Golf Chipper vs Wedge With Classification And Core Facts

Chippers and wedges are both a great way to boost up your performance when you are playing around the putting area.

The main similarity between a chipper and a wedge is that they both are considered as an iron golf club. But, the main functions of both of them are not the same.

If you are looking for the answers to why you should use a chipper or a wedge, then following this article would greatly benefit you.

Throughout this whole article, we will try our best to provide every insight that you need to know about a chipper and a wedge golf club.

What is a wedge?

If you are 140 yards away from the putting area, then the club that can be of great help is the wedge. Wedges can be of great help for better short gameplay. Depending on the types, a wedge golf club can contain different loft variations. But, on average, a wedge golf club can consist of a loft variation from 44 degrees to 65 degrees.

Types of a wedge

Depending on the loft variation, a wedge can be categorized into four different types. They are-

Pitching wedge (44-50 degrees; 110-140 yards)
Gap wedge (46-54 degrees; 90-110 yards)
Sand wedge (54-58 degrees; around 90 yards)
Lob wedge (60-65 degrees; around 70 yards)

Chippers

If you are not confident around the greenside area and are hovering around the green all the time, then the club that can be of great help is the chipper. A chipper usually consists of a loft variation of 32-37 degrees and is quite similar to a 7 or 8 iron. The real difference is the construction material and the loft variation that helps you to get a more rolling shot.

Wedge vs. chippers

Down below is a table that will provide you some insights about the real difference and the pros and cons of both the wedge club and chippers.

Wedge	Chippers
Can be found with a loft variation from 44 degrees to 65 degrees	Can be found with a loft variation of 32-37 degrees
Wedges are beneficial for the short game	Chipper is also beneficial for the short game but more convenient around the greenside area.
Wedges are convenient when it is about approaching a distance near 140 yardages.	Chippers are convenient when it is about approaching a distance around 30-40 yards.
Wedges are a special form of the iron club that helps you to get rid of different type of obstacles in the golf course	Chippers are also considered iron but their major work is like a putter.
Wedges are not a new inclusion in the game of golf	Chippers are a quite recent invention in the game of golf
Honing the skill of a wedge can be easy if you know how to play with an iron	If you are a beginner or handicap level player then you may have to suffer a little when it is about honing the skill of a chipper.
For being tournament legal you need to follow the USGA rules.	The case remains the same for this category as well.

Why you should pick up a wedge?

Wedges are a great way of enhancing the performance level in the golf course. While playing in the golf course, there are great possibilities of befalling in different types of obstacles likebunker, sand, or water hazards. At that particular moment, you won't be able to get out without the help of a wedge. That is why it becomes mandatory to keep at least some wedges in your golf bag.

Besides, if you are trying to enhance the performance level of your short game, then there is no doubt about the fact that a wedge can be of great help, at least, if you are hovering between a distance of 140 yards.

Why you should pick up a chipper?

Now, this one is a little controversial. If you are packing your golf bag, then the chances of taking a wedge are all the time greater than taking a chipper. In case you are a beginner or a handicap level player, the chance is even higher.

But, nowadays, chippers gaining more popularity than ever. If you are quite good at chipping then you can’t fill your golf bag without putting a chipper into it. When you are 20-30 yards around the green and are hovering around to reach the intended target, a chipper at that time can give you great leverage.

Besides, as they are pretty much loftier and consist of a short shaft length, they tend to produce a good quality shot in the greenside area.

Finally, having a chipper will give you the freedom to use a putter even when you are not in the putting area. Although a chipper and a putter is not the same kind of material, they are quite beneficial in the course.

How to use?

Video (youtube): Which loft wedges should you be using?

Using a chipper and wedge is more like the same. If you know the exact way of using an iron club, then you can follow the conventional rules to do the task.

But, in case of a chipper, you may suffer a little bit for the first time. But, gradually you will become accustomed to it. The greatest fear that you need to overcome is the lackings of confidence. Through indulgence and patience, you are going to make it. Another approach that you might undertake is to take lessons from a coach. Thus you will be able to practice naturally.

Final words

A wedge and chipper can be more like the same, but their functional properties are not the same. They are both useful in the shorter version, but the distance range varies a little bit. A wedge can be of great help when you are playing within a range of 140 yards. On the other hand, a chipper can be of great help when you are playing within a range of 20-30 yards. However, our recommendation would be to take both types of clubs in your bag if you want t to improvise your skill level.

Golf Chipper vs Wedge With Classification And Core Facts