A common question about sand wedges is ” What is Bounce“. Bounce is the angle formed on the sole of a wedge from the leading edge to the trailing edge. Similarly, camber is the curvature of the sole from the leading edge to the trailing edge. A look around at different sand wedges will reveal varies degrees of bounce. Typical degrees of bounce range 4 to 14. Depending on the turf condition and sand conditions you play, This will determine the amount of bounce you should have on your sand wedge. A sand wedge with 4 to 6 degrees of bounce is considered a low bounce wedge. These are ideal for firm turf and hard course sand along with shallow swing angles.
Mid bounce is from 7-11 degrees. These wedges are best for firm and normal turf conditions. They work well for players whose swing is neutral and moderate angles of attack. High bounce wedges are best for softer turf, soft sand and players who swing angle is is steep and they take a large divots.
If I was playing a bunker shot, my hands would be much lower than they normally are at address. That is when I really use and activate the heel relief. Because if you have a heel that digs in, then the blade will turn left and it will cause the bunker shot, which is usually a soft, delicate shot to come out quick, over spinning and run. That’s not what you need.
Listed are some Sand Wedges with low bounce. A sand wedge with low bounce will work best with firm turf and course sand.
Low Bounce Wedges
- Cleveland RTX Zipcore 56° loft 6° bounce
- Cleveland RTX Zipcore 58° loft 6° bounce
- Cleveland RTX Zipcore 60° loft 6° bounce
- Cleveland RTX Zipcore 62° loft 6° bounce
- Vokey SM 9. 60° loft 4° bounce
Listed are some wedges with mid bounce. These wedges will performance best on firm and normal turf and sand conditions.
Mid Bounce Wedges
- Callaway Jaws 50° loft 10° bounce
- Callaway Jaws 52° loft 10° bounce
- Callaway Jaws 54° loft 10° bounce
- Callaway Jaws 56° loft 10° bounce
- Callaway Jaws 58° loft 10° bounce
- Callaway Jaws 60° loft 10° bounce
- Cleveland CBX 50° loft 11° bounce
- Cleveland CBX 52° loft 11° bounce
- Cleveland RTX Zipcore 50° loft 10° bounce
- Cleveland RTX Zipcore 52° loft 10° bounce
- Cleveland RTX Zipcore 54° loft 10° bounce
- Cleveland RTX Zipcore 56° loft 10° bounce
- Cleveland RTX Zipcore 58° loft 10° bounce
- Cleveland RTX Zipcore 60° loft 10° bounce
- Volkey SM9 50° loft 8° bounce
- Volkey SM9 52° loft 8° bounce
- Volkey SM9 54° loft 10° bounce
- Volkey SM9 56° loft 8° bounce
- Volkey SM9 56° loft 10° bounce
- Volkey SM9 58° loft 8° bounce
- Volkey SM9 58° loft 10° bounce
- Volkey SM9 60° loft 8° bounce
- Volkey SM9 60° loft 10° bounce
- Volkey SM9 62° loft 8° bounce
Wedges with high bounce will performance best in soft turf and sand conditions. Listed below are some high bounce wedges.
High Bounce Wedges
- Callaway Jaws 50° loft 12° bounce
- Callaway Jaws 52° loft 12° bounce
- Callaway Jaws 54° loft 12° bounce
- Callaway Jaws 56° loft 12° bounce
- Callaway Jaws 58° loft 12° bounce
- Callaway Jaws 60° loft 12° bounce
- Cleveland CBX 54° loft 12° bounce
- Cleveland CBX 56° loft 12° bounce
- Cleveland RTX Zipcore 54° loft 12° bounce
- Cleveland RTX Zipcore 56° loft 12° bounce
- Cleveland RTX Zipcore 58° loft 12° bounce
- Cleveland RTX Zipcore 60° loft 12° bounce
- Volkey SM9 50° loft 12° bounce
- Volkey SM9 52° loft 12* bounce
- Volkey SM9 54° loft 12* bounce
- Volkey SM9 54° loft 14° bounce
- Volkey SM9 56° loft 12° bounce
- Volkey SM9 56° loft 14° bounce
- Volkey SM9 58° loft 12° bounce
- Volkey SM9 58° loft 14° bounce
- Volkey SM9 60° loft 12° bounce
- Volkey SM9 60° loft 14° bounce
Most sand wedges will also come with varies finishes including raw, chrome, brushed steel, satin and black to name a few. The finished of the wedges rarely affects performance and is more for looks and what pleases your eye. One other thing to consider is the grind of the wedge. Manufactures will offer different grinds to affect how the wedges interacts with the turf.
I love using the bounce of my wedge around the greens in certain situations, and especially when I’m in the rough. It helps my club slide underneath the ball, which gives me more control over the distance, and reduces my margin of error.
Do you have a favorite wedge? Share your story or experience with a favorite wedge here