Why buy the Square Strike Wedge when you can just use your 7-iron for chipping?
The Square Strike Wedge is simply a more effective chipping club than a 7-iron – or any other traditional iron. Here’s what the SSW has that those clubs don’t:
- Shorter length (35.5” vs. a 7-iron at ~37”). It’s easier to control and you don’t have to grip down on the club.
- The lie angle of a putter (68°), which is 5-6 degrees more upright than a 7-iron. This puts you closer to the ball and promotes a simple, straight-back-and-through, pendulum-style motion for greater control and consistency.
- A heavier clubhead, which engages your arms and shoulders in a putting-stroke type motion while minimizing hand and wrist action. Amateurs using lighter traditional clubs tend tend to overuse their hands/wrists and flick the club at the ball, which causes fat and thin shots.
- Extra weight toward the toe, so the clubhead stays square rather than rotating sharply through impact. Golfers rave about how accurate (on-line) their shots are with the Square Strike Wedge.
- An extra-wide sole and beveled leading edge, which keeps the Square Strike from digging into the turf (causing fat shots) or snagging in the grass. Traditional irons have much thinner, sharper soles and leading edges.
- More loft for greater versatility. There’s a misperception that the Square Strike Wedge has the loft of a 7- or 8-iron. Actually, its 45° loft is 12 – 15 degrees more than a 7-iron, so you can play a wide variety of shots (not just low runners).
If I add the Square Strike Wedge, which club should I take out of my set?
That’s the million-dollar question. In fact, the designers wrestled with it long and hard as they developed the club.
You’ve got a number of options. The most obvious is to replace one of your wedges – especially if you use one primarily for chipping. Perhaps you carry a lob wedge that rarely leaves the bag, or a gap wedge that mostly gathers dust.
Think about the other end of your set, too. Maybe there’s a hybrid or, God forbid, a long iron lurking just to cause you nightmares. Those clubs may well be costing you strokes. Why not pitch one in favor of the Square Strike Wedge?
A couple other ways to look at it: Replace the least used club in your bag, or the least effective.
Whichever club gets the heave-ho, you won’t regret the decision.
Will a left-hand-low or “claw” putting grip work with the Square Strike Wedge?
If that’s how you grip the putter, by all means do the same with the Square Strike.
Tester Henry Barrie had great success with his left-hand-low setup, while Frank Quinn excelled with his “claw” grip.
I advise you to experiment with different grip styles, including your regular chipping grip, to find what’s most comfortable and effective.
Can I play full shots with the Square Strike Wedge?
You can certainly hit shots making a full swing, though you probably won’t get as much distance as with your pitching wedge.
We recommend using the Square Strike Wedge for shots within 40 yards of the flag – that’s well beyond chipping range. But you may find that it work from 70 yards or more.
Does the Square Strike Wedge really work from bunkers?
Yes, indeed – I tried it myself and was amazed. While it wasn’t designed for bunker play, the SSW’s wide Anti-Chunk Sole glides beautifully through the sand. It’s great for longer shots where you need a low ball flight and lots of roll.
When I say the Square Strike Wedge is incredibly versatile, this is what I mean.
How do I know it’s not just a gimmick?
A few testers wondered that, too. Tony Sodoro was among the skeptics, but the 7-handicapper changed his tune after trying it.
“It’s a legitimate club that’s going to help your scoring and help improve your golf game,” Tony said. “You’ll have more fun on the golf course.”
If that doesn’t convince you, how about this: The project’s lead designer, Josh Boggs, previously worked for one of golf’s biggest brands and crafted clubs that made Golf Digest’s prestigious “Hot List.” And while I can’t name names, Josh personally assisted some of the world’s top-ranked players in getting their sets just right.
Does the Square Strike Wedge conform to USGA and R&A rules?
Yep, it’s 100% conforming, which means you can use it in any round, tournaments included.
I prefer to try equipment before buying. Is it possible to demo the Square Strike Wedge?
That’s one thing we can’t offer, but we do offer a 60-day money back guarantee. Use it all you want for 60 days and if you don’t love it, send it back for a refund (minus shipping). If you’re not happy, we’re not happy and we’ll make it right. So while you can’t try one in a store before buying, you can try it at home and out on the course. Sounds even better than just trying one in the store, doesn’t it?
