Despite being difficult to master, the 60 degree wedge is my favorite club when it comes to greenside shots. I like to lift the ball high and stop it near the target so that it can get up and down. This requires a weak loft and more spin.
So if you’re looking for a good lob wedge to keep in your bag, this article details my top 9 for 2023.
While all the lob-wedges on this list spin well and improve your accuracy around the greens, they come in a variety of prices and designs. I have included a variety of compact profiles that offer minimal forgiveness for better golfers and more forgiving cavity-back designs to accommodate high-handicap players.
Table of Contents
- What to Look For In a Good Lob Wedge
- The 9 Best Lob Wedges
What to Look For in a Good Lob Wedge
Low or mid-bounce
According to my experience, the best lob sticks have a lower bounce profile. This helps you get under the ball and send it high. A lob wedge with too much bounce can cause the clubface and ball to bounce higher than it should.
Hit the ball at the equator or higher for a lower-flying shot that may not stop as quickly if it were elevated.
Look at the specifications section to identify the bounce when shopping for lob wedges. The bounce ranges from approximately 4 to 10 degrees on the lower end to more than 10 on the upper end.
I have found that any temperature above 8 degrees is too bouncey for the average golfer and can cause your clubhead to bounce off the turf. This will make it difficult to control your golf ball for bunker shots and slop shots.
Versatile Sole Grin
I believe that while the best golfers may demand different grind options for wedges, the average golfer should keep things simple. A versatile sole grind is a good option. This makes it easy to play chips, flops and medium-range shots as well as bunker shots without changing your setup.
Full Face Grooves
You won’t be able to lift the ball and stop it quickly near your target if you don’t have more spin. I recommend that every golfer consider full-face grooves. They allow you to produce maximum spin using an open clubface.
To provide a larger surface area for contact with the ball, the grooves usually extend from the heel to your toe. This makes it easier for high handicappers to make contact, and gives them substantial revs per min.
Clean Turf Interaction
Crisp turf interaction is essential to allow your clubhead to glide across the turf and not dig into the ground. This motion allows your lob wedge, which is used to lift the ball, to glide underneath it for a soft landing and raised launch. These are characteristics that golfers appreciate on flop and full shot shots.
The 9 Best Lob Wedges
1. Titleist Vokey SM9 – Overall Best Lob Wedge
Titleist Vokey SM9 Wedge (60 Degrees)
The progressive center of gravity (CG), is available across all lofts. This optimizes ball flight, precision, and tolerance. The center of gravity is also located ahead of the face. This results in a higher MOI, exceptional feel, and a club face that wants to make an impact.
Pros
- Soft Feel
- Controlled flight
- Exceptional spin
- Compact profile
- There are many options for soles to suit every attack angle and turf condition.
Cons
- The lob wedge is expensive
- Because of its low-launching nature, beginners may have difficulty finding consistency.
The Titleist VokeySM9 rises to the top of our list of best lob sticks for 2023 because of its controlled flight and rampant spin. I appreciated the many sole grind options available to cater to different attack angles and turf conditions.
With the combination of micro-grooves and sharp patented spin-milled grooves, I was able to generate exceptional spin levels off my face. The sharp, spin-milled grooves pierce the ball at contact and impart more spin to the ball for drop control and stop control.
To increase friction on all shots, the micro-grooves are placed horizontally between the main grooves. This is the most flexible Vokey wedge that I have ever used, but it works better for low-handicap golfers.
Next, I found the higher center of gravity (CG), appealing because it encouraged low-flying shots to improve command. This decreased the chance of losing distance control in my short game and inflated lob wedge shots. Titleist offers the SM9 lob shot in a 58-degree, 60-degree, and 62° profile.
2. Callaway Mack Daddy CB – Best For Golfers on a Budget
Callaway Mack Daddy CB Wedge (60 Degrees)
Groove-In Groove Technology offers more spin. The four sole grinds can be used in a variety of playing styles, attack angles, and course conditions.
Pros
- Affordable price tag
- Maximum Forgiveness
- Straighter shots are possible
- Designed for high-handicap golfers
- Produces consistent spin
Cons
- Only a single-sole grind is available for the lob wedge
- The workability is limited by the high MOI
You can keep your equipment costs low by choosing slightly older models. The Callaway Mack Daddy CB turns 3-years-old this year. However, its generous cavity back design and consistent spin allow it to punch well above its weight.
Callaway engineers were able to distribute weight around the perimeter of the clubface for a better moment of inertia (MOI) thanks to their cavity back construction. Its high MOI profile prevented me from twisting during my swing, allowing me to hit straighter shots by keeping the face square at impact.
The cavity back helped me to maintain ball speed and spin when I used it. I also found the full-face JAWS groove construction to be very spin-friendly and a great help in short-game control.
The only problem is that the Mack Daddy CB range has high-bounce wedges. This can make it more difficult for a flop shot to be executed. Callaway offers this wedge with their W-grind. This is a wedge that suits golfers who have steep attack angles. The only lob wedge has 60 degrees of loft.
3. Cleveland CBX Zipcore – Best For Forgiveness
Pros
- Forgiveness beyond compare
- Straight flying shots promoted
- You can spin a lot
- Eliminates vibrations from off-center strikes
- Average golfers are apt to open their clubs for flop shots.
Cons
- Its higher MOI decreases workability
- There are many options for grinding.
We all desire a soft, playable lob, but the average golfer prefers a large, more flexible lob. The Cleveland CBX Zipcore has a low-density ZipCore that lowers CG for a high launch and increases MOI for greater consistency.
The UltiZip grooves performed well, resulting in consistent spin even on heel- and toe mishits. This is due to the tighter, more active zone and deeper grooves.
According to my experience, the hollow cavity design pushes weight into the toe and disperses a low chamber towards the heel. These components combined improved stability at impact for a spin and ball speed while keeping the clubface square for straight shots.
The Gelback TPU insert was added to soften the feel of each shot, drowning out mishits. Cleveland engineers designed the CBX Zipcore Zipcore lob wedge with a 60-degree profile and a C-shaped grind to give the player more versatility and forgiveness on the green.
4. Cleveland CBX2 – Best For High Handicappers
Cleveland Golf CBX2 Edge (60 Degrees).
The perimeter is lighter and offers more forgiveness when impact occurs. Three sole grinds offer more versatility for any shot on the course. GelbackTPU Insert with Enhanced Feel Balancing Technology and a GelbackTPU Insole reduce vibration for a pure feel at impact.
Pros
- Superior forgiveness
- Produces sufficient spin
- Promotes a higher launch
- Radicate vibrations caused by off-center hits
- Affordable
Cons
- Chunky profile
- The lob wedge is only available in one grind.
High handicappers require a wedge with perimeter weighting, low CG, and high MOI. These features result in straighter shots and consistent spin as I found with the Cleveland CBX2 wedge.
The hollow cavity back design distributes weight around the clubface perimeter to improve stability at contact. This allowed me to maintain spin and ball speed on all hits, allowing me to achieve satisfactory distance control and accuracy.
As the CBX Zipcore’s Gelback TPU insert, the CBX2 has a Gelback insert to dampen vibrations up the shaft from off-center hits. The Enhanced Feel Balancing Technology provided a soft feel on the clubface, which was a game-improvement lob wedge.
Cleveland engineers chose a single sole grind option for the lob wedge: a C-Shaped sole. Because of the relief on the toe, heel, and trailing edges, it was easier to open my clubface. Cleveland also offers this lob wedge with 58-degree and 60-degree profiles.
5. Callaway Mack Daddy 5 JAWS – Best For Mid Handicappers
Callaway Mack Daddy 5 Jaws Wedge (60 Degrees)
Both the tour-tested w grinds and C grinds have been updated to allow for more greenside shots. Head shaping has evolved from the traditional shaped-lob and sand wedges to a compact player’s preferred design in gap and pitching wedges, for an effortless transition into an iron set.
Pros
- Soft Feel
- High spinning grooves
- The consistent spin of mishits
- Attractive player-preferred profile
- Three options for single grinding
Cons
- I struggled with my glare
- The 3 medallions adorning the flange are an eyesore.
Mid-handicap golfers want a sleek wedge that gives them a comfortable feel and makes it easy to forgive. These areas are where the Callaway Mack Daddy 5 JAWS excels to enhance your greenside experience.
I enjoyed the soft feel of the MD5 JAWS and the exceptional feedback it generated, thanks in part to the 8620 Mild Carbon Steel barface. It allowed me to judge the power of each shot better for better distance control.
The Callaway MD 5 JAWS has a great feel and produces spin across your face due to its Groove-In-Groove technology. The grooves dig into your ball at impact to produce a powerful spin, while microfeatures ensure optimal friction.
The player-shaped head is another popular choice for mid-handicappers. It has a slimmer profile that gives it a more attractive look. Callaway also designed the lob wedges with a 58- or 60-degree loft. There are two options: an S and W or C-grind. This gives you the most flexibility.
6. TaylorMade Hi-Toe Raw – Best Lob Wedge For Low Handicappers
Taylormade Hi-Toe Raw Wedge (60 degrees)
Consistent turn in all circumstances with control and variety. Reliability comes from the grow.
Pga Tour Superstore Price Check
Pros
- Superior feedback
- Copper finish with a rich, aged appearance
- Consistent spin and velocity on all strikes
- Controlled flight
- Smooth turf interaction
Cons
- Golfers may not appreciate the fact that the skin rusts over time.
- Seniors and high handicappers will not find the lower flight ideal.
Low handicappers are looking for wedges with a buttery smooth feeling, controlled flight, a compact profile, and exceptional spin. TaylorMade Hi-Toe Raw is a lob wedge that features all these features. It also has an Aged Copper finish for a premium look.
The Hi-Toe Raw wedge is not only beautiful but also produces incredible spin levels thanks to its Raw Face. It features narrow, sharp, and deep grooves. The indentations were encrusted by the golf ball and the ball spun off the face for a drop-and-stop spin on the flop.
Full Face Scoring Lines support Raw Face Technology. These lines sit between the grooves to increase the contact. TaylorMade’s genius engineer helped me generate the spin and ball speed I needed on all my shots.
Low handicappers will love the higher CG position. It allowed for more controlled flight for hops and stop spins. TaylorMade’s Hi-Toe Raw wedge is available in three lofts: 58, 60, and 62 degrees. They also offer the option of a standard wedge bounce or a low wedge bounce.
7. Wilson Staff Model – Best For Consistent Contact
The Staff Model wedges were created with the help of world-class tour players. They provide direct feedback on the design as well as performance. Players at all levels will feel confident in their short game.
Pros
- Encourages regular contact outside of the clubface
- Spins enough
- Soft Feel
- Clean turf interaction
- Multifunctional sole grind
Cons
- Only one grind is used
- The glare was an issue
For optimal spin in your short game, you must make contact with the ball consistently and use high friction levels. This is where the Wilson Staff Model lob wedge excels. Its clubface is designed to ensure consistent contact, resulting in optimal spin and velocity for all shots.
I found that the Precision Milled Face as well as Advanced Spin Scorelines helped to soften the feel of shots and increase spin. Advanced Score Spinlines are machine-etched into the face to create a greater density pattern.
The clubface has a density pattern that gives the golf ball more surface for gripping at impact. This creates sufficient spin. I was also pleased with the soft feel of most shots, which is due to the 8620 Forged Carbon steel.
Wilson only made a 60-degree lob profile with a Tour grinder sole. I found it glided through the turf effortlessly. The grind is designed to allow for versatility and consistency in all shots, without requiring you to alter your setup.
8. Cobra Snake Bite – Best For Consistent Spin
Cobra Golf King Snakebite Wedge (60 Degrees)
A new groove design makes use of a re-engineered cut method to tighten groove tolerances and sharpen the edges to deliver maximum spin to the ball.
Pros
- Gets the best spin across the clubface
- Crisp turf interaction
- Glare resistant
- Pleasant feeling
- Three sole grind options
Cons
- Some golfers might find the profile too large.
- Moderately priced compared with its peers
The average golfer struggles with consistently hitting the ball straight, which can lead to poor spin results on flop shots and chips, as well as shots out of the bunkers. The Cobra Snake Bite wedge has Full-Face grooves for maximum power on open-face hits.
The grooves are now wider than ever and 40% sharper than the previous versions. I found this to be a good way to get my ball into the grooves at impact and provide enhanced spin for drop and control in my short game.
Cobra engineers improved the groove tolerances and optimized groove volume to promote a clean strike across all clubfaces. I was still able to produce satisfactory results with heel and toe mishits.
The Cobra Snake Bite lob wedge is offered in a 60-degree profile, and Ricky Fowler’s sponsors provide 3 sole grinds. The Versatile option was my favorite, but you can also choose from a Widelow or Classic club grinder, which suits both neutral and steep swingers.
9. Ping Glide 4.0 – Best For a Soft Feel
Ping’s Glide 4.0 wedges provide control that you can feel thanks to a precision-machined face, and grooves with new textured facial blasting. The feel is enhanced by a larger custom tuning port and softer construction. A compact profile also inspires confidence at the address.
Pros
- Buttery soft sensation
- Encourages regular contact
- Spins the ball optimally
- Available in 4 sole grinds
- Superior golfers love a lower ball flight.
Cons
- It’s priced at a premium
- I find that sole grinds provide more bounce than I would like.
Soft-feeling wedges give golfers maximum feedback and help them determine the force required to achieve great distance control. The Ping Glide 4.0 is undoubtedly the most comfortable wedge due to its CTP insert and 8620-carbon steel body.
Steel has a buttery-soft feel upon contact, which gives it a wonderful feel and amplified acoustics. Ping engineers applied a CTP insert under the clubface to reduce vibrations during mishits.
Due to the added texture on my clubface, I felt that the Emery face blast finish helped me maintain consistency with my strikes. This resulted was superior friction levels at impact, which allowed for adequate velocity and spin in all shots.
Ping engineers designed the Glide4.0 lob wedge. It features 58 and 60-degree loft profiles, and 4 sole grinds. The S-grind proved to have the greatest versatility and was suited to a wider range of golfers. However, it does produce more bounce than I would prefer.
