The name sand wedge is slightly misleading. Sand wedges are versatile wedges that can be used for a variety of different shots both from the sand and the grass. Sand wedge designs continue to evolve and below we will take a closer look at the different design elements to consider when buying a new sand wedge and we will also review the 5 best golf sand wedges currently available on the market.
The 5 Best Golf Sand Wedges:
1. Cobra King MIM Sand Wedge
Loft | 56 degrees |
Dexterity | Right & left handed |
Lie Angle | 64 degrees |
Grind | Widelow, versatile & classic |
Bounce | 7, 10 & 12 degrees |
Cobra continues to impress with every new range of clubs that they release and this is no different with their new King MIM wedges.
MIM refers to the 100% metal injection mold process that is used in the construction of these wedges. Each King MIM wedge is created using a mixture of high quality 304 stainless steel metal powder. This powder is injected into a mold and then heated at extremely high temperatures which results in an exceptional grain structure that delivers an unprecedented soft feel.
The CNC milled face of the King MIM with its signature circular milling patterns maximizes spin which is exactly what one wants from a sand wedge. The King MIM is available in 3 grind options. Each option has different bounce and interacts with the turf differently, if you are interested in this sand wedge make sure to choose a grind option that works for your golf game.
The King MIM also includes Cobra’s signature Cobra Connect system, this system is powered by Arccos and it allows for data capturing via the Arccos app. This rich data provides valuable insights that can be used by players in a variety of ways to improve their wedge play.
2. Cleveland Golf CBX 2 Sand Wedge
Loft | 56 – 58 degrees |
Dexterity | Right & left handed |
Lie Angle | 64 degrees |
Grind | S-shaped & C-shaped |
Bounce | 12 & 10 degrees |
Cleveland is renowned for its wedge designs and they continue to raise the bar with every new range that hits the market.
Their latest range of wedges, the CBX 2 is one of the best sand wedges that money can buy. The CBX 2 features a hollow-cavity design, the hollow chamber is situated near the heel of this sand wedge which moves weight to the toe, the result is an increase in MOI which ensures unprecedented feel and short game forgiveness.
The CBX 2 delivers in every aspect of its design and this is no different when it comes to feel. The CBX 2 sand wedge features Cleveland’s signature Feel Balancing Technology which promotes a toe-biased center of gravity, feel is further enhanced with the help of a Gelback TPU Insert.
The dynamic sole design of this high-quality sand wedge is available in 2 grind options, both options offer exceptional turf interaction regardless of ground firmness. The CBX 2 features fourth-generation Rotex face milled grooves, the spin produced by these grooves are second to none.
The CBX 2 sand wedge is jam-packed with technology and adding one of these wedges to your bag might just revolutionize your short game.
3. Callaway Mack Daddy CB Sand Wedge
Loft | 56 & 58 degrees |
Dexterity | Right & left handed |
Lie Angle | 64 degrees |
Grind | W-grind |
Bounce | 12 & 14 degrees |
The Callaway CB sand wedge is the perfect combination between a cavity back and a traditional wedge design. Traditional wedge designs differ quite drastically from that of an oversized cavity back iron, many high handicappers struggle with this transition but the Mack Daddy CB wedge solves that problem.
The Mack Daddy CB features a player-friendly sole that’s designed to interact with the turf optimally regardless of the firmness of the ground. The grind of the Mack Daddy CB also has slightly more bounce than other wedge designs, this added bounce enhances forgiveness especially out of the sand and thick rough.
Spin isn’t a problem with this wedge in hand. The Mack Daddy CB features Callaway’s proprietary JAWS groove technology, these precise, sharp-edged grooves produce maximum spin on every shot.
The Mack Daddy is a high-quality wedge that is sure to become a fan favorite in the bags of mid to high handicappers.
4. Wilson Staff Model Sand Wedge
Loft | 56 & 58 degrees |
Dexterity | Right & left handed |
Lie Angle | 64 degrees |
Grind | Standard sole & hi-toe |
Bounce | 10 & 14 degrees |
Wilson is one of the most recognizable names in the sporting goods industry and their golf department continues to impress with their high-quality affordable designs.
The Wilson Staff sand wedge is a tour-inspired, tour-proven sand wedge that was designed based on the feedback given by Wilson-sponsored professional players. The Staff sand wedge features a soft yet durable construction that is made out of 8620 carbon steel. This use of this material ensures exceptional forgiveness and feel around the greens.
Wilson uses precision machine milling in the manufacturing process which ensures that the grooves on this wedge deliver maximum spin and control on every shot.
The Staff Model sand wedge features a sleek chrome finish and it is available in 2 different grind options. If you are in the market for a high-quality affordable golf wedge then look no further than the Staff Model by Wilson.
5. Titleist Vokey SM8 Sand Wedge
Loft | 56 & 58 degrees |
Dexterity | Right & left handed |
Lie Angle | 64 degrees |
Grind | 5 different grind options |
Bounce | 4 – 14 degrees |
Vokey is a trusted name when it comes to the design of sand wedges. Master wedge designer, Bob Vokey, continues to perfect his craft with each new range of Titleist Vokey wedges and this is evident when we look at the SM8 sand wedge.
The center of gravity (CG) has been pushed towards the front of the club head with the design of the SM8, this repositioning of the CG delivers a higher moment of inertia which in return ensures exceptional feel, added distance, and optimal trajectory control.
The grooves of the SM8 are perfection, each groove goes through a rigorous testing process to ensure that the grooves on every SM8 sand wedge are perfect. Additionally, the grooves are treated with heat to ensure maximum durability.
There is no shortage when it comes to grind options with the SM8. This sand wedge is available in 5 different grind options that interact with the ground differently. The bounce of each SM8 wedge is optimized based on the respective grind options.
The SM8 features 4 unique finish options, all of which are aesthetically very pleasing. The SM8 does carry a hefty price tag but if you want to play with the best in the business then that is a small price to pay.
Different Wedges Explained
Wedges are a very important component of a golfers bag. Below we are going to take a closer look at the 4 different golf wedges.
Pitching Wedge
Pitching wedges are the golf wedges with the least amount of loft. Pitching wedges are a standard edition to a set of irons and it follows the 9 iron. Pitching wedges are mainly used for full approach shots into the green but it can also be used around the greens to hit various chip and pitch shots.
Gap/Approach Wedge
Some call it a gap wedge, others call it an approach, the name doesn’t matter, what matters is that it is a wedge that fills the gap between a pitching wedge and a sand wedge.
In a standard set of irons, an 8 – 10 degree gap exists between a standard pitching and sand wedge. A gap wedge fills that gap perfectly and it makes a big difference for players that are faced with a lot of wedge shots during the course of their round.
Gap wedges are very versatile and can be used on both approach shots and shots around the green.
Sand Wedge
Sand wedges are standard editions to the majority of game improvement and super game improvement irons. Sand wedges are very versatile wedges and players use them on approach shots, around the greens and out of the sand.
Sand wedge designs differ greatly as well. Sand wedges that accompany a set of irons normally feature a design that resembles the iron set which can differ from a sand wedge with a traditional wedge design.
Traditional sand wedges offer more versatility around the greens whereas oversized sand wedges are easier to hit on approach shots for high handicappers.
Lob Wedge
Lob wedges are the new kids on the block. Loft wedges are the wedges with the most amount of loft. Standard lob wedges have 60 degrees of loft but players and manufacturers play around with that number. Phil Mickelson famously added a 64-degree lob wedge to his bag a couple of years ago which brought a new dimension to Lefty’s already very dynamic short game skill set.
If you are in the market for a new lob wedge click here.
Wedge Bounce
World famous wedge designer, Bob Vokey, defines wedge bounce as the angle between the leading edge and the lowest point on the sole of the wedge. For the everyday golfer wedge bounce refers to how the club head interacts with the ground at impact.
Low bounce
Wedges with low bounce feature between 4 – 6 degrees of bounce. Low bounce players perform best in the hands of players with shallow attack angles that sweep the ball off the grass. Low bounce wedges perform optimally when playing in form conditions.
It is very common for pros to switch to a low bounce wedge when they play the Open Championship for instance where the conditions differ vastly from the courses that the PGA Tour plays on throughout the year.
Mid bounce
Wedges with mid bounce feature between 7 and 10 degrees of bounce. Mid bounce wedges are very popular thanks to their versatility and they are ideal for players that play on golf courses with inconsistent turf conditions.
High bounce
Wedges with high bounce feature between 11 and 14 degrees of bounce. High bounce wedges are ideal for players with steep angles of attack that hit big divots. High bounce wedges perform optimally when playing in soft muddy conditions.
To learn more about the importance of wedge bounce read our What Is Wedge Bounce and How Do You Use It article.
Wedge Grinds
Wedge grind refers to the width and the sole of the wedge. Grind is a design feature that wedge designers and manufacturers play around with, to unlock new performance gains.
No standard classification exists in terms of grind, each manufacturer follows its own system when classifying their different wedge grinds. Make sure to read up about the main purpose of each grind type when purchasing a sand wedge and ensure that it matches your swing type.
To learn more about wedge grinds click here.
Different Wedge Finishes
Wedges are available in a host of different finish options. Finish is a very important factor to keep in mind when buying a sand wedge, different finishes promote a different feel and overall look.
Chrome finish
Chrome finished wedges promote a traditional silver look. Chrome finishes offer exceptional durability but it does lack in terms of forgiveness when compared to a raw wedge.
The silver look of a chrome finished wedge can cause issues with glare when playing in hot sunny conditions but this isn’t something that the regular golfer should be too concerned about.
Raw finish
Raw finish wedges are basically unfinished wedges that aren’t coated with a chrome coating. Raw wedges promote exceptional feel and spin which is why this wedge finish is very popular amongst professional players. Raw wedges don’t offer the same durability as a chrome finished wedge, but it does make up for it in terms of forgiveness and feel.
To learn more about the anatomy of golf wedges read our The 4 Most Popular Types of Wedges article.
FAQs
Do you need a sand wedge?
Yes, every golfer needs a sand wedge. It’s not just for sand traps, but also for ones around greens where there are patches of mud or water. This type of club is so important that professional players often carry several in the bag.
When should I use a sand wedge?
There is no set rule of thumb as to when and where you should use your sand wedge. Sand wedges are mainly used to hit bunkers shots but these versatile wedges are also used when hitting approach shots, pitch shots and chip shots around the green.
Is a 52-degree wedge a sand wedge?
Sand wedges range in loft from 54 – 56 degrees, wedges with 52 degrees of loft are classified as gap or approach wedges.
Which degree sand wedge is best?
A 56-degree sand wedge is normally the best for average golfers.
Should I carry a sand wedge in my bag if I have a lob wedge?
There is no right or wrong answer to this question. At the end of the day, it all boils down to filling the gaps with your wedge set compilation. If you have a 50-degree gap wedge and a 60-degree lob wedge in your bag then a sand wedge is a must to fill the gap. If you carry a 52 gap wedge and a 58-degree lob wedge then you might be able to get away without a sand wedge in your bag.
How far does sand wedge go?
The average golfer will hit a sand wedge around 80 years on a full shot, but the range can go up to 110 yards.
Final Thoughts
Wedge designs might seem simple but when you take a closer look at them you realize very quickly that this can’t be further from the truth. Sand wedges are very versatile golf clubs that can be used for a variety of different shots both from the sand and the grass.
The market is flooded with a host of high-quality sand wedges, when buying a new sand wedge make sure to look at the different design features to ensure that your new sand wedge is perfect for your golf swing and needs.
This article was last updated on January 18, 2023 .