Best Pitching Wedges

Now, how do you know which wedge is better for you?

There are a few important things you need to think about, such as what bounce angle will suit your practice, and whether or not you will need coax grind and loft.

Keep an eye on the external beauty of the wedges or what kind of wedges you like? Because some wedges are available in different colors. Those with a light and raw finish have their advantages, but not everyone will like a club with a rusty face in their bag.

We’ve tested all the golf wedges available, and these are our picks. So far, our team has reviewed and thoroughly tested all wedges for how versatile they are and how well they hit the golf ball. This description is clarified on a regular basis.

Best Pitching Wedges

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

The Cleveland RTX 6 ZipCore Pitching Wedge features exceptional performance through enhanced spin, incredible control, significant forgiveness, and ultimate feel. These attributes make it a fantastic choice for golfers of all skill levels. Let’s review the wedge, which we consider the best club for pitching.   

The RTX 6 ZipCore pitching wedges come with two loft options – 46 and 48 degrees, accompanied by the Mid Grind. The Mid Grind option features a V-shaped sole with round edges, which meant we could maintain a stable performance on full swings while 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.

Moving forward, one of the standout features of the Cleveland RTX Zip Core Pitching 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. 

Moreover, 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 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 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 Pitching Wedge possesses and has been exceptionally important to us is its 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 wedge’s overall soft feel and balance. The club’s design promotes a comfortable and confident grip, allowing precise shot execution. The pitching wedge proved particularly useful for hitting the ball high and stopping it quickly, giving us the versatility to tackle the full shots around the fairway and hit the bump-and-run shots around the green.  

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 

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2. Mizuno Pro 225 Golf Irons’ Pitching Wedge: – High Performance

The pitching wedge of the Mizuno Pro 225 iron set features a compact, blade-style design that projects exceptional performance and precision. It is forged from a single piece of high-quality steel, which provides a solid feel, higher launch and exceptional control on every shot. Furthermore, this construction also contributes to its impressive durability, making it a great investment for the long term. 

The first thing that struck us about the Mizuno Pro 225 Pitching Wedge was its exceptional feel. The impact on the ball was satisfying and responsive, and we felt confident and in control with each swing. From a technical perspective, the wedge features Mizuno’s signature Grain Flow Forging process, creating a solid and consistent feel. Additionally, this also helped us to get impressive responsiveness and feedback upon impact, which allowed us to navigate the course confidently.

The pitching wedge is also designed with a thin top line and compact head shape, which helps to optimize workability. The design aspect allowed us to shape our shots with greater ease, providing the opportunity to tackle various lies and course conditions. Furthermore, the Grain Flow technology paired with the hollow body construction helped ensure stable ball flights and higher launches, further enhancing our performance on the course. Moreover, the pitching wedge also features a sole progressive design, which promotes increased stability and improved shot-making capabilities. On the course, this meant greater control over shot shaping and trajectory, making this wedge an excellent choice for golfers looking to ace their short game. 

With a high-strength steel face, the pitching wedge perfectly balances speed and forgiveness. Additionally, the variable thickness face design contributes to enhanced ball speed and distance, even on off-center hits. Furthermore, the high-density forged titanium muscle aids in improved higher launch and spin, which allowed us to tackle a variety of shots with ease.

One of the things we appreciated most about this set’s pitching wedge was its classic appearance with the blade-looking profile. The Mizuno Pro 225 Pitching Wedge not only performs exceptionally well but also boasts a classic and elegant appearance. Its sleek and compact design appeals to traditionalists and modern players alike, providing a blend of aesthetics and functionality. Furthermore, the soft copper underlay and Grain Flow Forged HD process ensure a buttery-smooth sensation at impact, heightening your overall experience.

Lastly, while forgiveness may not be the primary focus of the Mizuno Pro 225 pitching wedge, the club excels in precision and control. Designed with the better player in mind, they may not offer the same level of forgiveness as some other models on the market. However, if you prioritize accuracy and shot-making capabilities, the Mizuno Pro 225 Pitching Wedge is an excellent choice to elevate your short game.

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

• Aerotech Steelfiber i110 Graphite (Stiff Flex)
• KBS $-Taper Chrome Steel (Stiff/X-Stiff Flex)
• KBS C-Taper Lite Steel (Regular/Stiff/X-Stiff Flex)
• Nippon N.S. Pro 950GH NEO Steel (Regular/Stiff Flex)
• UST Mamiya Recoil 95 Graphite (Regular/Stiff Flex)
• True Temper Dynamic Gold 105 Steel

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3. TaylorMade SIM 2 Max Irons’ Pitching Wedge: – Incredible Value

The pitching wedge from the TaylorMade SIM 2 Max iron set is yet another of our top picks in the best pitching wedges category. The wedge is yielded to deliver a powerful combination of enhanced forgiveness, higher launch, and a soft feel. So, if you are a golfer seeking the exact blend, this 43 degree pitching wedge is definitely a well-suited one for your short game.

Believe us when we say we were mesmerized by this pitching wedge while testing. To sketch out a clear picture, let us put it in words exactly how. For starters, the wedge was extremely forgiving in all cases of mishits. Even the shots that we missed in the center made it out with a perfect proportion of precision and control. Moreover, the pitching wedge was extremely workable regarding distance, generating accuracy and consistency within the shots. From a technical perspective, the reason behind this delivery is the larger head design that manages to pull out increased stability across the face.

Moving forward, another aspect that we enjoyed with testing this wedge was its incredibly soft feel due to the head being filled with foam. Even on mishits, the sound and feel remained satisfied. Looking into the technicalities, we discovered that TaylorMade had equipped the wedge with an echo-dampening system, essential for the off-center hits as all vibrations are absorbed immensely. So, get ready to experience an extremely premium feel with the SIM 2 Max pitching wedge.  

The TaylorMade SIM 2 also helped us to deliver higher launch angles with all our shots. We were able to hit better shots, which translated to finding more fairways consistently. From a technical perspective, this was because TaylorMade has intelligently optimized the sweet spot with their cap back design. In a one-liner, the design aspect outshines the classic cavity backs with its multi-material construction. In testing, this translated to an optimal blend of enhanced forgiveness and controlled shots. Furthermore, owing to the forgiving nature of the wedge, this one qualifies as the best pitching wedge for beginners. 

The Cap Back Design paired with the Thru-Slot Speed Pocket promotes faster ball speeds and consistency. We also observed higher launches for the ball flights, resulting in longer carry distances. This is due to the feature of an optimized Center of Gravity (CG) that not only promotes higher launches but also introduces heavy stopping power. Furthermore, the wedge features a slight offset, which reduces the slice and lousy fade. 

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

• KBS Max 85 MT (Stiff Flex)
• Fujikura Ventus Blue (Regular/Stiff/Senior Flex)

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4. Cleveland CBX Full-Face 2 Pitching Wedge

If you’re a golfer looking for a wedge that offers a perfect combination of forgiveness, performance spin, and control, then the Cleveland CBX Full-Face 2 Wedge could be an excellent choice. 

First and foremost, the Cleveland CBX Full-Face 2 Wedge is designed to deliver a tour-worthy spin. Through testing, we found that we were able to achieve maximum spin and enhanced control on shots around the greens. The wedge utilizes several innovative technologies to achieve this spin performance. These, most importantly, include the feature of the HydraZip linked with the large striking area, which helps promote spin consistency while providing the essential boost to it. What really goes behind is simple, the HydraZip manages to maximize the friction proportion through surface textures.

Additionally, the loft groupings from 50 to 52 degrees feature a less rough blast that further optimizes the spin performance. Moreover, Cleveland has introduced their UltiZip technology which is another name for a deep and sharp network of grooves. Well, these grooves’ network is incredibly helpful in generating a more consistent spin and control into your shots. 

Another benefit of the Cleveland CBX Full-Face 2 Wedge is its forgiveness. Even when we missed the sweet spot, 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 shots. The full-sole option has a higher bounce, offering maximum forgiveness on full-swing shots. Meanwhile, the C-Shaped option has added bounce in the center, providing enhanced forgiveness and greenside versatility. Furthermore, with the ZipCore technology, the Moment of Inertia (MOI) is boosted, and the Center of Gravity (CG) is optimally lowered to enhance the stabilization factor. In performance, this meant optimized control and maximized forgiveness. What’s more, the vibrations are reduced significantly due to this tech introduction which meant an incredible feel.

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 

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5. Callaway Mack Daddy CB Pitching Wedge

The Callaway Mack Daddy CB Pitching Wedge is an outstanding option for golfers looking to improve their short game. With its combination of forgiveness, spin control, and enhanced precision, this wedge can help golfers of all skill levels achieve more consistency and better results around the greens. Adding to this incredible combination, the pitching wedge is highly affordable, making it qualify as one of the best wedges for the money. 

The Mack Daddy CB Pitching Wedge is specifically designed with a larger head, a thicker topline and a cavity back construction. This design provides an increased sweet spot and more forgiveness on off-center hits, which is especially important for players who may still need to gain the consistency to hit the ball squarely every time.

The sole grinds are another key feature that promotes consistency and precision. Irrespective of which shot we aimed at, consistency was maintained throughout. Both pitching wedges are available in a single grind option – the Full Grind is responsible for an enhanced bounce of 10 degrees and, thus, an incredible turf interaction. Overall, this makes it easier for golfers to achieve more consistency in their shots and better results around the greens.

Throughout our testing, we found that the spin performance was impressive. Even on off-center hits, we were able to generate an optimal spin delivery. The JAWS groove technology utilized in the Mack Daddy CB Wedge helps deliver an optimal combination of aggressive spin and enhanced control. The precise edge sharpness of each groove allows for maximum grip and spin, ensuring impressive spin performance on both center and off-center hits. 

The wider sole and higher bounce of the club’s sole design allow smooth turf interaction and consistent ball contact, resulting in exceptional control over trajectory and spin. This, combined with the wedge’s spin technology, makes it easy for mid to high handicap golfers to achieve more precision and better results on the green.

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 

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6. Titleist Vokey SM9 Pitching Wedge

The Titleist Vokey SM9 Pitching Wedges excel in precision control, shot versatility, spin performance, and a compact profile. Designed with high-end materials and advanced technology, they are an incredible choice for golfers of all skill levels seeking optimal performance in pitching. So, without further ado, let’s explore the features that make them the top pick for the best pitching wedges.

First and foremost, the standout feature of these wedges is their exceptional shot versatility, specifically tailored for pitching situations. With their loft options of 46 and 48 degrees, these pitching wedges allowed us to quickly lift the ball into the air with a steep descent angle. On the course, this enabled precise control over trajectory and distance, making getting the ball close to the hole easier. Titleist offers the F Grind option within the SM9 Pitching Wedge range to enhance versatility even further. The F Grind features the highest bounce of 14 degrees through a square face and traditional sole. 

Moving further, control and feel are essential in pitching wedges, and the Vokey SM9 also excels in these areas. In technical terms, the optimized trajectory control is achieved by moving the Center of Gravity (CG) forward. This meant that the wedges could promote higher launches accompanied by maximum control and thus minimize the risk of losing scores throughout the short game. Moreover, with a balanced and responsive clubhead, we were able to accurately gauge the distance and spin required for each pitch, which resulted in precise and delicate shots around the green. 

What’s more, the Vokey SM9 Wedge also delivers in spades in terms of spin performance. Equipped with advanced groove designs and surface texturing on the clubface, these wedges maximize spin generation. The enhanced spin allows golfers to impart more backspin on the ball, helping it stop quickly on the green. The SM9 Pitching Wedges also feature an impressively compact profile, making them visually appealing on the course. Furthermore, Titleist also offers extensive customization options for this series, including a choice of three finishes: steel, chrome, and jet black.

Lastly, durability is also taken into account with the SM9 Wedges. Crafted with high-end materials, these wedges are built to withstand regular use while maintaining their performance over time. The grooves and clubface remain effective even after numerous shots, ensuring consistent spin and control.

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

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7. Mizuno T-22 Pitching Wedge

The Mizuno T-22 Pitching Wedges are versatile and high-performing wedges 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 the S Grind option for its pitching wedges to promote finding you the perfect wedge to improve your short game. The S-Grind is ideal for players with a shallow angle of attack. It features a medium-width sole with a slight camber and moderate heel and toe relief. Adding to that, there are four different bounce options – 5, 6, 7, and 8 degrees, thus allowing you to choose the one that best suits your swing style and playing conditions. Moreover, the Quad Cut Groove technology features four groove shapes, optimizing spin and control on every shot, regardless of your swing speed or playing conditions.

The Mizuno T-22 Pitching Wedges feature a balanced design that emphasizes control and accuracy. The clubhead’s weight distribution and center of gravity placement are optimized to promote a consistent ball flight, ensuring improved distance control and shot accuracy. With their forgiving nature, these pitching wedges give golfers confidence in their approach shots, allowing them to attack pins precisely. The T-22 Pitching Wedges are engineered using Mizuno’s renowned Grain Flow Forged HD Boron construction technique, resulting in a clubhead with a refined grain structure for exceptional feel and responsiveness. 

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 feeling 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

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Buying Guide:

When it comes to mastering the art of pitching, having the right wedges in your golf bag is essential. This comprehensive buying guide will walk you through the key factors to consider when selecting the perfect pitching wedge to elevate your short game expertise and help you make confident and informed decisions.

Loft: 

The loft of a pitching wedge plays a crucial role in determining the trajectory and distance control of your pitch shots. Typically ranging from 46 to 50 degrees, pitching wedges provide a balanced loft that allows for controlled and accurate shots from various distances.

Bounce: 

The bounce angle of a pitching wedge refers to the angle between the leading edge of the clubface and the sole. It helps the club glide through the turf or sand, preventing it from digging too deeply. A moderate bounce angle of around 8 to 12 degrees is recommended for pitching, as it provides versatility in different lie conditions and allows for cleaner contact with the ball.

Sole Design: 

The sole design of a pitching wedge affects its interaction with the turf. Look for a wedge with a wider sole, which helps prevent the club from digging too much into the ground. This wider sole also provides forgiveness on mishits, making it easier to get the ball airborne and land softly on the green.

Forgiveness and Feel: 

When selecting a pitching wedge, consider its forgiveness on off-center strikes. A forgiving wedge can help maintain consistent distance and accuracy even on less-than-perfect shots. Additionally, pay attention to the feel of the wedge. The ideal pitching wedge should provide feedback and allow you to gauge the quality of your shots, instilling confidence in your short game.

Spin Control: 

Spin control is crucial for pitching, as it allows you to control the ball’s flight and landing on the green. Look for pitching wedges with advanced groove technologies and face designs that optimize spin performance. Laser-milled or micro-grooved clubfaces can generate increased spin, providing greater control over your pitch shots’ trajectory and stopping power.

By carefully considering these factors and conducting thorough research, you can confidently choose the best pitching wedge that aligns with your playing style and preferences. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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

What is the loft range for pitching wedges?

Pitching wedges typically have a loft range between 46 to 50 degrees, providing a versatile loft for controlled pitch shots from various distances.

What is bounce angle, and why is it important for pitching wedges?

Bounce angle refers to the angle between the leading edge of the clubface and the sole. It helps the club glide through the turf or sand. A moderate bounce angle of around 8 to 12 degrees is recommended for pitching wedges as it provides versatility in different lie conditions and promotes cleaner contact with the ball.

How does spin control impact pitching performance?

Spin control is crucial for pitching, as it allows you to control the flight and landing of the ball on the green. Pitching wedges with advanced groove technologies and face designs optimize spin performance, giving you greater control over trajectory and stopping power.

Can I use a pitching wedge for other shots around the green?

While pitching wedges are primarily designed for pitch shots, they can also be used for chip shots and other shots around the green. Their versatility and loft make them suitable for a range of short game situations.

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

Conclusion:

Finally, we have reviewed 7 of the best wedges for pitching to help you decide. Choosing a suitable wedge is essential if you aim 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:

• Cleveland RTX 6 ZipCore Pitching Wedge – Best Overall  
• Mizuno Pro 225 Golf Irons’ Pitching Wedge – High Performance
• TaylorMade SIM 2 Max Irons’ Pitching Wedge – Incredible Value