Question

2.40K viewsFebruary 28, 2022

Nick 88 February 28, 2022 0 Comments

When comparing sole width and bounce for irons and wedges, how does one benefit a golfer over the other? I’m asking because I was looking at ordering MAX wedges and wasn’t sure which sole width to go with. I’ve always heard width helps prevent digging by allowing the club to bounce off the turf but I’ve also heard where a narrow sole helps the club get in and out of the turf without getting stuck. Sounds the same to me but there has to be a difference. Very confusing concepts for me.

Also, are there any plans for DRM finish on the new MAX series wedges or a Tour Grind MG revamp with it since the MG’s and M+ came with the DBM finish? The MG’s were always my favorite and worked well, I just wish I could bend them for lie angle.

Britt Lindsey Answered question February 28, 2022

1 Answer

Answer 1 · 2022-02-28T15:43:56+00:00

Bounce, or sole angle, and sole width are their effect on playability is difficult to understand, and explain. Generally, wider sole widths are more forgiving for most players and require less bounce to be effective. Narrow sole wedges tend to need more of a bounce angle for all but the best players to be able to use them. Ralph wrote 60 pages about wedges in his book “The Complete Book of Golf Club Fitting and Performance”. He developed a method of determining the playability based on several factors. the sole width, sole angel, leading edge height and leading edge roll are all part of it. Below is a chart that categorizes different types of wedges by playability. All the wedges in the chart are wedges we have developed over the years, but can be the method and information can be applied to any brand and type of wedge. If you really want to dive into it, I would advise getting the book. In my opinion, and I have been doing this a long time and been fortunate to work with the best experts on the short game in the industry (Ralph being one of them), and this method is the best at explaining the dynamics of a wedge design and how it effects playability.

One thing I would add that is often overlooked. The type of turf and sand conditions a player plays in and the players attack angle is very important in determining the type of wedge, specifically the sole width and bounce, that will work best for the player. We have put charts on our website for each of our wedge designs (Max is not done yet, but will mirror the M-Series+ .090 and 1.05 soles) that are general guidelines.

https://www.golfworks.com/images/art/WedgeMPF%20Chart.pdf

https://www.golfworks.com/images/art/Wedge%20article_TSW.pdf

https://www.golfworks.com/images/art/MGTourGrindWedges.pdf

https://www.golfworks.com/images/art/Wedge_article_MDesign_Glider.pdf

https://www.golfworks.com/images/art/Wedge%20article_MSeries.pdf

Lastly, on your questions about a DBM finish on the Max or a MG revamp. No plans for DBM on the MAX wedges at this time and we are working on a new wedge that will in effect replace the MG for 2023. Plans tentatively would be that it would be in DBM, but nothing is final. Very early stages of development.

Hope this helps,

Britt Lindsey