Review of Wedges

We based our comparison of wedges on how well they perform in various situations but distance control was the most important part. 63% of a golfer's shots are within 100 yards of the green. If your short game is great, you can hit your wedge shot close to the pin and have a very good chance at birdie or par. A good short game is the best recipe for lower scores.

For distance control, we applied the 4 x 3 method that Dave Pelz teaches in his book 'DAVE PELZ'S SHORT GAME BIBLE'. Great book. If you haven't read it, you are missing a great resource. Under the 4 x 3 method, you use a set of four wedges at three different power levels, 7:30, 9:00. and 10:30 to give you three precise shots, thus 4 x 3 = 12 shots. You write these shots on a tape and stick it to each club. Next time you are within 100 yards, you check your yardage and see which club and which shot gives you the best chance of getting close to the pin.

We tested the wedges on the range and on the course to get a very good feel for each set. Do read the commentary following the ranking.

Commentary:

1. Acer XC set of three wedges:
   • This set could have scored even higher but it is a set of three wedges versus four in the PO 750.
   • Technologically, it is the most advanced of the lot.
   • The Acer XC wedges possess the thin topline, limited offset and blade-style appearance of conventional wedges. But it also has an undercut channel that redistributes material so the there is more weight lower and rearward allowing for an increased trajectory and spin to hold greens better.
   • If you are considering this set, you may want to add a separate 64º lob wedge or a 68º lob wedge to complete your 4 x 3 system. With or without the fourth wedge, this is one solid set of wedges and will help you improve your short game significantly.
      
2. P.O. 750 Set of four:
   • These clubs perform great under all kinds of circumstances. Being a set of four, you have a full complement of the 4 x 3 = 12 shots.
   • The head is not too big nor too small and gives a very neat look.
   • Good consistent feel.
   • The zero bounce on the 64º lob wedge makes hard pan shots a cinch and the 64º loft makes flop shots look easy.
   • The 12º bounce on the sand wedge makes it very useful for shots out of thick grass and fluffy sand.
      
3. PP System Q:
   • This set has a very good solid feel to it. You feel comfortable and confident just holding these wedges.
   • You can add heavier screws to increase club weight - if you think heavier clubs help you or to have a draw or fade bias.
   • It's lack of a 64º wedge looses it some points but other than that, this is a great set. If you are considering this set, you may want to add a separate 64º lob wedge or a 68º lob wedge to complete your 4 x 3 system. But with or without the fourth wedge, this is one solid set of clubs.
      
4. XDS Tour Oil Can:
   • Perhaps the most good looking wedges in our repertoire. It lacks a 64º lob wedge but other than that, this set is strong in all areas.
   • If you are considering this set, you may want to add a separate 64º lob wedge or a 68º lob wedge to complete your 4 x 3 system.
   • Also available in stainless steel at a little lower price.
      
5. P.O. 690 Black:
   • Our best selling set - performs great in all kinds of situations. Being a set of four, you have a full complement of the 4 x 3 = 12 shots.
   • The zero bounce on the 64º lob wedge makes hard pan shots easier and the 64º loft is well suited for high flop shots.
   • The 12º bounce on the sand wedge makes it very useful for shots out of thick grass and fluffy sand.
   • The black color is very popular with our customers.
   • Also available in Chrome / Satin at a little lower price.
      
6. Sandblaster:
   • A very unusual and innovative club. The basic purpose of this club is to be everything to all people in all kinds of circumstances and that is it's best selling point as well as its weakness. It does a lot of things well but nothing great. Best suited for people who don't want to carry too many wedges.
   • If you add a separate 64º lob wedge or a 68º lob wedge, you can have a very potent twosome.