Best 56 Degree Wedges

In the ever-evolving world of golf, mastering the short game is essential to make or break a player’s performance. Among the various clubs in a golfer’s arsenal, the 56-degree wedge stands out as a versatile tool for conquering delicate shots around the green. The 56-degree wedge, commonly known as a sand wedge, excels in shots requiring a high trajectory and soft landing. Whether faced with a bunker escape, a pitch shot, or a delicate chip, this club offers golfers the ideal loft and bounce to finesse their way to success. Its versatility lies in generating ample backspin, allowing players to control the ball’s trajectory, stop it on the green, and even add spin when needed.

The best 56-degree wedges have undergone significant advancements in design and technology, revolutionizing the short game. Meticulously crafted grooves on the clubface enhance friction and spin, providing golfers with enhanced control. Moreover, these wedges offer various bounce options to cater to different playing conditions and swing styles, ensuring optimal performance on any turf.

Throughout this article, we will explore leading brands and models that have gained acclaim for their exceptional performance in the 56-degree wedge category. By considering factors such as design, materials, playability, and customer reviews, we will identify the cream of the crop. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or an aspiring amateur, discovering the best 56-degree wedges will elevate your short game to new heights. 

Best 56 Degree Wedges

1. Cleveland RTX 6 ZipCore Sand Wedge: – Best Overall

The Cleveland RTX 6 ZipCore Sand Wedge features exceptional performance through a combination of enhanced spin, incredible control, significant turf interaction, and ultimate feel. These attributes make it a fantastic choice for golfers of all skill levels. So, without any further ado, let’s dive into our review of the wedge, which we consider to be one of the best 56-degree wedges available. 

Starting off, the 56-degree loft option of the RTX 6 ZipCore series comes with three grinds – Low+, Mid, or High. The details of these are provided as follows:

• Low+ features a powerful combination of low grind, C-shaped sole, and sharpest edges, ultimately leading to equal proportions of versatility and sand performance. On the course, this helped us to play in firmer turf conditions, handle smaller divots, exhibit shallow attack angles, and hit open-face shots with a bounce of approximately 8 degrees. 
• Mid features a V-shaped sole with round edges, which meant that we could maintain a stable performance on full swings while also hitting open-face shots. It also helped us to play in all turf conditions, handle average-sized divots, and exhibit neutral attack angles with a bounce of approximately 10 degrees.
• Full features a combination of added bounce and forgiveness with a traditional sole and round edge, which helps to promote stability on full shots. With this configuration, we were able to play in softer turf conditions, handle large-sized divots, and exhibit steeper attack angles with a bounce of approximately 12 degrees.

Moving forward, one of the standout features of the Cleveland RTX Zip Core Sand Wedge is its incredible shot performance. Regardless of your swing style or course conditions, this wedge provides a wide range of options to suit your needs. We found it effortless to find the right shot shape and trajectory for any situation, allowing us to navigate various lies easily. 

What’s more is that no matter what conditions were posed, either wet or rough, the spin performance was always exceptional nonetheless. From a technical perspective, Cleveland has effectively managed to feature this improvement in spin performance through an effective combination of the HydraZip face, UltiZip grooves, and upgraded ZipCore technology. The UltiZip Grooves are specifically designed to optimize spin rates and increase friction between the ball and the clubface. This led to enhanced spin control, allowing us to generate impressive stopping power on the greens. Our shots consistently held their lines and stopped quickly, giving us an edge in short-game scenarios.

The wedge’s design is optimized for maximum performance. It boasts the innovative ZipCore technology, which enhances both feel and control. The advanced center of gravity (CG) positioning promotes a consistent and controlled ball flight, resulting in precise distance control and increased accuracy. We experienced improved confidence in our shots, knowing that the wedge’s design would assist us in delivering consistent and reliable results. And what’s amazing about it is that the wedge managed to deliver on all fronts. 

Another characteristic that the Cleveland RTX Zip Core Sand Wedge possesses and has been exceptionally important to us is that it boasts incredible durability. The Zip Core technology ensures long-lasting performance, and the grooves remain sharp over time. This means you can rely on the wedge to deliver consistent spin and control throughout its lifespan, making it a wise investment for the long run.

Last but not least, we appreciated the overall feel and balance of the wedge. The club’s design promotes a comfortable and confident grip, allowing for precise shot execution. The 56-degree loft option proved particularly useful for bunker play and approach shots around the green, giving us the versatility needed to tackle various scoring opportunities.

There is also a wide range of compatible shafts to choose from. These include:

• True Temper Dynamic Gold 115 Spinner Tour Issue Steel 
• Project X Catalyst 80 Spinner Graphite
• KBS HI-REV 2.0 Wedge Steel
• KBS TOUR-V Steel
• Nippon N.S. Pro Modus 3 Wedge Steel
• UST Mamiya Recoil 95 Graphite 

---

2. Titleist Vokey SM9 Wedge: – High Performance

The 56-degree Titleist Vokey SM9 Sand Wedge offers an exceptional combination of precision control, shot versatility, and maximized spin. With high-end materials and a technologically advanced design, it is the ideal choice for golfers. So, without any further ado, let’s lay down all the features that make it qualify as one of the best 56 degree wedges.

First and foremost, the standout feature of this wedge is its ultimate shot versatility. No matter your swing style, you’ll find the right grind among the numerous options Titleist offers for this range. Once we found the perfect grind for our game, using the 56-degree sand wedge was an amazing experience on the course. We had incredible contact with the ball and were able to execute a variety of shots under any condition. The contact was incredible, and we were able to kick off a variety of shots, irrespective of all conditions. Taking about the different grinds, you can choose from the M Grind, S Grind, D Grind, and F Grind options. Let’s take a closer look at the different grinds available for the 56-degree sand wedge, making it easier for you to decide which one suits your swing:

• The M Grind, along with a bounce angle of 8 degrees, features versatility in the clubface positions and is ideal for those having a shallow swing style.
• The S Grind, along with a bounce angle of 10 degrees, is a combination of a full sole with a narrow edge that helps deliver more control over the loft.
• The D Grind, along with a bounce angle of 12 degrees, is an optimal blend of versatility, forgiveness, and high bounce. Thus, it is the right choice for players having steeper attack angles. 
• The F Grind, along with a bounce angle of 14 degrees, has a traditional sole that is well-suited for full shots.

Moving forward, the control this wedge promotes is remarkable. We were able to deliver more controlled ball flights while generating solid contact. The distances were precise, and we hit closer most of the time. If you look towards the technical aspect, Titleist has moved the Centre of Gravity (CG) much forward in order to optimize the control over trajectory and distance.  

The Vokey SM9 Wedge is equipped with advanced grooves that are extremely helpful for enhanced spin performance. All our shots were delivered with maximum spin, which helped improve our game tremendously. What’s more is that the grooves are incredibly durable and, thus, a good choice in the long run. 

There is also a wide range of compatible shafts to choose from. These include:

• True Temper Dynamic Gold S200 Flex Steel 
• KBS Tour Lite 95 (Lightweight) Steel
• Mitsubishi Tensei AM2 Red (Regular Flex and Lightweight) Graphite
• Mitsubishi Tensei AM2 Red (Ladies Flex and Lightweight) Graphite

---

3. Mizuno T-22 Wedge: – Incredible Value 

The Mizuno T-22 56-degree is a versatile and high-performing wedge designed to improve your short game and overall performance on the course. One of the most outstanding features of the T-22 Wedge is its shot versatility, which is essential for golfers who need to rely on their wedges to make accurate shots around the greens. 

The modified teardrop shape of the T-22 Wedge is slightly more compact, with an extensively beveled top edge that creates the appearance of a thinner edge. This design feature helps to improve shot versatility, making it easier to hit a wide variety of shots from any lie. On the course, this meant that we were able to hit a wide variety of shots from any lie, and with multiple bounce options available, we could choose the one that best suited our swing style and playing conditions. The wedge also features a spin-weighted blade design, where flaring or tapering the upper portion of the blade creates a higher consistent spin and a more penetrating trajectory. 

What’s more, the Mizuno T-22 Wedge offers a range of grind options to suit different swing styles and playing conditions, allowing you to find the perfect wedge to improve your short game. The options that are  compatible with the 56 degree wedge include the following:

• C-Grind: This grind is designed with a slightly wider sole and heel relief, allowing the club to be more versatile in various lies and turf conditions. The bounce angle featured by this grind option yields 6 degrees.
• D-Grind: The D-Grind is perfect for players with a steep angle of attack who need more bounce to prevent digging. It features a narrow sole with a high amount of heel and toe relief. The bounce angle featured by this grind option yields 10 degrees.
• S-Grind: The S-Grind is ideal for players with a shallow angle of attack. It features a medium-width sole with a slight camber and a moderate amount of heel and toe relief. The bounce angle featured by this grind option yields 14 degrees.

The T-22 Wedge has three different bounce options (6, 10, 14), allowing you to choose the one that best suits your swing style and playing conditions. The Quad Cut Groove technology features four groove shapes, optimizing spin and control on every shot, regardless of your swing speed or playing conditions. 

Mizuno’s HydroFlow Micro Grooves are laser-etched to release moisture and reduce spin drop-off to enhance the wedge’s wet weather performance. The quad-cut grooves are milled and loft-specific, cut into Boron-infused steel for a longer effective lifespan. The wedge is available in Satin Chrome, Denim Copper, or Raw, with Raw steel coming without soft copper underlay and will rust over time, creating a look requested by many tour players.

Regarding looks and feel, the T-22 Wedge is forged at Mizuno’s iconic facility in Hiroshima, Japan, using one-piece Grain Flow Forged HD Boron. This unique construction technique creates a clubhead with a more precise and consistent grain structure, resulting in an incredibly soft and responsive wedge. The satisfying feel of impact helped instill confidence in every shot we played. The wedge also has a microlayer of copper beneath Nickel Chrome, creating an extra millisecond of control at impact.

There is also a wide range of compatible shafts to choose from. These include:

• KBS C-Taper Lite Steel
• KBS Hi Rev 2.0 Black PVD Steel
• KBS PGI Graphite
• Mitsubishi Chemical MMT 105 Graphite
• KBS HI-REV 2.0 Wedge Steel
• Nippon N.S. Pro Modus 3 Wedge Steel
• True Temper Dynamic Gold 115 Spinner Tour Issue Steel 
• Aerotech Steelfiber i110 Graphite

---

4. Callaway MD5 JAWS Sand Wedge

We had the opportunity to test the Callaway MD5 JAWS Sand Wedge, and we were thoroughly impressed with its exceptional performance. The MD5 JAWS has proven to be one of the best 56 degree wedges available, offering a combination of enhanced spin, precise control, remarkable turf interaction, and an incredible feel.

Starting off with the design, the MD5 JAWS Sand Wedge features innovative technology that enhances its overall performance. The JAWS grooves, in particular, caught our attention. This Groove-in Groove tech is meticulously engineered to optimize spin rates and maximize the friction between the ball and the clubface. What’s more, the grooves are designed to feature a wall angle of 37 degrees which supports maximum spin for all sorts of lies. Then, there are also micro ridges between the grooves that help to promote further spin. As a result, we consistently achieved exceptional spin control, which translated into impressive stopping power on the greens. Our shots held their lines and stopped quickly, giving us a significant advantage in our short game.

Moving forward, the MD5 JAWS offers two grind options for the 56 degree wedge – S Grind and the W Grind. Let’s go through what these grinds can offer to you.

• S Grind: The S grind on the MD5 JAWS wedge is a versatile grind that features a moderate heel relief and a trailing edge grind. This allows for smooth turf interaction and versatility around the greens. The S grind is designed to provide stability and control on full shots. It works well for golfers with a neutral to shallow angle of attack who prefer to play a variety of shots, including full swings, open-faced shots, and delicate finesse shots. The bounce angle for this grind is set at 10 degrees. 
• W Grind: The W grind on the MD5 JAWS wedge is specifically designed for players who have a steeper angle of attack and encounter softer turf conditions. It features a wider sole with increased bounce and significant heel and toe relief. The wider sole effectively prevents excessive digging into the turf and provides exceptional forgiveness on shots struck from various lies, especially in soft or fluffy conditions. The bounce angle for this grind is set at 12 degrees.

Regarding shot performance, the MD5 JAWS Sand Wedge exceeded our expectations. Regardless of our swing style or the course conditions, we found it effortless to find the right shot shape and trajectory for any situation. This wedge provided us with a wide range of shot options, enabling us to navigate various lies easily. Whether we needed to execute a flop shot or a controlled chip, the MD5 JAWS Sand Wedge delivered consistent and reliable results.

The durability of this wedge is worth noting as well. The materials and craftsmanship used in its construction ensure long-lasting performance. The grooves maintained their sharpness over time, allowing us to rely on the wedge for consistent spin and control throughout its lifespan. It’s a wise investment for golfers looking for a sand wedge that will stand the test of time.

The feel and balance of the MD5 JAWS Sand Wedge were exceptional. The club’s design promotes a comfortable and confident grip, enabling us to execute precise shots easily. The weight distribution and center of gravity placement contributed to a consistent and controlled ball flight, resulting in improved distance control and accuracy. We felt a heightened level of confidence in our shots, knowing that the MD5 JAWS Sand Wedge would assist us in delivering the desired results.

There is also a wide range of compatible shafts to choose from. These include:

• True Temper Dynamic Gold 115 Spinner Tour Issue Steel 
• UST Mamiya Recoil 450 F1 Graphite
• Project X Catalyst 80 Graphite
• Project X LZ 6.0 Steel 
• True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S200 Steel

---

5. TaylorMade Milled Grind 3 Wedge

We recently had the opportunity to test and review the TaylorMade Milled Grind 3 56-degree Wedge, and we were thoroughly impressed with its performance and features. Here’s our in-depth analysis:

Talking about the spin performance, the Milled Grind 3 is exceptional in this regard. During testing, the wedge consistently produced maximum spin on all shots. This remarkable spin is attributed to the combination of features such as the RAW Face Technology, Raised Micro-Ribs, and the ZTP-17 Groove. The ZTP-17 Grooves, with their steep walls and sharp edge radius, create more bite on the ball, while the Raised Micro-Ribs add a unique abrasive surface for enhanced performance on shorter shots. This helped us to deliver exceptional spin around the greens and enhance precision on partial shots. What’s more, is that the added face texture provided us with incredible control and the ability to manipulate the ball’s spin to our advantage.

TaylorMade offers a range of sole manageable options with the MG3 56-degree wedge. 

• The low Bounce option provides 8 degrees of bounce. This option promotes versatility and the ability to open the club face, which provides ease in hitting soft, open-faced pitch shots.
• Standard Bounce is available in every loft, offering 12 degrees of bounce. The bounce is designed to cater to a wide range of players and turf conditions. It offers versatility and forgiveness, making it suitable for various types of shots and lies. 
• The high Bounce option offers 14 degrees of bounce, specifically designed to excel in softer turf conditions. It helps prevent the club from digging into the ground, providing better forgiveness and maintaining consistent performance even in challenging lies. The high bounce option is particularly beneficial for players who have steeper attack angles or prefer a higher trajectory on their shots.

As mentioned before, the RAW Face Technology of the Milled Grind 3 is not only attributed to the spin performance but extends to promote enhanced control. The face features sharper, narrower, deeper grooves and laser-etched precision. This design helped us tremendously to generate maximum control and stopping power. 

The ZTP-17 Groove design in the Milled Grind 3 is another notable feature. The steep side walls and sharp edge radius maximize spin, allowing us to generate exceptional spin rates and control on our shots. We found that the grooves worked effectively to impart spin on the ball, resulting in shots that held their lines and stopped quickly on the greens.

The Thick-Thin Design of the Milled Grind 3 is aimed at optimizing the center of gravity (CG) location for precise flight and enhanced feel. By redistributing mass, TaylorMade has achieved a club that delivers consistent and controlled ball flight, giving us the confidence to execute shots with accuracy and precision.

When it came to greenside precision, the Milled Grind 3 also excelled in this regard. The all-new Raised Micro-Ribs on the face provided us with added precision on challenging shots around the green. The textured surface area increased interaction between the clubface and the ball, resulting in improved feel and control on finesse shots. We found ourselves consistently able to execute delicate shots with confidence and accuracy.

The craftsmanship of the Milled Grind 3 is exceptional. The milling process used in its production ensures maximum consistency and precise grinds on each wedge. This attention to detail translates to optimal turf interaction and consistent performance. We were impressed with the overall quality and craftsmanship of the wedge, which instilled confidence in our shots. Moreover, the unplated material used in this wedge rusts over time, which preserves the spin properties and ensures better performance, especially in wet conditions. We appreciated that only the face rusts while the rest of the head maintains a premium finish, giving the wedge a unique and time-honored look.

There is also a wide range of compatible shafts to choose from. These include:

• True Temper Dynamic Gold S200 Tour Issue Steel 
• TaylorMade Kalea Premier 40 Graphite
• Project X LZ 6.0 Steel 
• Nippon N.S. Pro Modus 3 Wedge Steel
• KBS HI-REV 2.0 Wedge Steel
• KBS TOUR-V Steel
• Aerotech SteelFiber i95 Graphite
• UST Mamiya Recoil 450 Graphite

---

Buying Guide

When shopping for the best 56-degree wedges for golfers of all skill levels, there are several factors to consider to ensure you find the right club to enhance your game. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Loft and Bounce: Opt for a 56-degree wedge with an optimal loft angle to achieve a high trajectory and soft landing. Additionally, consider the bounce angle, which affects turf interaction. Higher bounce is suitable for softer turf or steeper swings, while lower bounce is ideal for firmer turf or shallower swings.
• Groove Design: Look for wedges with advanced groove designs. Well-crafted grooves enhance spin and friction, allowing for better control over the ball’s trajectory and stopping power on the green. Consider wedges with precision-milled or laser-etched grooves for maximum performance.
• Materials and Construction: Consider the materials used in the wedge’s construction. Look for wedges made from high-quality forged or cast stainless steel, which offer durability and an enhanced feel. Consider multi-piece construction, where the face and body are made separately, for optimal weight distribution and improved forgiveness.
• Shaft Selection: The shaft plays a crucial role in the overall performance of a wedge. Choose a shaft that suits your swing style and provides the desired feel and control. Steel shafts are typically more common and offer stability, while graphite shafts provide lighter weight and increased flexibility.
• Price and Budget: Set a budget based on your requirements and level of play. While premium wedges often offer advanced features, excellent options are available at more affordable price points. Consider the value offered by each wedge in terms of performance, durability, and technology.

By considering these factors, mid handicappers can choose the best wedge that complements their skill level and playing style.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) that can help you choose the best 56 degree wedges :

What is a 56-degree wedge, and why is it important for the short game? 

A 56-degree wedge, also known as a sand wedge, is a club with a loft angle of 56 degrees. It is crucial for the short game as it allows golfers to achieve a high trajectory and soft landing on shots around the green. It provides the necessary loft and bounce angles to finesse shots from bunkers, chips, and pitch shots.

What is the average distance for a 56-degree wedge?

The average distance for a 56-degree wedge can vary depending on various factors, such as the golfer’s swing speed, technique, and course conditions. Generally, a well-struck shot with a 56-degree wedge can carry the ball approximately 70 to 90 yards for an average golfer. However, it’s important to note that individual results may differ, and golfers should practice and adjust their technique to achieve optimal distance control with their specific club and playing style.

When should you use a 56-degree wedge?

A 56-degree wedge is a versatile club commonly used for various shots around the green. It is particularly effective in bunker shots, short approach shots, chipping around the green, flop shots, and pitch shots. The high loft and bounce of the 56-degree wedge allow golfers to generate a high trajectory, land the ball softly, and control distance and spin. Whether you need to escape a bunker, hit a delicate chip, or execute a precise pitch shot, the 56-degree wedge provides the necessary loft and control to help you navigate these challenging shots with confidence. 

How does the bounce angle affect the performance of a 56-degree wedge? 

The bounce angle of a 56-degree wedge influences how the club interacts with the turf. Higher bounce wedges are suitable for softer turf or players with steeper swings, as they prevent the club from digging into the ground. Lower bounce wedges work well on firmer turf or for players with shallower swings, as they allow for cleaner contact with the ball.

What role do grooves play in a 56-degree wedge? 

Grooves on the clubface of a 56-degree wedge enhance spin and friction. They grip the ball, enabling golfers to control the trajectory, generate backspin, and achieve better stopping power on the green. Look for wedges with precision-milled or laser-etched grooves for superior performance.

Should I choose a steel or graphite shaft for my 56-degree wedge? 

The choice between steel and graphite shafts depends on personal preference and playing style. Steel shafts offer stability and control, making them popular among golfers. Graphite shafts, on the other hand, provide lighter weight and increased flexibility, which can be beneficial for certain swing types. Consider trying both options to determine which feels more comfortable and suits your game.

By considering these factors and answering these frequently asked questions, you can choose the best wedges for your short game.

Conclusion:

As a final note, we have reviewed 5 of the best 56 degrees wedges to help you arrive at a decision. Choosing a suitable wedge is essential if you aim to improve your short game. While an affordable wedge that can provide an optimized combo of spin control, versatility, and forgiveness is a good choice, it will also depend on your individual preferences. However, in a concluding manner, our tops picks include:

• Cleveland RTX 6 ZipCore 56-Degree Wedge – Best Overall
• Titleist Vokey SM9 56-Degree Wedge – High Performance  
• Mizuno T-22 56-Degree Wedge – Incredible Value