Compiling a complete golf wedge set that allows you to hit every full swing shot required from golf courses can be challenging. As a golfer, you need the best pitching wedge among other wedge types to improve your shots. However, simply matching the pitching wedge with the iron sets helps you in choosing the best. If you find yourself struggling with your short game, buying a more specialized one of your choice can add an armory to your game around the greens and give you better distance control.
Below we have compiled the best pitching wedge reviews to improve your shot accuracy around the greens. While most golfers prefer the option of a wedge that comes with the iron set, we acknowledge that it is not the only option available. That is why we review some of the best existing wedges to bring your A-game to a golf course. Read on.
Table of Contents
Best Pitching Wedges Review
Cleveland Golf 2018 Men’s CBX Degree
The Cleveland CBX wedge features deep, sharp grooves that ensure higher spin. This golf wedge also comes with a lighter system weight for better control and overall short-saving performance across the various loft and sole grinds. The wedge`s design offers a clean look and better ball capture. The rounded head provides higher accuracy and a softer impact experience.
The lightweight feature is combined with a softer and slightly longer standard grip with a minimized taper to allow you a better grip, versatility, and control on every curvy shot around the greens.
The Cleveland CBX pitching wedge is an unforgiving, lightweight wedge designed to help you get the ball closer to the hole. The product offers better lift through the greens and allows you to execute different shot types with versatility. The weight is well-distributed to the perimeter for improved off-center impacts. Its design helps move the weight away from the hosel towards the impact zone for improved control and a better feel. Use the Cleveland CBX today to maximize spin consistency to get as closer to the hole as possible.
Pros:
- Wide Dual-V Sole
- Cavity Back Design
- Feel Balancing Technology
- Excellent grip
- Extremely stylish
Cons:
- It feels a bit stiff for experienced golfers
Callaway Golf 2017 Men’s Sureout
The Callaway is one of the most trusted and reputable brands in the industry. That is why it comes as no surprise that their models are of high ranks among the top-rated pitching wedges. The Callaway 2017 Sureout is not your ordinary pitching wedge. First, it`s a design that has a state-of-the-art groove technology that enhances ball spin at impressive rates. This makes the Callaway 2017 Sureout a perfect wedge for spins, chips, and pitches. That is how versatile it can be.
The Callaway 2017 Sureout features a progressive center of gravity to enhance shot accuracy and forgiveness. This item comes with a varied hosel length to move its center of gravity away from the wedge head and towards the clubface front. The design increases MOI and a better feel. It translates into optimized ball flight and clubface that squares up the impact with every shot. The Callaway 2017 Sureout combines these improved performances with offering the classic head shape that every golfer yearns for.
The Callaway 2017 Sureout comes with a meticulously designed groove that makes the most of spin and durability. The groove is engineered to offer easy explosions from the green while featuring higher spins for fast stopping shots.
Accordingly, the enhanced groove design is coupled with a higher toe to offer you the best trajectory control. You should not be worried about missing shots again with the Callaway 2017 Sureout.
Besides its impressive performance, the Callaway 2017 Sureout also features a sleek design and premium construction. This top-rated wedge is highly durable and has an impeccable style.
Pros:
- Designed to deliver easy explosion from the greens and bunkers
- Features solid grip for consistency and distance control
- Offers high spins for fast stopping shots
- Premium wedge specific shafts
Cons:
- It is pretty costly.
Cleveland Golf Men’s Smart Sole 3 Wedge S
Cleveland once again proves why it deserves to be on the list of the best golf wedges. This is primarily because the Cleveland Smart Sole 3 Wedge is an excellent pitching wedge like its peers. This golf product displays unrivaled sophistication at an affordable price. Fortunately, the performance does not disappoint regardless of its price tag.
The Cleveland Smart Sole 3 Wedge boasts of expert shaping from Roger Cleveland, explaining its great feel and overall performance. Additionally, the product is luxuriously polished in that it guarantees to turn heads as you play.
The wedge is made from a stainless steel material that enhances its durability without any stiffness for outstanding performance. Accordingly, this golf wedge does not develop scratches or dents, which guarantees that you will use it for years without replacement.
Apart from the sleek design, the Cleveland Smart Sole 3 Wedge also features both-hands orientation, making it perfect for all golfers. Besides that remarkable feature being present, this product offers multiple lofts and bounce combinations with optimized club specifications. The grind options allow golfers the freedom to choose how the wedge is, giving a three-tiered sole; narrow, wide, and superior heel relief soles. These three-tiered sole options guarantee you will find a combination that matches your skill level. Is that not impressive enough?
Another striking feature of the Cleveland Smart Sole 3 Wedge is the groove design with a strategic sharp-edge radius to offer high spin with every shot you take. This feature ensures excellent control for better accuracy in short-distance shots.
Pros:
- Three-Tiered Sole
- Feel Balancing Technology
- Optimized Club Specs
- Quite affordable
Cons:
- Didn’t find any negative reviews
C3i Wedge – Premium Sand Wedge, Lob Wedge for Men & Women
Do you have difficulties getting the ball out or closer to the hole from the bunker? Or perhaps you have problems balding shots out of the bunker over the greens. The C3i Wedge for men and women is the perfect choice for anyone with a high or low handicap looking for consistency. This versatile wedge will help you conquer the tight lies and thick rough effortlessly.
The C3i Wedge for men and women is designed for both hands, so you get to choose the hand that matches other clubs in your iron set. Accordingly, the C3i Wedge for men and women is extra wide with auto glide soles that cut through the bunker without skipping or digging. Doubling as a sand wedge, the C3i Wedge for men and women is a high loft golf club that helps you hit a higher trajectory to clear the lip and stop quickly on the greens.
The frictionless C3i Wedge for men and women is designed with an extra curve and beveled edge that help you reduce contact with the ground for better shots. The hosel and heel are shaped to reduce snagging in rough and minimize the pocket’s material collection. Additionally, the loft pop is a 65-degree tilt for an enhanced swing for beginners.
If that is not impressive enough, the item comes with a one-year warranty and is independently tested and verified for quality.
Pros:
- Sleek design
- Better control and spin
- It does not require expert swing technique
- Durable
- Both-hands design for versatility
- Perfect for both men and women
Cons:
- Slightly costly
- Not recommended for professionals as it can be limiting
Cleveland Golf Hand Steel Degree Golf club
Another Cleveland product makes it into the top eight best pitching wedges. It shows evidence of the brand’s quality in the industry. The Cleveland Golf Hand Steel Degree Golf Club is designed for the perfect golfer with its patent-pending feel balancing technology that improves impact. This golf pitching wedge has nine grams less compared to the lightest Cleveland wedge. The lightweight removes mass from the hosel and redistributes it to the wedge head to bring the center of gravity close to the impact zone for better spins and improved accuracy.
The V sole grinds are designed to add consistency and control to every shot you take. The Cleveland Golf Hand Steel Degree Golf Club features a three tour-proven grind design with a V shape and more leading-edge bounce that improves club head performance in turf. This makes the clubhead go through the greens faster at impact. It also comes with a better grip and improved feel for consistent performance.
Additionally, this outstanding product features a third-generation Rotex face with a fine groove shape, a new Rotex micro-milling pattern designed to enhance spin performance through loft and laser milling.
Pros:
- Patent-pending feel balancing technology
- V sole grinds for consistency and better control
- Rotex face for maximum spin
Cons:
- More expensive
- A bit complex for beginners
Square Strike Wedge -Pitching & Chipping Wedge
The most affordable pitching wedge on this list is the Square Strike Wedge. However, that should not scare you away from this item as its price tag does not compromise quality and performance. The superior construction and design make it among the best pitching wedges for golfers.
Pitching wedges are one of the most common golf wedges. It makes beginners go for any brand without considering the loft, construction, and design. Thanks to the extra-wide sole, you won’t have to worry about any missed shot with the Square Strike Wedge. It offers a thick face that will hit the ball with every shot you take.
Despite the large size, the Square Strike Wedge has a beveled leading edge that prevents it from digging through the turf as you take a shot. This feature improves the accuracy of your shots.
The stainless steel construction features different color choices, and both hands match, which allows you to select the hand that matched other clubs in your iron set.
The Square Strike Wedge also comes with a putter-like length, 35.5-inches, and a putter-like lie angle. These specs, coupled with the 68-degrees and anti-rotational weighting, give it a perfect swing and control.
Pros:
- Most affordable on this list
- Perfect for beginners and professionals
- Excellent spin and control
- Sleek design
- Multiple color choice
- Accurate shots due to wider face
- Superior construction
Cons:
- It may be limiting to professional golfers
Founders Club Nickel 255 Spin Milled 46 Degree Pitching Wedge
Another item that instantly catches our eyes is the Founders Club Nickel 255 Pitching Wedge. This Nickel forged golf wedge is one of the most stylish pitching wedges. Besides its head-turning construction, the Founders Club Nickel 255 Pitching Wedge is designed for versatility for all golfer levels. The wedge comes with a both-hand configuration to ensure that anyone can use it.
One of its key features is the Nickel forged milled face. The detail in the design and 46 degrees inclination offers superior spin for every shot you take. This helps you extract the ball from the bunker back to the greens. And if you do not have to use this wedge for hazard shots, it still guarantees excellent shots from the freeway.
Thanks to its premium nickel construction, the Founders Club Nickel 255 Pitching Wedge is more durable than most of its peers in the industry. And for its affordable price tag compared to most golf clubs, the startling product is a stylishly great addition to your set.
Pros:
- 46 Degree Loft for an accurate shot and better spin
- 64 Degree Lie and 8 Degree Bounce
- D3 Swingweight
- Both-hands options
Cons:
- Not recommended for high handicappers
MAZEL Golf Pitching & Chipper Wedge
Do you want to improve your short game? The MAZEL Pitching and Chipper Wedge is the answer. This MAZEL product is perfectly engineered for golfers who struggle with the short game. It properly fits the role of eliminating thin and fat chip shots from the bunker and around the greens than any other conventional iron. Hence should boost your confidence and improve your short game with every shot.
The 330 grams heavy clubhead and lower center of gravity make it easier for golfers to chip the ball. It also reduces friction through the green and sand. Accordingly, the MAZEL Pitching and Chipper Wedge come with a wider sole to reduce digging. The shallow grooves also reduce friction for better grip and shot accuracy.
If you want better control, the 35-inch Putter-like length should guarantee you an accurate swing. Lastly, the high-performance rubber grip improves the feel to hold it while it is padded for better control for ball speed with every swing you make.
Pros:
- Tested and verified for all golfing tournaments
- 35-inches putter-like length for better control
- Wider sole to prevent digging
- Sleek design
- Soft and easy grip
Cons:
- A bit heavier for beginners
FAQs About Pitching Wedges
What is a pitching wedge?
Before understanding what a pitching wedge is, we will look at the entire wedge category. A wedge is a high-lofted club in a set of golf clubs. This club is designed for the short game, mostly 120 yards and in. They are also for strokes out of the bunker, chip shots, and pitch shots. Generally, a wedge is meant for an ascending shot that descends sharply.
Pitching wedges are the lowest-lofted wedges in the iron set. A wedge is considered one of the essential clubs for every golfer. It is also used for shots with higher and shorter ascendance than a 9-iron and a lower and longer ascendance than the gap wedge.
What degree is a pitching wedge?
A pitching wedge is a golfer’s go-to club for short-distance shots. In most instances, these wedges are designed with low lofts of between 44 and 50 degrees. However, some golfers prefer the ones that have between 48 and 54 degrees loft. The difference is mainly in the distance covered.
How to Buy Good Golf Pitching Wedges
At this point, your questions about wedges already have answers. Now you know! You have also looked at our top picks for the best items. That should be a great starting point if you want to buy a pitching wedge to improve your short game of golf.
However, we understand that you may still need better insight into deciding between different options. That calls for an additional guide. Fortunately, we have compiled this pitching wedge buying guide for you. Here are factors you should consider before buying the best golf pitching wedge for the short game.
Buying the best pitching wedge for your short game involves deciding on loft, bounce, and grind that offers the distance you want to cover with every shot. Having different options can enhance your confidence with every hit in the yardage. Therefore, before you buy a pitching wedge, ensure you look at the wedge lofts, sole grins, bounce options, and club heads. All of these aspects are unique and offer varying performance.
Bounce Option
Wedge bounce comes in three different options;
- Low bounce angle
- Mid bounce angle
- High bounce angle
Other factors to consider include:
Materials
You have to look at the material used to make every pitching wedge. The construction tells how durable the wedge is, allowing you to determine how long you will use it before needing a replacement. Durability reflects if a pitching wedge is worth the investment.
Golf wedges are considered irons, meaning club heads are made of iron. However, manufacturers often use stainless steel for club heads to improve durability without adding too much weight to the wedge.
Shafts should be made of lightweight, sturdy materials. Doing this lowers the center of gravity and distributes the weight towards the impact zone. This feature enhances control and improves your swing. Most used materials for the shaft include stainless steel and graphite.
Wedge Type
Another essential factor to consider before buying a golf wedge is the wedge type you want. Various golf sets come with all wedge types, so it may not be necessary to buy a specific one. However, most beginner golfers make this common mistake. It is essential to know different wedge types so you can buy the specific one you want. Accordingly, you can opt for more versatile options that can be used as pitching, chipper, and sand wedge at the same time. These have varying loft angles and may not be suitable for beginners.
Handles
Comfort is another crucial aspect that determines your short game. The best pitching wedges often have better handles for a firm grip and better swing control. Your shot accuracy always depends on how you grip the wedge. Therefore, you have to ensure that club you buy has a comfortable handle that offers a perfect grip. This feature may vary from one golfer to another, so you have to know what works for you.
Padded handles offer a firm and comfortable grip. Accordingly, they add cushioning and dampen the impact by absorbing most of the vibration from every shot. This effect will relieve tension from your hands and keep you going.
Handicap
In which golf handicap category are you? That is something you should always understand. Not all pitching wedges are equal in terms of performance. Some golf pitching wedges are engineered for low-handicap players, while others are for high-handicap players.
Low-handicap players are often found in single-digit lines and are considered more expert golfers than high-handicap players. Therefore, you have to ensure you buy a pitching wedge that falls in your handicap category. It will help you improve your short game.
Conclusion
Most golfers can play with the wedges that come with the iron set. However, some find it challenging and opt for other pitching wedges. These specialized options have better feel and shot accuracy.
Choosing the best pitching wedge can be puzzling. Understanding what you want is the first step to buying the item that suits your needs. Do not be afraid to look at different loft options, bounce, and grind to determine what can improve your short game. This review should offer insight into what you might be looking for. We hope you found it helpful.