Best Gap Wedges

Mastering the short game is essential for any golfer looking to lower their scores and enhance their overall performance on the course. Among the key clubs that play a crucial role in the short game arsenal, gap wedges are versatile for precise and controlled shots. Designed to bridge the distance gap between your pitching wedge and sand wedge, these clubs excel in various chipping, pitching, and approach situations.

Best Gap Wedges

1. Titleist Vokey SM9 Gap Wedge: – Best Overall

The Titleist Vokey SM9 Gap Wedges are a top pick for golfers looking for exceptional performance in gap shots. Designed with high-end materials and advanced technology, these wedges excel in precision control, shot versatility, and spin performance. So, without further ado, let’s explore the features that make them the top pick for the best gap wedges.

The standout feature of the Titleist Vokey SM9 Gap Wedges is their exceptional precision control, specifically tailored for gap shots. With loft options ranging from 50 to 52 degrees, these wedges allow golfers to achieve accurate trajectory and distance control. On the course, this made it easier for us to get the ball close to the hole. Moreover, the higher loft options enable golfers to quickly lift the ball into the air with a steep descent angle, ensuring precise control over the shot.

Titleist offers the F Grind option within the SM9 Gap Wedge range that further helps to enhance shot versatility. The F Grind features the highest bounce of 14 degrees, a square face, and a traditional sole design which promotes the successful execution of gap shots. During testing, this meant that we were able to fine-tune our shots based on attack angles and playing conditions, which ensured optimal performance in different gap shots scenarios.

Moving further, optimized trajectory control is essential in a gap wedge, and the Vokey SM9 also excels in this field of interest. Combined with a higher loft and shorter distance, the wedge allowed us to achieve a higher trajectory and softer landing, making it easier to control the ball’s flight and stopping power. On the course, this meant that we could tackle approach shots and shots around the green with more precision and enhanced shot versatility. 

What’s more, the Vokey SM9 Gap Wedges also excel in terms of spin performance, allowing golfers to maximize backspin and control. Equipped with advanced groove designs and surface texturing on the clubface, these wedges maximize spin generation. The enhanced spin allowed us to impart more backspin on the ball, helping it stop quickly on the green and giving us much better control over our shots. 

The Vokey SM9 Gap Wedges also feature an impressively compact profile, enhancing their visual appeal on the course. Crafted with high-end materials, these wedges are built for durability, ensuring consistent spin and control over time. The grooves and clubface remain effective even after numerous shots, maintaining their performance and reliability.

Last but not least, Titleist also offers a wide range of options for the SM9 Gap Wedges to suit your needs, including three finishes: steel, chrome, and jet black. Golfers can personalize their wedges to fit their thinking and style, adding to the overall appeal of these high-performance gap wedges.

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

---

2. Mizuno S23 Wedge: -High Performance

The Mizuno S23 Gap Wedge is a versatile wedge offering excellent performance, specially designed on the golf course to bring mastery to your short game. The wedge blade design combines the accuracy and playability with the powerful performance of a weighted toe design, making it an invaluable addition to your golf bag.

Starting off with the design, the S23 Wedges are engineered with a short hosel and heel-cavity construction. This strategically moves the weight towards the toe and establishes a sweet spot at the center of the wedge. The design aspect promotes forgiveness and increases spin potential on both full and partial shots. With this weight distribution, we were able to achieve higher spin rates and consistent strikes, resulting in improved control and precision.

Shot versatility is another exceptional attribute of the S23 Gap Wedge. Mizuno has designed this wedge with a modified teardrop shape and rounded edge, enhancing its ability to handle various shot types. On the course, this meant improved gap shots from a variety of attack angles. 

Additionally, the S23 Gap Wedge offers multiple grind options, enabling golfers to select the one that best suits their swing style and their course conditions. That said, the S Grind, featuring a minimal sole to promote fuller shots, is specific with the gap wedges and is ideal for players with a shallow angle of attack. Moreover, the S23 Wedge also offers three different bounce angles for this grind specification – 8, 9 and 10 degrees. With this attribute, you can choose the one that best suits your swing style and playing conditions, thus, optimizing spin and control on every shot. 

In terms of spin and control, the S23 Gap Wedge incorporates Quad Cut Groove technology with four different groove shapes. This technology optimizes spin generation and control regardless of your swing speed or your playing conditions. Moreover, Mizuno’s Quad-Cut Milled grooves, made from Boron-infused steel, enhance the durability and longevity of the wedge’s performance. Additionally, the wedge is available in two durable finishes: Satin White and Copper Cobalt.

The Mizuno S23 Gap Wedge is forged at Mizuno’s renowned facility in Hiroshima, Japan, using one-piece Grain Flow Forged HD Boron. This forging process ensures a precise and consistent grain structure, resulting in a wedge that delivers an incredibly soft and responsive feel upon impact. The satisfying feel of impact truly helped to instill confidence in every shot we played.

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

---

3. Cleveland RTX 6 ZipCore Gap Wedge: – Incredible Value

The Cleveland RTX 6 ZipCore Gap Wedge is a high-performing club designed to elevate your short game to new heights. With its exceptional spin, control, forgiveness, and feel, it’s the ultimate choice for golfers seeking optimal performance in gap shots. Let’s explore the features that make it one of the best gap wedges.

Regarding loft options, the RTX 6 ZipCore Gap Wedge offers versatility with two loft choices – 50 and 52 degrees- accompanied by the reliable Mid Grind. The Mid Grind features a V-shaped sole with rounded edges, ensuring stability on full swings and open-face shots. It performs exceptionally well in various turf conditions, easily handling average-sized divots and accommodating neutral attack angles, thanks to its bounce of approximately 10 degrees.

Moving forward, one of the standout features of this gap wedge is its incredible shot performance. It caters to golfers of all swing styles and course conditions, providing a wide range of options to suit your specific needs. With this wedge, shaping shots and controlling trajectories was effortless, which allowed us to navigate different lies confidently.

What’s more, regardless of the conditions posed, be they wet or rough, the spin performance of the RTX 6 ZipCore Gap Wedge remained consistently impressive. 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 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 our short game.

The design of the Cleveland RTX 6 ZipCore Gap Wedge is optimized for maximum performance. It features the innovative ZipCore technology, which enhances both feel and control. The strategic center of gravity (CG) positioning ensures a consistent and controlled ball flight, allowing for precise distance control and increased accuracy. With this wedge in your hands, you’ll experience improved confidence, knowing that its design supports consistent and reliable results. 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.

Durability is another remarkable aspect of the Cleveland RTX 6 ZipCore Gap Wedge. The ZipCore technology ensures long-lasting performance while the grooves maintain their sharpness over time. You can rely on this wedge to deliver consistent spin and control throughout its lifespan, making it a wise investment for long-term use.

Last but not least, this gap wedge’s overall soft feel and balance are exceptional. Its design promotes a comfortable and confident grip, enabling precise shot execution. Whether you need to hit the ball high and stop it quickly or execute gap shots around the green, the RTX 6 ZipCore Gap Wedge offers the versatility you need to excel in your shots. 

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 

---

4. Callaway MD5 JAWS Gap Wedge

We had the opportunity to test the Callaway MD5 JAWS Gap Wedge and were thoroughly impressed with its exceptional performance. The MD5 JAWS has proven to be one of the best gap 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 Gap 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 gap wedges – 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, 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 Gap 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. Throughout, the MD5 JAWS 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 wedge that will stand the test of time.

The feel and balance of the MD5 JAWS Gap Wedge were also exceptional. The club’s design promotes a comfortable and confident grip, enabling us to execute precise gap 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 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 Hi-Toe 3 Gap Wedge

Are you an average golfer who wants to get ahead in your gap shots? The TaylorMade Hi-Toe 3 Gap Wedge could be the perfect companion for you with its enhanced shot versatility and incredible control over flight. It truly stands out as one of the best gap wedges on the market. So, let’s explore if it’s the right fit for your skill level.

First and foremost, the Hi-Toe 3 Wedge offers an impressive level of controlled flight. During our testing, we were delighted to discover that even on full swings, we were able to deliver shots that were consistently controlled. This newfound control instilled a renewed sense of confidence in our game, especially when catering to challenging shots around the greens through enhanced precision of the wedge. From a technical standpoint, this is made possible by the wedge’s high Centre of Gravity (CG), which not only promotes control but also enhances spin and optimizes launch. In construction, this is done by adding up an additional weight in the toe of the wedge that helps optimize the CG in the middle of the face.

In addition to the high CG, the Hi-Toe 3 Wedge excels at delivering maximum spin. Milled micro ribs and full grooves work in harmony to generate an optimized spin, particularly on partial shots around the greens. Then there is also the RAW Face Technology which is achieved by instilling deeper grooves and the milled grind, made of carbon steel. Throughout, this helped to generate shots embedded in precision, incredible turf interaction, and maximum consistency.

Moving forward, we found the wedge to be highly versatile. On the course, this translated to the ability to shape the gap shots in various ways, significantly improving our overall game. The construction of the wedge is engineered to produce a wider sole with a low leading edge, which translates to maximized versatility throughout. Moreover, the wedge comes with a Standard Bounce option of 9 degrees, which helps improve turf interaction. 

Last but certainly not least, the Hi-Toe 3 Wedge boasts an impressive aesthetic and feel. Crafted from 8620 Carbon Steel with an Aged Copper finish, it exudes a premium look that lives up to the hype. This visually appealing design instilled a newfound sense of confidence when stepping onto the course. Moreover, the wedge’s easy swing and premium feel made it a joy to use.

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

• KBS Hi-Rev 115 2.0 Steel 
• True Temper Elevate 95 MPH Tap Steel 
• KBS Tour Lite 95 (Lightweight) Steel
• KBS C-Taper Lite Steel
• KBS MAX MT 85 T Steel 
• NIPPON NS PRO Modus 105 T Steel 
• Mitsubishi Tensei MMT 65 Graphite
• UST Mamiya Recoil 90 Dart T Graphite
• Fujikura Air Speeder 50 Graphite 

---

6. Cleveland CBX Full-Face 2 Gap Wedge

The Cleveland CBX Full-Face 2 Wedge is an outstanding choice for mid handicappers seeking the best gap wedge that offers a perfect combination of forgiveness, spin performance, and control. This wedge is packed with features that make it an ideal option for improving your short game.

First and foremost, one of the standout features of the Cleveland CBX Full-Face 2 Wedge is its exceptional spin performance. Through testing, we found that it consistently delivered maximum spin and enhanced control on shots around the greens. The wedge incorporates innovative technologies to achieve this impressive spin. 

We were particularly impressed with the HydraZip feature linked with the large striking area, as it helped us promote spin consistency while providing the essential boost we needed. HydraZip manages this by maximizing friction through surface textures, enhancing spin performance. Cleveland has also introduced the UltiZip technology, which consists of a deep and sharp network of grooves. These grooves helped us to generate higher and more consistent spin with greater control of our shots.

Forgiveness is another key benefit of the Cleveland CBX Full-Face 2 Wedge. Even on off-center hits, we were still able to deliver excellent shots due to the wedge’s larger contact area. This forgiveness is especially beneficial for mid-handicappers who may not always hit the center of the clubface.

The wedge comes in two different sole grinds – full-sole and C-Shaped – providing versatility for different types of shots. However, the full-sole option is specific to the gap wedges. That said, the full-sole option has an overall higher bounce, offering maximum forgiveness on full-swing shots. 

Furthermore, the inclusion of ZipCore technology in the wedge further boosts the Moment of Inertia (MOI) and optimally lowers the Center of Gravity (CG), resulting in improved stability. This allowed us to experience optimized control and maximized forgiveness. What’s more, the vibrations are reduced significantly due to this tech introduction which meant an incredible feel during our gap shots.

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 

---

Buying Guide

Finding the perfect gap wedge can greatly enhance your short game performance. With numerous options available, it’s important to consider key factors before making a purchase. This comprehensive buying guide provides valuable insights to help you select the ideal gap wedge for your game.

Loft Configurations: 

The loft of a gap wedge plays a crucial role in determining the trajectory and distance control of your shots. Gap wedges typically have lofts ranging from 50 to 52 degrees, which seamlessly bridges the gap between your pitching and sand wedges.

Shot Versatility: 

Evaluate the wedge’s ability to deliver consistent performance on full swings, open-face shots, and various lies. Seek wedges with designs that provide shot versatility and control, allowing you to adapt to different situations on the course.

Spin Performance: 

Go for wedges with advanced groove designs and surface texturing that maximize spin generation. Enhanced spin allows for greater control and stopping power on the greens, giving you an edge in your short game.

Feel and Balance: 

Consider the wedge’s overall feel, balance, and comfort during your swing. A well-balanced clubhead promotes confident and precise shot execution, while a comfortable grip enhances control and feedback.

Durability: 

Look for wedges crafted from high-quality materials that offer long-lasting performance. Grooves that maintain sharpness over time ensure consistent spin and control throughout the wedge’s lifespan.

Considering these key factors, you can make an informed decision and choose the best gap wedge to elevate your short game performance. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) that can help you choose the best wedges for gap shots:

What is a gap wedge, and why do I need one?

A gap wedge, also known as an approach wedge, fills the distance gap between your pitching wedge and sand wedge. It typically has a loft between 50 and 52 degrees. Adding a gap wedge to your set gives you more control over your approach shots and effectively covers awkward distances where your other clubs may fall short.

How do I choose the right loft for a gap wedge?

The loft of your gap wedge should complement the loft of your other wedges and the rest of your iron set. Consider the loft of your pitching wedge and sand wedge, and choose a gap wedge that evenly distributes distances between them. It’s recommended to have a loft gap of 4-6 degrees between each wedge for consistent yardage coverage.

What is the importance of spin in a gap wedge?

Spin is crucial in a gap wedge as it helps control your shots’ trajectory and stopping power. Look for gap wedges with advanced groove designs and surface texturing, as they enhance the spin generation and allow you to stop the ball quickly on the greens. Improved spin gives you better control over the ball, enabling you to hit more precise and delicate shots around the green.

Can I use a gap wedge for chipping around the green?

Yes, a gap wedge is a versatile club that can be used for chipping around the green. Its loft and design allow for precise control over trajectory and distance, making getting the ball close to the hole easier. Some gap wedges offer grind options to enhance versatility further and tailor the club to different chipping scenarios.

Remember, choosing the right gap wedge is a personal decision based on your swing style, playing conditions, and preferences. Take the time to test and evaluate different options to find the gap wedge that best suits your game and helps you improve your performance on the course.

Conclusion

Finally, we have reviewed 6 of the best gap wedges to help you decide. Choosing a suitable wedge is essential to improve your short game. While an affordable wedge that can provide an optimized spin control, versatility, and forgiveness combo is a good choice, it will also depend on your individual preferences. However, in a concluding manner, our tops picks include:

• Titleist Vokey SM9 Gap Wedge – Best Overall 
• Mizuno S23 Gap Wedge – High Performance
• Cleveland RTX 6 ZipCore Gap Wedge – Incredible Value