Clubs: Wedges get the grade

Callaway, Nike, and Titleist flop, lob, and chase their way to grades high above the others

Callaway X Forged Wedge (Best Beach Recovery)

R marks the spot, or the wedge for that matter. Just take a look at the hosel on Callaway’s new X Forged Wedges where the modest R branding lies. One name comes to mind—Roger Cleveland. The man knows what it takes to make a superior wedge, ever since he started creating and selling them in 1979. Today Cleveland has become synonymous with the ultimate in wedge technology, feel and design. So it comes as no surprise that he has lent his expertise to Callaway Golf as the Chief Designer of R&D. The end result, well, it’s Cleveland.

• Spin Control: Whoever said you can never have too much of a good thing, hasn’t hit the X Forged Wedge. When the ball comes off the club’s Forged 1020 carbon steel head the pure sensation is addictive. However, I found it difficult to control the ball’s release and spin.
• Shot Flexibility: The club’s bounce enabled me to easily get a good pick at the ball. From various lies, the X Forged wedge from Callaway performed exceptionally. I felt comfortable standing over the ball from undesirable lies.
• Bunker Play: The 60° ‘Standard Grind’ wedge felt at home in my hands for shots out of the bunker (not my strongest suit). The leading edge of the club head stayed close to the ground, allowing me to get under the ball quickly. 

Nike Victory Red Forged Wedge (Most likely to Spin)

Rookies when it comes to the golf club division, the Nike Victory Red Forged Wedges show potential, but have a few kinks to work out. “The inspiration for VR Forged comes from years of designing wedges, as well as what we learn from Tiger and our Tour staff,” stated Tom Stites, Director of Product Creation. These wedges are the sure “lookers” of the bunch. Though the club’s, High Rev grooves made my ball dance on command, I lacked shot making versatility around the greens. But, then again it is good enough for the world’s number one, and his record speaks for itself.

• Spin Control: Nike’s High Rev grooves are grinded to the maximum legal limit. So before the powers that be lay down the law on conforming grooves—stock up! These wedges are dependable when comes to stopping your ball on a dime.
• Shot Flexibility: I found the flange on the Victory Red wedges to be a bit narrower on the 60° than the others, leading to less bounce on greenside flop shots. The 56 ° and 52° wedge worked great in the 50-60 yard range from the thick rough to the trimmed fairway.
• Bunker Play: My least preferred out of the sand using the 60° loft with 6° bounce. I found that the club’s flange jutted out a bit too far, making the leading edge slightly more difficult to get the club under the ball. But, once again the High Rev grooves produced unfailing action on the greens.

Titleist Vokey Design Spin Milled Wedge (Best all Around)

Club designer, Bob Vokey, fused his classic design aesthetic with computer aided technology to create a nostalgic wedge with unparalleled performance. To say that he has generated a loyal following would be an understatement. Since 1994, the team at Titleist holds the title as “the most played wedge on the PGA Tour.” The Vokey brand is a true hallmark of consistency and versatility when it comes to those green side conundrums and the dreaded world that exists 100 yards out from the green.

• Spin Control: Spin reaction was significant from grassy lies in rough and second cut around the greens. The club’s deep grooves (30% wider than standard wedges) allowed the ball to check up on greens, even on poorly struck shots.
• Shot Flexibility: The 58° was my favorite pick for those touch-and-feel pitches around the green. Often a dreaded shot, 60-80 yards from the green, the Vokey Spin Milled wedge was a perfect fit for a three-quarter wedge into the green. Ball flight, spin, and feel were consistent with varying lies.
• Bunker Play: I used the 60 ° lob wedge to try my hand at making up and down with the Vokey wedge out of the trap. The Vokey wedge was the most rewarding, whether I faced a up hill, down hill or plugged lie.

All wedges were hit in consistent conditions using a Lady Precept golf ball.