Best Golf Wedges 2022
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What are the best golf wedges in 2022? We’ve carried out two in-depth tests this year to ensure every model is covered and you get the best wedge for your game.
Golf wedges don’t work on the same lifecycles as most major equipment launches. While TaylorMade, Callaway and Cobra traditionally launch new product families early each year and leave them in the market for 12 months, and Ping often work on 18-month cycles, wedges are often revealed mid-season and come with a two-year life expectancy.
We carried out a full head-to-head test of all of the models available at the start of 2022, which you’ll also find below, but with some big wedge launches, including TaylorMade’s Hi-Toe 3, Callaway’s Jaws Raw and Titleist’s Vokey Design SM9, we carried out a second head-to-head test in Autumn to see how the very latest models compared.
In total, we’ve pitted 30 wedges against each other on our launch monitor in 2022 to determine the best wedges for your game (read how we conducted the test, view the data, and see how we analyzed the data).
We’d recommend that you use our guides to help narrow your shortlist down before heading to your pro or nearest golf facility and getting fully fitted for your clubs as that’s the only way to optimize new models for your game.
Now let’s dive into the best wedges to find out which models deserve a place in your golf bag in 2022. Click your favorite clubs name to read more about the model.
Best Golf Wedges 2022
Titleist Vokey Design SM9 wedge
Lofts: 46° / 48° / 50° / 52° / 54° / 56° / 58° / 60º / 62º | Finishes: Brushed Steel, Tour Chrome, Jet Black | Grinds: F, S, M, K, L, D | Stock shaft: True Temper Dynamic Gold S200
RRP £169 | VIEW OFFER
Today’s Golfer test verdict: We’ve done lots of testing with Vokey wedges over the years and they’re always very solid performers, without ever being the very highest spinners. This year, more so than ever, Vokey stand out as THE traditional wedge choice. Though there’s extra weight high in the SM9’s blade, there’s no high-toe or full-face groove option available.
The family has a cracking shape profile, decent feel and tons of options going in its favor, which means as long as your short game truly warrants tour-level wedges, Vokey SM9 wedges are really tough to ignore.
Vega Alcor wedge
Lofts: 50º / 52° / 54º / 56° / 58º / 60° / 62º | Finishes Satin or Gold | Stock Shaft Vega Wedge Shaft by Shimada
RRP £225 | VIEW OFFER
Today’s Golfer test verdict: On initial inspection the Vega Alcor looks a bit wacky, but its CNC-milled channels across the back help position mass efficiently, so there are decent performance benefits to be had here.
In the play position, just like the Vega VWX, the Alcor has a brilliant profile; Vega clearly know their stuff about creating great-looking wedges. Our data shows both Vega models among our highest spinning three wedges, which is a seriously impressive result.
Vega wedges are pricey as they’re Japanese forged, which very few wedges are, so if you put a premium on craftsmanship over price, you won’t be disappointed.
TaylorMade Hi-Toe 3 wedge
Lofts: 50° / 52° / 54° / 56° / 58° / 60º | Finishes: Raw | Grinds: High, Standard, Low Bounce | Stock shaft: KBS HI-REV 115 2.0
RRP £139 | VIEW OFFER
Today’s Golfer test verdict: TaylorMade make no secret of how the Hi-Toe 3, with its higher CG and full-face grooves, gives golfers a little extra spin performance. But if you find them hard to swallow, the brand also make the brilliant, traditional MG3, too.
We love the shape of the lower loft Hi-Toe; there’s a straight leading edge and the brushed copper finish frames the ball brilliantly at address. Run a finger up the face and the extra surface texture of the micro-ribs is very apparent tech, designed to help stop the most delicate short shots.
It’s a thoroughly modern wedge family. If we could just see past those full-face grooves, we’d love to play a set.
Vega VWX wedge
Lofts: 48° / 52° / 56° / 60º | Finishes: Satin, Raw | Stock shaft: Vega Wedge Shaft by Shimada
RRP £225 | VIEW OFFER
Today’s Golfer test verdict: We haven’t done much testing with Vega equipment over the years, but based on this result, we clearly need to do more. The VWX was the only 52° wedge to break the 10,000rpm barrier for backspin, and it was a sizeable 895rpm out in front of its closest rival.
We like its head profile; it’s completely non-offensive and there’s a reassuring, slightly higher heel than on some of the higher-toe models.
In the west, some players put a premium on Japanese forged products – at this price, the VWX is the perfect wedge to satisfy those club connoisseurs.
PXG 0311 Sugar Daddy II Milled wedge
Lofts: 46° / 48° / 50° / 52° / 54° / 56° / 58° / 60º / 62º | Finishes: Chrome, Xtreme Dark | Grinds: BP, C | Stock shaft: True Temper Elevate 95g (s), True Temper Elevate Tour (s), Project X Cypher 60i (g), UST Recoil Dart 75g (g)
RRP £429 | VIEW OFFER
Today’s Golfer test verdict: At that RRP, the Sugar Daddy is absolutely not for everyone. But if you recognize the benefit of precision, 100% CNC-milled putters, you’ll understand exactly what this wedge brings to the party.
The 0311 has a gorgeous shape, there’s a lovely straight leading edge and as it’s milled, every head has the same crisp dimensions. Don’t buy the Sugar Daddy just because it’s the only 100% milled wedge available.
Thanks to its superior weight tech, the model can also be weighted up or down and swing-weighted for longer or shorter shafts without changing the center of gravity position – that’s crucial for precise wedge play.
Callaway Jaws Raw wedge
RRP £179 | VIEW OFFER
Lofts: 48° / 50° / 52° / 54° / 56° / 58° / 60º | Finishes: Chrome, Black Plasma | Grinds: Z, S, X, W | Stock shaft: Dynamic Gold Spinner shaft (s); Project X Catalyst shaft (g)
Today’s Golfer test verdict: The new Raw model brings together all Roger Cleveland’s know-how into an unplated model that will rust over time. With 17 loft and bounce combinations, there’s a solution for every player.
The S Grind is the most popular mid-width sole wedge in the family, whereas the wider W-Grind is brilliant for players looking for slightly more forgiveness.
Don’t read too much into our spin numbers; there are five models separated by 294rpm, which is incredibly close and could easily be different on another’s day testing. What’s key is choosing a wedge you love, and Jaws ticks all the right boxes for us.
Ram Tour Grind wedge
Lofts: 50° / 52° / 54° / 56° / 58° / 60° | Finishes: Black, Satin | Grinds: Tour | Stock shaft: Standard Steel
RRP £39.99 | VIEW OFFER
Today’s Golfer test verdict: Ram Tour Grind wedges hit the headlines back in 1982 when Tom Watson chipped in on the 17th hole of the US Open at Pebble Beach against Jack Nicklaus while using one. The brand has been through several guises since, but it’s now operational again in the UK.
With a tour-inspired head profile, Ram say this incredible value-for-money model is built for decent wedge players. Expect a slightly rounder leading edge along with decent feel and feedback (our test pro was very positive about them).
A big draw for club golfers, alongside the price tag, is the choice of lofts; most budget wedges come with nothing more than a 52°, 56°, 60° offering.
PXG 0311 3X wedge
Lofts: 50° / 52° / 54° / 56° / 58° / 60° / 62° | Finishes: Chrome, Xtreme Dark | Stock shaft: True Temper Elevate Tour and Elevate MP 95g, KBS Tour Lite, Nippon Modus Pro 125 (s); UST Recoil Dart 75g, Project X Cypher 60i, Mitsubishi MMT 70/80g (g)
RRP £179 | VIEW OFFER
Today’s Golfer test verdict: PXG are well aware that not everyone can splurge £420 on 100%-milled 0311 Sugar Daddy II wedges, so the 0311 3X Forged is the company’s competitor to most tour-level models.
A high-toe shape gives a modern appearance, ups MOI, and positions the CG in line when hitting open-face shots. Expect a lower ball flight than the Sugar Daddy II, which is more compact in shape and has additional weight positioned low in the blade.
The 0311s are an attractive package. They’re forged, when most modern wedges aren’t, and we see them best fitting golfers looking to match the feel and feedback of a lovely set of forged irons.
Best Golf Wedges 2022: Launch Monitor Data
Cleveland CBX ZipCore wedge
Lofts: 44° / 46° / 48° / 50° / 52° / 54° / 56° / 58° / 60° | Finishes: Satin | Grinds: Progressive V, S and C Grinds depending on loft | Stock shaft: Dynamic Gold 115 Spinner Tour Issue (s) Project X Catalyst 80 Spinner (g)
RRP £109 | VIEW OFFER
Today’s Golfer test verdict: What Cleveland have achieved with their cavity back CBX wedges is quite remarkable. We’ve seen enough over the years to say CBX should be the starting point for club golfers looking to buy new wedges; if you use cavity back irons your short game and bunker play will thank you for it.
Our test data might not instantly highlight the CBX as our pro’s top performing model, but it’s important to remember the wider sole and slightly higher bounce (which impeded his typical strike, and is exactly why we advise a fitting) are just the attributes that will help club golfers neutralise the effects of off-centre hits and less-than-perfect strikes.
We love how the new CBX has a lightweight compound inside the heel. It frees up mass, so MOI forgiveness is improved, and the centre of gravity is pushed towards the centre of the face, so feel and accuracy are boosted, too. An intelligent wedge choice for lots of club golfers.
Honma T//World TR wedge
Lofts: 48° / 50° / 52° / 54° / 56° / 58° / 60º | Finishes: Satin | Grind options: I-Sole, C-Sole, S-Sole | Stock shaft: Nippon N.S. Pro Modus3 115
RRP £149 | VIEW OFFER
Today’s Golfer test verdict: A big part of the story behind the T//World wedge is having the right blade profile for the right shot situation (so the lower lofts have flat blades, whereas the higher lofts have a revered taper design, so more mass is positioned higher to maximize consistency and predictability), and our test data supports how the idea can help real-world golfers.
The T//World is among our favorite wedges of the year as it’s a really desirable shape. It’s the biggest attraction though goes more than skin deep. The model gave our pro his smallest amount of backspin drop-off (the difference between highest and lowest spinning shots) while hitting shots into the second smallest area and generating the third best carry distance drop-off, which of course all adds consistency and predictability on the course.
TaylorMade Milled Grind 3 (MG3) wedge
Lofts: 46° / 50° / 52° / 54° / 56° / 58° / 60° | Finishes: Satin Chrome, Satin Black | Grinds: Standard bounce, low bounce, high bounce, Tiger Grind | Stock shaft: True Temper Tour Issue S200
RRP £129 | VIEW OFFER
Today’s Golfer test verdict: If you’re the type of golfer who just wants a brilliant traditional shape wedge with a familiar groove pattern, and you want a ton of loft, sole grind, and finish options then the MG3’s will be right up your street.
The MG3 was among our five highest-spinning wedge models this year. It also gave our test pro his second-lowest carry distance drop-off (8 yds / 8.2%) and we love the super simple look and straight leading edge at address.
If you’re adamant your short game is best served by tour-level bladed wedges then the MG3 is an absolute beauty that will stand the test of time.
Ben Hogan Equalizer II wedge
Lofts: 48° / 50° / 52° / 54° / 56° / 58° / 60° / 62° | Finishes: Chrome or Black | Grinds: Standard, Texas Grind | Stock shaft: Choose between four premium options
Today’s Golfer test verdict: Ben Hogan wedges have been firm favorites here at TG for several years now. They’ve always represented excellent value for money and have consistently been among our top-performing wedges for backspin each year.
The Equalizer II fills the shoes of its older sibling beautifully. Our data has it down as not only our test pro’s highest spinning wedge of 2022 but also our leading model for carry distance consistency, which of course will help with accurate scoring on the golf course.
While we love the Equalizer’s head shape, feel and feedback along with the shot-making capacity and keen £125 price tag (so you could get a three wedge family for £132 less than a set of Vokey SM9s), Hogan have temporarily closed their UK website, so you’d need to order them from the US.
Titleist Vokey Design SM8 wedge
Lofts: 46° / 48° / 50° / 52° / 54° / 56° / 58° / 60° / 62° | Finishes: Tour Chrome, Brushed Steel, Jet Black, Raw | Grinds: Six sole grinds (F, M, S, D, L and K) | Stock Shaft: True Temper Dynamic Gold S200
RRP £139 | VIEW OFFER
Today’s Golfer test verdict: By the time you read this Titleist’s new SM9 wedges will be hitting the shelves. Unfortunately, our test was done in January, before SM9 samples were available. But because Vokey wedges have such a long and rich history we knew no legitimate wedge test would ever be complete without them, so we’ve included the previous SM8s with the intention of testing SM9 once it’s widely available.
Vokey wedges have been cracking tour-level models for 20-odd years, and while our data might not have it as flat-out best in any particular area, nobody can argue they’re not beautiful to look at and very solid across the board in terms of spin and forgiveness. Because there are six sole grinds to choose from, as well as plenty of shaft options, you really should seek out a proper fitting session.
Ping Glide 4.0 wedge
Lofts: 46° / 50° / 52° / 54° / 56° / 58° / 60° | Finish options: Hydropearl 2.0 Satin | Grind options: T Grind, S Grind, W Grind, E Grind | Stock shaft: Ping Z-Z115 Wedge or AWT 2.0 Wedge (s) Ping Alta CB Red (g)
RRP £160 (s) £170 (g) | VIEW OFFER
Today’s Golfer test verdict: Ping’s fourth-gen Glide 4.0 wedge is brand new for 2022. We like it because it’s almost a halfway step between a full-on blade wedge and a much deeper traditional cavity back.
By splitting weight low and high in the blade, stability is increased, and compared to previous models we reckon there’s a slightly shorter blade length, which definitely improves the cosmetics.
A lovely wedge that can’t be faulted, even though it didn’t quite nudge its way into the upper echelons of our data charts.
PXG 0311 Milled wedge
Lofts: 50° / 52° / 54° / 56° / 58° / 60° / 62° / 64° | Finish options: Chrome or Xtreme Dark | Grind options: Low bounce 58° and 60° | Stock shaft: True Temper Elevate (s) Mitsubishi MMT (g)
RRP £355 | VIEW OFFER
Today’s Golfer test verdict: Yes, PXG’s CNC milled wedges are outrageously expensive (the price recently came down from £720!), but it doesn’t stop them being the most accurate and precise wedges money can buy.
The 0311’s head shape is outrageously good, we love the straight leading edge and how the club sits at address, the satin finish is cracking, too. If you have the dosh to treat yourself these are very special.
Cleveland RTX Full Face wedge
Lofts: 50° / 52° / 54° / 56° / 58° / 60° / 64° | Finish options: Tour Satin, Black Satin, Tour Rack | Grind options: C- Grind only | Stock shaft: True Temper Dynamic Gold Spinner Tour Issue
RRP £119 | VIEW OFFER
Today’s Golfer test verdict: Full-face wedges with high toe shapes and grooves running across the entire face are all the rage right now. While they may not be our test pro’s favorite wedge look (at address) there’s no doubt tons of golfers want to put them in play.
The RTX has a cracking shape and decent levels of feel, but what’s more impressive is how the model was our test pro’s second-best wedge for protecting backspin drop-off (consistency) and hit shots into the third smallest area (22 models tested).
Anyone not attracted to the full-face shape has the brand’s brilliant RTX ZipCore as a tour-level alternative.
TaylorMade Hi-Toe Raw wedge
Lofts: 50° / 52° / 54° / 56° / 58° / 60° / 62° | Stock shaft: KBS Hi-Rev 2.0 | Head options: Low bounce 58° and 60°, High Bounce Bigfoot (56°, 58°, 60°) | Finishes: Aged Copper only
RRP £149 | VIEW OFFER
Today’s Golfer test verdict: Rusty wedges are hugely popular on tour as pros feel there’s extra friction to be had over plated models. TaylorMade’s Raw finish naturally rusts over time, which neatly fits with how the model was our second highest spinning model (10,248rpm) of the test.
Hi-Toe shapes split opinion, but we reckon TaylorMade’s is as good as you’ll find. We like the face grooves in the lower lofts and feel golfers will benefit most from the full-face grooves in the higher lofts (where Cleveland’s Full face have full-face grooves in all lofts).
Callaway Jaws MD5 wedge
Lofts: 46° / 48° / 50° / 52° / 54° / 56° / 58° / 60° / 64° | Stock shaft: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue 115 | Head options: Four Sole Grinds (C, S, X, W) | Finishes: Platinum Chrome, Tour Grey
RRP £149 | VIEW OFFER
Today’s Golfer test verdict: If we only took data from only our test pro’s highest spinning shot with each wedge, Callaway’s MD5, with its micro protrusion face, would be our king of spin. It produced an impressive 11,159rpm of stopping power.
Being a tour-style wedge, the MD5 does have a pretty sharp leading edge, which can be good for nipping shots from tight lies, but also means you need to be a precise and accurate ball striker, especially from damp turf or sand.
A lovely wedge that will be most at home in the hands of above-average golfers.
Which other golf wedges did we test?
We tested 22 wedges to find the best models of 2022, with the data showing how every model performed and how forgiving it is shown in full below.
As well as the ten we’ve highlighted as the standouts above, we tested the MacGregor V-Foil, Bettinardi HLX 3.0, Sub 70 Forged JB, Cobra King MIM, PXG 0311 Forged, Cleveland RTX Zipcore, Ping Glide Forged, Mizuno T22, Mizuno ES21, Callaway Jaws Full Toe, Wilson Staff Model Forged, and the Cleveland CBX Full Face.
Best Golf Wedges 2022: Launch Monitor Data
Best Golf Wedges 2022: Forgiveness Data
How we carried out our 2022 golf wedges tests
– We created an indoor test lab at Keele Golf Centre to ensure a controlled environment
– The leading brands supplied their 2022 wedges in our Test Pro Neil Wain’s spec.
– We used premium TaylorMade TP5x golf balls and a Foresight GC Quad launch monitor to create the most reliable data possible.
– We rejected major misses but recorded how shots launched, span, peaked, and dropped out of the air, before crunching the numbers to come up with our conclusions.
How we analyzed our best golf wedges data
Before we came to any conclusions, we analyzed the data for each club tested; on distance, spin rates, and forgiveness. The latter we refer to as drop-offs; the differences in ball speed, spin and carry between our test pro’s on- and off-center hits.
This insight gives a reliable indication of how forgiving each model will be on the course, as we’ve argued for years that dispersion can be very misleading as it’s based on how you swing on a particular day. We analyzed all that data before choosing winners.
Golf wedges: Frequently asked questions
Should I use cavity back or blade wedges?
With good cavity back wedge options available, it’s daft to start your wedge-buying journey without deciding which type will suit your game. If you play cavity back irons then it’s likely similar wedges will be an excellent accompaniment, as amateurs don’t suddenly become pros when pulling a wedge from their bags.
By opting for slightly bigger, more forgiving cavity back wedges, some of the confusing choices around bounce and sole grind are made for you, which can simplify getting the right set-up for you.
Are raw or plated wedges best for me?
Raw wedges have grown in popularity as brands have figured out a way for just the face to rust over time. An overwhelming majority of tour players use raw wedges, as they believe they offer a slightly better feel and spin.
Rust alone doesn’t make a wedge spin more; it’s the lack of groove edges being covered (rounded) by the plating process which can add additional spin and control. It may only make a small difference, but if you’re after ultimate feel and spin performance, raw wedges have the edge.
Should I choose hi-toe or traditional wedges?
Hi-toe or full-face wedges have become a huge trend, so much so that most major brands now have higher toe options in addition to their regular wedge line-up. Hi-toe models have a taller face height in the toe area, and this extra mass draws the center of gravity up the face.
Brands say golfers get slightly lower launching and higher spinning shots from hi-toe models, which of course means there’s an additional performance on offer – as long as you can stomach their shape.
What about full-face grooves?
Full-face grooves are a modern phenomenon. The idea is that when you play from sand and rough, very often shots don’t impact the center of the face. So by having grooves running across the entire face, spin and control are maxed no matter where shots impact.
While some golfers (us included) struggle to stomach looking down on full-face grooves, if you can use them, you’re stacking a little extra performance in your corner.
What lofts should I choose for my wedges?
Choosing lofts can be confusing. We’d recommend a fitting session, as with the help of a launch monitor and fitter you will get a better understanding of the job each wedge performs.
If you insist on going it alone, you won’t go too far wrong by owning a gap wedge (possibly a 46-52° loft) for shorter approaches, a sand wedge (54-56°) with a decent amount of bounce to use primarily from sand, and a lob wedge (58-60°) for short, high lofted, soft landing escape shots around the green.
If you can get a higher-lofted wedge to perform from sand and also do the job of a lob wedge, you get away with needing just two wedges rather than three.
What wedge bounce, grind, and finish is right for me?
If you’re the type of player who wants to explore sole grinds and bounce, seek out a trusted fitter. The Vokey Design SM9 wedges, for example, come with six different sole grinds plus low, mid, and high-bounce options, so things can go seriously wrong at this hurdle.
Generally, there’s a shift to higher bounce wedges, yet many golfers choose lower bounce models which dig aggressively into the turf. We like how darker finishes disguise head shape and would always recommend that you consider finishes that don’t glare in sunlight.
Do I need different shafts in my wedges to my irons?
On tour, wedges are now regularly fitted with shafts a flex weaker than a player’s irons, as so few shots are hit full-out with a specialty wedge. It makes a lot of sense to think about doing something similar; the idea maximizes feel and stopping power.
With brands such as KBS also now offering four or five different wedge shafts, it’s well worth taking the time to find one that works for you and not just settling for a heavy stock wedge shaft that bears little or no resemblance to your irons.
READ NEXT:
– Best Irons
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About the author
Simon Daddow – Today’s Golfer Equipment Editor
Having tested and played more than 10,000 clubs in his life, what Simon doesn’t know about golf clubs isn’t worth knowing.
He spent a large part of his career as a golf club maker and product development manager, and has worked in the golf industry for more than 30 years. He joined EMAP Active (now Bauer Media) as Equipment Editor in 2006 and has worked for both Today’s Golfer and Golf World.
You can contact Simon via email and follow him on Twitter for loads more golf equipment insight.
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Best Golf Wedges 2022
