Finding golf clubs for mid handicappers can be tricky. There are lots of considerations that you will have to make given how your choice can impact your play in either a positive or a negative way.
If you are looking for the best golf wedges for mid-handicappers, the good news is that there are a lot of options to choose from. Since the mid-80s, the popularity of wedges has grown. More wedges were developed from just pitching and sand types. It grew into 5 with the addition of gap, lob, and ultra lob wedges.
A player will usually have three to four types of golf wedges with them when they play. If you’re confused about what wedges to carry, here are some of the best options that you might want to consider bringing with you.
Table of Contents
Best Golf Wedges for Mid-Handicappers Review
The Callaway Golf Mack Daddy Forged is a favorite by many golfers. With a 52° loft, the Callaway Golf Mack Daddy Forged wedge is considered one of the best gap wedges in the market.
For starters, it comes with a unique shape and has been forged with soft 1025c steel that allows the user to experience a responsive feel for each shot that they take. It is known for its crisp contact and great command giving you the confidence that you need for every shot.
It even has a dynamic gold tour issue shaft plus a custom-designed grip that allows you to take your shot with ease.
This is a strong candidate for the best wedge for backspin. It has a 16-groove configuration that allows maximum spin pus it has incorporated grooves found at the bottom close to the leading edge. Using the Callaway Golf Mack Daddy Forged wedge gives you the stopping power that you want.
Another improved technology that you see on this wedge is the new R sole grind. This gives the user the versatility that they need especially when playing in different types of grasses. It also comes with two different choices when it comes to its finish. You can have it in Satin Chrome with a thin copper strike layer or a brushed slate option if you prefer to have a raw look on your wedge.
Despite being a heavy favorite by golfers, it takes some time to get used to because of its shape. However, it performs in the same caliber as some of the best wedges for mid handicappers. You might also find it a bit rusty after exposure to elements, but this is something expected from this wedge. There are even some of those users who mentioned that it easily looked like the oldest club in their bag. But performance-wise it’s something that can help you improve your game.
Pros:
- Creates a good backspin
- Gives you a good stopping power on your shot
- Has a responsive feel
Cons:
- Rusts a lot
- Takes some time to get used to
Cleveland Men’s Golf Smart Sole 2.0 Wedge S
The Cleveland Golf Smart Sole 2.0 wedge became a popular option among intermediate players because it is considered as one of the most forgiving golf wedges out there. Its shining moment is when you get your ball stuck in the sand.
It is designed with the right amount of bounce and sole that allows users to get the ball out of the bunker as soon as possible. You can say goodbye to embarrassing moments where your ball is stuck in the bunker even after a couple of shots.
It has a loft of 58° plus you get to choose between graphite or a steel shaft. The Cleveland Men’s Smart Sole 2.0 Wedge is perfect for different types of turf. It promotes a clean contact once you get the shot plus it increases the overall playability regardless of the turf that you are playing in. It has also been designed to provide users with less vibration when you hit the ball lessening the overall fatigue you experience with your arms. As for the finish, you get a satin finish that looks classy and gives you a premium appeal.
It’s a good all-around option but there are still some things that you need to play with it for a while before you will get used to the Cleveland Golf Smart Sole 2.0 wedge. You also don’t get a lot of bounce angle. To be exact, you only get around 5°.
Pros:
- Good for getting out of sand traps
- Dampens vibration
- Choose between graphite and steel shaft
Cons:
- Not a lot of bounce angle
Cleveland Golf Men’s RTX-3 VMG (Mid Bounce) Cavity Back Wedge
The Cleveland Golf Men’s RTX-3 VMG Cavity Back wedge has a different weight distribution than most clubs that you see in the market. The center of gravity is focused on the head of the Cleveland Golf Men’s RTX-3 VMG Cavity Back wedge. It means that it has weight right where it should be. And given the simple physics that mass affects force, this gives you powerful shots when you need it.
It has a 52° loft and has a bounce of 10°. It’s an in-between a sand and a pitching wedge and it has a superb feel. Though it feels a bit weird at first, a few practice games and you will be able to appreciate the Cleveland Golf Men’s RTX-3 VMG Cavity Back Wedge.
And it isn’t just all about generating a good shot to get your ball off the trap sand. You also have control and consistency thanks to the V sole grinds that have been integrated into its design. The V shape of the wedge gives the leading edge the bounce necessary to get the club to perform when it comes in contact with the turf.
It has a new Rotex face that allows the club to generate spin on your shots. It’s a third-generation RTX face that has refined grooves thanks to the new Rotex micro-milling pattern that was specifically engineered to optimize spin.
Pros:
- Optimized spin
- Great for getting your ball out of the sand
- V-shaped wedge with a decent bounce
Cons:
- It takes some practice games to get used to the club
TaylorMade Golf 2018 Milled Grind Satin Nickel Chrome Finish Wedge
The TaylorMade Golf 2018 Milled Grind Satin Nickel Chrome Finish Wedge is available in different configurations. You can get it from 50° to 60° with choices of high, standard, or low bounce. It means that users get the chance to tweak the wedge that they use according to how they want to play the game.
This caters to different configurations with different angles and bounce according to the user’s preference. It’s one of the best rated sand wedges giving you a high trajectory in case you get stuck in the mud. There are parts of this wedge that makes it special compared to the other good sand wedges in the market.
You get a CNC machined sole geometry combined with a precise leading edge that can help users to deal with different types of turf. It is also arguably the best wedge for backspin thanks to the new ZTP-17 groove. It features the steeper side walls plus a sharper edge radius that gives the shot the stopping power that you need.
If you are the type who is suffering from injuries in your arms, the TaylorMade Golf 2018 Milled Grind Satin Nickel Chrome Finish Wedge has an 8620 carbon steel material that is known to provide a soft feel by dampening vibration as you take your shot.
The downside is that some users complained that they’ve noticed their wedge already showing some signs of wear and tear after just a few months. But overall it can give you a pitch, gap, sand, and lob wedge.
Pros:
- Different wedge options
- Great feel
- Delivers a good backspin
Cons:
- Signs of wear and tear showed early
Cleveland Golf Men’s Smart Sole 3 Wedge S
The Cleveland Golf Men’s SmartSole3 wedge has become a favorite among golfers. Some say that it is the best rated sand wedge.
With an option to choose either steel or graphite for its shaft, you get to find which material suits your style. It has a 58° loft plus combined with a three-tiered sole that has activation pads that give you the chance to interact better with the turf. You also get to have better overall playability because of this technology.
The 58° loft has been optimized to give you the chance to get the ball out of the bunker fast. You don’t need to have 2 shots to get the ball out. You get to hit high and soft shots. However, it doesn’t have a good performance if you aren’t stuck in the bunker.
When it comes to the weight distribution of the Cleveland Golf Men’s SmartSole3 wedge, you’d feel that most of its weight is found nearer to the clubface. The center of gravity was placed closer to the head because it helps in improved feel and tighter shot dispersion.
However, one of the things that gives it mixed reviews among users is the fact that it has quite an extreme bounce on wedges chart. It feels as if it has too much bounce especially when you are dealing with a sand wedge.
Pros:
- Interacts well with the turf
- Optimized to get the ball out of the bunker
- Great weight distribution found more on the head
Cons:
- Has a lot of bounce for a wedge
Tour Edge Men’s TGS Triple Grind Sole Wedge
The Tour Edge Men’s TGS Triple Grind Sole Wedge is available in different lofts. This wedge is available in 52°, 56°, 60°, 50°, 54°, and 58° version. It means that you can get exactly the angle that you want and have the wedge that suits your needs. In terms of construction, what makes the wedge unique is the fact that it has a triple-grind sole that can help eliminate the bounce from heel and toe. It made use of a pear shape design that can improve overall workability and allows users to enjoy this wedge in different working conditions.
You won’t have problems when it comes to hitting a 100-yard full shot with this when using it around greens. It doesn’t dig into the ground plus you can expect a decent spin from the Tour Edge Men’s TGS Triple Grind Sole wedge.
Compared with the other good golf wedges that you see in the market, the Tour Edge Men’s TGS Triple Grind Sole Wedge stands out because it has a vibration dampening design to give users that improved feel. How exactly did they do it? The TPE insert replaced a large amount of material found in the middle of the wedge making it easier for the arms of its user.
The only issue with this wedge is that tall individuals find the shaft to be a bit too short for them. Overall, it’s a functional wedge for most golf players.
Pros:
- Functional for most golfers
- Vibration dampening
- A good amount of spin
Cons:
- The shaft is a bit short
C3i Wedge – Premium Sand Wedge, Lob Wedge for Men & Women
C3i Wedge Premium Wedge is available in with three loft options. You can have the 55°, 59°, or the 65° version depending on how you want to play. The C3i Premium Lob Wedge is known for being extra wide with auto glide sole that cuts the sand minus the skipping or digging. On the other hand, you have its sand wedge version which is a high loft club that can get your shot to stop on the green. It has a 12° bounce that makes it perfect for any type of hazard whether it’s fluffy or firm sand.
The C3i golf wedges have the extra curve plus a beveled leading edge that can help reduce the interaction between the wedge and the ground. It has been engineered specifically to allow the user to set up and aim directly at the target. Just set it up square and let the club do the talking. And most important of all, it is competition legal.
If you will ask a novice golfer, they might say that it isn’t exactly the best sand wedge for a beginner. Though you can consider it as one of the top rated golf wedges in the market today, it is still not a silver bullet when you get stuck in the sand. You’d need a few practice games to be able to get used to it.
Pros:
- Can deal with all sorts of sand
- Designed extra wide with auto glide to minimize skipping and digging
- Available in different lob and sand wedge versions
Cons:
- Takes some time to get used to
Square Strike Wedge -Pitching & Chipping Wedge for Men & Women
Square Strike Wedge is a popular option among intermediate players and even beginners looking to improve on their game. It offers three different loft options for its users. You can choose the 45°, 55°, and the 60° version. It has been designed with an extra-wide sole plus a beveled leading edge that helps in preventing the club from digging into the ground. It is known as one of the good wedges to choose if you want to minimize wasted shots. It is also known to have less rotation plus it makes clean contact easier plus more consistently.
If you will notice, it has a shorter length since it has been designed not only for men but also for women. However, despite being short, it has a heavy club head of 330 grams. It also glides smoothly plus it has an ergonomic design that minimizes tension on your wrist and hands. And if you plan on using this in a tournament, the Square Strike Wedge is competition legal.
Though it seems like a quality club, it isn’t something that you will feel comfortable to use right off the bat. If you are looking to get your golf ball out of the sand, then you might like the 45° version. And if you already have the skills, go for the 55° Square Strike Wedge and you will find it handy in different situations.
Pros:
- Available in different loft versions
- An extra-wide sole and beveled leading edge
- Shorter because it is also designed for women
Cons:
- Takes time to master
Wilson Staff Men’s Harmonized Black Chrome Golf Wedge
Wilson Staff Harmonized Black Chrome Gold Wedge is designed with a special sole that makes it easier for the player to open the clubface. It has a 52°, 56°, and 60° loft options. In case you need a gap, sand, and a lob wedge, then this is something that you might like to have in your bag. Unfortunately, this design is for right-handed individuals only.
Aesthetically, it has a dark finish. It has a decent degree of loft that is perfect for lobbing the ball into the green. It’s an ideal option if you always get stuck in some bunker. It also has a great spin plus it has decent stopping power. This is also easy to swing making it one of the best golf wedges for beginners. The only downside to the Wilson Staff Men’s Harmonized Black Chrome Golf Wedge is the fact that its finish tends to wear out fast.
Pros:
- A good number of loft degree options
- Good spin
- Aesthetically appealing
- Easy to use
Cons:
- The finish wears out fast
Pinemeadow Wedge
Pinemeadow Wedge is available in different loft options including the typical 52°, 56°, 60°, and 64° versions. But unlike other brands, you also get the impossible to find 68°. The shaft weighs around 125 grams plus it comes with a low to mid kick point making it one of the best wedges for beginners and even to intermediate players.
Its bounce differs depending on the loft. Its bounce ranges from 4° to 14°. The 68° version for the Pinemeadow Wedge received mixed reviews. Some considered it as a gimmick since there are only a few shots that you can hit with this type of club. However, many consider it as fun to use as well especially when you find yourself stuck. Whether it’s just a novelty item or something useful, the good news is that there are several loft options available with the Pinemeadow Wedge.
But one of the consistent criticisms about its design is that it takes some time to get used to. And also, some beginners find the 60° a bit hard to use especially if you are just a beginner.
Pros:
- Different loft options
- With a 68° version available
- Shaft weighs 125 grams
- Designed for beginners
Cons:
- 60° version is hard to use for a beginner
Pinemeadow Golf PGX Wedge
The Pinemeadow Golf PGX Wedge has become popular with its midsize wedge sole combined with tour shape and sharp leading edge. This wedge comes in three lofts whether you want the 52°, 56°, or the 60° option. The 52° Pinemeadow is quite popular since this is the version typically used in the green. It is also known to generate more rolls. But once you get your ball stuck in the sand, that’s when the 56° comes in handy. This version is even considered by some as one of the best sand wedges.
And finally, you have the 60° wedge that is the hardest to hit. However, this one generates the most spin making it a good option if you want stopping power on your shots.
Each wedge option has a wide sole right at the bottom making it as one of the most forgiving wedges. Looking at the design, it has a good bounce improving your overall accuracy when you play. But just like any other wedge, there are some things that you should consider before you buy one. Some users complained about the shaft showing signs of wear and tear after just a month of regular use. And also, some even thought that the wedge is quite heavy.
Pros:
- Available in different loft options
- Improved accuracy
- Wide sole
- Good for getting the ball out of the sand
Cons:
- Showing signs of wear and tear after just a month
Callaway Golf 2017 Men’s Sureout Wedge
The Callaway Golf 2017 Sureout Wedge is known for its high spin shots. Could it be the best wedge for backspin? Given its design, it is possible. You get 17-full face grooves that can promote a fast spin and a shot-stopping action on your ball even when you hit a bit off-center.
The Callaway Golf 2017 Sureout Wedge is available in different loft options including a 56°, 58°, 60°, and a 64° option. It has solid contact that allows users to have a consistent distance control experience. You also have the enhanced-camber and high bounce sole that allows your shot to glide without the need to open the face. This gives users a soft-landing shot.
The shaft is also something special given that it is made of lightweight steel and graphite options. It gives users the responsiveness that they need. Unfortunately, some users find the club to be a bit bulky. Plus, some also think that the claim that the wedge is easy to hit is just pure advertisement. If you are a beginner, then you might feel this way. However, a bit of practice and you get to enjoy its full potential.
Pros:
- Consistent distance control
- High bounce sole that allows you to glide your shot
- With great spin
- Available in different loft options
Cons:
- A bit bulky
- Hard to use at first
Callaway Golf Men’s Matte Black Mack Daddy 4
The Callaway Golf Men’s Matte Black Mack Daddy 4 wedge comes in handy for different situations. Known for the groove-in-groove technology that generates a good spin, this is one of the most popular wedges in the market today. It is available in different loft options from 46° up to 60°. This means that you can get exactly what you want for your game. It has a broad range of lofts and bounce combinations, meeting the needs of a good number of players in different situations.
It has soft carbon steel that is known for a satisfying feel. Plus, you also get to enjoy a crisp turf interaction with this club. However, some users find it a bit heavy but not concentrated on the sole of the club.
Pros:
- Different loft and bounce combinations
- Crisp interaction with the turf
- Has soft carbon steel that can help dampen vibration
Cons:
- Weight distribution not concentrated on the sole
Cleveland Golf 2018 Men’s CBX
The Cleveland Golf 2018 Men’s CBX wedge is a good option for those who are looking for a golf club that they can rely on in case they get stuck on the sand. It has Feel Balancing Technology that gets rid of the club’s center of gravity from its hosel and into the heel and more into the center of the clubface. It gives you tighter shots especially when you need to get the ball out of the sand.
You get different loft options with the Cleveland Golf 2018 Men’s CBX wedge. It has a 46°, 48°, 50°, 52°, 54°, 56°, 58°, and 60° version. You can choose between a left or a right-handed orientation. Plus the shaft options can either be steel or graphite.
With the Cleveland Golf 2018 Men’s CBX Wedge, you get a wide dual-V sole present on both front and back. This allows the user to have exceptional turf interaction. It also has a heel-to-toe V shape that has wider toe making this one of the most forgiving wedges.
Some considered this simply as a lob wedge because of its wide flange and its bounce. However, it does show a good spin. But the biggest drawback to this item is that it costs more than your average wedge.
Pros:
- Available in a variety of configurations
- More weight on the heel and the center of the clubface
- Exceptional turf interaction
Cons:
- Costly than average wedges
Callaway Mack Daddy 3 Chrome S-Grind
The Callaway Mack Daddy 3 Chrome S-Grind is a popular series from Callaway. Considered by many as one of the best golf wedges on the market, you can choose between a 52°, 54°, 58°, and a 60° option. It has 3 unique grinds that allow versatility and an S-grind that can be used for normal, soft, or even for firm conditions. And on top of that, it is handy for those who are looking to do moderate to sweeping attack angles. Because of the grooves, you get a good spin for every shot allowing superb stopping power.
The biggest concern by most users is the grip. Many aren’t exactly happy with the club especially when you have sweaty hands.
Pros:
- Multiple loft options
- 3 unique grinds that offer versatility
- Great spin
Cons:
- Grips aren’t as handy
How to Buy Good Wedges for Mid-Handicappers
So how do find the best golf wedges for a mid-handicap player? Before you make your choice, here are some of the things that you will have to consider.
Loft
One of the biggest considerations that you will have to make when you buy different types of golf wedges is the loft. The loft pertains to the angle of the wedge. Clubs can have a loft down to 9° to 13°.
As a rule of thumb when shopping for best rated golf clubs for mid handicappers is to check the angle because the higher the angle makes it easier to create backspin on the golf ball. Consequently, you get the ball higher into the air which means higher trajectory shot but with less distance.
This also explains why a driver gets the ball farther than your wedges. A driver has less loft than your wedges. However, comparing driver and wedges, the latter can make the ball stop faster because it produces more backspin. Plus, the higher the angle, the higher the elevation of the ball.
This is also the reason why golfers tend to have multiple wedges on their bag. It gives the right loft for the right situation. If you are somewhat looking to cover all bases, might as well buy wedges with multiple lofts.
However, you need to decide how many wedges you are going to carry when you play. The proper gap between the wedges can come in handy when you already decided on the number of wedges that you’re going to use. Anywhere between a 3° to 5° gap is acceptable.
Bounce
Another important factor that you need to consider when buying top wedges is the bounce. The bounce is the one responsible for the wedge to not dig the turf when you do bunker shots and pitches. “Bounce” pertains to the part of the wedge that comes in contact with the ground.
This alone is made of different parts namely the sole, sole angle, and the leading edge. So given these options, how do you pick the right wedge with the right bounce? It boils down to how you play. Try to take a closer look at how you take your shot. Do you dig or sweep the golf ball? If you tend to dig, you need a wedge that has more bounce. On the other hand, you want something with less bounce if you tend to sweep the ball.
Now, there are different ranges to choose from. There are three large groups of wedges based on its bounce. You have the low bounce wedges that have 0° to 5° bounce. Next, you also have the medium bounce wedges with 6° to 10°. And lastly, you have the high bounce wedges that go from 10° and beyond but usually up until 14°.
To get the bounce angle, you will measure the angle of the leading edge to the sole. The sole is the one that is in contact with the ground.
Grooves
If you are particular about the best wedges for backspin, you should be checking the grooves. To understand how the grooves work and how it can cause the ball to backspin, you want to treat it as your tire’s tread. The grooves are used to grip on the ball and produce spin.
Now, there are rules when it comes to the wedge’s grooves. The United States Golf Association and the R&A have decided to eliminate wedges that have deep grooves. The reason is that it creates an unfair advantage since it creates more backspin. The rule limits the volume of grooves plus the edge radius of the wedge.
Leading-edge
The leading edge is another important factor that you shouldn’t forget if you are going shopping for the best wedges to carry around in your bag. Leading-edge pertains to the bottom edge of your club’s face. This is used for flop shots and it can be used for skulling or blading the golf ball.
Shaft
There are different types of shafts available in the market from steel to graphite. But apart from the material, you also have to consider the length. A shorter shaft allows the user to generate height and backspin for the shots which can come in handy if you are stuck in the sand.
Finish
Aside from aesthetics, the finish will also help maximize the spin on your golf ball.
Classification of Wedges
Which wedges should I carry? That’s when you need to understand the four basic types of wedges. You have the pitching wedge, gap wedge, sand wedge, and you have the lob wedge.
Having the right tool for the right job is something that you need to keep in mind whenever you are checking the best rated golf wedges. As a mid handicap golfer, you need to know by heart the function of each type of golf wedges.
The first type of wedge is a sand wedge. As the name suggests, it’s something that you use to be able to get your ball out of the sand and tall grass. Top sand wedges are designed to have a loft of between 54° to 58°. This can get the ball to travel from 80 to 100 yards.
You also have the pitching wedge that was made to get the ball high in the air. It has a loft range of 44° to 49°. If you are someone who is simply starting to enjoy golf, might as well learn how to play the pitching wedge first. It’s one of the best golf irons for mid handicappers. This type of wedge can get the ball to travel from 110 to 125 yards.
The next kind of wedge is the lob wedge. This type of wedge has been popularized by Phil Mickelson. With a loft of 59° to 65°, the goal of the lob wedge is to avoid obstacles. It offers a high trajectory shot that allows the ball to have a soft landing with limited rolling.
And lastly, you have the gap wedge which is an in-between of a sand wedge and a pitching wedge and has a loft range of 50° to 54°. It is a good option if you want to do a normal swing if you have the hole around 80 to 100 yards away.
Conclusion
Buying golf wedges for a mid-handicapper can be tricky. Let’s admit that no two players are alike. You may have a different game than most people. But with these options, you will be able to select a model that has the design and technology that is perfect for your game. To be sure that you get the best bang for your buck, try to compare at least a couple of wedges before you make up your mind. And also, to get the most out of your budget, be sure to also know the limitations of each wedge.