Best Gap Wedges: Quick Menu
1. The list in brief
2. How we test
3. How to choose
4. FAQs
Getting the best golf wedge for you is vitally important. Why? Well in case you've not heard, wedges are your 'scoring clubs'. Pitching onto the green and getting up and down more often will save precious shots from your scorecard, so that's why it is vitally important to have a good set of wedges that bridge the gap between your irons and your putter.
When you buy a new set of irons, more often than not golfers will not get a full set of wedges in that pack of clubs. Some sets will only include a 'PW' and a sand wedge, so you need to ask yourself the question: What loft is my pitching wedge? That is important because it will tell you how far, on average you should be hitting each club.
Typically the best pitching wedges will sit at a loft of 46º - 50º and offer most golfers distances of approximately 120 yards. Sand wedges, meanwhile, are slightly more lofted, sitting between 54º – 58º and will usually offer distances of up to 100 yards. That means you will have a yardage gap between both clubs of around 20 yards, and to fill this distance, golfers use a gap wedge.
Gap wedges typically have a loft between 50° and 54° and aim to help you it the green from around 110 yards out. Every golfer should seriously think about adding a gap wedge to their bag and to help you narrow your search, we have set out below a selection of the best gap wedges on sale right now.
Alternatively, if you are in the market for a different type of wedge, then take a look at our guides on the best lob wedges, most forgiving golf wedges, or if you are new to the game, the best golf wedges for beginners.
The Quick List
Subtle yet effective changes have been made to the Vokey SM10 wedge over the previous model, such as higher spin and lower launch plus longer groove life and improved feel. Multiple grind options are available in the range.
The Cleveland CBX 4 Zipcore wedges are a really solid blend of performance and forgiveness. Predominantly at the mid-to-high handicap golfer, but better players looking for help in their short game should also consider them.
The Ping S159 wedges look as good as any other on the market and have the performance to match. The spin produced when chipping and pitching was exceptional and they also produced a strong consistent ball flight when firing from a little further out.
The Full-Face 2 wedge is a blade-style wedge option that should help you improve your wedge play. The full-face grooves provide higher spin when manipulating the club face to hit a variety of shots around the greens.
The cavity back Cleveland CBX Full-Face 2 wedge blends in better with today's modern sets for mid to high handicappers. The larger head with full width grooves combines forgiveness with control for full shots and around the green.
Great for chipping thanks to the sole shape, and full-face groove offer some big help if you're looking for some forgiveness in your shots. Also offering great adjustability.
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A classic looking wedge that is designed to be extremely versatile and please golfers of all abilities. The compact head will certainly suit the eye of the better player.
Callaway Jaws MD5 wedges are a stylish-looking club with a wonderful feel off the face. They also offer plenty of options in loft and sole grind to match your style.
The Cleveland RTX 6 ZipCore wedge brings more forgiveness and wet-condition spin to the course in a classy looking head. A new low bounce option adds to the full range of lofts and grinds so there should be one for everyone.
A great looking wedge that spins at a consistently high level regardless of conditions. A raw face is contrasted nicely by the outer body of the wedge to boost confidence behind the ball.
There is a Cobra King Snakebite wedge for you, not matter what your play style and preferences. These are highly forgiving clubs, with loads of spin and a soft feel.
The Callaway CB wedge is extremely forgiving, constructed for maximum ease of use and provided clean turf interaction from various lies.
Best Gap Wedges
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Titleist Vokey SM10 Wedge
First up we have the Titleist Vokey SM10, where it appears as if very little has changed between from the SM9. The changes made to the updated model have been subtle, including more centrally placed CG - which has been moved forward and further away from the heel, lower launch and higher spin, all helping to improve predictability and control while in play. This new model also benefits from increased groove life and improved play feel.
The added spin we experienced in SM10 is likely down to individually cut TX9 grooves, which differ based on the loft or finish of the wedge. Additionally there is a micro-texture between the grooves to create more friction and more spin around the greens, which aids control.
Given the testing and performance we think the Titleist SM10 wedges have definitely progressed and improved from the SM9's. In a market space where you are already considered the industry leader, we think improving your product even a little deserves a lot of praise.
- Read our full Titleist Vokey SM10 Wedge Review
Cleveland CBX 4 Zipcore Wedge
Boasting a fantastic blend of forgiveness combined with performance, the Cleveland CBX 4 Zipcore wedges are a great option for golfers of varying abilities. That said, these wedges are designed mainly for golfers in the mid-to-high handicap range, but for slightly lower handicap golfers looking for a helping hand with their short game, these clubs could also be worth a try.
When we put the CBX 4 to the test, we found that it offered versatility around the course, allowing our tester to be a little more creative with shots. He found that the design of these clubs allowed him to hit various shots with a mix of flights and spins, improving his play and precision. From a looks perspective it does not have a small profile at address but it isn't so big that competent golfers will dislike the look. We also liked the more rounded leading edge which gave more versatility around the green.
- Read our full Cleveland CBX 4 Zipcore Wedge Review
Ping S159 Wedge
The S159 wedges are targeted towards the mid-low handicapped golfer and more confident ball striker who is looking for a classic looking wedge with the addition of some of the latest technology to help with performance.
There’s no denying that the Ping S159 wedges look extremely aesthetically pleasing, but you’ll be pleased to know that their performance is also just as impressive. For chipping and pitching, the spin created is truly exceptional, and the ball flight tends to be consistent too. The feel from the face, particularly with fuller shots, was soft and despite a vibration dampening slot placed on the back of the head, these wedges offered plenty of feedback.
In testing, our tester found that the topline of this wedge is slim and compact, however they do have a slightly larger profile than some other wedges on the market. This extended size is ideal for golfers in need of a confidence boost, especially when dealing with a more challenging approach.
- Read our full Ping S159 Wedge Review
Cleveland RTX Full-Face 2 Wedge
The Cleveland RTX Full-Face 2 has been designed to help improve wedge play. This blade-style wedge features full-face grooves for added hitting area, making it a great choice for newer golfers. It has plenty of tech to help its performance from a mixture of lies on the course.
When we put this wedge to the test, our tester found that, while most full-face wedges with extended groove length can take some getting used to and are made for beginner players, the RTX Full-Face 2 do appear spoon-like at address but have a compact enough design to work well for players with a little more finesse to their game, as well as newer golfers. The RTX full-face 2 has a 34% bigger surface area, so when opening up the face we were getting a good grab in testing. We also noticed the high levels of spin playing a lot of different shots when out on the course as well.
All in all this wedge is great for those looking for some more confidence in their wedge play, while not losing out on tons of spin. Additionally it is a wedge that looks fantastic in the bag too so will have strong shelf appeal.
- Read our full Cleveland RTX Full-Face 2 Review
Cleveland CBX Full-Face 2 Wedge
What makes the Cleveland CBX Full-Face 2 stand out is that the grooves are the full width of the face and also go right up into the toe so that you can open the face and be able to get the maximum spin on the ball. It is also full of technology, with the Full-Face 2 one of the best golf wedges for beginners as it features in a number of shaft, sole and loft options.
We see the forgiveness on offer through the cavity-back design and, although cavity-back wedges sometimes lack feel, the Full-Face 2 doesn't. This is thanks to the TPU gel back insert that sits in the cavity to moderate the sound. It does not sound like a cavity back at all and the feedback is superb.
Within the gap wedge section (50° & 52°) there is a standard Full Sole grind, which helps makes this one of the most forgiving wedges on full shots. On the higher lofts from 54° upwards, the Cleveland CBX Full-Face 2 uses a C-Shaped Sole that has more relief in the heel and toe.
- Read our full Cleveland CBX Full-Face 2 Wedge Review
PXG Sugar Daddy II Wedge
The second iteration of the PXG Sugar Daddy Wedges boast a visible improvement on their predecessor. The first thing to focus on in terms of changes is the visuals of these wedges, which are exceedingly eye-catching.
A really great feature of this wedge is the fact that it has six adjustable weights on the back, which you can alter to change the center of gravity on the club to meet your particular playing style. With the correct adjustments, these weights can help hone consistency of shots, allowing you to improve precision in terms of hitting the same level of quality on shots with almost every chip made.
The altered design also features CNC-milled full face groves, for added support during gameplay. The original Sugar Daddy wedges featured a more tear-drop-shaped design, however the updated model has a high-toe design instead. Although this design makes the wedge seem as if it has a lot more loft, our tested can confirm that it’s actually an extremely forgiving wedge.
- Read our full PXG Sugar Daddy II Wedge Review
Mizuno T24 Wedge
There’s something about the T24 Mizuno wedges that creates a sense of timelessness in terms of design, particularly when compared to other models on the market. Of all the designs to choose from, we tested the T24 wedge in the Soft White Satin finish, which we loved the look of - of all the colorways to choose from, this was our absolute favorite. That said, both the Denim Copper and Tour Raw finish, also available in the T22 range, look just as striking.
Designed with versatility in mind, this classic-looking wedge is made to be usable by golfers of varying abilities, from newer players to those with more experience on the golf course. While the compact head design will suit better players, the high-spin face and several high bounce options ensure that golfers of every level are covered.
- Read our full Mizuno T24 Wedge Review
Callaway Jaws Mack Daddy 5 Wedge
To get to the point, we think that the Jaws MD5 is, without a doubt, one of the very best gap wedges available. And, not only that, but it’s hard to see how any other wedge could beat the all-around offering boasted by the Jaws Mack Daddy 5.
If there’s one area where the MD5’s really outdo themselves it’s their ability to help create spin on longer pitch shots and full shots - according to Callaway, in some cases the extra speed can generate a backspin in excess of 11,000rpm in some instances. It’s this that means the MD5 wedge is a great choice to use when playing over 100 yards, providing additional precision and control over shots.
The head of this wedge is made with mild carbon steel, giving shots a buttery soft feel regardless of shot length. With a premium-looking finish, this club has those classic circular weights on its back that the Callaway Jaws range has become known for.
- Read our full Callaway Jaws MD5 Wedge Review
Cleveland RTX 6 ZipCore Wedge
The pronounced C grind of the Cleveland RTX 6 Zipcore makes it one of the best gap wedges on the market. When put to the test, we found that the RTX 6 is a really great wedge option for players of varying abilities, due to the additional balance, bounce and grip that come from the UltiZip grooves on the clubface. Compared to previous iterations of this wedge, the grooves are deeper, sharper and closer together, and varying in dimensions dependent on the face loft.
When being used for gameplay in dry conditions, we found that the RTX 6 meets the same level of spin as all the best golf wedges. While, in the wet weather, Cleveland claims these improvements actually increase spin by up to 43 percent.
To help aid control, the RTX6 comes with a fairly heavy (126g) True Temper Dynamic Gold steel shaft. That said, for golfers requiring a lighter feel, there’s also a graphite shaft option available.
- Read our full Cleveland RTX 6 ZipCore Wedge Review
TaylorMade MG4 Wedge
The MG4 wedges feature an un-plated surface material that’s designed to rust over time, to help maintain consistent spin generation in all weather conditions. In addition, TaylorMade has also chosen to add Raised Micro-Ribs between each groove on the clubface to help improve and hone spin and precision.
There’s also new spin tread technology that has been developed to help remove moisture away from the impact to help optimise spin regardless of the weather. When we put this to the test, we found that the spin offered was fantastic. What’s great about this wedge is the fact that the Milled Grind Sole process used, means that each grind has been individually milled for added accuracy. This wedge also features several bounce options, including low standard and high, LBV, SBC, and HBW.
We found that the aesthetics of these wedges was extremely appealing, with both the black and chrome finishes looking sleek and smart.
- Read our full TaylorMade Milled Grind 4 Wedge Review
Cobra King Snakebite Wedge
When we put it to the test, we found that the Cobra King Snakebite Wedge was, without a double, one of the most forgiving wedges available. Thanks to the classic club profile combined with the full-face grooves, users are provided with a lot more control for varying play conditions, including rough, sand, and the fairway.
What we found was that, in addition to being rather forgiving, these wedges are also ideal for helping golfers to create more ‘bite’, thanks to the advanced groove technology implemented. According to Cobra, the Snakebite grooves are deeper by 11% and are sharper by 40%, really pushing the tolerance level.
- Read our full Cobra King Snakebite 2023 Wedge Review
Callaway CB 2023 Wedge
If you’re looking for a wedge that’s on the more forgiving side, then look no further than the Callaway CB 2023 Wedge. Constructed to be ultra easy to use, this wedge offers golfers clean interaction from all manner of lies.
What’s great about these wedges is the fact that they come in multiple lofts, and have the option of full face grooves on the wedges with the higher loft. These wedges also boast lashings of spin and feel, thanks to the cavity back head.
Although the CB wedge may not look as sleek as some of the other golf wedges on the market, the improvement in performance for golfers that struggle to play consistency should be almost immediate - we believe it’s one of the most forgiving wedges available.
- Read our full Callaway CB Wedge Review
How we test
When it comes to wedges, we take the testing process very seriously. Whether we are sent a product or buy it ourselves, we put everything through its paces to ensure we can provide thorough and reliable advice. Every member of the Golf Monthly team is an avid golfer and as such, knows what does and doesn't make for a good wedge.
As far as our methodology goes, we review all wedges properly, which means we have used each one across multiple rounds and in practice to assess every aspect of performance in all conditions. For example, if a wedge claims to be the ultimate chipping club, we will test that theory from any and all lies possible.
Specific to this guide on the best best gap wedges, we tested every club thoroughly to assess the level of spin, feel and turf interaction. We were also keen to find out how forgiving each model was and if there were any differences in flight.
This comprehensive testing style is not just exclusive to wedges as we test with the same level of thoroughness across all categories of golf gear and equipment. For more information on how Golf Monthly tests products, take a look at our methodology here. Wedge testing is headed up by Golf Monthly Staff Writer Sam De'Ath, a former competitor on the EuroPro Tour and Clutch Pro Tours.
What to consider when buying a gap wedge
Gap wedges are an important tool any golfer should have in their arsenal. They cover the distance between your sand wedge and pitching wedge and can seriously help you nail the ball on the green from over 100 yards out. For that reason they can help you save a lot of shots in approach and around the greens. Its worth noting that there are a lot of different styles of gap wedges currently available on the market, many of which have different features and attributes that can sometimes be overwhelming if you're not the most knowledgable when it comes to club technology. It is important to get the club that suits your abilities and swing style, and for that reason, we've put together the below list of considerations that will help you find the right gap wedge for your swing.
1. Gapping
Measure your current wedge yardages and how often you are in between clubs to help decide if what clubs you want to carry. Golfers will typically have around three wedges in their bag which will include a lob wedge, sand wedge and a pitching wedge but many also like to carry a gap wedge too.
2. Bounce
Low bounce wedges are more suited to hard fairways and tight lies, while high bounce wedges are better for softer ground conditions and bunkers. The most bounce you will ever see on a wedge is about 18°, but it can be as low as 2°. The type of bounce you opt for should largely depend on things like your normal angle of attack, the firmness of your fairways and the type of shots you like to hit around the greens.
3. Forgiveness
Every golfer knows the pain of hitting an immaculate drive down the fairway, only to chunk your approach shot into the green. Wedges are perhaps one of the hardest clubs to use when it comes to consistently hitting sweet golf shots on different lies. But you can save yourself a lot of shots, by using a wedge that provides greater forgiveness.
Particularly if you are a beginner or a high-handicapper, a more forgiving sand wedge can help you become much more clinical around the greens. When looking for more forgiving wedges, look out for clubs that have cavity-backed heads, wedges that have a center of gravity closer to the sole and wedges that have a higher MOI to improve the quality and consistency of shots your hitting. For more information on wedges that can help you hit consistently sweeter golf shots.
4. Grooves
While grooves are now tightly regulated, it is still well worth keeping up to date with the latest designs, which use new milling processes and groove shapes to help move water and dirt away from the ball at impact to create extra spin and improve control.
5. Testing
At Golf Monthly, we recommend players take the time to test a variety of different wedges at a club fitting. As they can come in a variety of lofts, grinds and bounce degrees, it is important to ascertain which type of wedges can help you perform the best depending on your swing and the type of terrain you're playing on.
For more advice on the types of wedges you may also want to add to your bag, take a look at our guides on the best lob wedges, best sand wedges and best pitching wedges.
FAQs
What degree is a gap wedge?
Gap wedges usually have a loft of anywhere between 50° and 54°. Its advisable to match the gap wedge loft with your pitching wedge and sand wedge loft. For example, if you have a high lofted sand wedge, maybe a 48º, you might want to go for a slightly higher lofted gap wedge of 53º to ensure you cover more yardage.
What are gap wedges used for?
Gap wedges bridge the yardage difference between your sand wedge and your pitching wedge. They are an approach club that can help you hit lofted shots from approximately 110 yards out. They can also be used on chips around the greens and are a great club to use if you're looking to shave shots off your round.
Do I really need a gap wedge?
While it is not essential to carry a gap wedge, they can be really helpful to assist players hit awkward distances between 100 yards and 120 yards. Gap wedges are a handy tool that can also help you get out of troublesome spots on the course and get up and down without suffering any penalties.
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