Best Golf Wedges
While we all know how crucial a razor sharp short game can be to maintaining the momentum of a round and getting us out of trouble. That said, many golfers don’t give enough thought to the wedges they use. If you are serious about improving your performance from 100 yards and in, and most importantly around the greens, the importance of getting the best golf wedges for you cannot be underestimated.
There are a few key things you should consider, though. For example, what bounce angle will suit your action, and which grinds and lofts you'll need, something that may depend on how many wedges you want to carry.
You should also have a think about what finish you want on your wedge because most models these days come in satin, chrome, black or other finishes, including a raw finish that will rust over time. So take a look at our selection of the best golf wedges on the market that should enhance your short-game skills and in the process, lower your scores.
Joel Tadman tests out the latest wedges out on the golf course and picks his favorites
We’ve recently tested the best golf wedges currently available, and these are our picks. All the wedges here have been reviewed by our team, which means testing over multiple rounds out on the course, seeing how versatile they are and how well they spin the golf ball. This guide is updated on a regular basis to make sure it includes the latest releases and the best performing models.
Best Golf Wedges
Why you can trust Golf Monthly Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
Titleist Vokey wedges continue to stand out from the crowd when it comes to the best golf wedges on the market. The SM9 is a case of evolution rather than revolution from the SM8 but Titleist says it has developed the groundbreaking Progressive Centre of Gravity (CG) design to improve distance and trajectory control. In testing, we found it very easy to square-up on full shots and deliver excellent consistency of spin and flight from closer to the green.
Back again are Titleist’s six grind options - F, S, M, K, L and D - making the Vokey SM9 range highly versatile for every golfer and their unique swing. In total, there are 23 different loft and bounce options and we took advantage of that in our custom fitting to optimize our wedge set-up for improved performance.
A new spin milled cutting process means grooves are sharper, while each groove is specifically cut based on loft and finish. Titleist (opens in new tab) also inspects every single groove on every wedge to guarantee conformity. As of right now, the SM9 is set to be available in four finishes - Tour Chrome, Brushed Steel, Jet Black and Tour Raw as well as a new Jet Black Premium option.
- Read our full Titleist Vokey SM9 Wedge Review
Cleveland has added another model to its impressive wedge line-up, with the CBX ZipCore (opens in new tab) wedge providing superb forgiveness thanks to a cavity/muscle back design. Although it may not look the best wedge from the back, all forgotten when standing over the ball at address as the classic teardrop shape and chrome finish inspire bags of confidence. Another positive, from a visual standpoint, is the all-black Catalyst Spinner graphite shaft.
Aesthetically pleasing at set-up, it also performs superbly, with the ZipCore extremely easy to hit and surprisingly easy to flight, something that’s likely a consequence of the low density ZipCore that sits at the heart of this wedge to shift the centre of gravity and raise the MOI for maximum forgiveness. Because of the performance it has earned a place in our 2022 Editor's Choice Awards (opens in new tab).
- Read our full Cleveland CBX ZipCore Wedge review
The Ping Glide 4.0 wedge looks exceptional - especially in the more traditional teardrop shape that is available in three of the four sole options. It also has the classic Ping Hydropearl 2.0 chrome finish, which reduces glare as well as flyers from the rough in damp conditions while also adding a touch of style to the aesthetics.
There are four sole options to choose from - WS, SS, TS and Eye2 - which we took advantage of. The versatile SS (standard sole) offers relief for golfers with a moderate angle of attack and looks a little smaller than the prior version on the Glide 3.0.
But the WS (wide sole) is where we enjoyed the most success. Turf interaction was exceptional on short shots, making it one of the best wedges for chipping we've ever tested. Finally, unique to Ping’s line-up is the Eye2 sole, which is available in lofts from 54°-60° and is described as the ultimate bunker club - a theory we put to the test. It is undoubtedly one of the best sand wedges on the market due to its forgiveness from various lies and distances.
Most impressive, however, was how easy it was to spin the golf ball. Even when hitting shots that came off a little hotter and lower than expected, the ball sat to attention quicker than most new wedges. This could well have been down to the new Emery face blast, which adds a little more friction to the hitting surface.
- Read our full Ping Glide 4.0 Wedge Review
The first thing to say is that this wedge, with its aged copper finish, looks incredible. Whether over the ball or just sitting in the bag, it's a feast for the eyes and will blend in with the Raw face as it rusts over time. The raised micro-ribs are positioned between the grooves to add texture to the face for increased friction and therefore spin around the green. We really felt this at work and was able to hit those low, spinny chips, even with a lob wedge.
Furthermore, on wedges of 54° and higher, full-face grooves allow for more forgiveness and spin on off-center strikes. The taller toe design, coupled with this extra relief, is particularly useful when faced with a short shot that requires you to open the face in the bunker or the rough. Ultimately, this is a brilliantly balanced wedge that has a high centre of gravity for easy trajectory and distance control while the hi-toe shape delivers forgiveness on shorter shots in particular.
- Read our full TaylorMade Hi-Toe 3 wedge review
The S23 differs from conventional wedges because Mizuno has introduced a central sweet spot. It has achieved this by shortening the hosel and adding a heel-orientated cavity which allows for greater mass to be moved towards the toe of the club. The Mizuno S23 wedge performs exceptionally well in terms of spin control, feels incredible and looks great - especially sat behind the ball, inspiring confidence aplenty.
There are a wide range of lofts from 44° to 62° with bounces to suit each loft and player. Each wedge has its own loft-specific profile with stronger lofts featuring a tear-drop straight edge, flowing into a more rounded lob wedge. Versatility is very important with wedges, especially the lower lofted wedges, therefore it is important to find the right grind of the four available (S, C, D and X).
- Read our full Mizuno S23 wedge review
The Jaws MD5 wedges are constructed from 8620 mild carbon steel and the Centre of Gravity (CG) of the wedges is precisely placed to create a soft, crisp feel. A big focus has also been on the shape of the wedge, with Roger Cleveland using his 23 years of experience to create a profile that is appealing from all angles.
It has no obvious weakness but it really excels at creating spin on longer pitch shots and full shots. It’s at the level where you might want to think about landing the ball a yard or two further than normal on full shots to allow for the ball to zip back, especially in softer conditions.
Anyone going through a fitting process - which is a must given the wide variety of loft and grind options - can be certain that they are equipped with the best possible tools to hit those scoring shots into and around the greens.
- Read our full Callaway Jaws MD5 Wedge Review
The Ping ChipR paints itself as a ‘fully engineered chipping solution that combines elements of a putter and a wedge to help golfers improve performance around the greens’. This is a key element; see this as much more of an extension of your putter rather than any sort of chipping club. It has the loft (38.5˚) of a 9-iron but is something like 5.5 degrees more upright so the shaft sits more vertically so this certainly plays towards using your putting stroke.
A really noticeable part of the user experience is the check that you can achieve courtesy of the MicroMax grooves, which have a tighter spacing than usual. There is more of a chip-and-run trajectory but it has plenty of grab. Balls don’t get away from you, which can happen with the best golf chippers, and it worked brilliantly for that very awkward 40-yard chip where many of us have no real idea on how to play the shot with our lob wedges. If you'r a nervy chipper, this is a must-buy.
- Read our full Ping ChipR wedge review
Raw face technology means the MG3 wedges have an un-plated surface material that rusts over time to maintain consistently high spin generation in wet conditions. TaylorMade has also added Raised Micro-Ribs between the grooves to aid spin and precision around the greens. This is because the abrasive surface further enhances the friction between the ball and the clubface. In our testing the spin on offer really was excellent.
The Milled Grind Sole process continues with each leading edge and sole grind being individually CNC milled for accuracy. There are three bounce options - low standard and high - for versatility with a more aggressive TW (Tiger Woods (opens in new tab)) grind available in the 56°.
From a looks perspective, we really liked these wedges in both chrome and black finishes. The profile is very traditional and the wedges are progressive through the lofts in lots of ways - hosel length, toe height, blade length, and offset.
- Read our full TaylorMade Milled Grind 3 Wedge Review
In testing, we found the Cobra King Snakebite Wedge to be one of the most forgiving wedges on the market, with a classic profile and traditional, full-face grooves giving the user a lot more control from a variety of conditions like sand, rough and the fairway.
Along with forgiveness, the workability on offer is superb, as was the spin on offer from Cobra's new groove technology aimed at helping golfers create more 'bite'. The brand says its Snakebite grooves are 11% deeper and 40% sharper, pushing the tolerance level right to the limit.
- Read our full Cobra King Snakebite Wedge Review (opens in new tab)
Most of the innovations in the RTX6 are not visible to the naked eye. In the hosel, the ZipCore insert is made of up to 95 percent more aluminium and silicon material than before. This is lighter than the 8620 carbon steel and therefore saves weight in the hosel that can be moved elsewhere in the head to make the RTX 6 more forgiving by increasing the MOI by up to 20 percent. Consequently, it is one of the most forgiving wedges money can buy.
In dry conditions, the RTX 6 maintains the same high levels of spin as the best golf wedges, but in the wet Cleveland claims all these improvements increase spin by 43 percent - suffice to say the spin on offer is excellent. There are a wide variety of lofts from 46° to 60° in a good range of bounces including a new 8° Low+ option in the 54° and 56° heads. They have a more pronounced C grind and, like all the RTX 6 heads, the tri-bounce sole features different types of leading edge to match the type of shot you wish to play. The Cleveland RTX 6 ZipCore wedge brings more forgiveness and wet-condition spin to the course in a classy looking head.
- Read our full Cleveland RTX 6 ZipCore wedge review
One of the best golf clubs (opens in new tab) in the wedge sector is the T22 from Mizuno. The three finishes feature a microlayer of copper beneath the nickel chrome, just like on the MP20 irons, to improve the feel at impact. They feature a slightly more compact, ‘modified teardrop,’ profile with an extensively bevelled top edge to make it appear thinner. The spin weighted blade design, created by tapering the upper portion of the blade, helps create more consistent spin and a more penetrating trajectory.
Mizuno’s HydroFlow Micro Grooves deliver great wet weather performance as they’re laser etched to release moisture and reduce spin drop off, while the Quad Cut milled, and loft specific, grooves are cut into Boron infused steel to offer a longer effective lifespan. Three finishes are available - Denim Copper, Satin Chrome and Raw. The Raw finish comes without the copper underlay, but it will rust over time for a look requested by many of the Mizuno tour players.
- Read our full Mizuno T22 Wedge Review
Slotting into the Callaway Jaws wedge line-up is the new Raw edition. Designed by Roger Cleveland and said to feature the most aggressive grooves in golf. From every angle, this wedge looks incredible. Whether you prefer the chrome or black plasma finish, you will not be disappointed. Over the ball, the classic shaping, straight leading edge and minimal offset combine to inspire confidence, while from the back, the subtle style touches and weight system make it a wedge that also sits pretty in the bag.
We were really impressed by the spin on offer from the milled micro-grooves and Raw face. Removing the plating allows for a more direct contact and wesaw this in action across every length of shot. Whether floating the ball a little higher or chasing something close to the ground, the level of control was amazing. This was helped by the introduction of the new “Z Grind” that has been designed to skid rather than dig into the turf.
In terms of specs, it’s available in lofts from 48° through to 60° and in four grind options: S (standard), W (wide), Z and X. In total, there are 17 loft and bounce combinations per finish, meaning there is something to suit every technique.
- Read our full Callaway Jaws Raw Wedge Review
The MacGregor V Foil Wide Sole Sand Wedge is marketed towards those people for whom chipping is a weakness of their game. The wide sole is designed to reduce miss-hits, through eradicating thin and fat shots. The wide sole makes it hard for the club to dig into the turf; instead the club glides over it. The degree of loft is 66 which compares with the more standard 56-60 degrees found on most sand wedges. This extra loft helps to get the ball into the air and makes it easier to clear lips of bunkers and also helps shots stop quickly on the green.
At exiting bunkers it was good, but probably little better than my existing sand wedge. But where the club did score was when using it for shots where one could normally employ a lob wedge. It is not designed to offer the ability to create or craft a lot of different shots. Good chippers and inventive players therefore are unlikely to be attracted to it. But then it was never intended for them.
- Read our full MacGregor V-Foil Wide wedge review
How we test
When it comes to wedges, we take the testing process (opens in new tab) 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 bunker club, we will test that theory from any and all lies possible.
Specific to the best wedges, we tested every one thoroughly to assess the level of spin, feel and distance control on offer. 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 gear categories.
What you need to consider when buying wedges
Gapping: Measure your current wedge yardages and how often you are in between clubs to help decide if you need to carry extra options. This is an important part of your bag setup to get right across the entire bag too, because knowing your gaps can allow you to fill out your bag correctly whether that be carrying two, three, or four wedges, which can then impact how many clubs you can carry at the top of the bag. The opposite is true as well. We have also created a guide on the best gap wedges (opens in new tab) as well so check that out for more information.
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.
Finish: Options like black PVD and copper are becoming increasingly common. The difference is mainly cosmetic, but dark finishes can help reduce glare. Alternatively there are classic chrome and silver designs as you can see above so it is a case of picking a design you like the look of not just at address, but in the bag as well.
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. Additionally there are several brands that have brought out wedges with grooves that stretch across the entire face. Admittedly this does take a little bit of time to get used to, but for those players who may struggle with strike, a full faced wedge might do you some favors when creating spin towards the toe.
FAQs
Which are the best golf wedges?
The answer to this is subjective and can only really be found through a custom fitting. However, contained in our list above is a selection of the best wedges currently on the market - all of which will deliver exceptional performance.
What is the most used wedge in golf?
Again, this probably depends on each golfer's specific game, but in a general sense, the pitching wedge (opens in new tab) is the club most commonly used at that end of the bag.
What are the most forgiving golf wedges?
Typically, the most forgiving wedges are those that come with full-face grooves. This is because golfers will still be able to generate lots of spin and control, no matter the strike location. In addition, there are also a host of cavity-back wedges, which might not look as nice, but the high MOI design will make them easier to hit consistently.
What is the easiest golf wedge to hit?
Wedges with a high MOI offer added stability and forgiveness, which leads us to conclude that cavity-back designs are likely the easiest to hit. And from a loft perspective, it will depend on how your wedge set-up complements your swing and the type of turf you tend to play from.
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