The 50-degree wedge is known as the “gap wedge.” It is a good fit for the average golfer. Most golfers carry a pitching wedge and a 56-degree sand wedge. Thus, a 50-degree wedge can fill the gap between both of these options. This is where its name comes from.
How do you know when it’s the right time to use your 50-degree wedge? What can you expect from it?
We’ll be exploring different scenarios where a 50-degree wedge can come in handy. You’ll also learn more about this wedge, its specifications, and its advantages over similar clubs.
50 Degree Wedge Distance
50 degree wedges usually cover around 95 yards, on average. However, it can go up to 125 yards when using certain wedges, such as the Cleveland ones. A 50 degree wedge can cover as low as 90 yards.
The 50 degree wedge distance varies based on the golfer and the club they’re using. Still, you can be sure that it will cover between 90 to 95 yards on average.
What Is a 50 Degree Wedge Used For?
50-degree wedges were introduced to the market quite recently. Before them, we already had pitching wedges and sand wedges. There was no other wedge capable of covering the gap between both of these options at the time. Hence, the 50-degree was created for this purpose.
These are the main differences between a 50-degree wedge, a pitching wedge, and the sand wedge:
- Compared to a pitching wedge, the 50-degree wedge has a bigger loft.
- You can play more shots with a 50-degree wedge than you would with a sand wedge.
- 50-degree wedges are excellent if you’re aiming for higher shots but shorter trajectories.
The 50-degree wedge is also characterized by having a steel shaft. This element grants you more control over the shots while making the wedge more durable. However, graphite wedges have been added to the market recently. Graphite wedges are half an inch bigger than steel wedges.
50 Degree Distance Chart (Yards and Meters)
For Yards
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[table “8” not found /]What Is the Best 50 Degree Wedge?
If you want to add a gap wedge to your bag, here we have a few options you can consider. There are three gap wedges with similar specifications. However, each of them has different features that may be a better match for certain golfers.
#1. Callaway Golf Mack Daddy 5 JAWS Wedge
Generally speaking, this 50 degree wedge is the best option for the average player. It excels in longer bunker shots and approach shots where pitching wedges come too short.
Here’s an overview of this gap wedge:
- It has a traditional wedge shape, unlike most gap wedges. It’s usual for these wedges to be similar to iron clubs.
- Like other options in the market, it has a progressive style. Therefore, it makes it easier to switch from wedges to irons once you feel it’s time.
- It can be used perfectly by most players, regardless of their handicap.
- As it’s typical in Callaway golf clubs, you can expect it to have a few personalization options. You can choose between graphite and steel shafts.
- It is available in Platinum Chrome and Tour Grey.
The above characteristics are a better match for casual players. Furthermore, if you’d like to add a different wedge to your collection, this club is available at 52 and 54-degrees. All of them have alike features.
strongCheck the Current Price of Amazon/strong#2. Cleveland Golf CBX 2 Wedge
Beginners may benefit more from the Cleveland Golf CBX 2 Wedge instead of the previous option. The CBX 2 features a hollow-cavity design, which results in more forgiveness.
Furthermore, the dynamic sole allows the club to generate an incredible spin while granting you all the greenside control you need.
The CBX 2 is excellent in multiple scenarios, but it was clearly designed for shots from the fairway. It will provide a high-arc shot with a soft and high spin when used in these situations. Thus, it will bring to your game the accuracy you always wanted.
If you’re a mid-handicapper, you may also benefit from using the CBX 2. Thanks to its consistency, the CBX 2 is the perfect option for beginners and mid handicappers looking forward to improving their short-game skills.
strongCheck the Price of Amazon/strong#3 TaylorMade Golf MG2 Wedge
Low handicappers will benefit the most with the TaylorMade Golf MG2 Wedge. Its feel and response are better than in similar options. It provides the user with the best turf interaction of all the options reviewed.
Again, this wedge aims for beginners. Thanks to the raw-face design, the hitting surface will start rusting naturally. However, it will maintain the same quality and will actually make the club look better than it already is.
On the other hand, the MG2 provides the user with a high spin. Hence, it is an excellent option for mid-handicappers as well. It’s the best option for all casual players due to its excellent feel and response.
strongCheck the Current Price of Amazon/strongDo You Need a 50 Degree Wedge?
There are two ways to answer this question. We’ll evaluate if you need a 50-degree wedge based on the wedges you have and the situations where this wedge can be useful.
What Pitching Wedges Do You Have in Your Bag?
- Suppose you have a pitching wedge between 44 and 46 degrees. In this case, a 50 degree is the best option regardless of how many wedges you have in your bag.
- What if you have a pitching wedge between 47 and 48 degrees? In this case, the answer is more subjective and depends on your preferences. We can say it depends on how many wedges you’d like to have in your bag. Having more than three while being a mid or high handicapper is too much.
It’s also worth noting that a 52-degree wedge can be a better option if your pitching wedge is 47 or 48-degrees.
Where You’ll Need a 50 Degree Wedge?
Now, there are many other situations where a 50-degree wedge can come in handy. Here we mention some of the most common ones:
- If you’re often pitching near the greens, a 50-degree wedge can be useful. It can also be helpful when you do a lot of chipping.
- Some golfers may hit better strokes when using a wedge instead of a club.
- You should use a 50 degree if you have a 25-yard gap within the golf clubs in your bag.
- Full-swing approach shots are easier to execute with a 50-degree wedge.
- It is better for par 3 courses.
- If you’re not a long hitter, perhaps a 50-degree wedge can help you sort out the issue.
- If you’re often hitting shots within a 120 range (i.e., 75 to 90 yards shots), this wedge may make it all less challenging.
- A 50-degree wedge is also useful for maintaining equal gaps between your golf clubs.
What Bounce for a 50 Degree Wedge?
Certain factors affect the bounce for a 50-degree wedge. These factors include the environment and the swing angle. This way, 50-degree wedges typically have a low bounce. It is usually between 5 and 8 degrees. However, these wedges can bounce up to 12º during certain situations.
In most situations, 8-degrees of bounce is quite good if you’re currently on a firm course. It is better for establishing crisp contact with the ball. This bounce is also helpful for shallow swings.
Now, 12-degrees of bounce in your 50-degree wedge is the ideal option for soft courses. Still, it can be helpful on firm lies during certain situations. If you’re aiming for full swings, then a 12-degree bounce can be helpful.
How Far Should You Hit a 50 Degree Wedge?
As we know, 50-degree wedges are meant to cover the gap that a pitching wedge and a sand wedge have left. However, although we have an average distance, it also depends on other factors. These elements include the golfer’s gender and the type of hitter you are.
- Male short hitters hit an average of 78 yards, while mid hitters can go as far as 95, and long hitters can go up to 107 yards.
- Female short hitters can hit up to 48 yards on average, while mid hitters can go as far as 62, and long hitters can go up to 78 yards.
Please note that the information given above is an estimation. Remember that different factors can affect the distance, including the golfer’s swing style. The environment also plays a key role here.
Some players can hit between 100 and 110 yards, while others can go up to 120 yards with their 50-degree wedge. Some players have been able to cover 140 with this wedge, approximately.
50 Degree Wedge Length
The average length of a 50-degree wedge varies based on gender, as it happens with most golf clubs. Furthermore, the golf club can be a bit longer based on the material of the shaft. Typically, graphite shafts are about half an inch bigger than steel shafts.
- Men’s 50-degree wedges usually have a length of 35.50 inches. Graphite models are usually 36-inches long.
- Women’s 50-degree wedges are shorter, as they have a length of 34.50 inches. If the wedge has a graphite shaft, then it will be 35-inches long.
48 vs 50 Degree Wedge
While 50-degree wedges are considered gap wedges, a 48-degree wedge is usually referred to as a pitching wedge. These are the main differences between both golf clubs:
- 48-degree wedges feature a smaller, shallower wedge.
- Both wedges can provide different bounces. A 48 degree has a bounce of 6 degrees, while 50-degree wedges typically offer an 8-degree bounce. Your choice is all about if you’re looking for more or less bounce.
- 48-degree wedges cover larger distances with full swings (105 yards on average). On the other hand, hitting shots from shorter distances is easier with a 50-degree wedge. The latter option covers 90 yards, on average.
- 48-degree wedges are more versatile. Therefore, they can be used by any player regardless of their level of expertise. On the other hand, a beginner can have a bit of trouble when using a 50 degree wedge. Therefore, it is more appropriate for casual players that have progressed considerably.
50 vs 52 Degree Wedge
Both of these wedges fall under the same category. As gap wedges, it can be a bit complicated to choose one over the other. However, they’re useful in different situations.
- 52 degree wedges don’t offer as much layoff as other options. Therefore, 50 degrees is a better option if you want more layoff.
- 50 degrees can cover more distance than 52 degrees. Furthermore, they’re better while covering full and short shots.
- Likewise, a 50 degree wedge can easily cover the same distance that a 52 degree would.
- Although both options are quite similar, they’re more appropriate for you based on the pitching wedge you own:
- If you have a 46 degree wedge in your bag, a 50 degree will be a better option.
- On the other hand, 52 degrees are better for golfers with 48 degree wedges in their bags.
- We’ve mentioned that 50 degrees can cover the same or more distance than 52 degrees. However, 52 degrees can’t cover the same distance as 50 degrees. 52 degrees have an average distance of 100 yards, but they can cover as low as 85 yards.
For this section, it is necessary to note that the answer is quite subjective. While both options are quite similar, it all depends on your preferences.
It’s recommendable to check the wedges and lofts in your possession before making a decision.
Conclusion
The main purpose of a 50-degree wedge is to fill the gap between a pitching wedge and a sand wedge. As 52-degree wedges can provide similar results, it can be a bit complicated to choose the right gap wedge for your bag.
It all comes down to your preferences, though. It’s recommended to carry a 50-degree wedge if you’re using a 46-degree pitching wedge. On the other hand, a 52-degree wedge is a better choice if you’re using a 52-degree wedge. Either option will give you alike results.
50-degree wedges can come in handy during many situations. Therefore, carrying one in your golf is something that you should seriously consider.
Last update on 2023-07-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API