Choosing the best bounce

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By Bernard G

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  • 9 Replies
  1. Hi,

    I am trying to decide what 52 degree vokey SM4 wedge to buy; 8 or 12 degree bounce. Currently I play my 52 degree for both full shots and pitch/chip shots around the green. Next to this I have a 56 and 60 degree in the bag. My current 52 wedge is a cleveland with low bounce (6 degrees); this feels obviously as not enough. So I want more, but have difficulties to choose between 8 or 12. I perceive my swing style as being neutral, and play in the Netherlands so mostly relatively soft conditions.

    Any ideas?

    Thanks!

    Bernard

  2. Lou G

    Lou G
    San Diego, CA

    Bernard G said:

    Hi,

    I am trying to decide what 52 degree vokey SM4 wedge to buy; 8 or 12 degree bounce. Currently I play my 52 degree for both full shots and pitch/chip shots around the green. Next to this I have a 56 and 60 degree in the bag. My current 52 wedge is a cleve with low bounce (6 degrees); this feels obviously as not enough. So I want more, but have difficulties to choose between 8 or 12. I perceive my swing style as being neutral, and play in the Netherlands so mostly relatively soft conditions.

    Any ideas?

    Thanks!

    Bernard

    I've used the 52-12 and it worked in a good variety of conditions plus it gives capability for long bunker shots in soft sand.  The sole is narrow so that makes it easy to hit from tight lies by delofting slightly.

  3. Keano26

    Keano26
    Port Jervis, NY

    The 52.08 Vokey SM4 is designed for 'neutral' swingers. I have a 52.08 Vokey, and it is absolutely perfect. It's the Oil Can finish, and compared to my other chrome finish wedges, I firmly believe the raw steel gives a much softer feel, which I absolutely love.

    The 8 bounce has a full sole, and is perfect for any course conditions. There's just enough bounce. I'm a digger when it comes to full shots and a slider when chipping/pitching, and it is, once again, perfect.

    Even though I have all brand new AP1 irons, driver, SM4 46* PW and 60*10* LW, my old 52.08 is still my favorite club in the bag. I'm just throwing in my two cents. Hope you figure everything out, Bernard. Let me know what you decide.

  4. Lou G

    Lou G
    San Diego, CA

    I'm a digger on full shots and chipping/pitching off tight lies.   I am a slider off soft lies.

    My main reason for a 52-12 was for long bunker shots in soft sand.  I had it bent to 51*.   I've since changed to SM$ 54-11 (bent to 53) mainly because it is more effortless in sand.

    The AP1 PW does rather nicely on long soft bunker shots.

  5. Chris T

    Chris T
    Courtland, VA

    I agree the 54-11 is smooth!!!!

  6. Brian C

    Brian C
    Cincinnati, OH

    For my wedges, I vary the bounce.  When you have tight lies, you want little bounce and the opposite is true as well. 

    I think Pelz recommends varying your bounce from high to low. For example, your 52 degree wedge would have the most bounce like 12-14, then your 56 would have an 8 and then your 60 would have the lowest bounce like 4.

    I thought it was an interesting concept, so I went with it. It seems to make sense.

    Brian

  7. Cath D.

    Cath D.
    Carlsbad, CA

    Here are a couple of threads on bounce and sole: http://www.titleist.com/teamtitleist/b/default.aspx and http://www.golfwrx.com/57695/cant-get-up-and-down-it-might-be-a-sole-problem/

    The first is Bob Vokey explaining bounce and the second is about the importance of both the sole and the bounce. 

  8. Jimmy B

    Jimmy B
    Morgantown, WV

    My new SM 4 52 has a 12 degree bounce. The titleist rep that fit me said its gives you the most feel with the 52 degree. Good luck and hit em' straight

  9. Joshua L

    Joshua L
    SLC, UT

    You should really go see a fitter. I can tell you what works for me but I can't tell you what will work for you. Make sure you get fit out on grass and try and do it under the same grass conditions as your normal course(s) that you play. Wedge fitters are artists and you won't know what you're missing until you get the right club in your hands.

  10. Lou G

    Lou G
    San Diego, CA

    Joshua L said:

    You should really go see a fitter. I can tell you what works for me but I can't tell you what will work for you. Make sure you get fit out on grass and try and do it under the same grass conditions as your normal course(s) that you play. Wedge fitters are artists and you won't know what you're missing until you get the right club in your hands.

    Also, some of the advertised bounces can be a bit deceiving.  For instance, I had a SM c-c 62-07 and 58-04 but actually had an easier time picking the ball off a tight lie with the 62 and could hit the 58-04 out of soft sand.   The 64-07 (both the SM2 and the SM4) does nicely for a short bunker shot in soft sand or out of plush grass but an SM2 60-07 or SM4 60-10 perform better on tight lies.  The composite sole grinds have more bounce than advertised.  A SM 60-04 of the old variety had a full sole and would dig a hole even on tight lies.

    Bounce selection also depends on your objective.  My objective is so that my wedge setup plays in a wide variety of conditions.  My style of wedge play could be classified as "shotmaker" vice "digger" or "slider".  I'll slide on soft lies and dig on tight lies.

    Still, nonetheless, one needs to see a fitter.

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