Wedge Recommendations?

[JCL]

I'm looking to upgrade my wedges this year and was wondering what people would recommend for a player with a handicap that ranges between 5 and 8.  I have never put a lot of spin on the ball and use a 52 and 56 degree wedge currently.  My current wedges are Hogan Carnoustie's.  I'm interested in looking at Volky's and anything else that is out there.  How are custom wedges vs OTR?

John

[funkyfedora]

WRX and other sites have a huge following for Scratch. I have one in the mail. I ordered the 8620s, I heard these are spin machines...

[JCL]

Do these wedges tend to  cut the ball up at all?

[funkyfedora]

There have been people reporting these as ball shredders.

[seth pistol]

if you are looking at custom options, i would suggest Scratch or Chikara.  However the one tihng that needs to be mentioned that these custom clubs do cost a pretty penny (i believe the custom tour shop option from Scratch is over $200).  in terms of OTR wedges, i would highly recommend the new Jaws wedges from Callaway, Titleist Vokeys, and the new CG15 from Cleveland. 

personally, i think the new CG15s are spin monsters, more so than the Vokeys or the Callaways.  All three beat up balls pretty badly.  however a few range sessions and your clubs will no longer eat up balls that badly.  hope this helps.

[JCL]

if you are looking at custom options, i would suggest Scratch or Chikara.  However the one tihng that needs to be mentioned that these custom clubs do cost a pretty penny (i believe the custom tour shop option from Scratch is over $200).  in terms of OTR wedges, i would highly recommend the new Jaws wedges from Callaway, Titleist Vokeys, and the new CG15 from Cleveland. 

personally, i think the new CG15s are spin monsters, more so than the Vokeys or the Callaways.  All three beat up balls pretty badly.  however a few range sessions and your clubs will no longer eat up balls that badly.  hope this helps.

Thanks!  I guess I have to go down to the golf store tomorrow after playing and take a look.

[funkyfedora]

All the 8620s come with a custom grind, stampings, and I think a finish for $99. The "Custom" that costs $200+ is the tour department I believe

[JCL]

All the 8620s come with a custom grind, stampings, and I think a finish for $99. The "Custom" that costs $200+ is the tour department I believe

Are those a order only item or do they carry Scratch in proshops also?  $99 seams pretty cheap for a custom anything now a days.

John

[funkyfedora]

Just from their site. Or by emailing their reps. They have a HUGE following with their irons and wedges.

http://www.scratchgolf.com/wedges/8620-milled/

[foreleft53]

Scratches are great wedges.  If you can get them for $99, pull the trigger. 
As far as OTR, Callaway's X-Forged are crazy spinners.  Depending on the ball, they will peel covers.  I've peeled range balls with these wedges.
As far a custom...  If you're going to have any grinding done, you need to be fit.  Finishes and stamping are cool, but custom grinds will help your game!

[kylek]

All the 8620s come with a custom grind, stampings, and I think a finish for $99. The "Custom" that costs $200+ is the tour department I believe

Are those a order only item or do they carry Scratch in proshops also?  $99 seams pretty cheap for a custom anything now a days.

John

I don't know much about the Scratch wedges but I have seen a few in one of the local Golf Stops.  They are priced at $149.00.  I would recomment the Vokey spin milled.  When I first got them I was shredding the ball and zipping it back on the greens pretty hardcore.  I have since learned how to take some of the spin off with them and now it is a hop or 2 and then stop!!!  I may try the new Callaway wedges soon as I am looking to add Callaway irons to the bag this summer.

[Tony Newson]

 
As far as OTR, Callaway's X-Forged are crazy spinners.  Depending on the ball, they will peel covers.  I've peeled range balls with these wedges.
As far a custom...  If you're going to have any grinding done, you need to be fit.  Finishes and stamping are cool, but custom grinds will help your game!

Forget Callaway's X-Forged, they are brittle, the sharp edges wear very quickly.

Try the Cleveland 588 BeCu modified by these guys

http://www.nomadgolfwrx.com/Tour_Van_Golf/TourVan_Golf_and_Prototypes.htm

Absolutely awesome, lots of spin but, soft spin and legal grooves, plenty of sole grinds and if you can get to see Ron for a fitting all the better.

Regards
T

[foreleft53]

 
As far as OTR, Callaway's X-Forged are crazy spinners.  Depending on the ball, they will peel covers.  I've peeled range balls with these wedges.
As far a custom...  If you're going to have any grinding done, you need to be fit.  Finishes and stamping are cool, but custom grinds will help your game!

Forget Callaway's X-Forged, they are brittle, the sharp edges wear very quickly.

Try the Cleveland 588 BeCu modified by these guys

http://www.nomadgolfwrx.com/Tour_Van_Golf/TourVan_Golf_and_Prototypes.htm

Absolutely awesome, lots of spin but, soft spin and legal grooves, plenty of sole grinds and if you can get to see Ron for a fitting all the better.

Regards
T

I'm not sure what you mean by brittle.  Do the grooves break off?
I've played mine for over a season, and the grooves are still very sharp.
I find it interesting that you like the Clevelands when Roger hasn't been there for years and makes all of Callaway's wedges.   

[Thaddy]

All the 8620s come with a custom grind, stampings, and I think a finish for $99. The "Custom" that costs $200+ is the tour department I believe

Are those a order only item or do they carry Scratch in proshops also?  $99 seams pretty cheap for a custom anything now a days.

John

I don't know much about the Scratch wedges but I have seen a few in one of the local Golf Stops.  They are priced at $149.00.  I would recomment the Vokey spin milled.  When I first got them I was shredding the ball and zipping it back on the greens pretty hardcore.  I have since learned how to take some of the spin off with them and now it is a hop or 2 and then stop!!!  I may try the new Callaway wedges soon as I am looking to add Callaway irons to the bag this summer.

The 8620's are cast, similar to Vokey's, while the $149 price tag you saw belonged to their forged 1018 wedges.  I've used both, and while the spin seems to be extremely similar between the two, I noticed the 8620's chewed up balls more than my 1018's.

Both can be ordered with the same grind and shaft options, so it really comes down to how deep your pockets are and what type of feel you're looking for.  The 1018's also have a straighter leading edge.

[indyvai]

I always tend to recommend Cleveland.  I am bias though... been using them for years...