Low Bounce Vs High Bounce Wedges – Does It Matter & What’s The Best Choice

In the ongoing quest to improve my short game, I’ve been researching the different types of bounce in golf wedges. I heard that choosing or getting fitted for the optimum bounce in my wedges can seriously improve my consistency and accuracy in my short game.

However, what is low bounce and what does high bounce mean? Does the grind on the wedge make a difference and what type is the best for my swing style and handicap? Well keep reading and I’ll answer all of your questions below and soon you’ll be playing chip and pitch shots like a professional.

Intro To High Bounce Vs Low Bounce Wedges

So let’s start with the basics of wedge bounce. A club that has a bounce of 10° or above is called a high bounce wedge. These are useful in soft sand, thick rough, and for golfers who have a steep swing angle.

Whereas, clubs that offer a bounce of 4°-7° are called low bounce wedges. These are useful in light rough, hard sand, and when you might want to play a creative flop shot.

What is wedge bounce?

A wedge bounce is known as the ball launch angle that is created between the leading edge and trailing edge of the club. A high loft club that has a bounce of 4°-7° is called a low bounce wedge.

A club that has a bounce of 10° or above is called a high bounce wedge. PGA professionals commonly use low-bounce wedges as it gives them better versatility in their shots, but these have a smaller margin for error.

High Bounce Vs Low Bounce Wedge Comparison Table

Characteristic	Low Bounce Wedge	High Bounce Wedge
Launch Degree	4°-7°	10° or above
Suitable Usage	Firm conditions and lighter rough	Soft conditions and thick rough
Examples	PW, GW	SW, LW

Is High and Low Bounce Similar?

There are not many similarities among the bounce in these wedges. The only similarities between the wedges is that they have similar club lofts, shaft lengths, club head sizes.

Due to the bounce of the clubs though, they have different usages and benefits. The video below is really helpful in helping understand all about wedge bounce.

In What Ways Do They Differ

There are a lot of differences among these wedges. These can be in loft degrees, shaft length and type, bounce angle, and spin on the ball with different clubface materials.

Characteristic	Pitching Wedge	Gap Wedge	Sand Wedge	Lob Wedge
Loft	43°-47°	47°-52°	54°-56°	58°-64°
Shaft Length (in)	35.5-36	35.5-36	34.5-35	34.5-35
Bounce Angle	Low	Low	High	Low-High
Avg. Distance (yard)	100-130	90-120	70-100	50-80

Pros Of High Bounce Over Low Bounce

Pros

Forgiving
High Spin
Controlled Ball Flight
Flop Shot
Steep Angle of Attack with Deep Divots
Good in Bunkers,

However, these all depend on the golfer’s playing ability, swing type, and shot lie.

Pros Of Low Bounce Over High Bounce

Pros

Optimal Spin
Ideal for Firm Conditions
Shallow Angle of Attack with Little Divots
Controlled Ball Flight
Good for playing flop shots

Cons Of High Bounce

Cons

It can drag in the bunkers if hit improperly and the bounce of the club is not used effectively.
These are not great when used in firm conditions
At times, it can generate a high spin unnecessarily making it difficult to hold the ball on the green.

Cons Of Low Bounce

Cons

Lesser Shot Versatility makes it hard to use the bounce of the club to play the shot.
These cannot be used in softer conditions
If the attack angle is steep, there is a chance that a golfer digs it in the ground.

How Are Bounce and Grind Related in Golf Wedges

Golfing Wedges

Bounce angle and grind are closely linked in golf wedges as it makes all the difference, but how are they linked?

Bounce Angle

The bounce angle is known as the ball launch angle that is created between the leading edge and trailing edge of the sole of the clubhead.

If you place the sole of the wedge sitting on the ground the angle between the sole of the leading edge of the club creates an angle. The degree of this angle is the amount of bounce, for example, low, standard, or high.

Grind

A grind is the geometry of the sole of the club head between the leading edge and trailing edge. Its purpose is to grind off any material that comes in between the ball and the ball before impact.

Titleist Vokey wedges are world-renowned for having the best custom-fitted wedges to suit all types of golfers. They say that getting the bounce and grind right to suit your swing can seriously improve your golf.

Mismatching grind and bounce angle can result in an altered bounce angle of the shot and lead to inconsistent performance with your wedges.

What Is Wedge Grind?

A wedge grind is the griding of material from the sole of the wedge clubhead between the leading edge and trailing edge. It is the process of grinding off any material that comes in between the club and the ground before impact. An incorrect grind and bounce angle for your swing type can result in an altered bounce angle of the shot, leading to off-target shots.

What Grind for High Bounce

Different manufacturers label their grinds in a variety of ways, there isn’t an industry standard. However, the following sole grinds are appropriate for high bounce and softer turf conditions

D grind
K grind
S grind

What Grind for Low Bounce

Choosing sole grinds which are appropriate for low bounce wedges can be challenging as there is less bounce to work with. However, Vokey recommends the L grind as a good low bunce grind. This is suitable for use in firmer turf conditions, and golfers with sweeping swing styles.

What Type of Shots Will High Bounce Produce?

Several shots can be played with high bounce wedges. A high bounce angle allows the club to glide through the ball with reduced drag and less likelihood of the leading edge digging into the turf at impact.

Bunker Shots
Pitch Shots
Chip Shots
Approach Shots

What Type of Shots Will Low Bounce Produce?

Several shots can be played with low bounce wedges. A low bounce angle allows the club to glide through the golf ball from tight lies and bunkers with hard sand conditions.

Hard-sand Bunker Shots
Pitch Shots
Flop Shots
Chip Shots
Approach Shots

Which Types of Golfers Will Prefer Low Bounce

Golfers who have shallow attacking angles are likely to prefer low-bounce wedges. The divot size is small; however, it cuts through the turf. Shots have more distance coverage. The launch angle and spin are optimal.

Which Types of Golfers Will Prefer High Bounce

Golfers who have a steep angle of attack are likely to prefer high bounce wedges. These produce bigger divots. High bounce wedges glide through the soft turf without digging.

What’s Better for High Handicappers

High handicappers often cut through the ground for soft shots. Their swing style also tends to drag through the bunkers. Therefore, to prevent this, high handicappers should use high bounce wedges.

The bounce angle should be more than 7°. This will bring consistency in their short game with them able to use the bounce of the club and effectively ‘bounce’ the club on the ground at impact.

What’s Better Mid Handicappers

For mid handicappers, a bounce angle of 4°-10° is fine. They have a good sense of their swing style; thus, they know which wedge is to be used depending on the shot lie and turf condition. It will also allow them to be more creative with their shot-making.

What is Better for Low Handicappers & Pros

Low handicappers and professionals can use both bounce-angle wedges. They are aware of their game and swing style. For firmer conditions, they use low bounce wedges.

For softer turf conditions, they use high bounce wedges. 80% of professionals use all 4 wedges on the golf course. PGA professional Phil Mickelson is famous for his flop shots and often plays trick shots with fans where he flops a golf ball over their head from very short distances.

What are the Top High Bounce Wedges?

Below I’ve listed the best wedges for high bounce,

Cleveland’s CBX Zip Core and Full Face

Cleveland has always been one of the most reliable brands for wedges.

Pros

Sharp and Deep Grooves
Full Face Grooves
Forgiving
High Spin
Dark Matte Finish

Cons

None

Score: 95/100

Check Out More Reviews Here:

Titleist Vokey SM9

Pros

Added Distance
High Spin
Wide Range of Lofts
Available in 6 grinds
Aesthetic Design

Cons

Not Very Forgiving
Slightly Heavier
Slightly Expensive

Score: 85/100

Check Out More Reviews Here:

What are the Top Low Bounce Wedges

Below I’ve listed the best low bounce wedges:

TaylorMade Milled Grind 3

Pros

Forgiving
High Spin
Good-Feel
Wide Range of Lofts
Controlled Distance

Cons

Slightly Expensive
62° and 64° Not Available
Rustable Grooves