This is our review of the best gap wedges on the market in 2023.
Our #1 suggestion is to go with the gap wedge that comes with your set, especially if you’re playing game improvement irons – like the typical mid or high handicapper.
We’ve got you covered if you’re not taking advantage of that option.
Luckily for us, wedge manufacturers have come through with flying colors. We’ve got a bunch of the best out there in this guide.
We’ve included an all new list for 2023.
In this review of the best gap wedges, we discuss benefits and features of each, our recommendations, and any discounts we’ve been able to arrange for our readers
Our #1 Recommendation for Best Gap Wedge in 2023 – Titleist Vokey SM9
- Exceptional spin rates
- Superb feel & distance control
- Available in several finishes & grinds
- Nada
Rest of the Best Gap Wedges in 2022
- Titleist Vokey SM9 (Best Low Handicap Option)
- Callaway JAWS MD5 (2nd Runner Up – Most Spin on partial shots)
- Taylormade Hi-Toe RAW
Best Gap Wedges Reviewed
#1 Cleveland RTX ZipCore Wedge
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- Superior spin
- Superior playability
- Superior versatility
- Still looking
We love the reliability, consistency, feel, and classic shape of the Cleveland RTX ZipCore wedges.
You want confidence when you step up to shots in the scoring zone and knowing you can rely on your wedge to save a hole or a stroke is a big advantage. Especially when you aren’t the straightest hitter. (like me)
This is where the ZipCore gap wedge shines. It excels on full and partial shots from the fairway or rough.
With ZipCore technology, CG has been moved closer to the sweet spot for optimized launch in all situations. The Ultizip grooves are sharper and deeper and there are two more of them for added spin. It will last you longer too because they’ve heat treated the face to keep those grooves sharper for longer.
You can get yours with a mid-bounce in a wide variety of shaft and grip options. They come in 48 and 50-degree lofts.
Customer Reviews: It’s hard to argue with an average buyer rating of 4.9, so we won’t.
Recommendation: Stellar wedge with a touch of added forgiveness
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#2 Titleist Vokey SM8 Wedge
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- Accommodates any swing type & any playing condition w/ 6 sole grinds
- Heat treated for added durability
- Progressive weighting prevents ballooning and increases accuracy
- Great looking wedges
- Great out of the rough
- Feel may be too firm for some
It’s no surprise that Titleist makes one of the best gap wedges on the market. The SM8 is beautiful, well-balanced, accurate, and consistent.
It excels and full and partial shots into the green – where you need your gap wedge to shine. Titleist has optimized launch on full and partial shots with their progressive center of gravity.
The Spin Milled grooves are the most aggressive Titleist has offered. They’ve also heat-treated them so they’ll last longer.
We expect the SM8 gap wedge to be in your bag a long time if you decide to take the plunge.
SM8 gap wedges come in 50-degree and 52-degree lofts and offer the “F” grind, which accommodates all turf conditions and swing types.
Recommendation: Playable by decent golfers, but lower handicaps may be more suited.
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#3 Callaway MD5 JAWS Wedge
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- Excellent spin even on partial shots
- Versatile. Good on partial & full shots
- Look great
- Soft feel
- Complaints of the "tour grey" finish wearing off quickly
We are a fan of the Callaway JAWS MD5 line of wedges and their gap wedge is no different. It’s one of the best gap wedges you can buy and an all-around great performer from the fairway, rough, or around the green.
The aggressive grooving and groove-in-groove technology means spin and stopping power won’t be a concern.
Callaway offers two bounce and sole grind options and tons of shaft and grip customization options.
- 50 degrees (10*, 12* Bounce) (S, W Grind)
- 52 degrees (10*, 12* Bounce) (S, W Grind)
Customer reviews: Users rave about the soft feel, versatility, and consistency.
Recommendation: Great for better mid handicaps and low handicappers.
For up to 25% off from Global Golf – Check Current Deals
#4 Taylormade Hi-Toe RAW
New & Used Clubs Available
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- Superior spin, especially on partial shots
- Easier to control trajectory for better accuracy
- Hard to get specs
The Taylormade Hi-Toe RAW gap wedge is another one of our favorites and a can’t miss.
It produces excellent in spin on partial and full shots, which is really helpful on firmer greens. The extra spin is thanks to deep cut and sharp grooves, laser etching between the grooves, and RAW face technology which is designed to rust – adding even more friction as the wedge ages.
You also get better control of trajectory and add more spin with Taylormade’s higher center of gravity in the Hi-Toe wedges.
Loft options: (50*, 52*)
Bounce: 9*
Customer Reviews: Buyers give the Hi-Toe an average rating of 4.8 and rave about its versatility.
Recommendation: This is the wedge you want to try if you are breaking into Hi-Toe wedges.
For up to 25% off from Global Golf – Check Current Deals
How to pick the right loft for your Gap Wedge
First, most iron sets come with gap wedges these days and I think they perform well enough for the vast majority of golfers. In fact, if I’m buying an iron set and it includes an option to get the matching gap wedge, I’m getting that gap wedge.
- The one concern: Make sure the gap wedge offered properly fills the gap between your pitching wedge and your sand wedge. You wan’t no more than 4 degrees to 6 degrees of gap between clubs.
You likely have to replace a gap wedge or you need one to round out your set if you are here.
Step 1: What is the loft of your pitching wedge? 46 degrees for me
Step 2: What is the loft of your sand wedge? 56 degrees for me
I don’t recommend less than a 4-degree gap and no more than a 6-degree gap between clubs. Plus, a gap wedge is more of a full-swing club, so I want the most consistent gap to be between the pitching wedge and the gap wedge.
Thus, my gap wedge is 50 degrees. I’m comfortable with 56 degrees for my sand wedge.
I may need to dial this in further at some point, but not now.
Verdict – The Best Gap Wedges in 2022
These are all great gap wedges from the best manufacturers in the business.
My #1 suggestion is to test before you buy. Either at your local golf store or take advantage of Global Golf’s Utry trial program. I use it and recommend it.
Thanks for checking out our review of the Best gap wedges in 2022.
New & Used Clubs Available
Get 8% OFF at Global Golf with Code: GolferGeek
- Superior spin
- Superior playability
- Superior versatility
- Still looking
