[RickinMA]

Welcome to the forum

I know you were looking for an a/b/c type answer, but I think you'd be better off staying away from the packaged sets. They're fine if someone is looking to play once or twice a year, but if you're serious about taking up the game, you'd likely be better served going with something else. (the shafts used in many of the packaged sets are incredibly cheap and inconsistent - which makes sense when you think about the fact that they're starting at a price point, then factoring in retailer profit margin, and something for the manufacturer - there just isn't much $ left for quality components. Big name clubs have manufacturing tolerances of +/- 1* a lot of times - these package sets can be off more - you could wind up with a 7 and an 8 iron that are almost identical. If you go with one of these sets and seriously take up the game, you will replace every single club in the bag (and probably the bag)

I think you'd be best served going to a local clubfitter who can build you a set of component clubs for a decent price that will fit your swing and your game. The next best option is to check out the Shottalk sponsors. There is nothing wrong with quality used equipment and Global Golf has a ton of it.

Also - you're probably not looking at much in the way of trade-in value on junior clubs or no-name clubs - there just isn't much of a market for this stuff when the market is flooded already. maybe hold onto them for a sibling or niece/nefew?

On your wedge question - they're all very different. Modern GWs are the same as traditional PW's. modern Pitching wedges are the same as old 9 irons. (the lofts of most clubs have gotten stronger so one company could sell "more distance"-other companies had to follow to keep up, so now very few people can hit a 3 iron, and everyone should have a gap wedge.

Sandwedges typically are high lofted clubs that help you get the ball up quickly. they also often have high "bouce" to prevent the club from digging into the sand.

Some people use Lob wedges in the sand and others use them for chipping and pitching around the green or approach shots less than x yards.

The wedges you carry should really depend on how far you hit your other clubs and what yardage gaps you're trying to fill.

Good luck and let us know if you have any follow up questions