10 Best Gap Wedges Reviewed 2023

by Bill Winters

When it comes to the game of golf, the wedge you use can be as important as the number of years of experience you've dedicated to the sport. Practice and technique are essential, but the wedge you're using determines the power and accuracy of your swing.

Luckily, you don't need to buy and test a thousand different gap wedges to discover which one works best for you anymore. The process of frustrating trial-and-error might still be inevitable, but the scope of wedges you need to try isn't quite as broad as it used to be. Now you can specifically target gap wedges that speak to your play style and boost your game.

With that in mind, here are ten gap wedge reviews.

Editor's Recommendation: Top Gap Wedges

Top Picks Gap Wedges

ImageProductFeatures
Pinemeadow Wedge (Right-Handed, 64-Degrees)
Pinemeadow Wedge (Right-Handed, 64-Degrees)
Pinemeadow Wedge- Most Cost Effective Pick : Gives value for your money



  • Great For Beginners
  • Durable steel
  • Versatile and customizable
Mizuno 2018 S18 Wedge White Satin 56 Degree (Bounce 10, Right Hand, Steel)
Mizuno 2018 S18 Wedge White Satin 56 Degree (Bounce 10, Right Hand, Steel)
Mizuno S18 - Overall Best Pick: The dream wedge.

  • Built for durability
  • Optimal accuracy
  • Continuous grains
Cleveland Golf Men's RTX 4 Wedge, Black Satin Finish
Cleveland Golf Men's RTX 4 Wedge, Black Satin Finish
Cleveland RTX 4 - Best Value Pick: A well-rounded choice

  • Reliability
  • High forgiveness
  • Accurate


Top 10 Best Gap Wedges

Top 10 Best Gap Wedges
Top 10 Best Gap Wedges

Best Overall: Mizuno S18 - Link

Mizuno 2018 S18 Wedge White Satin 56 Degree (Bounce 10, Right Hand, Steel)
Mizuno 2018 S18 Wedge White Satin 56 Degree (Bounce 10, Right Hand, Steel)

Taking our top spot, and with good reason, is the Mizuno S18. Designed explicitly for accuracy through geometric designs that provide high response feedback on swings, as well as control over your shot, it also features specific grooves that lend themselves to higher and stronger lofts.

On Amazon the customer S18 gap wedge reviews are glowing, which certainly justifies the slightly higher price point compared to some of its competitors.

The narrower and deeper quad cut grooves paired with the broader and shallower grooves mean that the Mizuno S18 has you covered. You can take a lower, more powerful shot or a higher shot with a greater spin in confidence. You can also tailor its loft degrees to your play style, which makes this a highly customizable gap wedge. What's better than the ability to practically design your club yourself? This is how you play with maximum control and power.

The Mizuno S18 is easily one of the best gap wedges currently available. It delivers on performance and offers all the features you need to drive a great swing and beat competitors.

Product Specifications

  • Shaft Material: Steel, study and resilient
  • Orientation: left or right-handed
  • Length: 36 inches
  • Flex: Wedge
  • Weight: 1 pound

PROS

  • Built with durability in mind for longevity
  • Wedge designed for optimal accuracy
  • The patented forging process allows for continuous grains

CONS

  • Higher price point than some competitors
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Best Value: Cleveland Golf RTX 4 Wedge - Link

Cleveland Golf Men's RTX 4 Wedge, Black Satin Finish
Cleveland Golf Men's RTX 4 Wedge, Black Satin Finish

Second on our list is the Cleveland wedge. Similarly to the Mizuno, this wedge is made entirely from steel, which means sturdiness is assured. It is designed with more experienced players in mind, as it is built to increase accuracy on lower shots. If you aren't new to the sport, this could be a great addition to your game.

The RTX 4 is the latest edition from Cleveland, and epitomizes their attempts to stay forward-thinking in their designs. It is Cleveland's first branch into a new type of wedge since 1979, differing from their usual blade designs and incorporating more expanded grinds and closer attention to the standards professionals prefer.

If you're a seasoned golf player, the Cleveland wedge may be for you.

Product Specifications

  • Shaft Material: Steel
  • Orientation: left or right-handed
  • Length: 38 inches
  • Flex: Wedge
  • Weight: 2.5 pounds

PROS

  • Consistent spin rates guaranteed
  • Steel material provides reliability
  • Offers you high forgiveness for more challenging shots
  • Specially designed with accuracy on low shots

CONS

  • Designed with more experienced players in mind, so potentially inappropriate for players new to the sport.
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Best Budget: Pinemeadow Wedge - Link

Cleveland Golf Men's RTX 4 Wedge, Black Satin Finish
Cleveland Golf Men's RTX 4 Wedge, Black Satin Finish

Third on our list is the affordable Pinemeadow wedge. The strength of this wedge comes from its low price point while still maintaining a high standard of quality, which makes it perfect for new players. It's also highly customizable upon order, so using your first wedge doesn't have to be a process of frustrating trial and error.

If you're new to the game and are looking for a high-quality wedge that isn't going to break your bank or be too unforgiving, the Pinemeadow is perfect for you.

Product Specifications

  • Shaft Material: Steel
  • Orientation: left or right-handed
  • Length: 38 inches
  • Flex: Wedge
  • Weight: 1 pound

PROS

  • Incredible low price for a high-quality item
  • Perfect for those new to the game
  • Built from durable steel, so the price doesn't mean weakness
  • Versatile and customizable to suit your needs/style

CONS

  • Not appropriate for experienced players who may feel this wedge leaves much to be desired.
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Somewhere In Between Options

Callaway Golf Men's Mack Daddy 4 - Link

Callaway Golf Men's Chrome Mack Daddy 4, Steel, Wedge Flex, Right Hand, S-Grind, 52.0 Degrees
Callaway Golf Men's Chrome Mack Daddy 4, Steel, Wedge Flex, Right Hand, S-Grind, 52.0 Degrees

One of the more stylish editions to our list, the Callaway Mack Daddy 4 wedge comes in either a metallic chrome finish or matte black and can be fully customized on purchase to suit your play style. It also accommodates further by having multiple play styles incorporated into its design, so it's designed with the jack-of-all-trades player in mind.


Extreme control over spin, distance, and accuracy makes the Mack Daddy 4 a standout addition to any player's arsenal. In addition, there are a wide variety of grind and bounce options available for purchase which means you can have your wedge tailor made to your play style from the beginning.

For a stylish and accommodating wedge, the Callaway succeeds.

Product Specifications

  • Shaft Material: Steel
  • Orientation: left or right-handed
  • Length: Multiple degrees available
  • Flex: Wedge
  • Weight: 1 pound

PROS

  • Groove-in-groove technology used in design provides maximum spin
  • The soft carbon steel used in production makes for a durable yet comfortable end product
  • Comes with four sole grinds which accommodate multiple play styles

CONS

  • Some weaknesses in performance demonstrated that isn't typical for a wedge at this price point
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Cleveland Golf 588 RTX 2.0 - Link

Cleveland Golf Men's 588 RTX 2.0 Cavity Back Standard Bounce Satin Wedge, Left Hand, Steel, 56-Degree, Black
Cleveland Golf Men's 588 RTX 2.0 Cavity Back Standard Bounce Satin Wedge, Left Hand, Steel, 56-Degree, Black

At number five, we have the Cleveland 588 wedge, which boasts a combination of precision and power. Its entire design lends itself to versatility, while still maintaining the necessary quality many golf players have grown accustomed to. Laser milling, Rotex milling, and tour zip grooves combine to make this a modern, yet classic golf wedge.


Alongside the standard steel material of the wedge, the Cleveland RTX 2.0 also utilizes a graphite wedge shaft designed to create an optimum feel and performance.

With the industry-standard Dynamic Gold endorsing this wedge, it's clear why it's popular amongst players.

Product Specifications

  • Shaft Material: Steel
  • Orientation: Right-handed
  • Length: 38 inches
  • Flex: Wedge
  • Weight: 1 pound

PROS

  • Possesses the deepest groves the USGA will allow, optimizing surface roughness
  • Fourth-generation tip grooves mean larger walls and more forceful puts
  • The focus on micro-roughness enables heightened consistency and texture across the wedge face
  • Many reviewers cited this wedge as the ideal balance between newbie and pro

CONS

  • Some reviewers felt the lower degree loft iterations of the wedge provided too much resistance and hampered play.
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TaylorMade Golf Wedge - Link

TaylorMade Golf Milled Grind Satin Nickel Chrome Finish Wedge High Bounce 60.11 Right Hand Stiff, LW
TaylorMade Golf Milled Grind Satin Nickel Chrome Finish Wedge High Bounce 60.11 Right Hand Stiff, LW

Sixth on our list is the TaylorMade golf wedge. Designed with full-face scoring lines that make for maximum spin control on puts, it's an ideal choice for a more experienced player wanting to take their game to the next level.

The design draws inspiration from some of the best golf clubs in the world, meaning milling grind techniques have been used to create a specific sole geometry and score lines that ensure consistent play.

Product Specifications

  • Shaft Material: Steel
  • Orientation: left or right-handed
  • Length: 38 inches
  • Flex: Wedge
  • Weight: 1 pound

PROS

  • Designed with turf interaction consistency firmly in mind, optimized via a precise leading edge
  • Weighted to provide a more accurate lower launch angle and heightened spin rate
  • Crafted from carbon steel to combine durability with a softness that doesn't hinder play

CONS

  • Some reviewers found early signs of wear that didn't obstruct play but were noticeable
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Cleveland Golf RTX-3 ZipCore Tour Satin Wedge - Link

Cleveland Golf Men's RTX-3 VMG Cavity Back Wedge, Right Hand, Steel, 56 Degree, Tour Satin
Cleveland Golf Men's RTX-3 VMG Cavity Back Wedge, Right Hand, Steel, 56 Degree, Tour Satin

The second Cleveland wedge to make our list is the ZipCore Tour edition. There are several unique design features that make the Cleveland not only a natural successor to its brand's previous iterations, but also to gap wedges in general.

Weight has been redistributed in the design. This shifts the center of gravity to where you'll be putting from. Multiple laser milling techniques have been utilized to create greater accuracy. As a result, the ZipCore Tour lives up to its cutting-edge name.

Product Specifications

  • Shaft Material: Steel
  • Orientation: right-handed
  • Length: 35 and 5/8th inches
  • Flex: Wedge
  • Weight: 2 pounds

PROS

  • Uniquely designed with mass redistributed from the hosel and into the wedge for a maximum center of gravity on the point of impact
  • The V sole grinds create precision and accuracy for each shot that actively challenges turf resistance, allowing for smoother swings
  • Paired micro-milling and laser-milling improves on the Cleveland 2.0 to optimize spin performance for each put
  • High quality of performance consistency reported by reviewers, with improvements in a personal game noted since purchase

CONS

  • Intended for more experienced players, so potentially not the wedge to start with if you are new to the sport
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Square Strike Wedge - Link

Square Strike Wedge for Left Handed Players-Pitching & Chipping Wedge for Men & Women -Legal for Tournament Play -Engineered by Hot List Winning Designer -Cut Strokes from Your Golf Game Fast
Square Strike Wedge for Left Handed Players-Pitching & Chipping Wedge for Men & Women -Legal for Tournament Play -Engineered by Hot List Winning Designer -Cut Strokes from Your Golf Game Fast

Eighth on our list is the Square Strike wedge, which provides a truly unique edition to the list. Designed with travel in mind, the Square Strike boasts unique design features to ensure that your swings aren't going to be sabotaged by thick patches of grass or otherwise irritating resistances on the course.

The Square Strike wedge creates a smoother game for players of all skill levels with its anti-chunk sole and anti-rotational weighting. It provides heightened accommodation for missed shots and a center of gravity exactly where you need it: the dead center of the wedge. Heightened accuracy for smoother play is the Square Strike's goal, and it succeeds.

If you're new to the game or a more casual player, and you're sick of hitting turf repeatedly, this unique wedge may be the one for you.

Product Specifications

  • Shaft Material: Stainless steel
  • Orientation: left or right-handed
  • Length: 35.5 inches
  • Flex: Wedge
  • Weight: 1.2 pounds

PROS

  • Explicitly designed to minimize the likelihood of hitting fat: an extra-wide sole and beveled leading edge means you can say goodbye to tearing turf and ruining your shots
  • More relaxed swing and control provided by the length and shape means it is a perfect wedge for new or casual players
  • Despite its accommodations for newer players, it is also completely tournament legal, meaning if you wish to take it professional you are entirely free to
  • The heavier club head means it does not suffer from excessive turf resistance that can hinder play

CONS

  • While highly user-friendly, some customer reviews reported needing consistent practice to get used to its unique play style when compared to other, more conventional clubs
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Callaway Sure Out 2 Wedge - Link

Callaway Sure Out 2 Wedge 64 Graphite Wedge Flex (Right-Handed), Silver
Callaway Sure Out 2 Wedge 64 Graphite Wedge Flex (Right-Handed), Silver

One of the very few gap wedges on a list not made from steel, instead crafted from graphite, is the Callaway Sure Out 2 wedge. The Sure Out 2 is designed specifically for navigating difficult terrain. Sandpits are no longer the enemy of golf players, as the wedge provides a heavier swing that slices through the sand with ease.


Increase bounce is also provided with the Callaway Sure Out 2, improving the distance traveled with each put. The idea driving the design of this particular wedge is that nothing should slow down or hinder your game, including even the most frustrating of sandpits.

For a slightly different wedge that accommodates difficult terrain, go for the Sure Out 2 wedge.

Product Specifications

  • Shaft Material: Graphite
  • Orientation: left or right-handed
  • Length: 37 inches
  • Flex: Wedge
  • Weight: 1 pound

PROS

  • Sole redesigned to create a more accurate bounce angle, improving quality of play in shorter games
  • Boasting seventeen full-facing grooves that promote spin and faster shots
  • Can be purchased in four separate loft degree variations, allowing customization to suit your specific play style
  • Perfect for getting you out of trapped situations, especially sandpits, that can frustratingly hinder game-play

CONS

  • Some customer reviews report too much bounce during game-play that interfered with their technique
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Don't Buy This: C3i Wedge - Link

C3i Sand Wedge & Lob Wedge–Premium Right Hand 65 Degree Golf Wedge- Escape Bunkers in One, Easy Flop Shots– Legal for Tournament Play, Quickly Cuts Strokes from Short Game- High Loft Golf Club
C3i Sand Wedge & Lob Wedge–Premium Right Hand 65 Degree Golf Wedge- Escape Bunkers in One, Easy Flop Shots– Legal for Tournament Play, Quickly Cuts Strokes from Short Game- High Loft Golf Club

Despite its bold claims, The C3i wedge falls short of its lofty goals. Designed with the sole intention of rescuing players from irritating terrain, with particular investment in sandpits, the C3i doesn't even achieve what it sets out to as countless customer reviews share their less than successful experiences.

The wedge itself is heavy and clunky. It is designed to enforce a stronger swing which could (in theory) allow you to escape from a sandpit with ease, but it is more of a hindrance than a help. A traditional sand wedge serves the same purpose without any of the unnecessary additions that only complicate play.

Unfortunately, this particular gap wedge presents itself on all accounts as nothing more than a gimmick. The right pieces are in place with the extra-wide wedge for reduced turf resistance and cleaner slicers from beveled edges. However as a whole, this wedge falls short because it's a pain to hold and carry.

Product Specifications

  • Shaft Material: Stainless steel
  • Orientation: left or right-handed
  • Length: 59 inches
  • Flex: Wedge
  • Weight: 1 pound

PROS

  • Extra-wide lob wedge means that sandpits or resistance-heavy turfs won't hinder your play
  • Additional curvature and beveled edges mean the wedge slices through most resistances, encouraging clean contact with the ball

CONS

  • Heavy
  • Extra wide lob wedge not designed for best grip
  • Difficult to use for beginners
  • Some customer reviews claimed clipping still occurred in play
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What to Look For When Purchasing the Best Gap Wedge

Gap wedges are a necessary component of any game of golf, so knowing which ones are best for your play style is essential (you can learn even more by reading our full wedge buyers guide). They make a difference for both casual weekend players and those who compete in professional tours alike. The following factors are all things to take into account when purchasing a new gap wedge:

  • Grooves: Though they are tightly regulated in more professional settings to minimize any unfair advantage, grooves can still vary and knowing which variety achieve what results is integral to your best game
  • Sole grinds: The shape the sole of the wedge takes toward the back is known as the sole grind. It can affect your game-play, as this is the part of the gap wedge that denotes the depth of your bounce.
  • Know your bounce: As a rule of thumb, 4-6 degrees of bounce is considered low and 7-10 degrees is considered more mid-level. The difference depends on your terrain. Lower bounce is for sweep shots. Higher bounce is for a broader range of turf that may require some additional tricks (looking at you, sandpits)

For further information about which gap wedge will be the best for your game, check out this Golf Wedge Buying Guide. It goes into greater detail on loft, bounce, sole grinds, and other topics to help you make a more informed decision.

Final Thoughts

The greatest gap wedge for your game will differ entirely from another player; it's all about knowing what you want to achieve with your swing and getting the right gear for your goals.

Not every gap wedge is going to be best for you. Know your game, know your play style, and then purchase whichever gap wedge you think suits your needs the best. All that we have listed are quality gap wedges, but the one that's best for you is a decision only you can make.

Other reviews we've written:

Buy on Walmart

Callaway Golf Men's Chrome Mack Daddy 4, Steel, Wedge Flex, Right Hand, S-Grind, 50.0 - Walmart Link

Pinemeadow Golf PGX Wedge, Right Hand, Steel, Regular, 56-Degree - Walmart Link

Wilson Staff Men's Harmonized Black Chrome Golf Wedge, Right Hand, 52.0-Degree - Walmart Link

Callaway Mack Daddy 5 Jaws Wedge (Platinum Chrome, Right Hand, 60.0 degrees, S-Grind, 10 - Walmart Link

LAZRUS Premium Forged Golf Wedge Set for Men - 52 56 60 Degree Golf Wedges + Milled Face - Walmart Link

Tour Edge Men's TGS Triple Grind Sole Wedge - Walmart Link

TaylorMade Milled Grind Hi-Toe Wedge 50/09 (Right Hand, Stiff Flex) - Walmart Link

Cleveland Golf CBX 2 Wedge, 52 degrees Left Hand, Steel - Walmart Link

Mizuno T20 Golf Wedge 46 Degree Blue Ion Finish (6 Bounce, Right Hand) - Walmart Link

TaylorMade Milled Grind 2 Wedge, HB56.14, Chrome, Right Hand, Stiff Flex - Walmart Link

Buy on eBay

Callaway Golf Men's Chrome Mack Daddy 4, Steel, Wedge Flex, Right Hand, S-Grind, 50.0 - eBay Link

Pinemeadow Golf PGX Wedge, Right Hand, Steel, Regular, 56-Degree - eBay Link

Wilson Staff Men's Harmonized Black Chrome Golf Wedge, Right Hand, 52.0-Degree - eBay Link

Callaway Mack Daddy 5 Jaws Wedge (Platinum Chrome, Right Hand, 60.0 degrees, S-Grind, 10 - eBay Link

LAZRUS Premium Forged Golf Wedge Set for Men - 52 56 60 Degree Golf Wedges + Milled Face - eBay Link

Tour Edge Men's TGS Triple Grind Sole Wedge - eBay Link

TaylorMade Milled Grind Hi-Toe Wedge 50/09 (Right Hand, Stiff Flex) - eBay Link

Cleveland Golf CBX 2 Wedge, 52 degrees Left Hand, Steel - eBay Link

Mizuno T20 Golf Wedge 46 Degree Blue Ion Finish (6 Bounce, Right Hand) - eBay Link

TaylorMade Milled Grind 2 Wedge, HB56.14, Chrome, Right Hand, Stiff Flex - eBay Link

About Bill Winters

Those who have not yet tried the sport just can’t imagine what is driving these golfers to brave the sun’s heat and go around a course bigger than several football fields combined. It seems like an awful lot of work considering that the ball is quite small that is must be hard to hit, the ground of the course is not flat and, most annoying of all, there are sand traps lying around seemingly bent on preventing a player from finishing the course.


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Thoughts on "10 Best Gap Wedges Reviewed 2023"

About the Author

The game of golf may seem like an awful lot to take on when one considers that the ball is quite small, must be hard to hit and carry through windy conditions with little chance for error. The ground course has hillsides which make it challenging enough without adding sand traps who seem bent on preventing players from completing their round!