Selecting the best pitching wedges for diverse shots around the green is crucial. Many golfers carry multiple wedges to handle various situations effectively. Pitch shots, a vital aspect, require special attention. Mastering shots within a hundred yards significantly impacts scoring.
Pitching wedges typically range from 42° to 46° in loft. Choosing between the one from your iron set or a specialized wedge within this range is essential. (We’ve provided options for both below.)
Ensure each wedge serves a unique purpose to avoid duplication. The pitching wedge is a crucial link between irons and wedges, excelling in chipping, pitch shots, and full swings. We’ve compiled a guide on the best pitching wedges and comprehensive reviews of the best golf wedges.
Best Pitching Wedges
Mizuno Pro 225 Iron
Mizuno Pro 225 Iron
Introducing the Mizuno Pro 225 Iron, the 2022 Editors’ Choice.
Designed for mid-to-low handicappers, it offers improved feel and power.
It delivers comprehensive yardage coverage with a 44° loft in the pitching wedge.
Elevate your game with unmatched performance.
Pros
Notable improvement from the previous model
Aesthetically pleasing from all angles
Impressively fast and forgiving
Cons
Some may prefer a smaller head profile
Mizuno’s reputation for exceptional feel with its irons holds with the Pro 225. It delivers noticeably more power off the face than its predecessor, making it an ideal choice for mid-to-low handicappers seeking a sleek, player-oriented iron without sacrificing distance.
The pitching wedge in the set boasts a 44° loft, so ensure your gap or sand wedge complements it perfectly to cover all your yardage needs.
For more specific needs, be sure to check out our guides on the Best Wedges for Mid Handicappers as well.
Callaway Rogue ST Pro Iron
Callaway Rogue ST Pro Iron
It is introducing the Callaway Rogue ST Pro Iron: a game-changer in golf tech.
With a sleek design and forgiving hits, it ensures consistent ball flight.
Boost your confidence and performance on the course with this modern classic.
Pros
Striking appearance
Forgiving on off-center hits
Consistent ball flight
Cons
Mixed opinions on mirror chrome finish
Featuring a 43° loft in the pitching wedge, the Rogue ST Pro strikes a perfect balance between modern technology and classic aesthetics. Its sleek design appeals to those seeking clean looks and muscle back wedges. Don’t be fooled by its appearance; these irons offer easy ball elevation and confidence-inspiring performance for golfers of various skill levels.
TaylorMade Stealth Iron
TaylorMade Stealth Iron
Introducing the TaylorMade Stealth Iron for 2022: exceptional accuracy, remarkable distance.
Refined design, lively feel. Innovative Cap Back boosts ball speed launch.
Elevate your game.
Pros
Exceptional accuracy
Significantly longer than SIM2 Max
Offers a lively yet pleasant feel
Cons
Lower spin may affect stopping power
TaylorMade’s Stealth Iron represents a comprehensive improvement over the SIM2 series for 2022, especially in terms of forgiveness and aesthetics.
With a refined Cap Back design, these irons boast enhanced ball speed and launch, thanks to a lower CG achieved by removing the mid-section of the toe.
While the stronger lofts provide impressive distance, the pitching wedge’s 43° loft may require consideration when completing your bag setup.
Ping G425 Irons
Ping G425 Irons
Introducing the PING G425 Irons: sleek design, Arccos sensors, ultimate distance.
Forgiving yet controllable, they ensure consistent performance: experience fast strikes, vital flights, and a premium look.
Elevate your game with the PING G425 Irons.
Pros
Classy, neutral design
Arccos sensors embedded in the grip
Cons
Less workable than other Ping irons
PING’s G425 Irons prioritize distance without significantly strengthening lofts. With a pitching wedge loft of 44.5°, these irons offer forgiveness, control, and a classy appearance many golfers appreciate.
They deliver fast off-face strikes and maintain vital flights, even on off-center hits, with a steep descent angle ideal for approaching greens within 100 yards. Notably, the G425 boasts a premium look with a darker color and slightly smaller profile than its predecessor, the G410.
Titleist 620 MB Irons
Titleist 620 MB Irons
Meet the TITLEIST 620 MB Irons: precision and elegance combined.
With stunning aesthetics and ultimate feel, they’re ideal for skilled players.
Elevate your game with smooth strikes and precise shot-making.
Pros
Stunning aesthetics
Ultimate for feel and precision
Cons
Limited forgiveness
The Titleist 620 MB epitomizes a player’s iron, boasting a sleek muscle back design that seamlessly complements the Vokey SM8 wedges. Designed for control and precision, these irons feature a pitching wedge loft of 47°, prioritizing feel over distance.
Experience smooth strikes and a penetrating ball flight, ideal for skilled golfers seeking ultimate shot-making capabilities. If you’re in the market for a premium set of blade irons, the Titleist 620 MB is a must-see.
Callaway Mack Daddy CB Wedge
Callaway Mack Daddy CB Wedge
Meet the Callaway Mack Daddy CB Wedge: forgiveness and ease for mid to high handicappers.
Its user-friendly design ensures consistent chipping and pitching, while the satin finish adapts to varying light conditions.
Elevate your short-game confidence today.
Pros
Very forgiving and user-friendly
Satin finish adapts well to varying light conditions
Cons
Limited versatility due to wide sole
SPECIFICATIONS
- Lofts: 46-60 degrees
- Grind options: 2 (Full, W)
- Finish: 1 (Grey)
The Callaway Mack Daddy CB is tailored for players needing consistent chipping and pitching assistance. Offering forgiveness on full shots and a pleasing feel off the face, it’s an ideal choice for those favoring cavity irons.
While its wide sole may limit versatility, its forgiving nature and ease of use make it a valuable addition to any golfer’s bag.
Mizuno T22 Wedge
Mizuno T22 Wedge
It is introducing the Mizuno T22 Wedge: precision, elegance, and durability in one.
With exceptional spin control and a luxurious feel, it’s a must-have for golfers seeking top-notch performance.
Available in stylish finishes like Denim Copper, Satin Chrome, and Raw, elevate your short game with the Mizuno T22 Wedge today.
Pros
Exceptional spin control and buttery soft feel
Versatile design in a pleasing shape
Cons
Denim copper finish prone to scuffing. Raw finish rusts quickly
SPECIFICATIONS
- Lofts: 46-60 degrees
- Grind options: 4 (S, D, X, C)
- Finish: 3 (Chrome, Raw, Denim Copper)
The T22 Wedge boasts three finishes featuring a microlayer of copper beneath the nickel chrome, enhancing the impact feel. Its slightly more compact profile and extensively beveled top edge create an elegant appearance.
The spin-weighted blade design ensures consistent spin and a penetrating trajectory, while HydroFlow Micro grooves excel in wet conditions. Cut into Boron-infused steel; these grooves offer extended durability. Choose from three finishes: Denim Copper, Satin Chrome, and Raw.
Titleist Vokey SM9 Wedge
Titleist Vokey SM9 Wedge
Introducing the Titleist Vokey SM9 Wedge: precision control, versatile options, and sleek style.
Trusted by Tour players, it offers exceptional spin and trajectory control.
Elevate your game with a perfect fit for your style.
Pros
Exceptional spin and trajectory control
Wide range of bounce and grind options
Unrivaled aesthetics
Cons
Custom fitting required for optimal setup
SPECIFICATIONS
- Lofts: 46 to 62 degrees
- Grind options: 6 (F, M, S, D, L, K)
- Finish: 4 (Tour Chrome, Brushed Steel, Jet Black, Raw)
The Vokey SM9 Wedge is favored by many Tour players for its control and consistency, especially as a pitching wedge. Evolutionary rather than revolutionary, it features Titleist’s Progressive Center of Gravity (CG) design for improved distance and trajectory control.
With sharper grooves and meticulous inspection, each wedge guarantees conformity and exceptional performance. Elevate your game and turn heads with the envy-inducing Titleist Vokey SM9 Wedge looks.
Cleveland CBX ZipCore Wedge
Cleveland CBX ZipCore Wedge
Introducing the Cleveland CBX ZipCore Wedge: forgiveness, spin, and feel.
With excellent feel and ample spin, it’s perfect for consistency around the green.
The low-density ZipCore design ensures forgiveness for all skill levels.
Elevate your short game with the Cleveland CBX ZipCore Wedge.
Pros
Excellent feel on all shots
Generates ample spin
Highly forgiving
Cons
Not the most appealing from the back
SPECIFICATIONS
- Lofts: 44-60 degrees
- Grind options: 3 (V, S, C)
- Finish: 1 (Chrome)
The Cleveland CBX ZipCore Wedge offers forgiveness without sacrificing performance. Featuring a low-density ZipCore, it delivers easy hits and impressive shot flight. The wide sole design enhances forgiveness, making it ideal for inconsistent players.
While traditionalists may find the look less appealing, its performance and feel are undeniable. Elevate your short game with the Cleveland CBX ZipCore Wedge.
TaylorMade Milled Grind 3 Wedge
TaylorMade Milled Grind 3 Wedge
Introducing the TaylorMade Milled Grind 3 Wedge: spin, tradition, and performance.
Favored by pros and amateurs, its rusty face enhances control, while ZTP Raw grooves maximize spin.
Elevate your short game today.
Pros
High spin levels
Classic shaping
Cons
Rusty facial appearance may not appeal to all
SPECIFICATIONS
- Lofts: 48-60 degrees
- Grind options: 3 (Standard, Low, Tiger Woods)
- Finish: 3 (Chrome, Black, Custom)
The TaylorMade Milled Grind 3 is a favorite on Tour, often found in the pitching wedge slot. Its traditional shaping blends seamlessly with other TaylorMade irons, while the rusty face, developing over time, enhances spin and feel.
It features ZTP Raw grooves for maximum spin and’s one of the most playable models available. Elevate your short game with the TaylorMade Milled Grind 3 Wedge.
Wilson Staff Model Wedge
Wilson Staff Model Wedge
Meet the Wilson Staff Model Wedge: precision and confidence united.
With consistent flight and a soft feel, it’s designed for reliability and control.
Collaboratively crafted with Tour players, it blends blade-like aesthetics with forgiveness.
Elevate your short game with the Wilson Staff Model Wedge.
Pros
Consistent flight
Soft feel off the face
Cons
Limited bounce and grind options
SPECIFICATIONS
- Lofts: 48-60 degrees
- Grind options: 2 (Classic, Tour)
- Finish: 1 (Grey)
The Wilson Staff Model Wedge combines blade-like aesthetics with forgiveness, ideal for many players. Designed in collaboration with Tour players, it inspires confidence at address and ensures consistent strikes with a higher density pattern on the face.
While it may offer slightly less spin than other options, its overall performance is excellent. Elevate your short game with the Wilson Staff Model Wedge.
Callaway Jaws Mack Daddy 5 Wedge
Callaway Jaws Mack Daddy 5 Wedge
Meet the Callaway Jaws MD5 Wedge: precision, versatility, and style.
With exquisite looks and feel, it elevates your short game.
Featuring Offset Groove-In-Groove technology, it offers enhanced spin with plenty of bounce and grind options.
Elevate your game with Callaway’s latest wedge innovation.
Pros
Exquisite looks and feel
Plenty of bounce and grind options
Cons
Some may prefer a straighter, longer leading edge for easier alignment
SPECIFICATIONS
- Lofts: 46-64 degrees
- Grind options: 5 (S, W, C, X, L-W)
- Finish: 3 (Platinum Chrome, Tour Grey, Custom)
The Callaway Jaws MD5 Wedge, designed by Roger Cleveland, offers exceptional aesthetics and performance. Its muscle back design appeals to better players and blends seamlessly with blades or cleaner-looking irons.
Featuring Offset Groove-In-Groove technology for an enhanced spin, it delivers a buttery soft feel for various shots. It’s a versatile addition to any golfer’s bag, with a wide range of grind, loft, and bounce options. Elevate your short game with the Callaway Jaws Mack Daddy 5 Wedge.
How We Test
At Golf Testers, our golf club testing process is meticulous, guided by the expertise of our team member Max Kuch for irons and wedges.
Before testing, we immerse ourselves in product launches and collaborate with manufacturers’ R&D experts to grasp new technology. We utilize premium launch monitors and balls on indoor simulators for controlled testing.
Outdoors, we test at various golf courses and practice facilities for real-world performance evaluation.
How To Choose The Best Pitching Wedges?
Gapping – First, stick with your iron set’s pitching wedge or opt for a specialty wedge. Knowing the loft of your pitching wedge helps determine the loft of your next wedge, typically a gap wedge.
If replacing your set’s wedge, check your 9-iron loft to determine the best pitching wedges loft. With a limit of 14 clubs, ensure each serves a purpose, transitioning from shortest iron to wedges to understand yardages at the bottom of the bag.
Style – Decide between using an iron or a specialty wedge, considering your preferred style.
Specialty wedges offer various designs, from muscle backs favored by Tour players to cavity backs providing forgiveness.
Finish – Choose based on personal preference and aesthetics. Opt for a finish you enjoy looking down on, such as classic designs, black PVD coating, or copper finishes, which can reduce glare.
Grooves – Stay updated on groove designs for improved spin and control, even with regulations. New milling processes and shapes help remove debris from the ball at impact.
Frequently Ask Question
What Degree is a Pitching Wedge?
A pitching wedge typically has a loft between 43 to 48 degrees, allowing for full shots and distances ranging from 80 to 110 yards for amateur golfers. It’s also suitable for half-swing pitch shots and low-chip shots.
With minimal bounce, the club swiftly lifts the ball into the air and onto the green. Lower loft angles produce lower ball flights and increased distances.
When to Use a Pitching Wedge?
Pitching wedges offer versatility, suitable for shots near greens, out of sand, and even from woods. Typically, golfers employ them for shots within 110 yards.
They’re designed to produce a higher, shorter trajectory than a 9-iron and a lower, longer trajectory than a gap wedge.
How to Hit a Pitching Wedge?
Begin by positioning the golf ball centrally in your stance, maintaining shoulder-width apart footing with an even weight distribution between both feet.
Aim for a longer backswing than a sand wedge when executing your swing, ensuring relaxed hands and arms for a natural club hinge.
Strive for a slightly descending blow as you swing through the ball, making contact before taking a divot. Precision and control are essential with the pitching wedge; prioritize a smooth, controlled swing over power.
What are the differences between Pitching and Sand Wedges?
Loft: The primary disparity lies in the loft angle. Sand wedges typically range from 54° to 58°, while pitching wedges vary from 44° to 48°.
Usage: Sand wedges excel in the sand and deep rough, offering high, short shots with ample backspin. Conversely, pitching wedges are ideal for 100 to 120 yards, lower trajectory approach shots, and chip and pitch shots around the green.
Conclusion
In conclusion, selecting the best pitching wedges involves considering loft angle, forgiveness, feel, and versatility.
Whether you opt for a traditional pitching wedge from your iron set or a specialized wedge, the key is to find one that suits your game and provides the control and precision needed for your approach shots and short game around the green.
With the right pitching wedge in your bag, you can enhance your scoring opportunities and elevate your overall performance on the golf course.
