A pitching wedge typically has a loft ranging from 43 to 48 degrees, with the most common lofts falling between 45 to 48 degrees. The loft of a pitching wedge can vary based on the type of golf club, with game-improvement pitching wedges having lower lofts to promote greater distance, while blade-style pitching wedges have higher lofts to encourage higher ball flight and better control. The loft of a pitching wedge is important as it affects the distance and trajectory of the ball when using this club. It is also worth noting that a 52-degree wedge is not the same as a pitching wedge, as it is more of a gap or approach wedge.