Choosing a wedge has always been part feel, part faith in what’s in the bag, and part trusting whatever a friend might recommend.
Golfers lean on bounce numbers they don’t fully understand or grind names that sound impressive. They hit a few flop shots on the range or they loyally stick to whatever brand made their irons.
We wanted to replace that guesswork with something more rigorous, so we tested 20 of the best wedges on the market, put them through a testing process, and ranked the top 10 so you see exactly which ones are worth an investment.
What is Best in Class and how do we test?
Best in Class is our new review series where we put equipment through data-led testing to find the standout performers.
We’ve already looked at putters and now we’ve tested 20 wedges, evaluating them across eight categories in a 100-point scoring system – looks, turf interaction, build options, value, feel, forgiveness, greenside spin and pitching spin – to produce a best performer in each category and an overall Best in Class winner.
Each wedge faced the same structured test: bunker shots, tight and fluffy lies and pitch shots. Rather than relying on a single scratch golfer, we used five testers spanning a range of handicaps and ages to give us a fuller picture of how each wedge performs for different swings and skill levels.
Testing day was carried out on the same practice area at Leeds Golf Centre, using a TaylorMade TP5 ball to keep conditions consistent from wedge to wedge. Trackman data was recorded where relevant.
So what are the best wedges of 2026?
What follows is the result of that testing: the top 10 wedges from our full rankings. The complete list of winners across all categories is listed at the bottom and expanded upon in the YouTube video below, where Nicola Slater goes through the full testing process and the results in more detail.
Next we’ll be tackling Best Distance Measuring Devices, so be sure to watch this space.
The Top 10 Wedges 2026
Best Overall
Mizuno Pro T-1
The Mizuno Pro T-1 topped the table in our 2026 NCG Best in Class wedges testing with an overall score of 91.6 out of 100. It delivered strong results across all categories and was also voted the best-looking wedge. The Mizuno Pro T-1 offers a sleek design with a compact head profile that has been created using a Flow Forged HD process to sculpt the 1025 Pure Select Mild Carbon Steel.
Build and adjustability was a category where the T-1 excelled. There are six possible grind profiles, eight loft and three bounce options. Mizuno also offers three different finishes, including their signature blue.
Pitching spin was another area where the Mizuno performed admirably, scoring 88/100. This is an important category for golfers when going into greens. The Trackman data backed this up with solid spin rates of 7,079 rpm from 50 yards.
The T-1 wasn’t the highest scoring wedge in all categories but consistently performed well.
Tied 2nd
Titleist SM11
Given it’s been the most used wedge on the PGA Tour since 2004, it’s no surprise Titleist’s latest iteration of the Vokey – the SM11 – is near the top of our pile.
A consistently high performer, it came in second spot in the looks category and also tied for second in both greenside and pitching spin – demonstrating its all round performance.
It lost marks for value but, with 27 different configurations, the Titleist SM11 is the industry leader in build options and it topped our table in this category.
Tied 2nd
Ping S259
Following on from the hugely popular S159, Ping refined the shaping for the S259 using a slightly larger profile and the 8620 carbon steel construction has a narrower hosel.
In both spin categories, the Ping S259 tied for second place. The precision milled grooves and Micromax spacing are loft dependant which helps to maximise spin when needed the most.
Trackman showed the Ping delivered an impressive average of 7,228 rpm. The S259 also features a more aggressive face blast, helping to deliver better launch conditions. This appealed to our panel members, who gave it a score of 88 out of 100 for feel. Ping’s reshaped elastomer insert behind the face is also designed to improve sound and feel.
While the S259 didn’t win any categories outright, it was consistently impressive.
4th
PXG Sugar Daddy III
The PXG Sugar Daddy III finished in 4th place, while winning five out of eight possible categories.
This wedge combines 3X-forged 8620 carbon steel with CNC-milled grooves and PXG’s Precision Weighting Technology. This construction produced a feel that was loved by our panel of testers, who gave it an incredible 92 out of 100 in this category.
While it wasn’t rated highly in terms of looks, it topped both spin categories. From 50 yards, Trackman data showed it produced a strong average of 7,320 rpm.
PXG scored a strong 80 out of 100 in the build options/adjustability category, with one impressive feature added. The precision weighting technology on the back of the head can be removed and changed by two gram increments during a fitting.
Ultimately, the high price point meant the PXG Sugar Daddy III lost ground in the value category. But for golfers prepared to pay a premium for elite short-game performance, it is one of the most complete wedges in the test.
5th
TaylorMade MG5
Fifth in our NCG Best in Class wedge test was the TaylorMade MG5. It scored an impressive 87.6 out of 100, being very consistent across all of the testing categories.
One of the biggest strengths was its feel. It scored 88 out of 100 in this category. Unlike other wedges the MG5 uses a Raw Face construction, meaning it hasn’t been polished and keeps its natural texture.
That is designed to help promote greater friction at impact and impart more spin. It was noticed by our panel members as the MG5 tied for second in the pitching and greenside spin categories.
Another positive was the level of build options and adjustability. The MG5 scored 88 out of 100 here, giving golfers plenty of scope to find the right loft and sole configuration for their game.
Turf interaction was also rated highly, something which TaylorMade has worked hard on with their Milled Grind approach. This puts considerable emphasis on the sole geometry, helping the club sit consistently behind the ball.
Some golfers may question the raw face design, but it comes with considerable spin and launch benefits as well as being a great all round option for golfers of all levels.
6th
Cleveland RTZ2
The newly launched Cleveland RTZ2 was a solid sixth placed finisher. With the return of company founder Roger Cleveland, the RTZ2 saw some subtle shape changes and a sleek new back look, which scored 84 out of 100 from our panel.
The strongest scores for the RTZ2 came in build options and adjustability, with a wide range of grind, bounce and loft options including the return of the classic 588 grind.
It also scored well in the value category and was voted one of the best value players’ wedges we tested.
Pitching spin was another area where the RTZ2 excelled. This isn’t surprising based on the level of detail and technology used on the face. Between the grooves are hundreds of tiny etched lines and Cleveland’s HydraZip technology is designed to push any excess moisture away from the impact area to help maintain friction and spin.
Paired with UltiZip grooves that are deeper and sharper than before, it’s no surprise our panel were impressed.
The RTZ2 is made from a proprietary steel, unlike the standard carbon steel of most wedges. This means while it’s longer lasting, it is also 10% softer.
Feel is a preference for golfers, and our panel scored this wedge at 72 out of 100 in this category. But it is unlike any of other models we tested and could be worth considering.
7th
Mizuno T-3
The Mizuno T-3 delivered a balanced performance across categories. Unlike the winning T-1, the T-3 has a larger profile with a shallow cavity back design. This means it’s designed to offer a little more forgiveness while maintaining the sleek forged Mizuno looks which were rated a strong 78 out of 100.
Forgiveness was a strong category for the T-3 with a score of 76. Constructed using grain flow forging with 1025e pure carbon steel, the T-3 has more mass around the perimeters giving more stability and forgiveness on off centre strikes. This make up also contributes to the 80 out of 100 it scored in the feel category.
While the T-3 offers more support for players who lack strike location consistency, the grooves don’t differ from the T-1. Scoring 80 in both greenside and pitching spin, the QuadCut + grooves vary depending on loft to help golfers get the best performance from each wedge. Face milling lines have been added to help generate friction while hydroflow micro grooves have been added to move moisture away from the impact area.
The T-3 is a wedge for golfers who want premium Mizuno construction, good feel and dependable all-round performance, but strive for a little more forgiveness across the face.
8th
Takomo Skyforger 002
The Takomo Skyforger 002 was crowned the best value wedge in our testing with an impressive score of 96 out of 100. Priced at just under £100, the Takomo offers a clean, sleek design and is packed with performance technology.
It also performed strongly in other categories, such as forgiveness where it was scored at 72 out of 100.
In terms of spin, from 50 yards it generated an average of 6,887 rpm, which compared well with the leading candidates. Its full-face grooves extend across the hitting area to help maintain friction when strikes move away from the centre and a precision-engineered micro-groove pattern is designed to improve spin consistency.
Unlike other brands we tested Takomo doesn’t offer an extensive line-up of bounce and grind options. With a score of 76 out of 100 in turf interaction they may not need to, but Takomo does offer the F and V grinds.
The F Grind features a thicker sole and is designed primarily for square-faced shots, while the V Grind uses a narrower sole with 12° of bounce and additional relief to make it easier to open the face.
If you’re looking for a clean and modern designed wedge which performs to a high standard without the high price tag, the Takomo SF002 is a great option.
9th
Wilson Infinite
The Wilson Infinite produced strong category performances, finishing runner-up in both value and forgiveness with scores of 80 out of 100.
Featuring a cavity-back design, the Infinite is aimed at players who need a little more forgiveness. The TPU cavity insert not only helps with forgiveness, which scored an impressive 80 out of 100, but also helps to provide a softer feel at impact. This impressed the panel members, who rated feel at a strong 76 out of 100.
While the Infinite wedge may prioritise forgiveness and giving golfers confidence, that doesn’t mean it lacks in spin and all round performance. Having collected pitching data from 50 yards, the Wilson Infinite averaged 6,544 rpm of spin. This isn’t as much as the premium performance wedges but it’s still very respectable.
Greenside spin particularly stood out for our panel with a score of 80 out of 100, including some serious backspin from bunkers thanks to Wilson’s precision milled grooves.
The main area where the cavity-backed Infinite lost ground was in the looks category, but it is still very appealing behind the ball. With only one grind and bounce option, it lost marks in the build options/adjustability category.
But overall, the Wilson Infinite delivered a well-rounded performance and represents a strong value-focused option for golfers who prioritise forgiveness and short-game performance over extensive customisation.
10th
Wilson Staff Model ZM
Forged using 8620 carbon steel, the Wilson ZM offers more of a players’ style look which scored 74 out of 100.
The classic shaping is paired with modern groove technology with a deeper groove pattern and garnet face blasting. These help keep spin consistent in all weather conditions.
Pitching spin was a particular stand out, with a subjective score from the panel of 84. On Trackman, from 50 yards the ZM produced an impressive 6,902 rpm average. But it wasn’t just into the greens that spin was good. Our panel gave the ZM an average score of 80 for around the green performance.
Feel was another strong area, scoring 76 out of 100. The forged construction gives the ZM a solid and stable sensation through impact, while still providing plenty of feedback on strike quality.
Despite its players-style appearance, the ZM still offers a respectable level of forgiveness, scoring 74 out of 100.
Value is arguably one of the Wilson ZM’s biggest attractions, with a score of 80 out of 100. It’s forged construction, premium groove technology and excellent spin performance is at a price point below many of the leading premium wedges.
The Wilson Staff Model ZM is an excellent all-round wedge that combines impressive spin performance, solid feel, and a premium appearance with strong value for money.
Best in each category
Best Overall — Mizuno Pro T-1
Best for Looks — Mizuno Pro T-1
Best for Pitching Spin — PXG Sugar Daddy III
Best for Greenside Spin — PXG Sugar Daddy III
Best for Turf Interaction — PXG Sugar Daddy III
Best Feel — PXG Sugar Daddy III
Best for Forgiveness — PXG Sugar Daddy III
Best Value — Takomo Skyforger 002
Best Build Options/Adjustability — Titleist SM11
Best Wedges 2026
Wedges are the second category in NCG’s Best in Class series, following our putter rankings, and the approach is the same: a new way for us to test equipment, built to give golfers real insight rather than unfounded claims. By stripping away brand bias and subjective impressions, and replacing them with structured, repeatable testing across hundreds of shots, we can show which wedges actually deliver where it counts.
Wedges are where scores are saved or lost, so we rated them on the things that matter around the green: spin, turf interaction, feel, forgiveness, adjustability and value, as well as looks. A wedge that spins well on a full pitch but struggles out of a tight lie, or one that feels great but costs a fortune for what it offers, will show up in the scores.
The series is still growing, and we’re already planning how to apply the same rigour to other parts of the bag. If you’ve ever stood over a tricky short shot unsure whether your wedge is really the right fit, our aim is for Best in Class to give you a clearer, more confident answer.
As ever, there’s no substitute for trying them yourself or getting properly fitted. We hope you find the rankings useful, and we’d love to hear which clubs you’d like to see us test next.
NCG Giveaways – Win FREE stuff
Your Golf NCG YouTube Channel
Don’t forget to check out and like our YouTube channel – YOUR GOLF NCG – where you will find lots of hints, tips and equipment reviews.
Discount golf balls – up to 80% off
MailOrderGolf are #1 when it comes to lake balls.
Their lake balls are collected directly from divers, then carefully cleaned, sorted, and graded to ensure top quality.
MailOrderGolf aim to provide quality balls at reasonable prices – with savings of up to 80%!
