Vokey wedge replacement

[drawboy]

I have just placed my order for two new vokey SM5 wedges. 52 F grind 12 degree bounce and 58 K grind with 11 degree bounce in Tour chrome finish. I'm looking forward to getting them as my old vokeys are 4 seasons old and knackered. On reading the vokey site I was however a little worried to read that Vokey recommends that these wedges are replaced every 60-70 rounds and more often if you practice regulary out of bunkers as the grooves deteriorate after this time. These aint cheap at a ton per club. I play every weekend and occasionally on a week night when work permits that means they could potentially need replacing halfway through a season with just regular use.
What do you think?

 

[Deleted member 15344]

So the manufacturer recommends you change wedges every 60 - 70 rounds ( every year or 6 months ) - wonder who will gain the most from those changes ?

 

[freddielong]

So Vokey say buy more of our clubs more often hmmmm I wonder why they would say that

 

[London mike 61]

That can't be a marketing ploy surely?

 

[Hunka Turf]

My mate caddied at a seniors event once. His player was using 20 yr old wedges and my mate said the grooves looked like they had folded in on themselves but he was still getting plenty of check/zip!

 

[drawboy]

I know it is all marketting. But I cannot believe they would actually write this on the site. Surely it will put some off buying. It is OK if you are a pro and just walk on to the truck and ask them to knock you a new wedge up because you have used the old one twice. But come on, 6 month of normal use and the grooves are shot, a bit far fetched to say the least.

 

[Ethan]

The grooves won't be shot after 6 months, unless you put in the practice routines of the pros and play 5 days a week on top.

 

[DCB]

http://forums.golf-monthly.co.uk/sh...ng-Does-A-SandWedge-Last&highlight=sand+wedge

Have a quick look at the thread in the link. I've been through two other wedges since that was first posted. When you change you really notice the difference, it's the slow degradation of the grooves that isn't as noticeable.

 

[Oddsocks]

My mpt10's were three seasons old and showed some scares but were still good for another year I reckon

 

[Imurg]

Obviously it depends on how much and where you use them - also how hard you hit the ball with them.
If you're just knocking 5-10 yard chips/pitches from the rough or fairway they'll last ages..
Use them from bunkers or hit 100 yard approaches and the grooves will flatten and wear quicker.
I've noticed a drop-off in spin over recent weeks so some new ones are on the cards.

 

[Oddsocks]

I think aLso the quality of the balls used will have an impact, dirty old molitor stones will grind groves, clean soft tour balls will not.

 

[SVB]

At the Callaway KoD event I had the chance to speak with Alex Noren, and he was asked the same question. Answer - he changes his wedges, esp SW every other event, i.e. every two weeks!!!!! (Did acknowledge that it was an easy decision with free kit though!!)

So, I'm wondering if it is worth a trip to the bin area at Wentworth today for a spot of recycling!

Simon

 

[nemicu]

Replace them as necessary. Once they get to the stage where you feel they aren't performing as they should, then it's time to consider changing them. That could be anything from 6 months to 2 years depending on how much wear they get, coupled with your ability to generate enough spin to suit your game. If you got 4 seasons out of your previous set, then it doesn't take a lot of guessing how long the new ones should last.

 

[the smiling assassin]

Use your old ones for practice

 

[drawboy]

Great idea pal.....never thought of that, saves mashing up the new ones in the practice bunker. You're the man!

 

[Imurg]

Great idea pal.....never thought of that, saves mashing up the new ones in the practice bunker. You're the man!

The problem there is that the ball may react differently with the shallower grooves - on the course you'll not really know how much spin you'll get - but not a bad idea either.....

 

[drawboy]

The problem there is that the ball may react differently with the shallower grooves - on the course you'll not really know how much spin you'll get - but not a bad idea either.....

It's got to be better than just binning them.

 

[Deleted member 15344]

One of the reasons I like the ZTP is you are supposed to be able to replace the face

It's a nightmare trying to get hold of them though

 

[LanDog]

The problem there is that the ball may react differently with the shallower grooves - on the course you'll not really know how much spin you'll get - but not a bad idea either.....

If it's just practicing technique then it will be fine

 

[Imurg]

If it's just practicing technique then it will be fine

Up to a point I agree
But if the ball spins less with the well used club then you'll get more run and you'll get used to it
Use a new wedge, get more spin and the ball stops quicker.
Technique doesn't just involve set-up and quality of swing.