Best Lob Wedges: Quick Menu
1. The list in brief
2. How we test
3. What to consider
4. FAQs
Best Lob Wedges
Wedges have to be versatile due to the different shots that have to be played around the green. One of those is the lob shot, which can be one of the hardest, but most satisfying shots, when pulled off correctly!
To play that Phil Mickelson-style shot, one which sees the ball land like a butterfly with sore feet, requires no small amount of skill - as well as a club with lots of loft (typically 58°-64°). The best golf wedges don't just give you the power to play a crowd-pleasing flop, but with the spin it creates, this club offers you a lot of options around the green.
We've been busy testing the best lob wedges on the market to help you decide which one will suit your game, so be sure to read our full reviews to see how they performed. Some images below are for the 56° models, although these same wedges are available in higher lofts. For more wedge buying advice check out our other guides on other facets of the short game - such as the best wedges for chipping, the best sand wedges, or the best gap wedges.
The Quick List
Subtle yet effective changes have been made to the Vokey SM10 wedge over the previous model. The more centrally placed CG, higher spin and lower launch, all enhance the predictability and control with this wedge.
The Ping S159 wedges look as good as any other on the market and have the performance to match. The spin produced when chipping and pitching was exceptional and they also produced a strong consistent ball flight when firing from a little further out.
The Cleveland RTX Full-Face 2 wedge is a good blade-style wedge option. Featuring full-face grooves that provide higher spin when manipulating the club face to hit a variety of shots around the greens, you also get a consistent ball flight when making full swings with this wedge.
A classic looking wedge that is designed to be extremely versatile and please golfers of all abilities. The compact head will certainly suit the eye of the better player.
The Cleveland RTX 6 ZipCore wedge brings more forgiveness and wet-condition spin to the course in a classy looking head. A new low bounce option adds to the full range of lofts and grinds so there should be one for everyone.
A brilliantly balanced wedge that has a high centre of gravity for easy trajectory and distance control. The raised micro-ribs positioned between the grooves produce brilliant levels of spin.
The cavity back Cleveland CBX Full-Face 2 wedge blends in better with today's modern sets for mid to high handicappers. The larger head with full width grooves combines forgiveness with control.
The new Callaway Jaws Raw wedge delivers loads of spin and looks stunning from all angles. There are also plenty of loft and bounce options available to suit a variety of techniques. The feel is a little firm, which might split opinion.
The Wilson Staff Model wedge looks very classic behind the ball and delivers a lovely soft feel at impact. It was stable and went through the turf nicely on full shots and offered a good amount of versatility and finesse.
With such a wide variety of lofts and five grind options to choose from, a fitting is a must. Go through that process and you’ll leave happy in the knowledge you are equipped with the best possible tools to hit those scoring shots into and around the greens.
A great looking wedge that spins at a consistently high level regardless of conditions. A raw face is contrasted nicely by the outer body of the wedge to boost confidence behind the ball.
Not everyone will like the look of a full-face grooved wedge or see the need for it but, for those that do, the Jaws Full Toe is one of the best around. Visually, it strikes a nice balance of being specialised without being a drastic deviation.
Best Lob Wedges
Why you can trust Golf Monthly Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
The Best Lob Wedges
Titleist Vokey SM10 Wedge
Although the changes made, aesthetically, have been fairly subtle, Titleist have introduced new design benefits like a more centrally placed CG, which has been shifted forward and further from the heel. In testing, this translated to lower launch and higher spin numbers, all of which help to hone gameplay and precision.
One thing we did notice in the stronger lofts, 46° through to 52°, is that there is a slightly smaller head shape than the higher lofted options. There is also a straighter leading edge in the stronger lofts. However, when it comes to the wedges with lofts 54°-62°, we noticed a marginally larger footprint, which certainly will help give golfers more confidence when standing over tricky short-sided chip and pitch shots where playing a lofted shot is a necessity.
- Read our full Titleist Vokey SM10 Wedge Review
Ping S159 Wedge
In terms of aesthetic appeal, Ping has really knocked it out of the park with the S159 range! How, you may ask? Well, the topline of this wedge is both slim and compact, but the overall design is slightly larger than some other similar wedges on the market. That said, the extended size offered is perfect for golfers who need a little boost of confidence when navigating a slightly more challenging setup.
It's not just the looks, but the performance matches, with the S159 providing incredible spin levels that are arguably the best on the market. The spin comes from wheel-cut grooves that are precision-milled to varying dimensions and, because of this, it means you can have full confidence in knowing how the ball will react on the green, making it one of the best wedges for chipping on the market.
- Read our full Ping S159 Wedge Review
Cleveland RTX Full-Face 2 Wedge
For improving wedge play, the Cleveland RTX Full-Face 2 is a really great club choice. This blade-style wedge features full-face grooves for increased hitting space, which makes it a really smart option for newbie golfers.
What’s great about the RTX Full-Face 2 is the fact that, while most full-face wedges that have extended groove length are usually made for beginner players, this wedge - which does have a slight spoon-like appearance at address - is compact enough to work for players with a little more finesse to their gameplay, in addition to those who are new to golf.
- Read our full Cleveland RTX Full-Face 2 Review
Mizuno T24 Wedge
For competent golfers looking to upgrade their lob wedge, the Mizuno T24 is worth considering. Forged from one-piece Grain Flow Forged HD Boron in Japan, the T24 model has seen a number of refinements made to it to help set it above its predecessor, the T22, enhancing look, feel and performance.
In testing and out on the course, we were particularly impressed with its performance from a variety of tricky lies, as well as full shots. What helps is that the T24 comes in five different bounce options, all of which have been designed to allow players with specific club delivery the best chance in succeeding around the greens.
- Read our full Mizuno T24 Wedge Review
Cleveland RTX 6 ZipCore Wedge
Thanks to the unmistakable C grind of the Cleveland RTX 6 Zipcore, there’s no arguing with the fact that it is one of the very best golf wedges available to buy. We put this club to the test and we were beyond impressed with its playing ability, with our tester concluding that it’s a really great option for players of varying abilities.
What we noticed when testing this club out is how it offers additional balance, bounce and grip. This is thanks to the UltiZip grooves on the clubface which are embedded at deeper and sharper angles than previous iterations of this wedge. This helps spin control, a key factor in the best lob wedges.
Overall, there is very little to fault in the RTX 6 ZipCore wedge. It has every option covered and the balance, bounce and grip means it is one of the best Cleveland wedges on the market.
- Read our full Cleveland RTX 6 ZipCore Wedge Review
TaylorMade Hi-Toe 3 Wedge
The TaylorMade Hi-Toe 3 wedge boasts a number of fantastic upgrades on its predecessors, with the new lob wedge improving the user experience even further. While the copper finish of this club may not be to all golfers' tastes, we love the look of this rusty-hue, especially as it begins to blend nicely with the rust that developed on the Raw face over time.
When it comes to spin, there’s no escaping the fact that the Hi-Toe really outdoes itself. This may be due to the raised micro-ribs situated between the grooves on this club - these mean that there’s additional texture on the face for boosted friction. In testing, we found it relatively easy to get lots of low spinning chips when playing with this lob wedge.
- Read our full TaylorMade Hi-Toe 3 Wedge Review
Cleveland CBX Full-Face 2 Wedge
For mid-handicap golfers, the Cleveland CBX Zipcore Full-Face 2 is a really great option, thanks to its large clubhead. It also comes with a rather captivating stainless steel design that’s sure to appeal to golfers looking for a club to add to their bag that’s a little more striking.
This lob wedge offers an upgrade on the original Full-Face CBX Zipcore design, offering a wide range of enhancements and improvements, including increased spin and additional forgiveness. The new model is also slightly lighter than its predecessor and features a sole that offers players a higher margin for error, meaning that it’s far harder to fluff chip shots around the greens.
Finally, the cavity-backed design of the club, which is supported by the black TPU gel insert that sits behind the sweet spot, helps to control the sound that the club produces on ball impact. The feedback on offer here is incredible and, interestingly, it really doesn’t sound like a cavity-backed club.
- Read our full Cleveland CBX Full-Face 2 Wedge Review
Callaway Jaws Raw Wedge
This lob wedge was designed by Rob Cleveland and, according to Callaway, features the very deepest and most aggressive grooves in golf. When we put this lob wedge to the test, it’s safe to say that we were totally blown away by the results.
In terms of aesthetics, the Callaway Jaws Raw Wedge has the same shape and visuals expected from the Jaws range. It’s a well styled and designed club that incorporates a weight system that works well to help players create bounce when playing off the turf.
When we put it to the test, we were impressed by the level of spin offered by the club’s micro-grooves combined with the Raw face. We also felt that the amount of spin on shorter chips was great, in addition to the fact that this club offered really great control over different shots. What's more, we noticed that it seemed fairly easy to get under the ball thanks to the Z Grind sole that has been created to skim seamlessly along the turf, rather than digging down into it.
- Read our full Callaway Jaws Raw Wedge Review
Wilson Staff Model Wedge
The Wilson Staff short-game offering has undergone a serious overhaul, with the introduction of the Staff Model and the Staff Model Hi Toe, both of which are fantastic clubs to play with.
We've gone with the Staff Model here, as we were extremely impressed with how it delivers such a great combination of look and feel to gameplay, also helping to increase confidence at address. What we found was that, at impact, this lob wedge is extremely stable and forgiving, which makes it a good choice for players of a diverse range, from newer golfers to more experienced players.
- Read our full Wilson Staff Model Wedge Review
Callaway Jaws Mack Daddy 5 Wedge
There’s no arguing the fact that the Jaws MD5 is a fantastic lob wedge and one of the very best available on the market, thanks to its all-round offering. One area that we were rather impressed with was that the MD5 wedges really outdo themselves when it comes to creating spin. This model is designed to help increase shot control, while also helping players to hone their gameplay precision.
In terms of looks, the Jaws MD5 features a traditional shape with the technology on the face barely visible to minimise distraction. Along with the aesthetics, it features multiple grind and finish options, with these wedges feeling buttery soft on all lengths of shot. This is partly down to the mild carbon steel used to create the heads, the muscleback design and the soft and tacky Lamkin UTX grip.
- Read our full Callaway Jaws Mack Daddy 5 Wedge Review
TaylorMade MG4 Wedge
The Raw face technology of the MG4 wedges means that they’re able to maintain high spin generation in even the wettest of weather conditions - once the Raw face has been exposed to the elements and has had the chance to rust over time, that is.
This wedge also features raised micro-ribs between each groove, to help improve spin and precision during gameplay. There’s also the introduction of the new tread technology that helps to push moisture away from the point of impact to optimise speed further. Available in both chrome and black finishes, we were really impressed with the overall aesthetics of these clubs.
- Read our full TaylorMade Milled Grind 4 Wedge Review
Callaway Jaws Full Toe Wedge
Designed to replace the PM Grind Wedge, the Jaws Full Toe model features a combination of key technologies to help increase spin as much as possible. Callaway has extended the grooves across the entirety of the face to provide spin anywhere, in addition to making it easier for golfers to make contact with the ball.
The Jaws Full Toe Wedge also features a raw face, which is a new feature to this range from Callaway. This has been combined with offset groove-in-groove technology that provides golfers with the combination of spin and control needed to approach any shot with confidence.
- Read our full Callaway Jaws Full Toe Wedge Review
How we test
When it comes to wedges, we take the testing process very seriously. Whether we are sent a product or buy it ourselves, we put everything through its paces to ensure we can provide thorough and reliable advice. Every member of the Golf Monthly team is an avid golfer and as such, knows what does and doesn't make for a good wedge.
As far as our methodology goes, we review all wedges properly, which means we have used each one across multiple rounds and in practice to assess every aspect of performance in all conditions. For example, if a brand claims its wedge is the ultimate bunker club, we will test that theory from any and all lies possible.
Specific to the best lob wedges, we tested every one thoroughly to assess the consistency when it came to spin, feel and distance control on offer. We were also keen to find out how easy it was to hit full shots with each model was and analyze differences in flight and dispersion.
This comprehensive testing style is not just exclusive to wedges as we test with the same level of thoroughness across all gear categories.
What to consider when buying new wedges
As wedges are some of the most technical clubs in your bag, getting the right wedge for your swing and the kind of golf you want to play can be a tricky task. That's why we here at Golf Monthly always recommend anyone buying a new wedge or club attends a club fitting session, to get a club that is tailored to your needs as a golfer. But we also have a some helpful tips you should keep in mind when looking to get a new set of wedges.
1. Gapping
Measure your current wedge yardages and how often you are in-between clubs to help decide if you need to carry extra options. Getting the right yardage gaps is very important if you want to be as efficient as possible especially when it comes to the scoring clubs.
2. Bounce
Low bounce wedges are more suited to hard fairways and tight lies, while high bounce wedges are better for softer ground conditions and bunkers. The most bounce you will ever see on a wedge is about 18°, but it can be as low as 2°. The type of bounce you opt for should largely depend on things like your normal angle of attack, the firmness of your fairways and the type of shots you like to hit around the greens.
3. Finish
Options like black PVD and copper are becoming increasingly common. The difference is mainly cosmetic, but dark finishes can help reduce glare.
4. Grooves
While grooves are now tightly regulated, it is still well worth keeping up to date with the latest designs, which use new milling processes and groove shapes to help move water and dirt away from the ball at impact to create extra spin and improve control. Clubs with full face grooves can be even more forgiving than those that don't have full face grooves, which can deliver more spin and traction on each shot.
5. Forgiveness
Playability is a huge factor that any golfer needs to bear in mind when buying a new lob wedge. We all know how unforgiving wedges can be and how infuriating it can be to fluff your chip shot after playing a smashing drive right down the middle of the fairway. Wedges can be some of the hardest clubs in your bag to use, and the most unforgiving. So for that reason, if you're less experienced, you want to need to sacrifice a bit of control in your wedge game to gain a little more consistency. And if you fall into that category of player, you may want to look out for wedges that come with a wider sole and a cavity-backed design.
For more advice on some of the best wedges on the market, visit our in-depth guides to the best pitching wedges, best sand wedges and best high-bounce wedges.
FAQ
What is the best lob wedge degree?
The most traditional loft when it comes to lob wedges is 60° but that doesn't mean to say it's the best. Nowadays, brands manufacture lob wedges that range from 58° all the way through to 64°, meaning golfers have more options than ever. If you find yourself needing to play a lot of flop shots, you might find a model on the higher end of the loft scale would suit your game best.
What makes a good lob wedge?
A good lob wedge should inspire confidence at address, allow golfers to play an array of short-game shots, and produce plenty of spin. All of these things come down to personal preference so make sure and do some testing to find your ultimate lob wedge.
What is the easiest 60-degree lob wedge to hit?
There aren't really any bad lob wedges made nowadays, meaning each model offers great forgiveness and consistency. However, lob wedges featuring a cavity-back design and a high MOI will generally be the easiest to hit.
-
Rory McIlroy Set To Make Shock Return To PGA Tour Policy Board - ReportThe World No.2 could be returning to the PGA Tour policy board as a player director once again after stepping down from the role last November
-
LIV Golf Adelaide Prize Money Payout 2024The big-money League resumes and there’s another huge payout on offer for the 54 players in the field
