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The best golf wedges are accurate, consistent and maintain spin in just about every playing condition.
Whether playing in wet or dry conditions, you need a wedge that performs every time. We’ve spent months testing wedges in our Lab. After analyzing the data on thousands of shots (15,960 to be exact), we’ve found the winners. Here are our picks for the wedges that will help you make more birdies than bogeys.
To determine this year’s best golf wedges, 20 testers hit a total of 15,960 shots in a variety of conditions, including an entire section of the test dedicated to dry and wet conditions.
| Product | Overall Score |
|
|---|---|---|
| TaylorMade Milled Grind 4 Wedge Check Price | 97.44 |
| COBRA Snakebite X Wedge Check Price | 94.77 |
| TaylorMade Hi-Toe 3 Wedge Check Price | 94.04 |
| Cleveland CBX Full Face 2 Wedge Check Price | 92.60 |
| Cleveland RTX6 ZipCore Wedge Check Price | 92.50 |
 | Callaway CB Wedge Check Price | 92.07 |
 | Mizuno S23 Check Price | 91.94 |
 | Sub 70 TAIII Wedge Check Price | 89.65 |
 | Tour Edge Exotics Wingman Wedge Check Price | 89.65 |
 | PING Glide 4.0 Wedge Check Price | 89.58 |
 | Edison 2.0 Wedge Check Price | 88.54 |
 | COBRA Snakebite Wedge Check Price | 87.66 |
 | NEXGEN Forged Wedge Check Price | 85.94 |
 | Bettinardi HLX 5.0 Wedge Check Price | 82.40 |
 | Vega Golf Alcor Tour Wedge Check Price | 81.97 |
 | Kirkland Signature Gen 2 Wedge Check Price | 79.30 |
 | Proto Concept CB Forged Wedge Check Price | 77.21 |
 | Adams Idea Wedge Check Price | 74.57 |
 | Takomo Golf Skyforger 001 Wedge Check Price | 73.69 |
 | Vega VWX Wedge Check Price | 71.70 |
 | Indi Golf FLX Wedge Check Price | 69.13 |
To determine this year’s best golf wedges, 20 testers hit a total of 15,960 shots in a variety of conditions. We also dedicated a portion of the test to dry and wet conditions.
We limit variables by collecting data using Titleist Pro V1 as our official testing golf ball and Foresight GCQuad as our official ball launch monitor.
Our overall rankings are a compilation of accuracy, consistency, and spin. For this category, consistency and spin replace our traditional metrics of distance and forgiveness. Each scoring category is weighted to achieve the overall score.
Accuracy plays a vital role in overall performance. Our Accuracy score is strictly based on one metric:
Golf wedges are a vital club within your golf bag because they are instrumental in scoring. You need a wedge that is forgiving and consistent. We have two metrics for consistency:
Without a doubt, spin is an essential part of wedge performance. Here are our spin metrics:
Our procedure for moisture testing reveals which golf wedges are consistent and which are not. This is important but often overlooked. Moisture impacts two critical metrics:
When moisture is present, it is likely that launch angle will increase and backspin will decrease. These outcomes lead to inconsistency, especially in the scoring zone. Inconsistency can potentially lead to higher scores.
During testing, there were a few wedges that struggled to produce backspin above 3,000 rpm. Some were sub-2,500 rpm. On the flip side, there are golf wedges that retain 90 percent or greater of their backspin when moisture is present and there is a minimal launch-angle increase.
It is vital to take this information into consideration when you purchase your next golf wedge, whether it be a pitching wedge, gap wedge, lob wedge or sand wedge.
How are the wedges in the test fitted to each golfer?
We use a fitting process that we call fit from stock. Wedges are fitted to each tester using the stock, no-up-charge options from each manufacturer. With the exception of Edison 2.0 (55 degrees stock) and Adams Golf Idea wedge (54 degrees stock), we tested a 56-degree sand wedge of each model submitted. When applicable, we fit to flex for each tester in the pool. Occasionally, manufacturers will send multiple wedges with different stock shafts that we can utilize to improve launch conditions.
How is the “Most Wanted” Wedge determined?
To determine the Most Wanted Wedge, we collect performance metrics with Foresight GCQuad launch monitors. For wedge testing, we use an “out of 100” scoring system. Points are awarded based on performance for each of our metrics: accuracy, consistency, and spin.
How is the “Best for Spin” Wedge determined?
To determine the best wedge for spin, we consider not only spin rates on full shots but also on partial and partial wet shots. Finally, we also consider how consistent spin rates are across all scenarios.
In the wet scenario, we apply water to the ground. Then, we spray water on the golf ball before each shot. In between shots, the club head is dried to ensure the only moisture present is on the ground and on the golf ball.
How is the “Most Accurate” Wedge determined?
This is strictly based on Strokes Gained. Think of strokes gained as how each participating golf club or wedge performs relative to the field. Not only is this for full-swing shots, it also accounts for shots from 50-yards in both dry and wet conditions.
How is the “Most Consistent” Wedge determined?
The most consistent wedge is based on the standard deviations of carry and dispersion area. The objective is to identify the wedges that most consistently hit their distance numbers.
How much does subjective feedback like looks, sound, and feel factor into your rankings?
ZERO. Our rankings are based purely on launch monitor data and quantifiable performance metrics.
Performance should be your primary concern when buying a golf wedge but there are some additional things you may want to think about before you make your decision.
Wedge bounce options are complex but important. We’ll keep it simple for you. If you play in soft to medium conditions, a high- to mid-bounce golf wedge will suit you well. If you play in firm to medium conditions, a low- to mid-bounce option will work well. If you’re unsure, analyze how much or how little of a divot you make while playing or practicing. More of a divot? Lean towards mid- to high-bounce. Shallow divot? Favor low- to mid-bounce. If you’re unsure, go through a professional fitting or settle for a mid-bounce golf wedge option.
Most specialty wedges start at gap wedge or attack wedge. A good rule of thumb is to have four to six degrees of loft separation between wedges. This ensures appropriate yardage gapping. If you own a set of irons where the gap or attack wedge is part of the set, be extremely wary of your distances. These specialty wedges have the potential to be longer than a traditional wedge.
The average cost for the wedges in this year’s test is $174. This price point is influenced by a few golf wedges that eclipse $300: Vega Golf and Proto Concept. Most other options are quite affordable, especially Takomo Golf, Adams Idea and, our choice for best value, Sub 70 TAIII.
The best way to determine which wedges are best for your short game is to have a professional fitting. Ideally, an outdoor fitting. If you don’t have access to professional fitting, use this as a guide to help narrow down your demo list.
If you’re going to self-fit, analyze your game to ensure proper consistent yardage gapping from club to club (ie. lob wedges and sand wedges in your golf bag shouldn’t be the same loft). From there, understand your angle of attack, divot size and typical playing conditions in order to make the proper selection for bounce angle and grind options.
If you play in soft turf conditions, wedges with high bounce are useful. On the other hand, if you play in firm conditions, look for low bounce. While a mid-bounce option is typically a safe play, mixing a variety of bounce options across your wedge set will give you the versatility to hit any shot the course presents, from fairway to rough to sand.
While golfers have been conditioned to consider wedge spin to the exclusion of nearly everything else, we always recommended looking at more than that. The spinniest wedge is not always going to be your best wedge.
Using a launch monitor provides a lot of useful information. When comparing metrics like launch angle and spin rates, be sure to look at your standard deviations (the small numbers usually found under the big ones on the data screen). Smaller numbers mean better consistency. Similarly, look for tighter dispersion ellipses (smaller circles).
We can’t overstate the importance of consistency with wedges. Ideally, your wedges should perform similarly well regardless of whether you’re in wet or dry conditions. That’s the reason why we suggest you introduce some moisture into the demo process. Pay attention to trajectory, distance control and club face angle at impact.
Your wedges will take a beating from the various elements on the golf course. A test completed by Titleist shows that, after about 75 rounds of golf, the groove wear becomes significant enough to affect performance.
That being said, assess your own game to make sure you’re replacing your wedges often enough. For tour pros, that’s several times a year. For the rest of us, not as often although avid golfers should consider replacing wedges annually.
While developments in wedge technology are not groundbreaking from year to year, ensuring your grooves are fresh is one of the easiest ways to maintain consistency.
World-class testing requires world-class equipment. This is the gear we trust to help us fulfill our Most Wanted testing.
The MG4 wedge continues to impress and dominate when testing. It standouts for accuracy and consistency, and performs well in wet conditions. All in all, this is a wedge that has mastered function and style.
Consistent performance. Top-ranking accuracy. Solid performance in wet conditions.
Is prone to rusting.
The TaylorMade Milled Grind 4 wedge is known for its superior spin and bite around the greens. It features laser etched Spin Tread and a raw face, providing better traction and allowing for increased spin.
The wedge utilizes smart engineering with deep laser etching between the grooves, creating channels for water to escape and ensuring consistent performance. Our testers rated it highly for sound and feel. And it also won the top spot for the most likely to purchase golf wedge.
| OVERVIEW | PERFORMANCE | RANKING | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Accuracy evaluates if a player’s shots with each club are above or below what’s expected based on that player’s skill level. |
|
2nd |
|
Consistency analyzes how reliable a wedge is with producing consistent carry distances and dispersion area. |
|
2nd |
|
Spin is a performance account for full-swings, 50 yards, and a dry-versus-wet spin retention testing analysis. |
|
6th |
|
Ball speed measures how fast the ball is traveling off the face of the club. |
|
17th |
Check out our COBRA Snakebite X Wedge Review. COBRA Snakebite X claims 2nd overall in our best golf wedges 2023 test. This is an outstanding performance for a wedge that will likely fly under the radar. Its 4th place finish for accuracy helps propel it to 2nd overall. The Snakebite X Wedge also produces above average performances for consistency and spin.
If you prioritize accuracy, COBRA Snakebite X is one of the most accurate wedges on the market. Additionally, it performs well for carry distances and spin performance. In wet conditions, Snakebite X retains spin effectively, which is a stellar selling point.
Our testing pool does not rank it highly for sound, feel, and looks.
The Snakebite X Wedge is a golf wedge manufactured by Cobra Golf. The softened leading edge of the wedge helps in turf interaction, allowing for more consistent and accurate shots. The wedge is equipped with CNC-milled raw grooves, which provide maximum spin on the ball for better control and stopping power on the greens. Additionally, the progressive spin technology on the Snakebite X Wedge optimizes the trajectory of each shot, allowing players to achieve desired results around or near the green.
| OVERVIEW | PERFORMANCE | RANKING | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Accuracy evaluates if a player’s shots with each club are above or below what’s expected based on that player’s skill level. |
|
4th |
|
Consistency analyzes how reliable a wedge is with producing consistent carry distances and dispersion area. |
|
7th |
|
Spin is a performance account for full-swings, 50 yards, and a dry-versus-wet spin retention testing analysis. |
|
10th |
|
Ball speed measures how fast the ball is traveling off the face of the club. |
|
19th |
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TaylorMade Milled Grind Hi-Toe 3 Wedge places 3rd overall in our best golf wedges 2023 test. We finally got our hands on this wedge and it does not disappoint. It finishes 3rd for accuracy and 6th for consistency, which propel it to this 3rd place finish.
TaylorMade Hi-Toe 3 is one of the best golf wedges for accuracy from all of our testing conditions. It is a strong performer in our consistency scoring category as well. According to our testers, the Hi-Toe 3 also offers an appealing sound and feel.
Our testers were not keen on the overall looks of the TaylorMade Milled Grind Hi-Toe 3 Wedge.
The TaylorMade Hi-Toe 3 wedge is a high-performance golf club designed to enhance control, launch, spin, and feel in the short game. The Hi-Toe 3 wedge is part of the popular Hi-Toe series by TaylorMade, known for its exceptional performance in the short game. It offers lower trajectory and impressive spin rates, allowing golfers to have better control and accuracy around the greens.
| OVERVIEW | PERFORMANCE | RANKING | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Accuracy evaluates if a player’s shots with each club are above or below what’s expected based on that player’s skill level. |
|
3rd |
|
Consistency analyzes how reliable a wedge is with producing consistent carry distances and dispersion area. |
|
6th |
|
Spin is a performance account for full-swings, 50 yards, and a dry-versus-wet spin retention testing analysis. |
|
13th |
|
Ball speed measures how fast the ball is traveling off the face of the club. |
|
13th |
Cleveland CBX Full Face 2 places 4th overall in our best golf wedges 2023 test. Spin is its greatest strength where it finishes 2nd overall. CBX Full Face 2 produces consistent spin numbers on full-swings and 50-yard shots, in both a dry and wet condition. It also places within the top 8 for consistency and accuracy. Our testing pool ranks it highly for feel. Below, you can read more of our Cleveland CBX Full Face 2 Wedge Review.
Spin is arguably one of Cleveland CBX Full Face 2's strengths. Golfers want consistent spin from numerous playing conditions and CBX Full Face 2 does just that. Additionally, it is accurate and consistent with carry distances and dispersion.
The biggest knock against Cleveland CBX Full Face 2 is its looks. Our testing pool did not like the full face design and appearance.
The Cleveland CBX Full-Face 2 Wedge is an updated version of the CBX wedge line by Cleveland. It features ZipCore, HydraZip, and UltiZip technology, offering improved performance in wet conditions and enhanced spin. The golf wedges have a larger face and higher toe than their predecessors, a wide sole, large cavity-back, and forgiving performance.
| OVERVIEW | PERFORMANCE | RANKING | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Accuracy evaluates if a player’s shots with each club are above or below what’s expected based on that player’s skill level. |
|
8th |
|
Consistency analyzes how reliable a wedge is with producing consistent carry distances and dispersion area. |
|
8th |
|
Spin is a performance account for full-swings, 50 yards, and a dry-versus-wet spin retention testing analysis. |
|
2nd |
|
Ball speed measures how fast the ball is traveling off the face of the club. |
|
4th |
Cleveland RTX6 ZipCore Wedge ranks 5th overall in our best golf wedges 2023 test. Year over year, Cleveland makes one of the more consistent golf wedges on the market and this another prime example. The RTX6 ZipCore performs well across all three scoring categories - accuracy, consistency, and spin. It finishes inside the top 10 for each these categories. For us, performance in a wet condition is important and RTX6 ZipCore is hands down one of the best. Our testing pool also considers it one of the best golf wedges for sound, feel, and looks.
With above average performances in every scoring category, Cleveland RTX6 ZipCore ranks as one of the best golf wedges. It is one of the best wedges in wet conditions as well. If you're in the market for a new wedge, Cleveland RTX6 ZipCore needs to be at the top of your list.
If there is one negative surrounding the Cleveland RTX6 ZipCore, it is consistency. Relative to the field, it still does well though, so don't put too much thought into it. Go through a professional fitting to optimize performance.
The Cleveland RTX6 ZipCore Wedge is a high-performance golf club designed to provide maximum spin performance across various lies on the golf course. It features a larger ZipCore section that redistributes weight for increased forgiveness and stability on off-center hits. The wedge also incorporates a groove design specifically tailored to increase spin from juicier lies.
| OVERVIEW | PERFORMANCE | RANKING | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Accuracy evaluates if a player’s shots with each club are above or below what’s expected based on that player’s skill level. |
|
5th |
|
Consistency analyzes how reliable a wedge is with producing consistent carry distances and dispersion area. |
|
9th |
|
Spin is a performance account for full-swings, 50 yards, and a dry-versus-wet spin retention testing analysis. |
|
4th |
|
Ball speed measures how fast the ball is traveling off the face of the club. |
|
10th |
Choose a club category and pick two options to compare head-to-head. We'll show the stats from our testing side-by-side to see which ranks highest on the aspects that matter to you most. May the best club win!
See Head-to-HeadAccuracy plays a vital role in overall performance. Our Accuracy score is strictly based on one metric:
For wedge testing, we substitute distance for consistency. Golf wedges are a vital club within your golf bag because they are instrumental in scoring. You need a wedge that is forgiving and consistent. We have two metrics for consistency:
Think of this as our forgiveness and distance categories blended together.
Without a doubt, spin is an essential part of wedge performance. For wedge testing, we substitute forgiveness for spin. Here are our spin metrics:
Think of this as another form of gauging how consistent a golf wedge is in varying playing conditions.
Everything we do and say is based on cold, hard data. We challenge any and every claim with scientific measurement and analysis. If a product performs well, you'll hear about it. We'll tell you the truth and list the shortcomings if it doesn't.
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Everything we do and say is based on cold, hard data. We challenge any and every claim with scientific measurement and analysis. If a product performs well, you'll hear about it. We'll tell you the truth and list the shortcomings if it doesn't.
Looking for more detailed information on the best wedges?
Looking for more detailed information on the best wedges?
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| Driver Ping G30 | Hybrids PXG 0317 |
| 3/4 IRON PXG 0311XF | 5-GW Srixon Z 565 |
| SW PXG 0317 | LW PXG 0311 |
| Putter EVNROLL |
11 months ago
No Edel ranking, seriously?Travis
11 months ago
Totally irrelevant, no Callaway, or Titleist Vokey.
12 months ago
No Vokey or Callaway?? Bruh..
12 months ago
One of MGS’ most irrelevant tests ever! No Titleist Vokey and no Callaway? Club tests need to include all major manufacturers most current offerings. Circular file for this one!
12 months ago
OK, no Vokey. Sad. But I was also interested in how the PXG Sugar Daddy II wedge performed against the other wedges, especially since MGS uses it to evaluate 50y shots in the recent Golf Ball test. Where is it? It’s not like one wasn’t available.
12 months ago
Doing a comparison and excluding the market leaders is inane, embarrassing, and probably downright deceitful.
12 months ago
Agree totally. Did MGS intentionally exclude them?
12 months ago
Excellent and thorough review and the new TM MG4 is a great wedge. However, I’m sorry, but not to include a product with significant market share such as the Vokey SM9 wedge in testing is not the smartest move. Unless, I’m mistaken didn’t they introduce the T grind this year. Did you not include the Ping G425 in your driver testing this year. Best wedges or irons, etc should include the best available current product in a given year. So does this mean for manufacturers on 2 year product cycles, that you will exclude most of the Ping products or the Titleist T series irons, etc. next year? So perhaps to be fair, the title should actually be, best new wedges released in 2023, rather than best wedges of 2023. The reality is that you should be fit for all your clubs to determine what works best for you and your swing.
12 months ago
The price they have listed for Kirkland wedges is for 3, so basically you get three wedges for the price of most of the other brands one. I’d wager that every 10-20 handicapper that reads this wouldn’t be able to significantly play better with all the others vs. the Kirklands.
12 months ago
It would be nice if beyond Consistency and Accuracy they did a test on how well the wedge handles shots that are skulled across the green from 30 yards out. I think a “Chip Shot After Your Skulled Shot” should be a measurement category as well.
11 months ago
I agree with the TMmg4 ball speed rating. Solid wedge but, seems to need a little more Horsepower. I like them so far but do feel like I have to get on them a little more than a Vokey9 or PXGsd. I’m a mid handicap and probably just need to play the snakebite. lol.
12 months ago
using this logic, you would have to exclude all Ping products every other year since they have two year cycles. Silly not to include Vokeys.
12 months ago
Agree. Makes the results basically meaningless for comparison purposes
12 months ago
Why does TM have such limited shaft options for their wedges? Really poor showing for a huge company. They don’t have any Nippon wedge shaft options, no KBS wedge shaft options, etc.
12 months ago
How does a wedge that comes in 4th in accuracy, 7th in consistency, and 10th in spin come in 2nd overall when overall rankings are a compilation of accuracy, consistency, and spin? The math doesn’t seem to be mathing.
12 months ago
1) Scores are weighted such that Accuracy contributes the most to the overall score.
2) You can’t expect to average the rankings and arrive at the winner because that fails to take into account the margins between places.
For example, the gap between 1st and 10th for consistency is narrower than it is for accuracy.
12 months ago
The ping glide 4.0 was tested last year and this year but not the Titleist Vokey wedges? 🤔
12 months ago
The Ping Glide 4.0 performed in a way that no one expected in the wet wedge testing last year. I’d wager that it was for that reason alone – they put it in this year’s test too. The spin rate on the Glide actually went up in wet conditions last time around. It may be that they changed up the test a bit and wanted to see if the results held true under the new conditions.
Often times – they will put last year’s winner of a given category of club – back in the test for the new crop.
12 months ago
Mygolfspy does an incredible job and is a true asset to the community. I have no doubt that there was sound logic regarding excluding Vokey. Like others, I do think the process should be revised to include the most popular options. Regardless, thank you.
12 months ago
What most that are commenting on don’t understand, it’s usually an OEM in this case Titleist/Vokey decision to not send a product that is at the end of the life cycle. If they dont’ send it, MGS can’t test it :)
12 months ago
The new Vokey SM9’s were already out when you did testing. Ridiculous you didn’t include one of the best wedges made.
12 months ago
If that’s the case, think of how much trouble they could’ve saved all of us if they’d simply explained *why* Vokeys weren’t included in the test.
12 months ago
When all is said and done, it’s not the stats that counts, it’s how it works in YOUR hands. I’ve tried a half dozen or more wedges and I’ve always gone back to the Callaway wedges because they perform. Wedge play is the most significant part of my game. On many holes, I hit driver, 5w or 4h and then, because I’m not a long hitter, I’m hitting a wedge into the green. Typically, that’s a 56* or 50* Callaway CB wedge. And if my putting was working better, I’d probably be shooting single digit handicap, but as it is, it’s normally a 10 -12. Not crazy about the other Callaway offerings, but the Callaway wedges are the best in my book.
12 months ago
Where are the Jaws and the Vokeys?
My apologies if this was already explained and I missed it…
12 months ago
I know the answer will be “we tested the Vokeys last year, here’s the link,” but I still think it’s crazy to not include the most recent offerings for at least the big 5 in every year’s tests. To have a “Best Golf Wedges of 2023” and not include the most popular wedge in the world makes this list much less useful than it could be. And because there seems to be enough variance in the raw numbers from year to year in your testing (I understand that human testers are tough to normalize), you can’t really compare year-to-year. Maybe the title needs to be changed to “Best Golf Wedges Released in 2023”?
I know this complaint has been beaten to death, but I think it’s because people hold the site in such high regard and want the tests to be as “complete” as possible. No one else in the industry even comes close.
12 months ago
Sorry but where are the Titleist Vokeys?
12 months ago
It’s like the Republican presidential debates–the 800 pound gorilla stayed home.
12 months ago
Right??!! I think you can safely assume that Vokeys are always in the top 5 somewhere. Still… c’mon guys.
12 months ago
Unless someone can provide a logical reason why Vokeys wouldn’t be part of an “unbiased” wedge test, it’s difficult to not assume TaylorMade provided compensation to have multiple wedge sets referenced here without a true competitor. Casts doubt on any of these reviews from my perspective.
12 months ago
It’s because the MG4 wedges were released this year, and the SM9s are last year’s model, and were tested last year. I disagree with them not including Titleist, but they’ve been consistent in this to supposedly keep costs down.
12 months ago
No Vokey = worthless data
12 months ago
I think they only test models that are new this year. The latest Vokey itereation was in last year’s test. It came in 2nd overall to the MG3.
12 months ago
Easy! At time of testing new Vokeys were not public and the prior generation is on last year testing.
KJC
2 months ago
New headline…”Other than Titleist and Callaway, The Best Wedges of 2023″