The 6 Best Sand Wedges in 2022 | Buyer’s Guide & Reviews
Last Updated on 23 February, 2022 08:01 by Pri
Finding the best sand wedge is certainly a daunting prospect without the right guidance. One of the biggest mistakes a golfer can make is overlooking the importance of picking out the right choice of a sand wedge. Putters and drivers are brought out of the bag more often than the humble wedge but do not make the mistake of thinking they are a rarely called for tool.
In a typical professional game of golf, the wedge can account for a substantial portion of overall shots. Take note from the pros and start giving wedges the careful attention they deserve. Below, you will find our go-to guide on picking out the best sand wedge in order to help you out of all manner of sticky situations.
I was so excited to try out the sand wedges. Much like the gap wedges, I had so much to learn whether it was about the club face, its effect during a short game and on the fairway, how it worked for mid handicappers like me, what the club head angle looked like, how it worked with full shots and half shots. I knew I was testing for so much. The best golf wedges was a tall order of course, but I just had to start learning more.
When it comes to writing a review, I have a mental checklist of things that I look out for, and of course playability, bounce options, grind options, carbon steel, distance control, groove technology, loft options, ball flight – all had to be factored in. With different types of wedges of course chipping would be a huge test, but so would groove design.
There was a space in my matte golf bag for a new sand wedge and so I had to take this piece more seriously than anything else. Because at the end of it all, I knew I’d be buying one for myself. And as a self professed fashionista, I knew it had to have a black finish and the sweet spot of a candy bar.
This is no ordinary wedge review, this is a review for me to start using new wedges despite my skill level. I wanted to smash the heck out of a golf ball and use my full swing, just as much as I wanted to analyse the mid bounce and the low bounce. There was so much to learn, and with my new and improved centre of gravity and I couldn’t be more excited. And yes, this also got tested by some high handicappers and thankfully we all ended up picking the same few.
What is a Sand Wedge?
When they were first introduced to the golfing world, sand wedges were intended for shots from sandy terrain. In terms of design and construction, sand wedges have a noticeably wider sole and a heavier bulk.
Sand wedges also have an overall loft angle than other wedges, with loft angles ranging from 54 degrees to approximately 58 degrees. Bounce angle is also higher than the average wedge, with angles ranging from around 10 degrees to 16 degrees.
Due to its higher loft, sand wedges were historically the go-to choice for chip shots and shots taken from sandy bunkers. However, as the world of golf club manufacturing has moved on, the sand wedge has become a far more versatile performer that can be utilised more widely.
When To Bring Out A Sand Wedge
When it comes to sand wedges, the bounce angle has been carefully determined to ensure struck golf balls bounce off softer terrain, namely sand. As such, a sand wedge is your best bet for getting the best results from bunker shots.
However, the bounce angle of sand wedges also means you can reach for them in different situations. For example, if you are faced with stubborn grasses or muddier terrain, a sand wedge and its bounce can get you out of a tough spot and back into the game.
Ultimately, the sand wedge (aka bunker wedge) is a useful choice of club for playing almost anywhere on the course, provided you are not playing on particularly firm ground.
Key Strengths Of a Sand Wedge
As we have already mentioned, the high bounce of a sand wedge sets this type of club ahead of comparable ones. Due to the bounce design of sand wedges, you will find the club’s head is a relatively heavy one. As a result of this heavier bulk, the centre of gravity is ultimately lower, resulting in higher overall trajectories.
With a sand wedge, the leading edge of the club sole is positioned off the ground, meaning the player can more easily align with the centre of the ball upon address.
The sheer versatility provided by a sand wedge is admirable, with the angled sole allowing for a bounce of all manner of surfaces, from very soft sand to sodden ground. With a sand wedge at your disposable, you will rarely have trouble returning your golf ball to the green.
Finally, this type of wedge is a must if you are looking to put more spin on your balls. Thanks to their overall shorter design, sand wedges are easier to handle for adding some spin to your shots.
Important Things to Consider When Buying a Sand Wedge
One crucial thing to bear in mind when picking out sand wedges is the types of course conditions you are usually met with. If you are someone who usually plays on courses with shallower sands, it is advised you go for a wedge that has a more shallow sole and medium bounce angle. To be specific, you will want to find a wedge with a bounce angle of no less than 7 degrees and no more than 11 degrees.
Alternatively, you may find yourself dealing with looser sand conditions and gravelly terrain. If this is the case, you will want to pick a sand wedge with a higher overall bounce angle, no less than 12 degrees and no more than 15 degrees.
Also, find a wedge with a wider sole design. Finally, you may be met with course conditions rife with buried traps and finer sands. If this is your situation, you will want a sand wedge with a substantially higher bounce angle of no less than 16 degrees.
You will also want a wedge with a sole that is even wider than anything we have talked about so far.
Potential Distances for Sand Wedges
With a sand wedge, a competent golfer with a decent swing should be able to cover a minimum of 80 yards. Your swing speed will, of course, have a significant effect on potential distances you can clear.
It is worth remembering that due to their shorter lengths, a sand wedge will attribute more spin to shots, which will limit overall distances. If you are someone who has trouble getting a handle on a spin, you can expect even more limited distances.
Other things that can affect distance include loft angles. With higher lofts, you are usually looking at lower overall distances. That being said, the user-friendliness of sand wedges to help you out of sand traps and bunkers makes for a good compromise.
Sand Wedge Loft
When it comes to sand wedges, you are usually looking at lofts ranging from 54 degrees to 60 degrees. In certain cases, you may even find lofts above 60 degrees.
Which loft you go for will ultimately be determined by the lofts provided by the rest of your clubs. To make the best possible choice, make sure you are not left with any great gaps between sand wedge lofts.
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Our Top Picks of the Best Sand Wedge
- Wilson Sporting Goods Harmonized Wedge, Right Hand, Steel, Wedge, 52 degree Wedge
- C3i Sand Wedge & Lob Wedge | Premium Right Hand 65 Degree Golf Wedge
- MAZEL Electroplated Sand Wedge for Men & Women | 55 Degree Wedge
- Mizuno JPX919 Golf Sand Wedge (50 Degree, Bounce 7, Right Hand, Steel)
- Cleveland Golf Men’s Smart Sole 3.0 Golf Wedge, 58 Degree Wedge, Graphite
- Tour Edge Golf 1Out Plus 56/11 Sand Wedge
Reviews of 6 Best Sand Wedge
Now that we have summarised some of the most crucial spec to consider when shopping for a sand wedge, it is time to see what is currently available on the market.
We have put together a first-rate pick of best sand wedge for bunkers and sand traps from some of the top manufacturers around, with choices to accommodate all budgets.
1. Wilson Sporting Goods Harmonized Wedge, Right Hand, Steel, Wedge, 52 degree Wedge | Best Value Sand Wedge
If you are seeking a sand wedge that delivers on all counts, this premium offering from Wilson is sure to impress. First impressions are good thanks to the high polish finish and classic blade shape, ensuring you have a handsome wedge to add to your collection.
On a more technical note, the True Temper steel used in its construction ensures high levels of performance and reliable results, every time.
Need more convincing? The sole grind of the Wilson Harmonised wedge allows you to open the face of the club further, hitting higher shots and ensuring higher levels of accuracy. what is more, the blade shape boasts modified blade angles that allow for dead stop spins, giving you an incredibly versatile choice of a wedge that will easily rescue from the sandiest of traps.
2. C3i Sand Wedge & Lob Wedge | Premium Right Hand 65 Degree Golf Wedge | Best Sand Wedge
This premium C3i Sand Wedge is the way to go if you want top tier performance when you are in the thick of it. This sand wedge boasts an extra-wide design, with an auto-glide sole that makes quick work of cutting through sand, without the worry of digging or skipping.
Suitable for male and female golfers alike, this C3i wedge is just the ticket for clearing bunkers and awkward terrain with minimal effort. There are bundles of brilliant design details we could mention here, but we will stick to some of the most standouts.
The extra curve and bevelled leading edge reduce contact with the ground, while the specially engineered design allows for easy alignment and aiming. As such, swings are a breeze and require far less time and effort.
If you are seeking a wedge that will tackle sand bunkers and let you return to the game more quickly, this is the way to go.
3. MAZEL Electroplated Sand Wedge for Men & Women | 55 Degree Wedge
This CNC Milled Golf Wedge from MAZEL is an easy choice for those struggling to get their balls out of the sand and back on the green. The innovative sole design gives you a more versatile choice of a wedge that dramatically expands your playing options, with this wedge suitable for use around the green as well as in the sand.
The durable 431 stainless steel construction makes for a more durable choice of club, with the hardy material staving off corrosion and the wear and tear of more aggressive play. The cavity design is also worth noting, with the feature giving you a softer overall feel and audible feedback that scores top marks. A go-to option if you are looking to simplify play and bag a lower handicap.
4. Mizuno JPX919 Golf Sand Wedge (50 Degree, Bounce 7, Right Hand, Steel)
If you are seeking premium design features to enhance your performance, this Mizuno JPX919 Golf Wedge is guaranteed to impress. First, let’s talk about the face milling lines you will find with this wedge. Thanks to these, you have an increased surface roughness that increases spin as a standard. You can also look forward to X30 soft stainless steel, a material that is both soft and durable at the same time.
If you are someone who values a superior feel from your golf clubs, this is bound to ring the right bells. If aesthetics are important, you won’t be disappointed here thanks to the pearl brush finish, with chrome plating ensuring more precise lines when playing in sunnier conditions.
Finally, there are quad cut grooves, with the deeper grooves having been optimised for stronger lofts and wider, more shallow grooves for higher lofts.
5. Cleveland Golf Men’s Smart Sole 3.0 Golf Wedge, 58 Degree Wedge, Graphite
You won’t be disappointed if you decide to add this Smart Sole 3 58 degree wedge from Cleveland to your club collection. There’s an impressive line-up of appealing specs to savour here, but we will start with the three-tiered sole.
This sole has been engineered to provide maximum forgiveness, with three distinct activation pads that allow for superior turf interaction and all-around easier play from all lies. You can also look forward to feel balancing technology, with weight redistributed from the hosel and moved toward the toe.
The result is a centre of gravity that lies closer to the centre of the club’s face. With this, you can enjoy an improved overall feel and much tighter shot dispersion.
Finally, there is an optimised loft design at work. The club has been specially engineered to provide you with an ideal loft to hit bunker shots and other critical shot scenarios with ease. Ultimately, this is a very user-friendly wedge that scores highly in terms of versatility, with high levels of performance and none of the complexity usually associated with such awesome specs.
6. Tour Edge Golf 1Out Plus 56/11 Sand Wedge
Take your club collection up a level with this Tour Edge Golf 1Out Plus Sand Wedge. Some seriously impressive spec is on hand to help ease your game and improve performance, with standouts including the counter-balanced grip to improve overall levels of stability and your wrist position.
The result of this is a much better level of accuracy across shots. what is more, there’s an extra-wide sole design that will particularly help out when it comes to landing easier sand shots with the precise results you are after.
Finally, you have a heavier sole here, applying maximum weight below the ball to promote far easier launches. Ease of use is assured with this premium wedge that should be a must if you are looking to enhance your game with increased levels of accuracy and precision.
