unless I get it custom. Having never hit a wedge with a rifle (or spinner or whatever they call it), I dont honestly know whether it is worth worrying to make sure I have rifles in them, can anyone tell me?
The second concern is on the lofts. I actually think my PW is a bit weak as the 9-wedge gap is a bit too large. So, if I find a wedge I like, can I get it in roughly the correct loft and subsequently have it bent by a half degree (or whatever) so that it sits exactly the distance I want it?
Wedges typically come in regular or sometimes even softer flex shafts becuase they are not meant to be hit for max distance but rather for control and feel. As for the lofts, have your clubs spec'd out at a shop or fitter to check the lofts and lie to ensure they are within expectations. That will tell you what you need to fill the gap. They can also tell you how easy it will be to bend your wedge if is it forged or cast.
Shafts
Virtually all wedges come with steel shafts unless the wedges are part of a graphite set of clubs. Most steel shafted wedges also come with a standard 'wedge' flex. This is actually more like a stiff shafted steel shaft in flex, but designed specifically for the shorter club. It provides maximum feel and accuracy and in such a short club, the flex is less important.
However, if you play a Rifle Spinner 6.0, for instance this is actually a rifle 6.0 tipped for an 8 iron and in essence soft stepped twice so it would play at 5.5 or so. For me this makes more sense! If you aren't playing a full shot most of the time, why do you need a stiffer shaft for control? A softer shaft, as in the spinners, will increase spin and feel, and you won't lose control going down only 1 flex. A stiffer shaft decreases feel and it is beyond me as to why you would want that in a wedge. Just my opinion
OK, so im getting the picture that the rifle wedge shaft will be softer than a DG.... but is the difference going to be truly noticeable? I dont want to go and buy a wedge set, reshaft it and find that all that extra money made absolutely no difference in feel!
If you notice, most wedges are slightly heavier than your other irons and have a higher swingweight as well. That alone would slightly soften the flex if you had the same shaft in your irons and wedges. I have always played stiff iron shafts and regular flex wedges. The extra weight of the clubhead gives me the feel I need to know exactly where the clubhead is even on half swings and the softer flex allows the shaft to kick even with slower, smoother short swings. Stiff shafts in a wedge offer much less feel. For me, my control and distance comes from my swing more so than the shaft.
March 26th, 2006, 11:14 AM
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