The Best Lob Wedges

Wedges have a high level of versatility in their design. A wedge is often the preferred club of choice for many golfers due to the wide range of need and several angles of shots. One of these shots is the lob shot. This is a drastically different shot than attempting to drive straight down the middle of the fairway. It is instead, a well-executed flop shot. It’s a well-known shot amongst golfers: professionals often using it well in tight situations. However, it requires a few things to perform. One is a high level of skill. Another is a wedge with a high loft. Lofts needed range from 58-64 degrees. Yet, that is not the only performance value in a wedge. If it was, then it would not be as popular of a club. Instead, the wedge is also mean to create spin that provides options upon the ball’s arrival at the green. Truly, it is a club that is meant to get you on the green no matter the circumstance.

Wedge Options

With that, what are some of the best lob wedges out there? Several come to mind.

TaylorMade Hi-Toe Raw Wedge

Loft: 50-62 Degrees
Benefits: This wedge has an expanded toe area and full-face grooves. These things help to generate a lot of spin. This combined with easy flight and high forgiveness creates a positive experience.
Negatives: The finish on this wedge will wear off quickly. If aesthetics is a factor in your selection, then this wedge may fall towards the bottom of your list.

Cleveland CBX Full Face Wedge

Loft:58-64 Degrees
Benefits: This is another forgiving wedge for those who have trouble with consistency. The full face provides a large amount of spin, which helps to optimize the shot.
Negatives: It is not as easy to work with as other models of irons.

Titleist Vokey SM8 Wedge

Loft: 46-62 Degrees
Benefits: This wedge comes from a long line of classic wedges. It has a center of gravity that has been moved from prior versions. This assists with consistent ball flight: a key part of fully utilizing the wedge.
Negatives: It has a wider range of options which means it will need to be fitted to the player.

Wilson Staff Model Wedge

Loft: 48-60 Degrees
Benefits: This wedge has a consistent flight throughout the loft range. It inspires a high level of confidence at the address, due to it’s face, and the impact is forgiving. This is a wedge for a wide range of players.
Negatives: While there are many positives, there is a lack of bounce and grind options.

Callaway Jaws Mack Daddy 5 Wedge:

Loft: 46-64 Degrees
Benefits: As always with Callaway, we must set aside the instant draw at having a club named Mack Daddy. The name of the wedge should not affect the positives or negatives of a club. But it does help with the style points. The benefits range from it’s soft feel on various lengths of shots to various bound options.
Negatives: Many players may prefer a straighter and longer leading edge for easier alignment.

Mizuno T22 Wedge

Loft: 46-60 Degrees
Benefits: This wedge has a high versatility, great spin control, and a soft feel. This wedge is also slightly more compact, with a teardrop profile and a beveled top edge. This design helps with consistent spin.
Negatives: The raw finish, as with another wedge on this list, rusts quickly. If you are in an uncontrolled environment, this is a rather large negative.

TaylorMade Milled Grind 3 Wedge

Loft: 46-60 Degrees
Benefits: This wedge has a high level of spin and a traditional shape that many players will find appealing. This comes from the abrasive surface enhancing the friction between the ball and the clubface.
Negatives: Can be considered to lack versatility for golfers that tend to use more creative shots.

Ping Glide Forged Pro Wedge

Loft: 50-62 Degrees
Benefits: This wedge also has a compact shape that frames the ball and provides a soft feel upon swinging.
Negatives: The odd negative to this wedge is that there is not much difference between the other wedges in this brand.

Cobra King Snakebite Wedge

Loft: 48-60 Degree
Benefits: This wedge has an address profile that will appeal to many golfers of various experience. It also has full-face grooves for maximum control. This is beneficial to players who may have off-center strikes.
Negatives: The only negative with this wedge is the odd sound it makes. Again, if aesthetics is a factor for your playstyle, then it is a factor to consider.

Cleveland RTX Zipcore Wedge

Loft: 46-62 Degrees
Benefits: This wedge has a large amount of forgiveness on full shots. While many wedges are used for only close shots, this one has a bit more versatility. It also has a high amount of spin with a soft feel upon striking.
Negatives: The one negative is its line. Many players may prefer a straighter leading-edge line.

Callaway Jaws Full Toe Wedge

Loft: 54-64 Degrees
Benefits: This wedge was made for loft options. The options allow for high versatility and a great amount of stopping power: a combination which has a high value for many playing styles.
Negatives: The shape of the club may not be to everyone’s style. While shape may seem like a minor issue, it can be a rather vexing problem.

Mizuno T20 Wedge

Loft: 45-62 Degrees
Benefits: This is wedge that prides itself on distance control and a great feel. The grooves also create a good amount of spin in a variety of weather conditions.
Negatives: Again, the topline, which is a bit thicker, may not be to everyone’s taste.

Titleist Vokey SM9

Loft: 46-62 Degrees
Benefits: This wedge has a large amount of versatility, trajectory control, and spin on the ball. The best way to gain these benefits is when the player is closer to the green.
Negatives: This update to the SM8, is not that wide of a variance.

To Wrap Up

To end, wedges are meant to be versatile even when they are mainly being used for lob shots. It will be a tough decision between all of these wedges, but it is always best to think through your play style and select on what your needs are for this portion of your game.

Golf Insights