In our forums, our members have been taking a deep dive into the topic of wedge set-up. WRXer ‘Rapodcat’ questions the need for a wedge with more loft than 55 or 56 degrees “if you can open up your 55 or 56 degree wedge because the grind enables it and you have the skill/technique.”

Rapidcat says:

“The advantage to “capping” your wedges at 55 or 56 degrees can be only 3 wedges needed: mid 40 degree PW, c.50 degree GW then your 55/56 degree SW. So your SW does double duty as a lob wedge. Naturally, this opens up a slot in your bag for another club.

Some will say more wedges, and so greater versatility at the short end of your bag is more important. Maybe less wedges though simplifies your decision making per shot and builds your familiarity and so execution with the lesser number of clubs.

What are the considerations? Technique? Grind? Simplified club selection vs versatility?”

And our members have been having their say on the matter in our forums.

• bladehunter: “I’m currently considering this. I don’t truly find a lob wedge that useful. I’ve always been one who will lay even a PW open. So laying my sand wedge open is no big deal at all. And I rarely if ever use lob wedge for a full swing. Maybe if I ever found one I liked on full shots I’d have a different opinion.”
• rufusmangler: “Short answer is no. You don’t need a lob wedge. I rarely hit full shots from the FW with my 58º, but it makes short bunker shots and shots to tight pins a LOT easier. I can carry 14 clubs so…”
• dmbrill719: “I think it has a lot to do with what type, of course, you normally play, and how firm and fast the greens usually are. If you play at a course with elevated greens and/or firm and fast greens, the 60* can really help out. If conditions are soft, a 56* is likely plenty of loft to get the ball up and stopping quickly.”
• MtlJeff: “I need a 60, I have tried to chip with a 56, and I’m not a fan. I already by default play low chips that spin a lot, I can’t elevate a 56 as much as I want.”
• ThinkingPlus: “Yes, for me, I need my 58° wedge. I have no unreasonable gaps from 200 yards down to 70 yards. I use all clubs for full shots. I also use all short irons and wedges for short game shots (occasionally a hybrid as well). There are no empty chairs, and no one is standing so no reason to remove the 58°.”

Entire Thread: “Do you really need a wedge with more loft than 55 or 56 degree in your bag?”