Buyer’s Guide to Budget Wedges: 12 Top Picks in 2025

Don’t look now, but tour-caliber wedges are creeping up close to $200 apiece, or about $600 for a standard three-wedge set. Considering you’re supposed to replace wedges every 75-100 rounds to maintain optimal performance, that’s a big problem for budget-conscious golfers.

Luckily, there’s good news: The market for budget wedges is deeper than ever, and several affordable options punch well above their price point.

I’ve always shopped for bargains when buying golf clubs, especially wedges. My last four wedge sets? A used set of Callaways, followed by some previous-generation Vokeys, then a set from DTC powerhouse Sub 70, and now a discounted set of previous-generation Cleveland wedges. Not to brag, but I’ve gotten pretty good at sniffing out quality wedges without dropping new driver money.

For this guide, I consider any wedge priced at $130 or less to be in the “budget” category. That’s still steep, but it's about 25% less than the $169 average for most name-brand tour wedges. Plus, many of the options are far cheaper.

Here are our 12 favorite budget golf wedges of 2025:

• Vice Golf VGW01 ($119 per wedge)
• Takomo Skyforger 002 ($99 per wedge)
• Sub 70 287 ($130 per wedge)
• Wilson Harmonized ($33 per wedge)
• Tommy Armour 845+ ($79 per wedge)
• Tommy Armour 845+ CB ($79 per wedge)
• Zebra Tour Grind ($129 per wedge)
• Lazarus Wedge Set ($149/3 wedges)
• Wilson Staff Model ($79 per wedge)
• MacGregor Tour Grind Milled ($69 per wedge)
• Ben Hogan Equalizer II ($129 per wedge)
• Maltby TSW ($58 per wedge)

Why We Like It:
Takomo is one of the few direct-to-consumer golf club makers on its second wedge iteration. And Takomo didn’t just make its debut wedge offering better, it brought in two of the most creative wedge players alive to assist with the design.

The Takomo Skyforger 002 was designed in collaboration with the YouTube famous Bryan Bros, George and Wesley. The duo, famous for their spectacular short game prowess, didn’t only assist with the design of these wedges, but they also put their names on them (the limited edition BB803 features the same tech). That gives the Skyforger 002 an instant shot of credibility.

At just $99 per wedge, these compete with alternatives that cost twice as much, which is why these likely deliver the best performance per dollar of any wedge on this list.

Specs & Features:

• Lofts: 46-60 in even lofts
• Dexterity: RH + LH
• Available as Heads Only: No
• Bounce: 8° (46-50°); 10° (52-56°)
• Grinds: V (versatility); F (full)
• Shaft: Steel/Graphite

Pros:

• Best value performance wedge
• Several loft, bounce, and grind combinations available

Cons:

• Full face grooves may not suit some golfers

Why We Like It:
Wilson Harmonized wedges have been a staple in beginner and higher-handicap bags for years now for two reasons: they’re great wedges at a great price. For around $50 per wedge (oddly, each selection has a different price tag), you can master your short game skills without overthinking things. In fact, I rounded out my wife’s bag with one of these Wilson Harmonized wedges, and it quickly became one of her favorite clubs because she knew she could always get it in the air easily.

Each wedge has a different bounce, to provide versatility throughout the set. The new edition features a modern design. Aside from the grip, which some reviewers say feels thin and a little cheap, this is a quality product all the way around. For $50 a wedge, it’s really hard to beat the Wilson Harmonized wedges.

Specs & Features:

• Lofts: 50-52-56-60
• Dexterity: RH + LH
• Available as Heads Only: No
• Bounce: 8° (50° & 52°); 12° (56°); 10° (60°)
• Shaft: Steel
• Finish Options: Satin

Pros:

• Great performance for $50
• Modern design
• Four loft options fill all needs
   

Cons:

• Grip may seem cheap

Why We Like It:
I tested the previous version of the Tommy Armour 845 wedge, and it’s a standout performer even before you factor in the budget-friendly price. 

Mid and low handicap players who want to play their best are a perfect match for this wedge, because while it’s a budget-friendly option, it can also accommodate good play. For higher handicappers who prefer more forgiveness, Tommy Armour also offers a CB version of this wedge, which we’ll touch on next.

Specs & Features:

• Lofts: 52-60° in even lofts
• Dexterity: RH + LH
• Available as Heads Only: No
• Shaft: Steel
• Finish Options: Satin

Pros:

• Excellent value at $79
• High-quality Lamkin grip is standard
• Five loft options suit all needs
   

Cons:

• No bounce or grind choices

Why We Like It:
We weren’t expecting Tommy Armour, one of the in-house brands of Dick’s Sporting Goods/Golf Galaxy, to drop two head shapes with its latest wedge release, but TA went ahead and did it anyways.

The Cavity Back (CB) design provides a more forgiving wedge option for higher handicap players and those who want a little extra help around the greens. It also features a higher bounce on the sole, which makes it more forgiving through the turf and less likely to dig into the ground.

Specs & Features:

• Lofts: 52-56-60
• Dexterity: RH only
• Available as Heads Only: No
• Bounce: Higher
• Shaft: Steel
• Finish Options: Satin

Pros:

• Boosted forgiveness through higher bounce and cavity back design
• Lamkin grip is standard

Cons:

• Right-handed only

Why We Like It:
Thankfully, these tour-caliber wedges from Zebra don’t feature the brand’s iconic striped pattern. Instead, let the Tour Grind wedges awe you with their premium performance and top-notch value. Considering you can snag a 3-piece set of these wedges from Amazon for $199, this is one value wedge you have to check out.

Built to tour specs from forged 1025C carbon steel to the CNC-milled face and the player-preferred shape, these wedges are all business. Plus, with three different finish options, each with minimal branding, this is a sleek set to bag.

Specs & Features:

• Lofts: 52-56-60
• Dexterity: RH + LH
• Available as Heads Only: No
• Bounce: 8° (52°); 12° (56°); 8° (60°)
• Shaft: Steel/Graphite
• Finish Options: Raw, chrome, black

Pros:

• Forged from 1025C carbon steel and milled for top-of-the-line materials and finish
• Tour-preferred shape and versatile design appeal to better players
• Excellent value when buying the 3-wedge set on Amazon
• Premium components all the way around

Cons:

• No bounce choices within each loft option

Why We Like It:
If you’re looking for a complete set of wedges on a budget that suit the profile of a beginner or high-handicapper’s game, then the LAZRUS forged set just might be your best bet. The lofts with each set – either 50-54-58 or 52-56-60 – work with each other to provide you every short game shot you need. 

Not to mention these premium forged wedges are available in three different finish options: silver, black, and rainbow.

Specs & Features:

• Lofts: 50°-60° in even lofts
• Dexterity: RH + LH
• Available as Heads Only: No
• Shaft: Steel
• Finish Options: Black, rainbow, silver

Pros:

• Great value for single wedge or 3-piece set
• Three finish options

Cons:

• Grip may feel cheap
• No stated bounce

Why We Like It:
Wilson Staff Model gear is made for the tour, and this Staff Model wedge is the best value tour-proven wedge out there. However, since it’s from the previous release cycle, when it’s gone, it’s gone.

Forged from 8620 Carbon Steel, it delivers soft feel around the green to compliment its sleek aesthetics. 

Specs & Features:

• Lofts: 56-58
• Dexterity: RH
• Available as Heads Only: No
• Bounce: 14° (56); 10° (58)
• Shaft: Steel
• Finish Options: Silver

Pros:

• Forged from 8620 Carbon Steel for soft feel
• Best value tour-proven wedge

Cons:

• Limited selection available

Why We Like It:
MacGregor is clear that its Tour Grind wedge is not a game improvement wedge. Indeed, it packs all the feels and shot-making capabilities that better players demand. Built from 8620 Carbon Steel with a milled face, it’s easy to see where that soft feel and responsiveness comes from.

And while you can’t match any bounce and grind with any loft, you can choose between silver and black finishes, and snag one wedge, a set of three wedges, or just get the head only (as long as you’re right-handed). Strangely, however, buying the head only won’t save you any money compared to buying an assembled wedge.

Specs & Features:

• Lofts: 50-60 in even lofts
• Dexterity: RH only
• Available as Heads Only: Yes
• Bounce: 5° (50-52); 11° (54-56); 9° (58-60)
• Shaft: Steel
• Finish Options: Satin, black

Pros:

• Available as head only
• 3 wedge set for $149 is excellent value
• Forged and milled deliver premium finish

Cons:

• Head only is same price as fully built wedge
• RH only

Why We Like It:
The Ben Hogan Equalizer II wedges provide an excellent budget option for better players who want to select their preferred grind based on their swing and the typical turf conditions they play.

The Equalizer II wedges are also available as heads only, knocking $40 per wedge off the price. If you’re replacing your wedges to keep sharp grooves and maximum spin at your disposal, you can keep your shafts and save big.

You also get to choose between chrome and Ben Hogan’s black DBM finish. 

Specs & Features:

• Lofts: 48°-62° in even lofts
• Dexterity: RH + LH
• Available as Heads Only: Yes
• Bounce: 6° (48-50°, 60°); 7° (52-54°); 8° (56-58°)
• Shaft: Steel/Graphite
• Finish Options: Chrome, Black DBM

Pros:

• Multiple grinds available
• CNC milled face
• U-shaped grooves maximize spin

Cons:

• Aesthetic is busy
• Top-end price for budget category