What is the difference between Chippers and Wedges? Putting chippers (most commonly referred to in the golf community as just “chippers”) are used to propel the ball to fly as short a distance as possible before rolling the rest of the way. Wedges are ideal for launching the ball high into the air, such as when you need to escape a sand trap.
The rest of this article will cover the differences between the chipper and the four types of wedges, and when to use each.
When Should I Use a Wedge?
The wedge is a versatile club, with any of the four types used when the golfer needs to make the ball ascend or descend in a sharp manner. The four types of wedges and their uses are listed as follows:
- Pitching wedge – loft between 44 – 50 degrees, ideal for long wedge shots, run shots, and short pitches
- Lob wedge – lofted between 60 – 65 degrees, launches ball high into the air so it drops and stops quickly on the green, designed for precise shots
- Sand wedge – loft between 54 – 58 degrees, used for escaping a sand trap
- Gap wedge (also known as an Approach or Utility Wedge) – lofted between 46 – 54 degrees and, as its name suggests, used to close the gap between pitching and sand wedges.
Regardless of the wedge you choose, wedges in general are designed with a lot of loft in order to launch the ball high into the air and roll less, opposite of a chipper.
Unlike a chipper, wedges are used for short distances that require more technique and focus, such as when getting out of a sand trap or from hitting at a difficult angle. They can be hit from any lie.
You will want to use any of the four wedges mentioned above when making a difficult shot from a less-than-ideal lie.
When Should I Use a Chipper?
Chippers are invaluable for getting your ball closer to the hole and across the green with as few strokes as possible. The chipper is designed for the ball to fly as short a distance as possible across the green and roll the rest of the way, which is what makes the chipper ideal for closing distances.
With a low loft of approximately between 30 – 37 degrees, chippers aren’t designed to launch your ball high into the air. Rather, they keep the ball close to the ground, effectively closing long distances, and then rolling the rest of the way toward the hole.
An important rule to keep in mind about the differences between chippers and wedges:
- Chippers – less fly, more roll
- Wedges – more fly, less roll
How Can I Tell a Chipper from a Wedge?
Aside from their different uses, chippers and wedges have contrasting appearances and lengths. The wedge has a similar club head to an iron whereas a chipper looks more like a putter.
Appearance: Chipper Vs. Wedge
Chippers have a more upright lie angle than any of the four types of wedges, with a lie angle between 68 – 70 degrees. Chippers also have a broader, heavier head, lending to more controlled shots, while wedges are designed with thinner heads that resemble blades.
There are also differences in shaft length. The standard length for a chipper’s shaft is 36 inches while each of the four types of wedges’ shaft lengths are listed below:
- lob wedge – 35 inches
- sand wedge – 35.25
- gap wedge – 35.5 inches
- pitching wedge – 35.75 inches
Important note: the measurements of the shaft lengths in wedges and chippers are standard, which don’t work for all players. Shaft lengths are often adjusted depending on the height of the golfer.
Legality: Chipper vs Wedge
Both chippers and wedges are considered legal by the USGA and R&A. This means that you can use either club for any casual, high-level amateur, or professional tournaments and games.