Second Hand Lob Wedge: Is a Used One Worth Buying?

Updated November 2026

A second hand lob wedge is usually worth buying if the face grooves are still sharp, the sole is not badly worn, the shaft is straight and tight at the hosel, and the loft is the one you want. Used wedges often cost far less than new ones and can perform just as well, but worn grooves and bent or re-bent shafts can quietly hurt your short game. Inspect each of these points before you pay.

Why a used lob wedge can be a smart buy

Lob wedges are typically 58 to 64 degrees of loft, and the high loft is what lets you float the ball over a bunker lip and stop it quickly on a firm green. Because most golfers replace wedges to chase new grooves or a fresh look rather than because the club has failed, a lot of lightly used wedges come onto the market in good shape. Owners often report that a wedge they only used for a season still has most of its performance left.

Shopping for one? See our guide: 6 Best Chipper Wedge Golf Club Picks for Short Game Control (2026).

The catch is that wedges wear differently than drivers or irons. Their grooves are the main source of spin, and the sole takes the brunt of every fat and thin shot from the sand and the turf. A club that looks clean in photos can still have grooves that have lost their edge, so you need to know what to look for.

The factors that decide whether a used wedge is worth it

Groove condition

Grooves are the first thing to check. Run a fingernail across them. Sharp grooves catch slightly and have crisp, defined edges. Worn grooves feel smooth and shallow, and the edges look rounded when you tilt the face under light. Many golfers who use wedges often find that grooves lose their bite well before the club looks worn, so a shiny-looking face is not proof of good grooves.

Sole wear and bounce

Look at the sole from the back and from the side. Heavy wear on the trailing edge or a smooth, polished sole usually means the bounce has changed, which affects how the club sits on sand and tight lies. Check that the leading edge is not dented or chipped, since a dent can change how the club sits at address.

Shaft and hosel

Set the wedge on a flat surface and check that the shaft runs straight up. Sight down the shaft to spot bends, and look closely at the hosel for cracks or signs of a previous repair. A re-shafted or re-bent wedge is not automatically a problem, but it changes the lie and loft, so ask the seller for the details or have a clubfitter check it.

Loft and lie

Confirm the stamped loft and compare it with the club’s current lie. A wedge that has been bent over time may now play a few degrees different from what the stamp says. If you are fitting a set, measure the gap to your other wedges so you do not end up with overlapping lofts.

Grip

Grips are cheap to replace and often wear out first. A hard, slick, or cracked grip affects control on lob shots more than most golfers expect, so budget for a regrip if the existing one is worn.

What to do before you buy

1. Ask the seller for close-up photos of the face, sole, and hosel, and for the stamped loft and bounce.
2. Check the grooves with a fingernail and under good light, looking for rounding or shallow edges.
3. Set the club on a flat surface to check for shaft bend and a straight address position.
4. Confirm the loft matches what you want and that it fits your existing wedge gaps.
5. Buy from a seller with a clear return policy, so you can send the club back if the grooves or shaft are not as described.
6. Plan for a new grip and, if the grooves are soft, consider a groove-sharpening service or a replacement face sooner rather than later.

If you want a deeper look at how a wedge’s design affects control around the green, the guide to 6 Best Chipper Wedge Golf Club Picks for Short Game Control (2026) covers how loft, bounce, and head shape influence short-game results. Compare those features with the used wedge you are considering. Consult a qualified club fitter if you are unsure about loft, lie, or shaft condition.

What we’d use

When you are shopping for a used lob wedge, look for a reputable name in golf club making, since their grooves and forgings tend to hold up better and parts are easier to find. Compare any candidate against the checklist above rather than relying on the brand alone.

• Titleist Vokey Design SM series wedges: a long-running line of lob-capable wedges with many loft and bounce options, so a used one is easy to match to your gaps. View on Amazon
• Cleveland RTX series wedges: a popular choice for golfers who want forgiving sole designs and groove options for higher-loft shots. View on Amazon
• TaylorMade Milled Grind wedges: known for a range of sole grinds, which helps when you need a club that suits your typical lie. View on Amazon

Related questions

How can I tell if the grooves on a used wedge are still legal?

Groove legality depends on the rules governing the competition you play in. Many used wedges with worn grooves are still allowed in casual play, but a wedge with heavily worn or altered grooves may not meet competition standards. Check the rules for your event before you buy.

Is it better to buy a used wedge or a new one?

A used wedge is a good value if it passes the groove, sole, and shaft checks and matches your loft gap. If the club needs a new face or significant repair, a new wedge may be the better long-term choice.

How often should I replace my lob wedge?

Many golfers who play often replace or re-groove their wedges after a few seasons of heavy use, since grooves lose edge over time. Light players may get far more years out of the same club.

Can a used lob wedge be re-gripped or re-shafted?

A regrip is simple and inexpensive, and most golf shops can do it. Re-shafting is more involved and changes the club’s feel and balance, so have a professional handle it.

Does bounce matter more than loft on a lob wedge?

Both matter. Loft controls how high the ball flies, while bounce affects how the club interacts with sand and firm turf. Choose the bounce that suits your typical lie and swing.

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