Wedges are called scoring clubs for a reason - they are absolutely key in maintaining the momentum of your round and getting players out of tricky spots in and around the green. For that reason, it's important to get kitted out with the right wedges that suit the playing characteristics of your game.
But how do we make this decision? There are a few things to note before deciding, like what bounce angle suits your chipping action and what grinds and lofts suit your game. Lofts are especially importing for gapping in your bag and it will determine how many wedges you want to carry.
So take a look at our selection of the best golf wedges on the market to help you hone your short-game skills and lower your scores.
VIDEO: Best Players Wedges of 2024
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.
Finally, this time of year we regularly see many of the wedges below go on offer so be sure to bookmark our page on the best Black Friday golf deals, to make sure you don't miss a discount on one of them.
The Quick list
A classic of the genre, the Titleist SM10 has added more spin and a lower launch in the latest model and is available in a wide range of grinds and lofts.
One of the more forgiving wedges on this list, the S159 wedges perform as good as they look, producing excellent levels of spin for chip and pitch shots.
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.
With plenty of grind and bounce options, the Hi-Toe 4 is a versatile wedge that will suit a golfers of all abilities and playing styles. The new finish looks sleek and clean and will also appeal to many golfers.
Read more below
One of the easiest wedges to use on the market, Callaway have crammed the tech into their CB wedge to help players who can struggle chipping and pitching around the greens.
The CBX 4 Zipcore wedges combine performance and forgiveness for the mid to high handicapper, a great wedge from one of the best wedge makers in the game.
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The Cleveland RTX 6 ZipCore wedge brings more forgiveness and wet-condition spin to the course in a classy looking head. Soft feeling and very high-performing.
A stunning looking wedge designed for versatility and artistry around the greens, the compact head and slick finish mean this one is pleasing on the eye, too.
Featuring a plethora of new technology, the Callaway Opus Platinum is a beautiful wedge that produces low but high spinning ball flight.
Best Golf Wedges
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Titleist Vokey SM10 Wedge
Often considered the gold standard of wedges, vokey wedges offer stunning look and market-leading performance and versatility. Titleist has designed the new SM10 wedge to build on the huge success of the SM9 and Vokeys continue to be the most used wedges in professional golf. Last year on the PGA Tour, more than half the wedges put in play every week were Titleist Vokey Wedges, which is quite an incredible stat considering the wealth of quality on offer from other brands.
Titleist rarely make too many changes when it comes to the looks of their vokey wedges, but the SM10 has a few subtle differences like the progressive shaping which makes them look great when at address. The more lofted wedges have bigger heads, whilst the stronger lofted clubs have a straighter leading edge when compared to the sand and lob wedge.
Wedge guru Bob Vokey and the engineers at Titleist have crammed the SM10s full of tech, meaning they now fly lower, spin more and have better feel and turf interaction than the SM9s, something we noticed in testing.
- Read our full Titleist Vokey SM10 Wedge Review
Ping S159 Wedge
Ping has released some of the best wedges in recent times and the S159 wedges look to continue this trend, following on from the Glide 4.0 and Glide Forged models.
These wedges are targeted for the lower to mid handicap golfer who seeks a classic looking wedge and workability to help keep those scores low. The S159 really wowed us in testing - the feel off the face is amazing, particularly with fuller shots. The mid to high trajectory was consistent and confidence inspiring, meaning we could aim right at the flag a few times with greater confidence. the consistency will really help players as they visualise their shot during their pre-shot routine.
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.
Ping have created the WebFit Wedge App which allows golfers to complete a questionnaire online (it takes less than two minutes) about their wedge game. Based on the answers the app will provide one or two grind options that will suit your game best so you know that you are playing the right grind and bounce options for your game, while avoiding the need to pay for a custom fitting!
- Read our full Ping S159 Wedge Review
TaylorMade MG4 Wedge
Taylormade are maybe better known for making some of the best drivers in golf, but the MG4 wedges are a fantastic option for those looking new clubs to help with their short game. The raw face contrasts nicely with the outer body of the wedge, while multiple bounce and loft options allow a lot of customization.
Like the Hi-Toe 3 wedge, Taylormade have added Raised Micro-Ribs between the grooves for optimum spin levels, while spin tread technology has been used to push moisture off the face at impact to help with distance and spin control as well as consistency.
There are now seven bounce options - low standard and high, LBV, SBC and HBW along with the TW grind, so if you're liking the look of the MG4, we recommend getting custom fitted so you can find the exact model to suit your game. From a looks perspective, we really liked these wedges in both the chrome and the 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 4 Wedge Review
TaylorMade Hi-Toe 4 Wedge
Now, in it's 4th iteration, the Hi-Toe 4 Wedge offers maximum versatility, performance and some significant improvements over it's predecessor—the Hi-Toe 3 wedge.
Right out of the box, we noticed the face and groove pattern is the same as those found on the TaylorMade MG4 wedges, which we consider one of the top models for spin control. Whether you like the overall shape of the head depends on your individual preference. We were big fans of the new, refined aesthetics though. The copper finish remains true to all of the previous Hi-Toe models and, when combined with the raw face, helps reduce glare on sunny days.
Of course, headline here is just how versatile the Hi-Toe 4 wedges are. Thanks to the new Spin Tread technology on the face, we achieved remarkably high levels of spin and control from both the fairway and the rough. They're also available in 5 grinds if you live in the US or 3 if you live in the EU. We tested the ATC grind option with 8° of bounce which made enabled our tester to slide our club under the ball easily and land the ball softly with spin.
The ATV is perfect for players who want to get a bit more creative around the green with some more bounce and we think the High-Toe 4 in this grind could easily be considered one of the most forgiving wedges on the market.
- Read our full TaylorMade Hi-Toe 4 Wedge Review
Callaway CB 2023 Wedge
It maybe isn't as pretty as the Titleist vokey wedges or the Ping S159 wedges mentioned above, but the CB wedge for Callaway certainly matches their performance levels. This wedge will suit those who have a hit or miss short game given it's one of the most forgiving wedges money can buy.
Callaway have the higher handicapper in mind when making the CB, making it very easy to use from a range of lies and angles. It's lovely to chip with, with great feel and consistent feedback, making it one of the best wedges for chipping. We were really impressed with out when playing out of bunkers during testing, also.
Available in multiple lofts with the option of full face grooves on the higher lofted wedges, the CB wedge provides plenty of spin and feel, all in a cavity back head
- Read our full Callaway CB Wedge Review
Cleveland CBX 4 Zipcore Wedge
We've been big fans of Cleveland wedges for quite some time here at Golf Monthly, like the RTX6 wedges for example, so it was no surprise to us that we loved the performance from the CBX 4 Zipcore wedges during testing. So much so, we think they are some of the best Cleveland wedges out there.
The Zipcore technology allows for a heavier steel in the hosel to be replaced with a more lightweight option and the saved weight redistributed across the toe and top of the club face, improving MOI and providing excellent feel for those tricky chip shots.
The CBX 4 wedges are a really strong option for those looking to upgrade their wedges this season. They provide really high levels of performance and forgiveness that golfers of all abilities will benefit from and they produced a strong showing in our testing.
Although these are aimed at the higher to mid handicap players, lower handicappers who struggle with their short game should give them a go to see if they can help them conquer any chipping 'yips' they might be experiencing.
- Read our full Cleveland CBX 4 ZipCore Wedge Review
Cleveland RTX 6 ZipCore Wedge
The Cleveland RTX 6 ZipCore wedge brings more forgiveness and wet-condition spin to the course in a classy looking head. It's packed with technology but most of the innovations in the RTX6 are not visible to the naked eye. For instance, in the hosel, the ZipCore insert is made of up to 95 percent more aluminium and silicon material than before, saving weight that can be moved elsewhere in the head to make the RTX 6 more forgiving by increasing the MOI by up to 20 percent.
The UltiZip grooves provides tonnes on spin and control thanks to their sharper, deeper characteristics. They are also closer together than in previous models and vary depending on the loft of the club. In between said grooves are laser milled lines to help you strike the ball cleaner and more consistently, while the face is blasted with HydraZip technology for a clean, matte finish and maximum friction at impact.
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. It performed well in our testing and it is definitely one of the best Cleveland wedges that you should definitely consider for your bag.
- Read our full Cleveland RTX 6 ZipCore wedge review
Mizuno T24 Wedge
A product that earned five stars in our review, the T24 wedges from Mizuno have that timeless look to them comparable to the Titleist Vokey SM9, which is widely regarded as the industry leader in the wedge category. We tested the Mizuno T24 wedge in the Soft White Satin finish, which was our personal favourite, although these wedges are also available in a striking Denim Copper and Tour Raw finish, just like on the T22 range.
We gave the T24 five stars in our reviews, although the looks alone probably deserve such a rating. We tested the Mizuno T24 wedge in the Soft White Satin finish, which was our personal favourite, although these wedges are also available in a striking Denim Copper and Tour Raw finish, just like on the T22 range.
The T24 is very workable around the greens, allowing skilled chippers the chance to play both low and high shots with consistency. The compact head is pleasing on the eye and several bounce and grind options mean every player is catered for. During testing, we tried this wedge from a range of lies and angles around the greens and we were blown away by the high level of performance.
If you are a competent ball striker who likes the look and feel of the best golf blades or Mizuno irons and are looking to upgrade your wedges, then the Mizuno T24 may just be what you have been looking for.
- Read our full Mizuno T24 Wedge Review
Callaway Opus Platinum Wedge
Looks definitely count in golf. The Opus Platinum wedges look spectacular and perform as well—naturally we were excited to put this new model to the test...
Available in both chrome and a PVD blue finish, these wedges straight away rival the looks of any of the best wedges on the market. Shaped on tour player feedback, the result is a compact looking head with high toe peak and a slightly rounded leading edge. We think this is a great choice for more advanced golfers looking to get creative around the greens.
The wedges are designed through MiM (metal injection moulding) a process by which a proprietary blend of metals are used to create a distinct feel and help dial in performance. The tungsten holes that were seen in the back of the Jaws Raw wedges have been replaced by a bonded tungsten strip that sits high in the top line to create a higher CG (center of gravity) and therefore lower the ball flight for more distance control.
In testing, we noticed it certainly feel a little more solid and crisp through impact compared to the standard Opus wedge. We also thought the Platinum Opus was a little more forgiving.
- Read our full Callaway Opus Platinum Wedge Review
How we test
At Golf Monthly, we take the testing process very seriously. Regardless of whether a product is sent to us or purchased independently, we rigorously evaluate each wedge to ensure our advice is accurate and reliable.
Our testing procedures are combined with the extensive knowledge and experience of our test team, who have a sterling reputation in the industry for providing genuine, evidence-based insights.
We don't cut corners either. Our methodology is to test each wedge across multiple rounds and in practice to analyze every aspect of performance in all conditions. Case in point: if a wedge claims to be the ultimate bunker club, we'll test that theory from every lie possible.
For the best wedges, we tested every one to assess the level of spin, feel and distance. We were also looking at factors such as forgiveness and differences in flight. Of course, this rigorous testing approach isn't limited to wedges—we apply the same thorough methodology to every gear category.
How to choose new wedges
Gapping: Measure your wedge yardages and how often you’re between clubs to decide if you need extra options. Proper gapping is key to your entire bag setup, helping you determine whether to carry two, three, or four wedges, which can impact the number of clubs at the top of your bag. The reverse is also true. Check out our guide on the best gap wedges as well so check that out for more information.
Bounce: Low bounce wedges work best on hard fairways and tight lies, while high bounce wedges excel in softer conditions and bunkers. Bounce typically ranges from 2° to 18°. Your choice should depend on factors like your angle of attack, fairway firmness, and the types of shots you prefer around the greens.
Finish: Options like black PVD and copper are becoming more popular, mainly for cosmetic reasons, with dark finishes reducing glare. Classic chrome and silver designs are also available, so it's about choosing a finish that appeals to you both at address and in the bag.
Grooves: Though grooves are now tightly regulated, staying updated on the latest designs is beneficial. New milling processes and groove shapes help move water and dirt away at impact, enhancing spin and control. Some brands have introduced wedges with grooves extending across the entire face. While it takes some time to adjust, a full-face wedge can be advantageous for players who struggle with strikes, offering better spin toward the toe.
FAQs
What is the easiest golf wedge to hit?
Wedges with a high MOI (moment of inertia) provide increased stability and forgiveness, which leads us to conclude that cavity-back designs are likely the easiest to hit. In terms of loft, it depends on how your wedge set-up complements your swing and the type of turf you tend to play from.
Which are the best golf wedges?
Ultimately, the best golf wedge is the one that fits your playing style—it's subjective. That said, 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 typically the pitching wedge is the club most commonly used at that end of the bag.
What are the most forgiving golf wedges?
In general, the most forgiving wedges are those that come with full-face grooves. This enables golfers to generate plenty of spin and control, regardless of the strike location. Plus, there are also a host of cavity-back wedges, which don't have the same visual appeal, but the high MOI design will make them easier to hit consistently.
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