BEST OF THE REST

SUB 70 286 FORGED RAW

VERDICT: What Sub 70 are offering with the 286 is a lovely, classylooking wedge, with some CNC milled detailing and a completely non-offensive head shape. The model’s available in loads of lofts, which means you can get just the set-up you need, plus there are three finish options to select from. This is a cracking piece of kit costing less than it should.

PXG 0311 SUGAR DADDY II MILLED

VERDICT: Yes, PXG’S 0311 wedges are outrageously expensive, but thanks to being 100% CNC milled, just like a premium putter, they are the most accurate and precise wedges money can buy. You will need to accept full face grooves across all lofts, but the real benefit of such a sizeable investment is the ability to go lighter, heavier, longer or shorter, all without changing the centre of gravity, which is unique.

PING GLIDE 4.0

VERDICT: Ping’s fourth generation Glide 4.0 wedge is like a halfway step between a full-on blade and a much deeper, traditional cavity back. By splitting weight low and high in the blade stability is increased, which ups consistency particularly well when shots are hit high on the face. A lovely wedge that comes with a finish that’s great at dissipating moisture, so you can expect zero reduction in spin between dry and damp conditions.

BETTINARDI HLX 5.0

VERDICT: The HLX has a lovely compact shape, with some surface milling to sharpen the sole and back, plus a milled face, which gives a great flavour of the brand’s heritage. Even though the model didn’t fly high at the top of our data charts for spin or accuracy, our test pro loved the feel and feedback. Plenty of loft and sole grind options, too.

VEGA VWX

VERDICT: We’ve tested the VWX a couple of times now and on both occasions it has come out top of the pile for producing the very highest spin numbers. For our test pro it was the only wedge from 22 samples (52° loft models) to break the 10k backspin barrier (three models managed it last year), so Vega are obviously onto something. You will need to put a premium on Japanese forging to warrant buying in, as a set of three will set you back a hefty sum.

CALLAWAY JAWS RAW

VERDICT: Very much a tour-level model, designed with the world’s top players. There’s a very sharp leading edge, which for some will be a benefit for nipping shots from the tightest of lies, but just remember they’re more likely to dig into heavy, damp turf, too. We’re big fans of how the Raw rusts only on the face, so you get the best of both worlds - less glare plus extra spin performance from wedges that don’t immediately look old and worn out.