Buying The Best Wedges: A Definitive Step-by-Step Guide [Updated 2019]

What is the most important club in your bag? Some will say it's their putter. Others will say driver or irons.

But how about the wedges?

Pair that with the fact that wedges are, in my opinion, quite complicated compared to other clubs. With drivers, you wouldn't have to worry about bounce angle. With irons, you wouldn't have to worry about sole grinds.

Pair that with the fact that there are four different types of wedges (and more if you count specialist wedges), each with different purposes and key features.

Best Choice For Beginners

Not only the basic concept alone, but the best wedges available today are also widely varied in features and technologies. With drivers, you will only need to worry about distance or forgiveness, and the features and technologies that support those emphases. With putters, you will only need to worry about accuracy and forgiveness.

However, there are many factors to determine a wedge's value, and many variations in features to support it.

So, this wedges buying guide will be our attempt to explain the basic concepts behind wedges, along with several products we deemed the best available today. We will start by discussing our product recommendations.

Product Reviews

After intense testing of a lot of different wedges released during 2016 and 2017, we have chosen four we deemed the best wedges. These four different wedges are quite different with each other and will cater to different players.

We've excluded the very famous XE1 Wedge, as it received its own review.

Without further ado, let us begin with the first one:

Cleveland RTX-3 Wedge

Cleveland’s 588 range of wedges is among the most prominent, or rather, legendary brands for wedges around. Ever since the introduction of the brand in 1988, Cleveland has sold over 10 million of 588 wedges, an amazing number by any standard.

The RTX-3 wedge, which is the point of our discussion today, is the latest addition to the 588 family, succeeding the very successful Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 (we reviewed the RTX 2.0 in a previous article).

Although the Cleveland RTX-3 wedge dropped the ‘588’ from its name in favor of the new ‘RTX’ brand, it is still a worthy successor to the 588 line, with a lot of great features of the RTX 2.0 carried over.

The ‘RTX’ in the name stands for Cleveland’s Rotex Face, which is updated with the RTX 3. The core technology for the Rotex face is between the grooves, where the face is laser etched to create more friction compared to your traditional club faces. With the RTX3, the Rotex face is perfected even more, with deeper and narrower grooves compared to the RTX 2.0.

So, will the Cleveland RTX-3 Wedge lives up to the Cleveland 588 name? First, let us dig deeper to its key features.

Key Features of the Cleveland RTX-3 Wedge 

Key Feature #1: Third Generation Rotex Face

The lower lofts, up to 52 degrees, have a straight line pattern. On the other hand, the higher lofts from 54 degrees have angled lines. This way, the pattern has more effect with open face with the higher lofts.

Key Feature #2: Versatile Bounce Options

With the Cleveland RTX 3, you can choose between low, medium, and high bounce for most of the lofts, signified with one, two, or three dots on the sole. So, you can choose between a wide range of lofts of 46 up to 64 degrees and choose the proper bounce for each, depending on your needs and playstyle.

Key Feature #3: V Sole Grind

With the new V-Sole Grind, the RTX 3 is much narrower than the RTX 2.0, causing it to lose up to 23% of speed through impact. As a result, it is easier to go through the turf with the RTX 3.0, even on the tightest lies and thickest greens.

Our Verdict: Cleveland RTX-3 Wedge

The keywords for the Cleveland RTX 3 is balance and consistency. In fact, it is one of the most consistent wedges around, if we are talking about performances.

The Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 is already an excellent wedge, so the RTX 3, being a significant improvement is saying a lot. The biggest improvement comes from the new Feel Balancing Technology, which essentially moves the center of gravity closer to the center of the face, compared to the RTX 2.0.

As a result, the balance of the head and face is superior, and the RTX 3 consistently produces more distance than the RTX 2.0, which again, is saying a lot.

The RTX 3 also produces 500-600 RPM more spin, and has a relatively low launch angle. It also sounds and feels a bit better than the RTX 2.0, giving you a classic Cleveland sound and feel. Very accurate wedge with great playability and feel.

TaylorMade is definitely one of the hottest brands for golf clubs nowadays, especially for their excellent drivers and woods.

The ‘M2’ is TaylorMade’s current flagship brand for their game-improvement clubs, so we can expect some form of forgiveness from the M2 Wedge, which is the point of our discussion now (we reviewed the other M2 clubs previously: here for the M2 Irons and here for the M2 Hybrid).

The TaylorMade M2 Wedge is, admittedly, not as popular as the M2 Driver or Irons, however, it is still one of the best high-end wedges out there.

Being a TaylorMade club, we can also expect the M2 Wedge to be built with distance in mind, and the M2 Wedges are indeed, some of the longest wedges in the game today.

The concept behind the 2017 M2 clubs is launching the ball as high as possible and as fast as possible to achieve maximum distance, with enough forgiveness and steep landing angle. That concept stays true with the wedge.

The key behind those deadly combinations of height, speed and forgiveness is the well-proven face slot that first appeared in TaylorMade RSi clubs a few years back and the low center of gravity position. The face slot reduces the loss of ball speed during mishits, indirectly improving the forgiveness.

On the other hand, the lower CG position helps with increasing the ball speed and flight trajectory.

Let us now discuss the key features of the TaylorMade M2 Wedge.

Key Features of the TaylorMade M2 Wedge

Key Feature #1: Face Slot

However, it is vastly improved with the M2 clubs including the TaylorMade M2 Wedge, thanks to the new ribs going across the back of the club.

Key Feature #2: Ultra-Thin Speed Pocket

TaylorMade's Speed Pocket enables the face to flex more during impact, which translates into a higher ball speed. With the 2017 M2 clubs, the speed pocket is made thinner than before of around 33%, which further increases the flex, and thus the ball speed.

Our Verdict: TaylorMade M2 Wedge

Distance and height is the emphasis of the TaylorMade M2 Wedge. Being a cavity back wedge paired with the Face Slot technology, the M2 Wedge is also quite forgiving, which is definitely a plus point.

However, the M2 Wedge lacks the versatility and playability of the previously reviewed Cleveland RTX 3.0, as the two are built with different emphasis. If you are looking for a forgiving club with great natural trajectory, speed, and ultimately, distance, the M2 Wedge is simply one of the best choices available.

Callaway is another high-end brand in the world of golf clubs and equipment. The Mack Daddy itself is a very prominent brand for golf wedges, with the name 'Mack Daddy' comes from Phil Mickelson himself when describing the high spin grooves synonymous with the brand.

We had already precisely reviewed the previous version, the Mack Daddy 2, and had given it a fair rating.

One thing you will really notice from the Mack Daddy 3, however, is the looks. In our opinion, it is one of the best-looking clubs out there, a combination of Callaway's classic feel and the high-tech design of current trends.

The highlight of the Mack Daddy 3 design is the four holes drilled in the back of the sole, covered with green tinted glasses which looked pretty cool. They are, however, not entirely cosmetic, as the holes are designed to remove weight from the sole, moving the center of gravity to keep a lower flight trajectory.

So, let us take a look at the key features of the Callaway Mack Daddy 3 Wedge.

Key Features of the Callaway Mack Daddy 3

Key Feature #1: 3 Different Grinds

There are three different grind options available for the Mack Daddy 3: the S Grind, W Grind, and C Grind, which are available for all of the lofts.

The S Grind is the traditional, versatile sole with all-around purpose, signified with a little relief in the heel area. The C Grind features a slightly wider sole, which means more forgiveness and flexibility. The W Grind is even wider with slightly more bounce, giving you even more margin of error.

Key Feature #2: Progressive Groove Optimization

The Mack Daddy 3 features different grooves as the loft goes higher. The progressive groove is designed to optimize spin, while also helping with the transition from your irons to wedges.

Key Feature #3: Advanced Weight Ports

The four holes drilled behind the sole surely look cool and high-tech, however, they are not solely for cosmetic purposes. The drilled holes repositioned the center of gravity, with the purpose of lower flight trajectory, better shot shaping, and better forgiveness on the deep rough.

Our Verdict: Callaway Mack Daddy 3

While the TaylorMade M2 is built with distance in mind, and the Cleveland RTX focusing on consistency, the Callaway Mack Daddy 3 will fit players with shot-shaping needs. Although it is not technically a beginners' wedge, the Mack Daddy 3 is still pretty decent in forgiveness, especially with the S or W Grind options.

The key highlight of the Callaway Mack Daddy 3 Wedge is the progressive groove, which is designed for optimized, smoother spin for shot shaping and shot stopping purposes. If shot shaping playability is your playstyle, the Mack Daddy 3 is simply an excellent choice.

Bottom Line and Conclusion

The four different wedges we have covered are very different to each other. To further understand the key differences, here is our summary:

Popular Questions & Answers About Golf Wedges

Here, we will cover some of the frequently asked questions for wedges. By answering these questions, we hope you can get a better picture regarding key values of the wedge and can make a better purchase decision.

Wedges are generally divided into four main types as follow:

Wedge Type #1: Pitching Wedge (PW)

The pitching Wedge is the most common type of wedge, and generally, every player will always carry one. As the name suggests, the pitching wedge is most commonly used for full shots into greens and longer chip shots. Pitching wedges are commonly, although not always, included in an iron set.

Pitching wedges are commonly 44-48 degrees in loft, although the current trend prefers lower lofted pitching wedge of 44-45 degrees to blend with longer-hitting irons.

Wedge Type #2: Gap Wedge (GW)

The Gap Wedge is used to fill the 'gap' between the pitching wedge and sand wedge. Gap wedges are also often called Utility Wedge (UW) or Attack Wedge (AW) and are usually lofted at 50 to 53 degrees.

Gap wedges are better suited for fuller shots, to bridge a distance gap or offer more variety especially near the greens.

Wedge Type #3: Sand Wedge (SW)

The sand wedge is originally designed to escape from sand straps and green side bunkers. The sand wedge has a relatively wider and heavier sole and comes in the range of 54 to 58 degrees in loft.

Before the lob wedge was invented, the sand wedge was the go-to club for chip shots and bunker shots, so using the sand wedge for those purposes is also viable if you don't carry a lob wedge. 

We've recently released an in-depth review of the best sand wedges, in case you decide to opt to buy a sand wedge. ​

Key Feature #4: Lob Wedge (LW)

The newest wedge invented, and the highest lofted at around 60 to 64 degrees (and even more). So, the lob wedge is utilized to produce more height and spin, especially near the green. With that feature, the lob wedge is commonly used more for chips and flop shots rather than fuller shots.

There are many different types of wedge shots, however, in the end, it can boil down to just two broad groups:

Wedge Shot Type #1: Fuller Shots

The main principle for fuller shots is that it has a relatively low flight trajectory and the ball will run out a little after landing. Pitching wedges and gap wedges are better suited for this type. The aim with fuller shots is to get the ball closer to the hole, and that is a good thing to remember when practicing this shot.

Wedge Shot Type #2: Lob Shots

The lob shot, with a higher flight trajectory, lands closer to the pin and stops abruptly. The aim with this type of shot is trajectory, mainly to escape traps or tough lies. There are several different subtypes for lob shots like chip shots, flop shots, and bunker shots. However, the basic principle and mission are retained.

Mainly, the subtypes are simply tweaking the flight trajectory and distance to your needs. So, if you have a good command of the two techniques, you are basically good to go.

It is very important to learn the two different type of shots and commit some time to practicing with your wedges. The key for a good wedge game is versatility, and by having a good basis for the two different shots, you can make better judgments on the fly.

To answer this question, we must first understand the principle behind the loft angle, which is commonly misunderstood. There are two simple principles we should understand:

A common mistake is to assume that a higher loft angle equals higher flight. While it is true for most of the case, there are other factors to determine flight trajectory. However, the principle stays true that the higher the loft, the shorter the expected distance.

Here are the common loft angle options for the four different wedges:

So, how should we choose the right loft angle? There are a few factors you should consider:

By holding to those sets of principles discussed above, you can easily determine the right lofts for your wedges, depending on your needs and playstyle. 

Let us discuss the basic principles behind the sole grind. First, what actually is a sole grind?

In its essence, the sole grind is the additional shaping of the wedge's sole, usually around the toe or the heel, or sometimes both.

The term 'grind' comes from the fact that manufacturers machine-grind the soles to suit specific needs, whether turf conditions or specific shots.

So, how will it affect your game? Here are the basic principles:

There are many variations of different grinds from different manufacturers. In fact, grinds can get so unique it can be patented. By understanding the two basic principles above, you can make a better judgment of choosing the right grind.

You might want to check this explanation for Bob Vokey's grind designs for a better picture of grind variations.

Let's first address the elephant in the room: whether it's chrome or raw finish, it is purely visual, and it won't affect feel, sound, and your game in a direct, significant way.

A common misconception is that the chrome finish, due to thicker coating, will affect the sound and feedback. This isn't the case nowadays due to the advanced coating technology.

So, choosing between any of them will mostly be based on visual preferences. However, is there any advantage of one over the other? There is.

The wedges are the workhorse clubs in your bag. They will scratch against thick turfs, they will dig the ground often, and ultimately, the finish will wear off faster than your other clubs.

The chrome finish is designed with this thing in mind, and the thick, hard coating will help combat the wedge's workload. As a result, chrome-finished wedges are generally more durable in the long run.

So, if you appreciate the shiny look of your clubs, the chrome finish is definitely a better choice.

You should always remember to consider the overall finish quality. Some manufacturers have very durable raw finishes, and some manufacturers have cheap chrome finishes. So, when possible, check before buying.

Let's take a quick look at the concept behind 'bounce'. Bounce is the area of the wedge that hits the ground, hence 'bouncing' the club through the surface during impact with the ball.

The bounce angle, then, is the angle between the leading edge of the sole area that meets the ground.

So, how should you choose the right bounce angle? Let us take a look at the three different options, and how they will suit a specific condition or playstyle:

Option #1: Low Bounce Wedges

Wedges with 4 to 6 degrees of bounce angle are considered 'low bounce'. The low bounce wedges are better suited for players with a tendency to sweep the ball, and generally will perform better in firmer turfs, including bunkers with coarse or little sand.

Option #2: Mid Bounce Wedges

For wedges to be considered 'mid bounce', the bounce angle is generally between 7 to 10 degrees. For those who want versatility, mid bounce wedges are generally a safe choice and are suited for a wide range of swing types and turf conditions.

Option #3: High Bounce Wedges

Any wedges with bounce angle above 10 degrees can be considered 'high bounce'. Meaning, the leading edge sits significantly higher when the face is opened to address the ball. High bounce wedges will help players who dig at impact with the tendency of making deep pivots and stances. High bounce wedges also work well in softer conditions and bunkers with deep sands.

Bottom Line and Final Verdict

Here we will choose the best of the best out of the four wedges we have covered. The four different clubs have very different characteristics and features and will suit different types of players. We have to choose one overall best between them.

Hence, our choice goes to:

Cleveland Golf RTX-3 Wedge

The Cleveland RTX-3 is simply the most well-rounded option out of the four wedges. It provides decent forgiveness, very consistent in performance, and very versatile with shot-shaping purposes. Being a Cleveland wedge, you can also expect excellent sound and feel from the RTX 3, and it looks pretty decent, a Cleveland classic.

The TaylorMade M2 is more forgiving and will be a better choice for beginners. On the other hand, better players will appreciate the playability and feel of the Callaway Mack Daddy 3.

Last but not least, if you have any question or suggestion, please don’t hesitate to leave it in the comment section below.