The general consensus between golfers that have compared cavity back vs. blade wedges is that cavity back wedges are more forgiving and go a bit further, but may lack the spin and control better golfers get from blade wedges around the green. Let’s get into the details: What is a Cavity Back Wedge?
Full Answer
Are cavity-back wedges difficult to use?
So in that case, I understand that a cavity-back wedge can be a little troublesome for golfers who want more forgiveness, but can’t come to grips with how a full-blown cavity back looks and feels.
What is the difference between a cavity back and blade wedge?
The blade wedge finished in the middle – less forgiving than the set-matched wedge but more forgiving than the cavity back. With the set-matched wedge, our testers had an average distance dispersion of 9.2 yards. That was 2.5 yards better than the blade wedge and 3.7 yards better than the cavity back.
Why are blade-style wedges the more common option?
But I see your question. I think what you’re really asking is why are blade-style wedges the more common option? The simple answer is most golfers assume (whether they’re right or wrong is a different question) that a blade-style wedge is more versatile.
What are the different types of wedges in golf?
There are traditional blade-type wedges, cavity back wedges, wedges that match irons, and even super specialized wedges like chippers. In this edition of Golf Myths Unplugged, we’re pitting traditional wedges against cavity backs and set-matched wedges to see which one performs the best.
Are cavity back wedges better?
Wedges with a cavity back, like our CBX, also feature design elements that enhance performance and forgiveness for a vast range of players, including a wider, more forgiving sole grind. It's a huge help when it comes to avoiding dig, whether you're in the fairway, rough or sand.
Are cavity back wedges more forgiving?
The general consensus between golfers that have compared cavity back vs. blade wedges is that cavity back wedges are more forgiving and go a bit further, but may lack the spin and control better golfers get from blade wedges around the green.
Do they make cavity back wedges?
“The CBX combines the spin and versatility of our tour wedges with a cavity back design so golfers get plenty of control and forgiveness.” In terms of forgiveness, the cavity drives what has been done with the CBX wedges.
Do pro golfers use cavity backs?
According to Titleist, 70% of tour players use cavity backs while 30% use blades. Cavity back irons provide increased forgiveness while blades offer more control and a better feel. This is why a lot of tour players have both cavity backs and blade irons in their bags.
Why do I hit blades better than cavity backs?
Hitting a blade you'll know right away when you hit it solid or not very well. A blade iron will also be easier to shape the ball around. You'll be able to draw or fade the ball much easier compared to a cavity back. You'll also be able to control the trajectory better and that's what most professionals would want.
Why are Vokey wedges so good?
The Vokey SM8 wedges feature spin-milled grooves that create acute spin control and progressive CG placement for optimal launch. The CG's of the wedges in this set are also set slightly forward to increase MOI. This is the main feature that makes these wedges so congenial for high handicappers and beginners.
Are Vokeys forgiving?
Titleist Vokey SM8 Wedge After testing the clubs thoroughly, we found the clubhead more stable and forgiving, and we were able to produce high levels of consistent spin. There are loads of grinds to choose from so we highly recommend going for a custom fit to make sure you get the most forgiving SM8 for your swing.
What wedge do pros chip with?
The sand wedge is the wedge that is the best for chipping. With a sand wedge, you can fly the ball reasonably close to the pin, and expect it only to roll a few feet.
What is the easiest wedge to chip with?
For the average golfer, chipping with a pitching or gap wedge will produce the most consistent shots around the green. Using a gap wedge will be the best place to start for standard chips, but a pitching wedge could work better if the ball is sitting up in the rough.
Are cavity backs easier to hit?
Cavity backs are better simply because they're cheaper and, in comparison to blades, are a lot more forgiving and easier to hit. Perfect for the majority of golfers and average players indeed. Even for beginners and high handicappers!
Can a mid handicapper use blades?
Can a mid-handicapper use blades? Mid-handicappers can use blades; however, they may benefit more from using cavity-backs as they still provide excellent feel and control, without being as punishing on off-centre strikes.
Do any pros use a 1 iron?
One of the most famous shots in golf is Ben Hogan's 1-iron approach to the final green during the 1950 U.S. Open at Merion. Hogan made par and later clinched the championship in a Monday playoff. Costantino Rocca used a 1-iron to defeat Tiger Woods in a singles match during the 1997 Ryder Cup at Valderrama.
What type of wedges match irons?
There are traditional blade-type wedges, cavity back wedges, wedges that match irons, and even super specialized wedges like chippers. In this edition of Golf Myths Unplugged, we’re pitting traditional wedges against cavity backs and set-matched wedges to see which one performs the best.
How many shots did each player hit with each wedge?
All three wedges were built to the same loft, lie, length, and swing weight with the same shaft. Each player hit seven full shots with each wedge, and every shot was recorded. All testing was done at, and with the help of, Club Champion.
Where is Matt from Plugged In Golf?
He's worked in nearly every job in the golf industry from club fitting to instruction to writing and speaking. Matt lives in the northwest suburbs of Chicago with his wife and two daughters.
Does the blade wedge outperform the cavity back?
It surprised us that the blade wedge outperformed the cavity back, but it’s possible, perhaps likely, that the cavity back would come out on top in a larger test or one that involved higher handicap players.
Blade vs cavity back style wedges – GolfWRXers discuss
In our forums, our members have been discussing wedge style preferences. WRXer ‘Jjfcpa’ is curious to see what style is used by the majority of members and why, and WRXers have been sharing their thoughts on both types.
Peter Malnati WITB 2022 (February)
Peter Malnati’s what’s in the bag accurate as of the Genesis Invitational. More photos from the event here .
Aaron Beverly WITB 2022 (February)
Aaron Beverly’s what’s in the bag accurate as of the Genesis Invitational. More photos from the event here .
Blade vs. cavity-back wedges – The methodology
To test out Cleveland’s theory we rounded up four golfers from Hillsborough with handicaps ranging from 9 to 22.
Blade vs. cavity-back wedges – The results
Fitter’s findings: Steve plays a lightweight steel shaft in cavity back irons and has an inconsistent ball strike pattern.
Blade vs. cavity-back wedges – NCG verdict
I was quite surprised to see all four golfers fitted into the CBX wedges.
Feedback
blades blades blades blades blades. In irons I can understand cavities, but in wedges?
Feedback
I think a lot of single-digit hdcp's (and below) prefer blade-style wedges for the simple fact that you can hit pitches / <100 yard shots on a trajectory other than sky-high. Keeping the center of gravity higher on wedges is nice for control purposes.
Feedback
What's the best for "non-pro" golfers? Muscle back or Cavity back wedges?
Feedback
I'm not sure if the improvement from switching is because of the 'cavity' back or because of the change in the sole bounce and other club configurations.
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Sony Open Pics from January 11, 2022 Part 1
I was able to get out to the Sony Open today to take a few pics. I guess due to Covid precautions they kept the spectators pretty far from the players. Also due to camera...
Gaviao
So I'm sure that this topic has been covered before but here goes.....
Jon Robert
You don't need new clubs You either need lessons or a new commitment to an agressive self learning effort.
dbwood
I personally don't see a lot of difference in ease of play between cavity back or blade wedges coming from the cavity back itself but I think most cavity backs have wider soles than blades. If your looking for more forgiving wedges I'd look at sole width and bounce more than the design of the backs.
max power
I have only one suggestion - don't ever treat golf (lessons or equipment) as if your life is in the balance. It isn't. And he's right about getting some used clubs. A used club with a new grip feels like a new club.
GaijinGolfer
I say go with the blade for the feel. With how short a wedge shaft is, you should be able to find the sweet spot often enough that the forgiveness of a CB wedge shouldnt be a factor.
Jon Robert
I'm sure you have seen progressive cavity sets. Cavity perimeter weighting helps off center hits not twist the club from the impact. The higher the loft on a club the more glancing the blow and thus less twisting forces, and less need for a cavity.
Jon Robert
Once again laughing my head off. Hank Haney??????? "Haney has changed Tiger Woods' swing from an upright to a flatter golf swing." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hank_Haney
Chuck905
I was just thinking why better player prefer blade wedges vs cavity backs?
sdandrea
I prefer blade style wedges because I have more finesse/control with them around the greens. At full swing, I'm not a low handicap ball striker so I use GI irons, but on the little stuff, I like the scalpels vs the shovels. I could probably use blade irons from the 8i down thru my wedges.
lenman73
I prefer blade wedges. For years I couldn't hit the ball out of my own shadow. This year luckily I got some distance back but for years I relied on the short game. And I found that after having both kind of wedges, I could hit the shots I wanted to easier with blade style wedges.
1Mordrid1
I prefer blade style wedges but I am currently using the G700 UW and PW and getting along well with them. But I do use my PM Grind 56 and 60 from 100 and in.
BiggErn
When it comes to wedges I think it depends on how often you hit full shots with them. But really with wedges it’s probably not a huge factor in any regard especially with partial shots.
cliffhanger
i like blade wedges however i am contemplating putting a 58 or 60 deg wedge in the bag. Considering the type of shots i would hit with it i am thinking a cavity back would be a better option as the tendency is to miss high on the face from the rough especially when the face is opened up..
Shipwreck
I’m a 5hc and have played bladed wedges for as long as i can remember. I dabbled with some RTX 2.0 CB wedges and didn’t see any sort of benefit from them. When it comes to the short irons and wedges, I personally don’t think CBs help in the same way as they do in the mid-long irons. The loft is doing more than enough.
What’s Best For Your Short game?
The Myths
- Myth #1 – Blade wedges are less forgiving Myth #2 – Blade wedges are less accurate Myth #3 – Blade wedges create more spin Myth #4 – Blade wedges launch the ball lower
How We Tested
- For this test, we brought together five golfers with handicaps ranging from scratch to 12. Each player hit three wedges: the gap wedge from a game improvement iron set, a cavity back wedge, and a blade wedge. All three wedges were built to the same loft, lie, length, and swing weight with the same shaft. Each player hit seven full shots with each wedge, and every shot was recorded. …
The Results
- To judge forgiveness, we looked at distance dispersion, the gap between a player’s shortest and longest shots. The blade wedge finished in the middle– less forgiving than the set-matched wedge but more forgiving than the cavity back. With the set-matched wedge, our testers had an average distance dispersion of 9.2 yards. That was 2.5 yards better t...
Conclusion
- The picture we’re left with after this test is hazy. The blade wedge outperformed expectations in forgiveness and accuracy but was a big loser when it came to spin. It would be interesting to repeat this test to see if the non-blade wedges made their case more clearly with higher handicap players. It’s also worth pointing out the obvious: this test dealt with full shots which is only part o…