Set wedges…or blade wedges? How to know which is right for you

Almost every set of clubs comes with a pitching wedge and at least one other higher lofted wedge. These are your scoring clubs that, for many of us, can either make or break a round. The question is, should you play a matching set wedge or make the leap into a traditional blade-style or players’ wedge? Let’s dive into the pros and cons of each.  

First things first, though, what is a set wedge?

While it may seem like common sense to some, I have worked with several players who didn’t know a matching-set wedge was even available. A set wedge is a wedge that is designed to seamlessly fit, and match, the rest of your irons. These wedges are typically cavity-back designs, have perimeter weighting and feature more uniform lofts as they work from the pitching wedge through the highest lofted wedge on offer. 

Pros of matching-set wedges: 

Forgiveness: Like your irons, set wedges generally have a larger sweet spot and perimeter weighting, making them more forgiving on mishits. 

Consistency: The look, sound, feel and turf interaction match the rest of the irons, giving you a smooth transition from the short irons. 

Easier full swings: The set wedge is often designed with a slightly wider sole and more bounce, which tend to be easier to hit on full shots. This makes a set wedge ideal for players who are more comfortable taking full swings with their wedges. 

Ideal for high launch: Players who struggle with consistent contact and low launch may benefit from the lower center of gravity and forgiveness of a set wedge. 

Cons of matching-set wedges: 

Lack of versatility: The full sole makes it harder to open the clubface for flop shots or other creative short-game shots. They just want to go high and straight.  

Less spin control: Grooves may not be as aggressive as those on blade wedges, reducing spin and stopping power on touch and feel shots around the green. 

Fewer grind options: Set wedges usually don’t come with multiple, or any, grind and bounce options. Even a professionally fit set will be limited with custom options for different turf and sand conditions.  

Traditional blade wedges, such as those from Titleist, Ping, Cleveland or Callaway, are specialized tools designed for precision and control. Traditional wedges are preferred by Tour players and top-level armatures alike — and for good reason.  

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Pros of traditional blade wedges:

Shot control: The thinner, more compact design allows accomplished players to open or close the clubface for different shot types and better distance control.  

Enhanced feel and feedback: Traditional wedge designs provide more precise feedback, allowing players to fine-tune their touch. Their higher center of gravity also makes it easier to flight the ball lower and preserve higher spin rates.  

Higher spin rates: Blade wedges typically have sharper, deeper grooves, generating more spin and stopping power, especially on partial shots. Making distance control even easier for short game connoisseurs.  

Multiple grind, loft and bounce options: Players can choose the right combination for their swing type, distance gaps and playing conditions. This flexibility helps with optimizing turf interaction and carry numbers between wedges.  

Pros of traditional blade wedges:

Less forgiving: Blade wedges require more precise ball striking; even a slight miss can result in significant distance and accuracy loss. 

Difficult for higher handicappers: Players who struggle with short game consistency may find blade wedges difficult to launch and hit high enough to carry greenside bunkers or hazards.  

Potentially harder on full swings: The smaller profile and less perimeter weighting may not provide the same ball speed as a set wedge on full swing shots. 

So, which wedge is right for you…? 

If you’re a beginner, high handicapper or weekend warrior…

…a set wedge is a great choice because it prioritizes forgiveness and consistency over shot versatility. Think of the set wedges as the short game “easy button” for the masses.  

If you’re a low handicapper or skilled short-game player…

…a traditional blade wedge offers superior control, spin and shot-shaping ability for players with the skills to take advantage of it. These players aren’t just aiming to hit the green, they are aiming to hit a specific number.

If you’re somewhere in between…

…you might benefit from a “best of both worlds” setup. Some golfers choose a blend of set wedges for the pitching and gap wedges (full swing clubs) and blade wedges for sand and lob wedges (short game touch and feel shots). I float between a 2 and 3 index, and this is where I live. 

At the end of the day, the best wedge is the one that doesn’t fail you when you need it most (despite perfection being unattainable). If you want something easier and more predictable, like a happy ending in a Disney movie, go with a set wedge. If you crave control and feel (and can live with the occasional chunk or blade around the green), grab a blade wedge. If you are still on the fence and can’t make up your mind, just buy both and call it “strategy.”  

To dial in the perfect wedges for your game, consult a fitter at your local True Spec Golf.