Need to sharpen up your short game? We have reviewed a comprehensive
selection of the best
About the test
We conducted this test at De Vere Oulton Hall in West Yorkshire. Our intention was to identify the wedges that were most suitable for a variety of handicaps. Key criteria in our selection were performance from rough, fairway, bunkers, versatility, looks and value.
We conducted this test at De Vere Oulton Hall in West Yorkshire. Our intention was to identify the wedges that were most suitable for a variety of handicaps. Key criteria in our selection were performance from rough, fairway, bunkers, versatility, looks and value.
The Testers
Chris Ashton, PGA pro and Oulton Hall’s academy manager
Dan Murphy, handicap 3
Mark Townsend, handicap 9
Joe Whitley, handicap 19
Click on images to view in full size
Chris Ashton, PGA pro and Oulton Hall’s academy manager
Dan Murphy, handicap 3
Mark Townsend, handicap 9
Joe Whitley, handicap 19
Click on images to view in full size
TaylorMade
BZ TPTechnology: Milled Z grooves have aggressive edges, which increase volume and deliver high spin rates. A tour-proven C-grind sole makes it easy to open the face
Lofts: 52, 54, 56, 58 & 60°
Left-handed option? Yes SRP: £89
www.taylormadegolf.eu 08000 480 781
NCG
verdict IF you want a wedge that offers spin,
forgiveness, playability, and great looks, all in one
package, you really cannot look past the TaylorMade
Z TP.
It features a perfectly shaped head that inspires confidence in the mid-handicapper, but is compact enough to appeal to the single-figure player and professional. The smart finish looks really impressive from the back, but does not distract or shine in the sun at address.
Our panel were also impressed by the balance and solid sound at impact.
Couple all this with aggressive grooves that generate plenty of spin, and a sole that sits tight behind the ball, and you have, in our eyes, the complete wedge.
Mark: This wedge is just right. The weight is perfect and the feel and sound is great.
Dan: This is not an out-and-out TP club, instead it offers appeal to both ends of the spectrum thanks to its rounded and forgiving face.
It features a perfectly shaped head that inspires confidence in the mid-handicapper, but is compact enough to appeal to the single-figure player and professional. The smart finish looks really impressive from the back, but does not distract or shine in the sun at address.
Our panel were also impressed by the balance and solid sound at impact.
Couple all this with aggressive grooves that generate plenty of spin, and a sole that sits tight behind the ball, and you have, in our eyes, the complete wedge.
Mark: This wedge is just right. The weight is perfect and the feel and sound is great.
Dan: This is not an out-and-out TP club, instead it offers appeal to both ends of the spectrum thanks to its rounded and forgiving face.
Titleist
Vokey Spin MilledTechnology: Unique products that provide a truly discernible performance option – increased spin. Full range of lofts, low, mid, and full-bounce sole options in many lofts, and three distinct non-glare finishes
Lofts: 48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62 & 64°
Left-hand option? No SRP: £100
www.titleist.co.uk 01480 301 114
NCG verdict
ASK anyone who knows about equipment and they will tell
you that Vokey wedges are among the best. Designed for the
better player, the Spin Milled range boasts a compact head
with a huge array of loft and bounce options that allow
the accomplished golfer to identify ideal loft gaps. We
thought this wedge was by far the most impressive in terms
of performance for the low handicapper, but felt anyone
else would struggle with the lack of forgiveness.
Vokeys can be opened up really easily, meaning flop shots can be pulled off even from tight lies. Undoubtedly the best better-player wedge on the market.
Chris: This has a lovely finish, a good feel, weight and is versatile so can be used from any lie.
Dan: The ball doesn’t jump off the face – it comes off solidly and consistently.
Vokeys can be opened up really easily, meaning flop shots can be pulled off even from tight lies. Undoubtedly the best better-player wedge on the market.
Chris: This has a lovely finish, a good feel, weight and is versatile so can be used from any lie.
Dan: The ball doesn’t jump off the face – it comes off solidly and consistently.
Cleveland
CG14Technology: Gelback technology dampens vibrations for good feel, while Cleveland’s great zip grooves provide large amounts of spin and a controllable flight
Lofts: 46, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58 & 60°
Left-hand option? Yes SRP: £89
www.clevelandgolf.com 01420 541 709
NCG verdict
ALTHOUGH this is not Cleveland’s latest wedge, we thought
it was the best all-round package. The CG14 boasts the ability
of being able to offer appeal to both the tour player and
the high handicapper. It does this by coupling stylish looks
at address that will appeal to all, with forgiveness from
all parts of the head. It also offers excellent spin and
a lot of feel off the face. It excelled at pitching, where
its rounded shape gives you plenty of confidence.
This is genuinely easy enough to use for an 18-handicapper, while at the same time being sleek enough to be used by the likes of Boo Weekley on tour.
Joe: This is a superb club that ticks all the right boxes and feels great off the face.
Mark: I really liked the sound off the face and I felt like I could trust these wedges very quickly.
This is genuinely easy enough to use for an 18-handicapper, while at the same time being sleek enough to be used by the likes of Boo Weekley on tour.
Joe: This is a superb club that ticks all the right boxes and feels great off the face.
Mark: I really liked the sound off the face and I felt like I could trust these wedges very quickly.
Mizuno
MP T-10
Technology: Quad-cut grooves are designed to be some of the highest spinning ever, while classic teardrop head shape offers great style
Technology: Quad-cut grooves are designed to be some of the highest spinning ever, while classic teardrop head shape offers great style
Lofts: 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60 & 64°
Left-hand option? Yes SRP: £95
www.mizuno.com 01189 362 100
Left-hand option? Yes SRP: £95
www.mizuno.com 01189 362 100
NCG verdict
THESE are seriously classy wedges. We
particularly loved the lob wedge, which we felt was the best on
test for hitting flop shots with. On the down side, our higher
handicappers felt the gap wedge needed precise striking and could
lead to fats and thins quite easily.
The head shape is delightful, as is the satin finish on our samples, but do be aware that these wedges are very much designed with the skilled player in mind so look elsewhere if your short game lacks finesse.
particularly loved the lob wedge, which we felt was the best on
test for hitting flop shots with. On the down side, our higher
handicappers felt the gap wedge needed precise striking and could
lead to fats and thins quite easily.
The head shape is delightful, as is the satin finish on our samples, but do be aware that these wedges are very much designed with the skilled player in mind so look elsewhere if your short game lacks finesse.
Benross
ZIPit
Technology: U grooves maximise spin, while
aggressive sole makes playing out of rough, sand and fairway
very easy
Lofts: 52, 56, 58 & 60°
Left-hand option? No SRP: £49.99
www.benrossgolf.com 01932 821 200
Left-hand option? No SRP: £49.99
www.benrossgolf.com 01932 821 200
NCG verdict
OUR panel felt this wedge was the best on test for
under £50. The head shape is appealing, and looks like it belongs
to a more expensive model, while the black finish is very nicely done.
While it is hard to say conclusively that one wedge spins more than another, it really does feel like the face on the Zipit ‘grabs’ the ball effectively.
We weren’t completely convinced by the hosel, which is quite visible at address, but that apart we couldn’t fault the Zipit – Benross have done a great job on this.
under £50. The head shape is appealing, and looks like it belongs
to a more expensive model, while the black finish is very nicely done.
While it is hard to say conclusively that one wedge spins more than another, it really does feel like the face on the Zipit ‘grabs’ the ball effectively.
We weren’t completely convinced by the hosel, which is quite visible at address, but that apart we couldn’t fault the Zipit – Benross have done a great job on this.
Snake Eyes
685BX
Technology: Fluid forged using soft carbon
steel for ultimate in feel and distance control. A tour
sole grind allows extreme versatility
Lofts: 52, 54, 56, 58, 60 & 64°
Left-hand option? Yes SRP: £109
www.snakeeyescustom.com 01480 308 800
Left-hand option? Yes SRP: £109
www.snakeeyescustom.com 01480 308 800
NCG verdict
THESE are outstanding forged wedges. With plenty of loft
options and a choice of distinctive finishes – we like the
black one best – they are going to appeal to the discerning
player.
As ever with a forged, bladed wedge, it takes a skilled short-game exponent to get the most out of them, but anyone who fits into that category will love them.
On well-struck pitch shots, the ball really dances when it hits the green.
As ever with a forged, bladed wedge, it takes a skilled short-game exponent to get the most out of them, but anyone who fits into that category will love them.
On well-struck pitch shots, the ball really dances when it hits the green.
Ping
Tour-W
Left-hand option? Yes SRP: £90
www.pinggolf.com 01427 615 405
Technology: Milled face and grooves
increase spin and provide great control from all lies.
A compact, teardrop head shape increases forgiveness
Lofts: 47°, 50°, 52°, 54°, 56°, 58°, 60°, 64°Left-hand option? Yes SRP: £90
www.pinggolf.com 01427 615 405
NCG
verdict WIDELY acknowledged as reliable, well-built
and
suitable for most ability levels, buying a couple of these is a very
safe investment. Easily the best conventionally shaped wedges Ping have ever released, the Tour-Ws will never let you down.
We have heard on the grapevine that a successor will be introduced later in the year and if they are any kind of an improvement on these then we should all be in for a treat.
suitable for most ability levels, buying a couple of these is a very
safe investment. Easily the best conventionally shaped wedges Ping have ever released, the Tour-Ws will never let you down.
We have heard on the grapevine that a successor will be introduced later in the year and if they are any kind of an improvement on these then we should all be in for a treat.
Callaway
X Series Jaws
Technology: A specially positioned centre of gravity helps better players control flight, while a compact head shape suits the eye
of everyone. Mack daddy grooves increase spin
Technology: A specially positioned centre of gravity helps better players control flight, while a compact head shape suits the eye
of everyone. Mack daddy grooves increase spin
Lofts: 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60 & 64°
Left-handed option? Yes SRP: £79 (chrome);
£89 (dark vintage)
www.callawaygolf.com 0208 3910 100
Left-handed option? Yes SRP: £79 (chrome);
£89 (dark vintage)
www.callawaygolf.com 0208 3910 100
NCG verdict
THESE wedges are designed with one thing in
mind – backspin. And even on very short shots, you can really
get the ball to check up if you get a clean strike.
The dark finish is especially distinctive – menacing even, in a good way – and there was something about the X Series Jaws that made them stand out from the rest.
No wonder they are so popular with Callaway’s tour players.
mind – backspin. And even on very short shots, you can really
get the ball to check up if you get a clean strike.
The dark finish is especially distinctive – menacing even, in a good way – and there was something about the X Series Jaws that made them stand out from the rest.
No wonder they are so popular with Callaway’s tour players.
Yes!
Satin
wedge
Technology: U cutter grooves impart maximum
spin from all lies, while a classy satin finish is extremely
easy on the eye
Lofts: 52, 56, 58 & 60°
Left-hand option? No SRP: £99
www.yesgolf.co.uk 0845 6015 778
Left-hand option? No SRP: £99
www.yesgolf.co.uk 0845 6015 778
Yes! are renowned for their putters rather than their
wedges – but this release is set to change all that.
These spin well, are easy to hit and look great with the satin finish
The forgiveness on offer is limited so only single-figure players are likely to be able to use it to its full potential
TaylorMade
XFT
Technology: Removable face insert allows
users to use brand new grooves at any
time, while the classic TaylorMade
wedge shape appeals to the better player
time, while the classic TaylorMade
wedge shape appeals to the better player
Lofts: 50°, 52°, 54°, 56°, 58°,
60°, 64° Left-hand option? Yes
SRP: £119 (£39 for additional faces)
www.taylormadegolf.eu 0800 0480 781
60°, 64° Left-hand option? Yes
SRP: £119 (£39 for additional faces)
www.taylormadegolf.eu 0800 0480 781
The interchangeable face is a fantastic idea, which will
save amateurs money, and tour pros time grinding. A great-looking
wedge
Although TaylorMade have made a good job in blending the
removable face into the head, it is inevitably still noticeable
and some might find it off-putting 
Cleveland
CG15
Technology: Laser-milled zip grooves push
technology to its legal limit for ultimate spin, while a
classically shaped head appeals to all players
Lofts: 46, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60,
62 & 64°
Left-hand option? Yes SRP: £99
www.clevelandgolf.com 01420 541 709
62 & 64°
Left-hand option? Yes SRP: £99
www.clevelandgolf.com 01420 541 709
This is a seriously stylish wedge series and one of the
best for those good enough to use them – the array of finishes
and lofts is outstanding
We felt the head shape on the higher lofts is quite chunky
considering it is aimed at the better player. But they are
hard to fault beyond that and the stronger lofts are excellent
to pitch with
Bridgestone
West Coast
Technology: These wedges deliver performance
to professionals through to mid-handicap amateurs. Variable
bounce technology creates low bounce on the
heel and toe sole areas
heel and toe sole areas
Lofts: 48, 52, 54, 56, 58 & 60°
Left-hand option? No SRP: £85
www.bridgestonegolf.com
01630 657 689
Left-hand option? No SRP: £85
www.bridgestonegolf.com
01630 657 689
Our panel fell in love with the simple, gimmick-free looks,
and the classy bronze finish. The head shape was also a big hit. There is simply nothing to find fault with
It just fell short of the winning models in the performance
stakes – and the forgiveness levels were low compared with
some
John Letters
TP Series
Technology: Forged from fine stainless
steel, these brand new wedges offer a super soft feel and
ultimate control
from all around the green. The TP
series features feedback from tour professionals, too
from all around the green. The TP
series features feedback from tour professionals, too
Lofts: 52, 56 & 60°
Left-hand option? No SRP: £59.99
www.johnletters.com
Left-hand option? No SRP: £59.99
www.johnletters.com
This is undoubtedly the brand’s best club to date – it features
serious quality components and feels like a proper forged
wedge
The leading edge is very straight, which might not be appealing
to those who struggle with fat and thin strikes
Tour Edge
Exotics Extreme Spin
Exotics Extreme Spin
Technology: Adjustable weights allow you
to customise your swingweight for distance control and feel
enhancement,
while CNC-milled grooves deliver
maximum spin and control
while CNC-milled grooves deliver
maximum spin and control
Lofts: 50, 52, 56, 58, 60
Left-hand option? Yes SRP: £115
www.touredge.com 01753 218 913
Left-hand option? Yes SRP: £115
www.touredge.com 01753 218 913
This was seriously unlucky not to finish higher – it looks brilliant, spins lots, and comes with top-quality components
Not all of our panel felt the head shape of the stronger
lofts was as appealing as on the lob wedge, which performed
superbly
MD Golf
Norman
Drew
Technology: Reduced bounce gives a leading
edge that sits flush to the ground and gives maximum spin
and consistent contact from tight lies
Lofts: 48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58 & 60°
Left-hand option? No SRP: £49.99
www.mdgolf.co.uk 02894 460 333
Left-hand option? No SRP: £49.99
www.mdgolf.co.uk 02894 460 333
Last year’s silver medallist made a good defence of its
title, thanks to its classic head shape and high spin levels
This wedge probably suffered because we conducted the test
on a soft parkland course when it really comes into its
own in firm conditions
Ram
SDX 2
Technology: The SDX wedges feature a classic head design with a large face and high toe to combine playability and forgiveness without sacrificing performance
Technology: The SDX wedges feature a classic head design with a large face and high toe to combine playability and forgiveness without sacrificing performance
Lofts: 52, 56 & 60°
Left-handed option? No SRP: £24.99
www.ramgolf.co.uk 01618 864 010
Left-handed option? No SRP: £24.99
www.ramgolf.co.uk 01618 864 010
This was a real surprise package of the test – the head
shape is appealing and the performance was good too
The shiny black finish can produce a lot of glare when the
sun comes out and the feel was described by some of our
panel as slightly 'clicky's
Forgan
Series
2
Technology: A sleek design reduces turf
drag while milled grooves impart maximum spin. A polished
chrome finish improves aesthetics
Lofts: 56, 60 & 64°
Left-hand option? No SRP: £14.99
www.forgan.co.uk 01527 598 388
Left-hand option? No SRP: £14.99
www.forgan.co.uk 01527 598 388
At address, the head shape of the Series 2 looks very appealing.
It is also incredible value at less than £15
The feel it generates is slightly duller than the more expensive
models on test, though this is still a fantastic all-round
club
Orka
RS18
Technology: Hot billet forged from S25c
steel and CNC milled to the highest specifications for peak
performance
Lofts: 52, 56, 58 & 60°
Left-hand option? No SRP: From £79
www.orkagolf.com 08458 620 061
Left-hand option? No SRP: From £79
www.orkagolf.com 08458 620 061
The milled face produces serious amounts of spin and the
great custom-fit options mean you can get the perfect wedge
for you
The head shape is perhaps a little on the large side for
this style of wedge
Wilson Staff TW9
Technology: These tour-milled wedges combine
exceptional feel and forgiveness with an innovative gapping
approach to control distance that enables golfers to get
the most from their game
Lofts: 48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58 & 60°
Left-handed option? Yes
SRP: £74.99 (satin); £84.99 (black PVD)
www.wilsonstaff.com 01276 404 970
Left-handed option? Yes
SRP: £74.99 (satin); £84.99 (black PVD)
www.wilsonstaff.com 01276 404 970
This offering from Wilson Staff has a very nice feel that
allows you to control your shots really well
The head shape is not the most appealing on test, but those
more interested in performance will rate it highly
Nike
Victory
Red
Technology: High-rev grooves are milled
into the clubface to allow maximum spin and increased control
and accuracy
Lofts: 52, 54, 56, 58 & 60°
Left-hand option? Yes SRP: £99
www.nikegolf.eu 08000 561 640
Left-hand option? Yes SRP: £99
www.nikegolf.eu 08000 561 640
The Victory Red has one of the nicest head shapes of any
wedge on test and the performance is very good, especially
on longer shots
We don’t think the dark finish option shows this club in
its best light, so we recommend the chrome version, which
looks like a forged wedge shouldt
Callaway X Forged
Technology: Designed with input from tour
players and constructed from soft 1020 carbon steel for
incredible feel and feature a tighter heel-sole radius for
more versatility
Lofts: 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62 & 64°
Left-hand option? Yes
SRP: £89 (vintage); £79 (chrome)
www.callawaygolf.com 0208 3910 100
Left-hand option? Yes
SRP: £89 (vintage); £79 (chrome)
www.callawaygolf.com 0208 3910 100
The weapon of choice for Ernie Els is ideal for the better player thanks to its compact head and consistent, soft feel
Wedges are personal clubs, and you may well disagree, but
our panel much preferred the looks and performance of Callaway’s
X-Series Jaws model
Yonex
Cyberstar
T-1
Technology: Manufactured to produce all
the characteristics tour players, like 2010 Ryder Cup captain
Colin Montgomerie, look for around the green
Lofts: 52, 56 & 60°
Left-hand option? No
SRP: £89
www.yonex.co.uk 02087 429 777
Left-hand option? No
SRP: £89
www.yonex.co.uk 02087 429 777
The T-1’s head shape is a traditional and trusted one and
is therefore a real positive as many people will build confidence
with it at address straightaway
Our panel thought it was a touch on the heavy side and hence
the performance lacked a touch of finesse on delicate shots
MD Golf Seve Icon Pedrena
Technology: Weight is removed from the
sole of this club to offer a thumb-print effect and
improve turf interaction for consistent results
improve turf interaction for consistent results
Lofts: 52, 54, 56, 58 & 60°
Left-hand option? No
SRP: £59.99
www.mdgolf.co.uk 02894 460 333
Left-hand option? No
SRP: £59.99
www.mdgolf.co.uk 02894 460 333
This wedge is fantastic from all areas around the green
– especially tighter lies – and can easily be opened up
for high-flying shots
The aesthetics were not to our panel’s taste and this is
the only reason it did not finish higher
Hotblade
Tad Moore
Technology: A CNC-milled face provides
optimum spin rate on both long and short shots, while jaw
grooves live up to their name and bite the ball for stopping
power
Lofts: 52, 56, 60 & 64°
Left-hand option? Yes SRP: £39.99
www.hotblade.co.uk 08451 960 050
Left-hand option? Yes SRP: £39.99
www.hotblade.co.uk 08451 960 050
This club offered performance and feel way beyond its modest
price tag. A great budget buy
This is another bladed wedge where the looks don’t quite
cut the mustard and, as a result, our panelists didn’t quite
fall in love with it
Tour Edge TGS
Technology: A triple-grind sole eliminates
bounce from heel and toe for a clean contact while a TPE
insert improves feel and dampens vibration
Lofts: 50, 52, 56, 58 & 60°
Left-hand option? Yes
SRP: £59 (carbon finish); £49 (chrome)
www.touredge.com 01753 218 913
Left-hand option? Yes
SRP: £59 (carbon finish); £49 (chrome)
www.touredge.com 01753 218 913
The head shape of the TGS is very nice to look down on and the feel off the face was a pleasant surprise for a budget club
The look is not a refined one so, depending on what you
look for in a wedge, this might not catch your eye
Benross
VX51 Forged
Technology: Made from soft carbon steel
for good feel and consistent performance, while versatile
c grind improves performance from all lies
c grind improves performance from all lies
Lofts: 52, 56 & 60°
Left-hand option? No
SRP: £59.99
www.benrossgolf.com 01932 821 200
Left-hand option? No
SRP: £59.99
www.benrossgolf.com 01932 821 200
The VX51 offers outstanding feel off the face and the ball comes off the club crisply
The blade-style looks are not quite convincing – it’s a
very difficult thing to get a wedge like this to look just
right as there is little margin for error