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Callaway X-Tour Forged Wedge Review

Callaway’s X-Tour wedges are a mixture of old and new, especially the models with the PM grind and MD grooves.

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Wedges, however, probably aren’t what you think of in conjunction with Callaway. But the company’s lead golf club designer is a fellow named Roger Cleveland – the founder of Cleveland Golf and designer of many classic wedges, like the enduring 588 line. The X-Tour wedges are the third line of forged wedges he has designed for Callaway. Is the third time the charm?

Roger Cleveland left his namesake company and joined Callaway Golf in 1996. He combined with Big Bertha inventor Richard C. Helmstetter on several designs, including the X-12 irons. The duo collaborated on the Big Bertha Tour Series wedges in 1997, which were cast from stainless steel and aluminum bronze, and the cult favorite X-14 Pro Series wedges in 2000. But it was big news when Callaway released its Cleveland-designed Forged Wedges in 2002. Years in the making as tour prototypes, the wedges weren’t carbon copies of Cleveland’s 588 wedges as many people had expected. Instead, the simply titled Forged Wedges had rather small heads and a very rounded leading edge – both design elements that were meant to help the wedges get the ball out of nearly any lie.

Well, if there’s one thing tour players like, it’s familiarity with their wedges. The Callaway Forged Wedges were just a little too far outside their comfort zone. Two years later, the line was revamped as the Forged+ Wedges, with slightly larger head sizes and a different sole grind.

In the meantime, Roger Cleveland’s old 588 wedges were still popular on tour and were facing a new challenge from Titleist’s Vokey Design wedges. The Vokey wedges had some unique design twists, but had a very 588-esque look at address – which made it easy for tour players to quickly feel comfortable with them.

Callaway and Roger Cleveland don’t seem content to let the 588s and Vokey wedges rule the Darrell Survey. After winning over many tour pros and better amateurs last year with the forged X-Tour irons, Callaway has released the X-Tour forged wedges. They offer something both old and new in an attempt to offer both performance and confidence. I’ve played several rounds with a 58° degree X-Tour wedge, and here’s what I found about how they look and how they play.

Appearance Forget the swooping, rounded teardrop look of previous Callaway forged wedges. At address, the X-Tour wedges are unmistakably a Roger Cleveland design. The straight leading edge, the squarish toe, the high heel – the X-Tour forged wedges look nearly identical to the 588s and Vokey 200 series. That removes a serious stumbling block for tour professionals and other players who trust the look of familiar equipment.

The X-Tour wedges are available in two finishes. The Satin Chrome finish is very rich-looking and less prone to glare than a more polished chrome finish. The Vintage finish is a dark, non-reflective finish that will wear off and rust over time .

The model I’ve been using has the Vintage finish. After two months in the bag, the finish is gone from the sole and lower part of clubface, quickly worn away after a couple full sand shots to reveal the raw 1020 carbon steel beneath. There’s a fair amount of rust already formed along the top half of the club face and on the back of the club, which I like. If you prefer a cleaner look, and more durability and a slightly firmer feel, go with the Satin Chrome finish. But if you like a darker, rougher look, the Vintage finish is for you.

Previous Callaway forged wedges had only a large V-shaped Callaway chevron logo on the back along with the club’s loft. The X-Tour wedges are a bit busier, as they have graphics (red and black on the Satin Chrome version, red and white on the Vintage models) that mimic the medallions in the X-Tour iron cavity. It’s not as clean as previous versions, but it isn’t over the top, and it doesn’t take away from the classic lines of the wedges. The loft of each wedge is on the back, with a circle and smaller number designating the amount of bounce for that wedge. The word FORGED is stamped on the hosel of each club, and there’s a neat little bit of knurling just below the ferrule for an old-school look.

Technology The X-Tour wedges are forged from 1020 carbon steel, a very soft, mild steel alloy. This allows the wedges to be bent to custom lofts and lies fairly easily, and the soft metal also leads to great feel at impact. Many popular wedges, including the aforementioned 588s and other Cleveland Golf models, as well as the Titleist Vokeys and TaylorMade RAC wedges, are cast from stainless steel. Many people can’t tell the difference between cast and forged, but some people find forging to have real benefits in terms of feel and sound.

While the X-Tour wedges have a look that looks back in Roger Cleveland’s career, the design is very forward-looking. Among the eight different loft and bounce angle options are two special versions of the X-Tour wedges. The 58-11 and 60-11 models have the PM Grind and MD Grooves, two design elements that are quite distinctive.

The PM Grind is named for Phil Mickelson, who worked with Roger Cleveland to create a wedge that had enough bounce to work well in bunkers, yet still be able to pick the ball cleanly from tight lies. The solution was to create a sole that is the opposite of the typical rounded sole design you see on irons and wedges. Instead, the PM Grind creates a concave sole, where the leading and trailing edges of the sole are lower than the center of the sole. As a result, the club plays differently from various lies. On a tight lie, the leading edge of the club gets to the ball easily before the trailing edge, thanks to the concave sole. But on explosion shots where the bounce is needed to power through sand or grass, the trailing edge has plenty of bounce to keep the club moving. It’s an ingenious solution, and it enables better players who prefer low-bounce wedges to get the best of both worlds on tight lies and explosion shots.

The MD Grooves are what Mickelson dubbed the “Mack Daddy” grooves. The grooves on the 58-11 and 60-11 X-Tour wedges are slightly larger and have more aggressive angles to them than the standard modified U-grooves on other Callaway wedges. Wedges with souped-up grooves are all the rage these days, with Titleist’s Vokey Spin Milled wedges and TaylorMade’s RAC TP wedges with Y-cutter grooves getting plenty of play. Callaway’s MD Grooves are also designed to improve trajectory and help regulate distance control.

The X-Tour wedges utilize True Temper’s Dynamic Gold S300 as their stock shaft, though other models are available by custom order, and the stock grip is the Golf Pride Tour Velvet.

Playability As Erik noted in his review of the Vokey Spin Milled wedges last year, aggressive grooves can be a lot of fun. The MD Grooves of the X-Tour wedges generated tons of spin in the 58-11 model I’ve been using. It’s noticeable on full shots in the 75- to 80-yard range, as shots with a full swing tend to hit, hop and come back up to six feet (if you’re using a premium urethane-covered ball, that is) instead of just dropping and stopping.

But the extra spin is most pronounced on partial wedge shots and even on little chips around the green. On 40-yard shots, I’m used to having my 58° wedge hit the green and release forward a few feet. Not anymore. The X-Tour wedge lets me hit the same shot and have it hit, take a quick hop and spin back a foot or two. On chip shots, I can pick the ball cleanly (thanks PM Grind) and have the ball take one hop and stop. I’m not usually a big spinner of the ball, so this is both fun and productive, as I’ve been able to hit several wedge shots stiff that I wouldn’t normally have been able to stop the same way.

The downside of the MD Grooves and other high-spin grooves is that they can shred urethane balls but good. If you’re hitting a full lob wedge shot, you’re picking slices of golf ball cover out of your wedges. That’s the tradeoff for being able to generate so much spin. If you don’t like it, go with the non-MD Grooves models and you’ll be fine. The two models that have the special groove/grind combo are designated by a MD GROOVES stamp on the hosel.

In terms of sound and feel, the X-Tour wedges are as soft and solid as you’d expect from a true forged blade. The Vintage model I’ve been using feels like butter on good swings, and even mishits aren’t too harsh. The sound at impact is a muted click that is very satisfying.

A word of caution to any 15-handicapper thinking about buying these or any other classically styled wedges: These are not forgiving clubs. These are great tools if you know how to use them. But if you struggle to find the center of the clubface even with your wedges, stick to cavity back designs and save yourself some strokes.

Overall A friend of mine says Roger Cleveland is to wedges what Fender is to electric guitars. Namely, the maker of fully functional, esthetically pleasing designs that produce the exact results players want. And while I’m a hack with both guitars and golf clubs, I think my man is right on with is assessment.

The X-Tour wedges are available in right-handed lofts of 50°, 52°, 54°, 56°, 58° in PM and non-PM versions and 60° in PM and non-PM versions. Lefties will have to settle for the 52°, 56° and 60° (with PM Grind and MD Grooves) options. MSRP for the Vintage models is $150 and the Satin Chrome lists for $135, but street prices are more like $120 and $110, respectively.

27 thoughts on “Callaway X-Tour Forged Wedge Review”

I like the look of the PM grind, and wish I could easily get something like that on my Vokeys. Having seen yours, I think I like the “oilcan” look more than the “Vintage” look.

I love mine and I’m a 21 handicap!

Erik: Agreed, the Oil Can finish is more aesthetically pleasing than the Vintage finish. It’d be the best of both worlds to have a PM Grind wedge with an Oil Can look.

Headtilt: Wedges are about the only clubs where a high-handicapper can use pretty much the same thing as a touring pro. A lot of people struggle with lob wedges, but I’m glad you’re not one of them! As a rule of thumb, I’d say higher handicappers should have pitching/gap wedges that are cavity backs, then try a blade-type wedge for a sand/lob wedge. That’s my setup (cavity back 46 and 50 wedges, blade 54 and 58).

This was one of the best reviews I’ve read on this site. You gave a clear and easy to understand comparison between the new Callaways and the Vokeys, as well as a comprehensive history of the Callaway wedge design. I tried the first Callaway wedges Cleveland designed and I could never get comfortable with the look of them. I then moved to the Vokey wedges, where I have remained ever since, eventhough I’m now using the spin mill version. As a higher handicap (17), I couldn’t agree more with the sentiment you expressed to Headtilt about using a cavity back pitching and gap wedge. I use the 56.14 Vokey SM for a variety of shots around the green and I own a 60.04 SM, less for playing with over 18 holes, more now for practice until my skill with it increases. Thanks for the great review – makes me want to go try the new X wedges.

These wedges are fantastic. I use the 54 to chip and it will fly 2/3 of the way and spin to a stop the other 1/3, even on really short chips, which I love.

Horrendusly good amount of spin and good look.

What a thorough and informative review! I wish I had gone to your site before buying my CG11. After reading your reviews I eBayed the Cleveland and bought the Callaway… all I can say is WOW. I love this wedge, it performs exactly as you described. I am a 9.5 handicap golfer and struggled to make short chips and putts check consistently. Watching a well struck shot run past and often over the hole 4 to 5 times a round was turning my hair grey. Those days are gone now.

Thanks Again!!!

Thank you for a very accurate review. I have 54 and 58PM vintage. 58PM skins ProVx and spins back 8-10 feet on a full shot. Distance is very consistant and works well from tight lies, rough and bunkers. 54 is also a spinner but less aggressive, I find it drops and stops plus or minus a foot from 80-90 yards. I would thoroughly recommend these ahead of vokey, mizuno wedges I have used over last 3-4 years. 58PM worth the money just to impress your buddies when you fly it 8 foot past the pin and draw it back like a pro! 9 hcp.

I really like my Callaway X-Tour 54 and 60.11 PM wedges. Great feel, fairly user friendly and the grooves and face seem to hold up very well after a lot of use. It has been my experience that these wedges hold up through a lot of practice compared to the Vokey Spin Milled and TaylorMade Rac wedges too.

I have 2 of those forged+ wedges with vintage look. Some people say they like its rust, however that make me uncomportable to keep my bag and glove clean. 😕

I have the MD 60-11 wedge. I love it for everything except hitting out of a firm, flat bunker. The bounce, and relatively high leading edge (when open) might prove tricky for many. Curious to know if anyone else shares this concern?

Great clubs, i purchased a 60 and a 56 md 2 months ago, they have totaly transformed my game to the effect where i am now playing to a 10 from a 16. Being a left hander i found them harder to get hold of, and am now looking for a 52 just to fill that gap. Great review.

I’m a lefty so was force to go with the 60MD/PM. I’m an 8.8, and getting better with this new weaponary. Very nice soft feel with quiet click like the review said. (very nice review, btw). I agree with Rick about firm bunkers. It’s not nearly as good as a 60 with lower bounce. It will take more practice to find the right angle of decent and distance behind the ball in the bunkers, even the softer ones. But, bunker play needs touch up sessions anyway. The concave bottom kind of funnels more sand, and doesn’t glide thru quite as easily, so it takes getting familiar with swinging harder for an equal distance shot, without digging too deep, and without skulling it. I’m getting out, but coming up short quite often. That I can work on though, and will. It’s much better, however on the rest of the greenside short shots. I like to use it on tight lies next to or in front of the green, where I’m shortsided 5-15 feet away from the green, where it elevated 2-3 feet. If I putt, distance control is difficult with a 45deg up slope, when you need to stop the ball as soon as it climes the hill. Enter mack daddy. I don’t open it up, but a fraction if at all, put the leading edge at the bottom of the ball, and it comes out with a lower than usual (for a lob), but it hits, hops and stops. It really is easier distance control than putting, or hitting with a lower bounce lob. The pm grind doesn’t get in the way. So, I think it’s the combination of the grooves and grind that bring the advantage to greenside damage control. The center of gravity is a little higher. tight lie, short sided shorts are no longer a nightmare. From the rough around the green I still get some bite as the club easily gets the ball in the air with a more usual lob trajectory, usually with one or two hops and stop. (no back up here, but no running off the green either.) Full fairway lobs don’t happen all that much, but the times I’ve done it, it ends up within 5ft of divot. I don’t swing very hard and my full lob swing is 3/4 at most. The distance control is there for sure. I’ve used cg10’s and cg11’s, but this forged feel is nice. I’ve not used the vokeys, so can’t help compare there. I’m guessing they’re nice. I don’t care what wedge you’re using if you put your time in with it you’ll save more strokes than any other kind of practice. This club, however, can do things others can’t, and practice won’t change the design. If they had a 54MD for lefties I’d get it prolly. Btw, they’re getting rid of the pm grind for the 08 year from what I’ve heard and keeping the mack daddy grooves. Think I’m going to add a vokey spin milled 54/10 and get rid of the 52/56 tandem. This extra effortless spin/stopping power I could get used to. Too many wedge choices can confuse my motor skills. I only hope the vokey is a soft and buttery feeling as the forged MD/PM. If you want the pm grind you better get it now, cause it might be going away. I saw a custom grind vokey that had the same look the other day for righties, and the bidding was up to $435.

Good comments! I think the trajectory is somewhat lower compared to the CG12 and other wedges but over all a really good wedge. I think the 2008 models in the 58 and the 60 are going to have the MD grooves as an option if what I have read online.

9.5 out of 10, but poor ball strikers beware

These wedges are for good ball strikers especially people who like to spin the ball. I play chrome 52.11 gap and 60.11 PM bent to 58.9 and I love getting my 52 to just drop n stop. The 58 with the mac daddy grooves and shallow concave sole grind is good for taking slightly shallower divots and on tight lies and for workability especially opening the face for higher lofted shots or sand shots. From the fairway I can get the ball to just stick or spin back 4 yards. The feel is also great thanks to the wedge being forged and the soft “click” when hit on the sweet spot is nice feedback.

Thanks roger cleveland

I picked up a pair of X-forged wedges two weeks ago after trading in the cg12’s I bought earlier this year. I carry a 52 and a 56 degree wedge and have for years. Right off, I have to say the feel of these clubs is amazing! I’ve found it hard to find a forged wedge that I like, almost impossible, but these definately are those wedges. Also, I’m glad to see that Mr. Cleveland is back to doing what he does best. I’m only 22 now, and started playing seriously around 16, so the 588s were already old when I bought mine, but I couldn’t find anything better back then. And, until my UPS guy dropped these off, I still hadn’t. I never liked the overly rounded front line of most wedges, and I was never a fan of vokeys. Not for lack of trying, I have a garage full of clubs that couldn’t make the cut. These, however have already permanently replaced the 588s that carried me through numerous high-school, college, and club tourneys. Hopefully these will be just as kind to me.

Anyway, I am writing this to thank you for your review, because it was a key play in convincing me to break down and buy another callaway wedge. And I am very thankful that I did! I love the set-up, feel, and playability. An all-around great wedge. They have already improved what was a good short game to begin with. But, does anyone else find it odd that, you can’t get that PHIL MICKELSON grind in LEFT HAND?!?!? I’m a lefty, and I find it ironic that being the same orientation as the man who the design is named for is keeping me from actually getting to play it. Maybe next year…

In March of 2008 I purchased the X-Forged 60 9 MD. I did not choose C-Grind. My index is 13 and I wanted a little more spin than the stock X-20 Lob Wedge offered. Wow. This club (even though I chose regular grind) is awesome. It is aggressive from full swings to delicate down hill chips. Even a mishit has enough spin to help you out where the regular X-20 would roll off the green. I loved it so much, I just purchased the X-Forged 56 14 MD. I had it out last night and hit from 100 yds. It was fairly consistent but I think I need to work out the control and distance issue’s which is not attributed to the club. I practiced 30 yard pitches over a bunker to a medium tucked flag. It hits, checks and rolls very nicely to the flag. I loved my X-20 Sand Wedge but the spin on chips was not what I was looking for. I will make this X-Forged work on 100 yards and in with practice. One more thing, the Mack Daddy grooves do chew up Pro V1’s but hopefully a chewed up ball will be worth it to get to an single digit index.

Thanks for the great article and for making the differences in wedge design so understandable. I play the vintage 52 and 56 wedges from Callaway and absolutely love them. So much that I am now looking for the vintage X tour 60degree to replace my 59 degree Vokey which does have some glare from the finish (i also have the 60 degree lob wedge from a set of X-18 irons but hated it). I like the weighting of the X Tours and looking down at that bronze-look finish. I really think it has taken strokes off my game as birdies are now a realistic putt vs just getting to the green as I had been before.

Thanks again

I am so excited! I have just recieved my 60/11, £20 from Ebay, and didn’t even think to see if it had the MD’s & PM grind! I searched “callaway x tour wedges” in google and up came your review. Excellent info – I can’t wait till sunday now to try this baby out!

I am a fifteen handicapper and I love these wedges (52-11,56-13), i can hit a variety of tajectories with my 56 and they have a nice click at impact. Since it’s winter I ave only been able to hit these wedges indoors, but after reading your comments am looking forward to seeing how these spin the ball.

Does anyone know if the 56/14 MD wedge has a “MD” stamp where it would indicate if it was right or left handed? Not on the tour series just on the X series

Matt, the X-Forged Wedges have “MD” on the hosel under the -R-, if it is Mack Daddy grooved.

In the X-Forged, I know have the 50-12, the 56-14 MD (bent to 55), and the 60-10 MD C-Grind. They are all awesome! Since my original reply in June of ’08 my index was 13. I know have my index down to 10. I guess it’s not much, but I am hoping for a few more shots lower this coming season. The X-Forged wedges were a great help in lowering my index. I also switched from Pro-V1x to the Callaway Tour ix. The Tour ix seems to tolerate the X-Forged MD grooves better that the Pro-V1’s.

Matt, the X-Forged Wedges have “MD” on the hosel under the -R-, if it is Mack Daddy grooved. In the X-Forged, I now have the 50-12, the 56-14 MD (bent to 55), and the 60-10 MD C-Grind. They are all awesome! Since my original reply in June of ’08 my index was 13. I know have my index down to 10. I guess it’s not much, but I am hoping for a few more shots lower this coming season. The X-Forged wedges were a great help in lowering my index. I also switched from Pro-V1x to the Callaway Tour ix. The Tour ix seems to tolerate the X-Forged MD grooves better that the Pro-V1’s.

I purchased the X wedges, 50,56 and the 60 MD. Truly great wedges.. the 50 is my favorite club. When I throw a ball at the green with my 60 , it stops cold. Took a while to get used to hitting the ball right to flag instead of playing for some run, but it was worth it to have my playing partners express their amazment. “Wow, what was that ?” ” That ? Well, that was a Titleist being eaten alive !” Yup, destroys the ball everytime. I called Callaway and told them it was costing me a ball every shot. Just absolutely takes off strips of the cover. They said to hit 1000 shots and it would be fine. So, I hit a 1000 shots. Tore the yellow cover of many a practice ball. It did not help. Callaway sent me a new 60 MD wedge for free. Same problem. Yes, maybe the Callaway ball is a little tougher, but not much. So now, I carry a 60 degree Cleveland for fun play and to save balls! I put the X in the bag when I am playing for real. I need some money for new balls but the wedge really works. Does Phil tear up a ball each time he hits his wedge ? Cran C 😛

Hi, I just bought an x-tour wedge(60/11) with the ‘Mac Daddy grooves. I am a lefty, but I don’t know if i have the pm grind. Is there any way to tell????If you have the ‘Mac Daddy’ grooves, does that also mean I have the PM grind. HELP ME!!!!!!!!!! 😉

If you have the 60.11 with the MD grooves it should be the PM grind. It should say 60.11 PM or something like that on the hosel. If I remember correctly all X-Tour 60.11’s had the PM grind. The 60.09’s without the MD grooves did not have the PM grind.

I played a full set of these for one season– a 52,56 and 60. Higher bounce in the 56 for sand. I love them. Pros: a very well matched set, spin great, feel great, hit longer than many traditional wedges, tweakable if needed, cheaper than other brands. Cons: very heavy and stiff (not necessarily cons). Shiny in chrome but better than some. Might wear out as they feel soft.

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Callaway CB wedges: What you need to know

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: Callaway updates its CB line of “game-improvement” wedges with a focus on making them less likely to be pigeonholed as “game improvement-y.” Specifically, that means this latest offering will be more than a disaster wedge for average golfers who can’t get out of bunkers. Rather, the line looks to cover the full gamut of full swings to chips and pitches, as well as shots from the sand. It all comes with an added focus on feel with the use of the same internal urethane microspheres found in the company’s irons to enhance feel and the same groove design found in the latest Jaws 5 wedges played on tour.

PRICE: $160. Seven lofts from 48 to 60 degrees.

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1. Help me help you. It’s a point made by others, most notably Cleveland Golf and its CBX wedges , but if the vast majority of golfers play game-improvement irons, why do they insist on playing wedges that are basically blades? The latest Callaway CB wedge, a followup to the Mack Daddy CB debut introduced three years ago , is part and parcel the belief that a game-improvement wedge can be as productive for an average golfer’s game as a game-improvement iron. The CB gets there with a handful of helpful attributes. Those include a wide sole that’s been revised to allow for a wider variety of shots. Also, the CB wedge also offers the forgiveness of a larger face area. It also solves a big problem for average golfers (and many above-average golfers) by pre-determining the appropriate bounce angle for each loft. That includes a healthy amount of bounce on the sand wedges (14 degrees on the 54- and 56-degree) and less bounce on the lob wedges for more efficiency on short shots from tighter lies around the green (12 on the 58- and 60-degree). Throw in a lighter shaft (True Temper Elevate), just like the kind you see on game-improvement irons, and you have a lot of things to help those whose only proximity to a tour event is in the grandstands.

Average players, rejoice: This wedge combines a high-spin face with a forgiving sole! M ore than a wedge for golfers who have difficulty escaping bunkers, the CB features a revised sole design that allow a wider variety of shots to be played. Not sure what bounce (i.e., the angle between the wedge’s leading edge and the lowest point of the sole) you should play? Callaway has done the work for you. The sand wedges have a healthy amount of bounce (14 degrees on the 54- and 56-degree) and less bounce on the lob wedges (12 degrees on the 58- and 60-degree) for more efficiency on short shots from tighter lies around the green. The lower lofts have between 10 and 12 degrees of bounce.

More on this club

“We brought in a lot of the pieces that were successful in the Mack Daddy CB,” said Patrick Dawson, Callaway’s senior R&D manager for wedges. “We also did some tweaks to the sole that we got based on feedback from the marketplace and trying to improve the soles to make them even easier for the core of the market, plus if you want to open it up and flop it, you can with this product.”

2. Feel like a tour player. Maybe not, but the problem with making a larger, cavity back wedge turns out to be the one thing golfers of all levels want foremost in their short-game clubs: Feel. Callaway’s team used the same urethane microspheres technology found in its game improvement irons to instill the feel golfers want in a wedge. (The urethane, placed within the lower muscle on the cavity back design, is injected with tiny air bubbles that create better vibration damping within the cavity of the head.) The company tested the sound profile of the new CB wedge and found that by adding the urethane microspheres, the sound duration was shorter and the pitch was 700 hertz less than the previous Mack Daddy CB wedge.

“What we’re trying to do with any design, especially on wedges, is we’re trying to get it as quiet as possible and/or as short as possible,” Dawson said. "With the peak on the new CB Wedge, it’s much shorter compared to Mack Daddy CB. That will lead to a much more solid-sounding club. What that allowed us to do is to create a big, forgiving head that sounds like a more muscleback shape.”

3. A familiar spin on spin. The CB wedge hasn’t short-shrifted the other element everybody wants from a wedge: plenty of grab from the grooves. The CB wedge Iincorporates the same Jaws groove design from the company’s tour-level wedges. The grooves on the higher lofts feature grooves where the walls aren’t vertical but instead form angles that fall away more from the base of the groove. The effort is designed to put the groove edge in contact with the ball more consistently. Even better for average golfers who use most of the face even on short shots, the grooves extend all the way across the face for better and more consistent spin.

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Callaway X-Tour wedge

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Lovely design and good weighting make the X-Tour a strong performer for the full range of short game shots. A lot of spin on full shots but not so much from the bunker, which, given that most of us come up short from sand, is no bad thing.

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The slightly concave sole has a Phil Mickelson -inspired grind, designed to boost playability by helping you get the leading edge further under the ball before it leaves the clubface for extra control.

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Jeremy Ellwood has worked in the golf industry since 1993 and for Golf Monthly since 2002 when he started out as equipment editor. He is now a freelance journalist writing mainly for Golf Monthly . He is an expert on the Rules of Golf having qualified through an R&A course to become a golf referee. He is a senior panelist for Golf Monthly's Top 100 UK & Ireland Course Rankings and has played all of the Top 100 plus 91 of the Next 100, making him well-qualified when it comes to assessing and comparing our premier golf courses. He has now played 1,000 golf courses worldwide in 35 countries, from the humblest of nine-holers in the Scottish Highlands to the very grandest of international golf resorts. He reached the 1,000 mark on his 60th birthday in October 2023 on Vale do Lobo's Ocean course. Put him on a links course anywhere and he will be blissfully content.

Jezz can be contacted via Twitter - @JezzEllwoodGolf

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The 5 Best Callaway Wedges: Pros, Cons, & Head-To-Head Comparisons

Over the last 3 decades, I have played everything Callaway from their woods and hybrids to irons, wedges, and putters. In this post, I focus on greenside play and reveal the 5 best Callaway wedges for 2024 to boost spin, control, drop, and hop landings.

After reading this post, you will know which Callaway wedges produce the greatest spin. On the contrary, I reveal the most forgiving design that aims to keep high handicappers out of trouble. Naturally, I also discuss the highest-spinning Callaway wedge before assessing the best option for ladies.

Here Is A Breakdown Of The Best Callaway Wedges

• MD5 JAWS  – Overall Best Callaway Wedge
• Mack Daddy CB – Most Forgiving Callaway Wedge Set
• Jaws Raw Full Toe – Highest Spinning Callaway Golf Clubs Wedges
• Jaws Raw Black Plasma – Best Glare Resistant Callaway Wedges 2024
• Jaws Raw Chrome – Best Callaway Wedge For Women

Top 3 Callaway Golf Wedges

Why you should trust us, how we reviewed these products.

• 1. MD5 JAWS  – Overall Best Callaway Wedge
• 2. Mack Daddy CB – Most Forgiving Callaway Wedge Set
• 3. Jaws Raw Full Toe – Highest Spinning Callaway Golf Clubs Wedges
• 4. Jaws Raw Black Plasma – Best Glare Resistant Callaway Wedges 2024
• 5. Jaws Raw Chrome – Best Callaway Wedge For Women

Cavity Back Vs Blade

Standard vs full toe, do callaway make good wedges, what wedges do the pga tour callaway players use.

Our team spends thousands of hours trying out and researching golf equipment to help you take your game to the next level. Here’s our product review process .

We can bring these reviews to you through the small commissions we earn if you buy through the links below. 

Golfspan only shares equipment and brands we trust. 

I’m an experienced golfer of 28 years and thoroughly researched and evaluated the wedges shared below. Then an editor reviewed and fact-checked the list. Finally, we conduct regular content audits to update and revise our reviews to ensure you receive the latest information. 

To select these wedges , I considered these criteria:

• Turf interaction
• Loft options

Read more: The Best Callaway Drivers

The Best New Callaway Wedges

1. md5 jaws   – overall best callaway wedge.

• High spinning grooves
• Boosts friction for consistent contact
• Generates clean turf interaction
• Buttery soft feel
• Available in 2 sole grinds
• The glare was challenging during an early morning round
• The weighting medallions are an eyesore at address
• Lofts: 50° – 60°
• Sole Grinds: S, W

The MD5 JAWS range claims top honors as the overall best Callaway wedge for its appearance, feel, spin, and turf interaction. I found all the wedges in the set delivered a buttery-soft feel. In addition, I welcomed the progressive look of the compact Callaway gap wedge and pitching wedge to the traditional style sand and lob.

Legendary wedge designer Roger Cleveland got his mitts on the project and delivered a brilliant look and extremely high-spinning clubface. My first strike produced an impressively soft feel and crisp acoustics offered by the 8620 mild carbon steel clubface.

Next, the MD5 JAWS wedge produced outstanding friction and spin on full wedge shots and greenside chips. An incredibly aggressive groove design proved effective on most strikes helping me transfer elevated levels of spin to the golf ball.

The high-spinning grooves were supported by microgroove features, which helped keep the ball on the clubface for longer. As a result, I produced consistent spin, feel and control on all shots. Finally, Callaway engineers packaged the MD5 JAWS with 2 sole grind offerings.

The S-grind suits more golfers, and I feel the W-grind offers greater bounce consistency for high handicappers susceptible to chunking shots. Overall, the MD5 JAWS wedge range suits mid-handicap golfers seeking consistency, versatility, and workability.

Rating: 4.5

2. mack daddy cb  – most forgiving callaway wedge set.

• Maximum Forgiveness
• Promotes clean turf interaction
• Preserves ball speed and spin on all strikes
• Available in a host of loft options
• Ideal for high handicappers
• I did encounter glare on some shots
• The oversized design may not appeal to lower handicappers.
• Lofts: 46° – 60°
• Sole Grinds: Full, W

High handicappers desperate for short-game forgiveness are better off with a cavity back Callaway pitching wedge to sand wedge. The Mack Daddy CB is the most lenient offering from Ely Callaway’s company, thanks to its wider sweet spot, clean turf interaction, and enhanced bite on approach.

The cavity back design on the fittingly named CB wedge adds stability to the clubface at contact, minimizing spin, friction, and ball speed drop-off. This allows less gifted ball strikers to generate sufficient revolutions per minute to promote swift bite on approach.

Admittedly, I had higher hopes for the JAWS groove construction, which delivered less-than-desirable spin levels.  However, it makes up for it with its forgiving nature, and I need to recognize it is a wedge for less skilled players who do not require an exceptional spin rate.

Callaway fitted the Mack Daddy CB wedges with 2 sole grinds, but it does not give you the option. Instead, the CB Callaway pitching wedge through to the 52-degree gap wedge features the full sole. Conversely, wedges weaker than 54 degrees carry the W-grind, which has a wider sole and works to prevent digging the clubhead into the turf.

Rating: 4.3

3. jaws raw full toe  – highest spinning callaway golf clubs wedges.

• Optimal spin
• Clean, compact profile
• Classy milled finish
• Easy clubface to open for bunker and flop shots
• Generates controlled flight
• Only available in a J sole grind
• Not available in pitching or gap wedge lofts
• Lofts: 54° – 60°
• Sole Grinds: J

The Jaws Raw Full Toe ranks as our highest spinning Callaway wedge owing mainly to its full face grooves, controlled flight, and balance. These wedges also made light work of flop and bunker shots with their full-toe construction, and the compact profile was gorgeous to gaze down on at address.

The full-face grooves represent some of the best wedge work by Callaway engineers, producing exceptional spin across the surface. A combination of a Raw face, Offset Groove-in-Groove technology, and sharper grooves delivered the spin control needed for hop and stop landings.

Next, the weaker loft wedges were built for shotmaking around the green. Its Full Toe design enlarges the clubface, leaving more room to work with. I found it easier to get the clubface open and slide it under my golf ball to lift it high.

I appreciated the work of the J-grind sole, which minimized turf and sand interaction and was specifically built for full-toe wedges. Some players may prefer the option of multiple grinds, but I feel the J-grind is a winning formula.

Callaway pushed the center of gravity (CG) high and away from the club’s heel to deliver a controlled trajectory, which superior golfers appreciate.

Read More:   The Most Forgiving Callaway Irons

4. Jaws Raw Black Plasma  – Best Glare Resistant Callaway Wedges 2024

• Glare resistant finish
• Clean turf interaction
• Optimal stability at impact to prevent spin drop off
• Enhanced friction and spin
• 28 loft options
• The raw face rusts over time which may not appeal to every golfer
• Lofts: 48° – 62°
• Sole Grinds: S, W, C, X, Z

The Jaws Raw wedge sports a plateless design on the clubface, designed to rust over time for longstanding spin control. But spin aside, it stood out to me for its glare-resistant qualities produced by its muted toe pad and black plasma coating.

From the Jaws Callaway pitching wedge to the lob wedge, these short clubs contain tungsten weighting. While popular in woods and irons, it is a first for the equipment giant, and I feel it worked out. Besides enhancing my clubface stability at contact, the wedge centered the CG for improved flight, control, and feel.

The popular Offset Groove-in-Groove construction employed 20-degree angled micro-grooves to boost my spin on greenside shots. I also noticed that the club enhanced my friction contact to preserve revolutions and speed on all strikes. As a result, I enjoyed improved short-game control.

Callaway went all out on the wedge grinds for this model, offering 5 varied constructions to cater to all turf conditions and attack angles. In my experience, the S-grind was most helpful for pitching and gap wedge shots, as it works for several playing conditions.

However, the W-grind will likely suit mid and high-handicappers seeking a grind to reduce digging.

Rating: 4.1

5. jaws raw chrome  – best callaway wedge for women.

• Elegant finish
• Generates rampant spin
• Optimal stability at contact to stabilize spin and ball speed
• Priced at a premium
• Not available in a pitching wedge or 50-degree gap wedge
• Lofts: 52° – 60°

We conclude our best Callaway wedges review with the top selection for ladies, the Jaws Raw Chrome. It features some of the technology found in the Jaws Raw Black Plasma and the Raw Full Toe. However, it is only available from a 52-degree gap wedge to a 60-degree lob golf club.

The Raw Chrome clubface presents a stunning appearance at address thanks to its refined profile and partly milled flange. Looks aside, it produces superb stability at impact stemming from the presence of tungsten weight.

Once the clubface struck the ball, it delivered supreme spin revolutions.  The collaboration between the Offset Groove-in-Groove technology, micro sharp grooves, and a plateless face proved lethal in imparting rampant spin onto my golf ball. Plus, the clubface is crafted to rust over time which will continue producing exceptional spin.

The Jaws Raw Chrome features 2 sole grind options to cater to differing turf firmness and swing attack angles. Although mid and low-handicappers will thrive with the S-grind, I feel high-handicap ladies are better off with the anti-digging W-grind.

Rating: 4.2

What to consider when purchasing callaway wedges.

The first factor to consider with Callaway wedges is which lofts suit your game. The strongest lofted wedges in their repertoire are the 46 and 48-degree pitching wedges, while the weakest is a 60 or 62-degree lob wedge.

Since most iron sets include a pitching wedge, you will likely only need a gap, sand, and lob wedge. If your pitching wedge carries 43 to 45 degrees, you may consider a 50-degree gap wedge to plug any holes in your game.

I find my 56-degree sand wedge compliments my 50-degree gap wedge, and I close out the bag with a 60-degree lob wedge. Ultimately, you want to reduce the loft gaps in your bag where possible to avoid distance discrepancies.

Callaway crafts 6 sole grinds to deliver varied performances across the sand, rough and fairway turf. My preferred grind for Callaway lob wedges is the “Z” because I find it easier to open the clubface around the green, making it easy to slide the clubface under the golf ball and get it airborne.

However, I turn to the W-grind for my pitching, gap, and sand wedge needs owing to its sensational forgiveness and reduced risk of digging. Next, skilled wedge players who produce a shallow divot may find solace in the C-grind wedge. Finally, the J-grind is a construction for full-toe wedges, like the Jaws Raw Full Toe .

Callaway engineers build predominantly blade wedges that offer less forgiveness, controlled ball flight, and crisp turf interaction. However, these wedges are better suited to experienced golfers who can handle a reduction in leniency and welcome a refined profile.

The Callaway Mack Daddy CB  is one of the few cavity back wedges on the market, earning the prize for the most forgiving wedge in their portfolio. A cavity back wedge possesses perimeter weighting that stabilizes the clubhead at contact, preserving spin and preventing ball speed drop-off.

In my experience, I find high handicappers are better equipped to the consistency of a cavity back wedge.

Full Toe wedges from Callaway are refined constructions featuring an enlarged clubface for more surface area. The design promotes clean contact on full open-face shots, generating improved spin and a high launch from the bunker, fairway, or rough.

Conversely, a standard toe design offers less surface area to strike the ball with an open clubface. As a result, it proves more challenging to produce consistent contact on flop and bunker shots.

Finally, designs like the Jaws Raw Full Toe are generally spotted on weaker lofted wedges like the sand or lob wedge.

Yes, Callaway makes good wedges containing premium components to boost spin, soften your feel and amplify your acoustics. In addition, the production of Callaway wedges is overseen by industry legend Roger Cleveland who has built short clubs from the brand for almost 3 decades. Finally, to further prove the quality of Callaway wedges, Jon Rahm, Xander Schauffele, and Si Woo Kim play Jaws wedges.

PGA Tour Callaway players use varied versions of the Jaws range of wedges. Jon Rahm swings the Jaws Forged wedges, while Xander Schauffele and Si Woo Kim play the Jaws Raw Face Chrome wedge.

Our review of the best Callaway wedges reveals that the industry giant prefers blade-style wedges over cavity back options. The Mack Daddy CB is the only complete cavity back in the Callaway bag for 2024, with the remaining options sporting refined, blade-like profiles.

Industry veteran Roger Cleveland is running a tight ship at Callaway and ensuring the wedges present an attractive look, crisp turf interaction, and rampant spin. Other than the forgiveness of the Mack Daddy CB, I feel Callaway wedges better serve mid and low-handicappers who can forgo some forgiveness.

After testing these wedges, I am comfortable awarding top honors to the Callaway MD5 Jaws . Although not highly forgiving, it did produce an air of consistency, carrying ample sole grinds to cater to all attack angles and turf conditions. Finally, each strike delivered a soft, pleasant feel for improved acoustics and control.

• Callaway Drivers By Year
• TOP Callaway Golf Balls

Matt Callcott-Stevens

Matt has played golf since he was 4 years old and has written over 150 articles at GolfSpan since 2021. Matt specializes in product reviews using his postgraduate degree in Sports Marketing from Johan Cruyff Institute. Matt has a handicap index of 10.8 and currently plays weekly at Pilar Golf Course near his home in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He also loves his Callaway Odyssey Exo Rossie putter and likes a pepper steak pie with curry gravy at the turn. You can connect with him on LinkedIn . 

• Best score : 70
• Favorite club : Callaway Odyssey Exo Rossie
• Favorite ball : Srixon Q-Star Tour
• Favorite food at the turn : Pepper steak pie with curry gravy
• Matt Callcott-Stevens https://www.golfspan.com/author/matt-callcott-stevens Achievable Golf Goals To Lower Your Score in 2024
• Matt Callcott-Stevens https://www.golfspan.com/author/matt-callcott-stevens Titleist Pro V1 vs Pro V1x: Differences, Pros, Cons
• Matt Callcott-Stevens https://www.golfspan.com/author/matt-callcott-stevens 7 Best Golf Balls For Slow Swing Speeds: Pros, Cons, Reviews
• Matt Callcott-Stevens https://www.golfspan.com/author/matt-callcott-stevens 5 Best Golf Swing Analysis Apps: iPhone, Android, & Free

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• Deal or No Deal?

Callaway X Tour Sand Wedge

By LEFTY-8 August 28, 2009 in Deal or No Deal?

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Aug 27 2009

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Yankeeboy644.

[url="http://www.callawaygolf.com/Global/en-US/Products/ClassicProducts/X-TourIrons.html"]http://www.callawaygolf.com/Global/en-US/P...-TourIrons.html[/url] they never made anything past a pw so I gotta say fake... but why fake a $40 club??? lol

motownlambs

[quote name='yankeeboy644' post='1918965' date='Aug 27 2009, 10:32 PM'][url="http://www.callawaygolf.com/Global/en-US/Products/ClassicProducts/X-TourIrons.html"]http://www.callawaygolf.com/Global/en-US/P...-TourIrons.html[/url] they never made anything past a pw so I gotta say fake... but why fake a $40 club??? lol[/quote] Someone shafted him so he is returning the favor.

Cobra Fly-Z+ Aldila UST V2 Golfsmith Jetstream 3W UST V2 Titleist 915H 3 Diamana

Titleist 915H 4 Diamana Ben Hogan Apex Edge Pro UST Recoil Dart Titleist SM6 50F/54S/58S Aerotech SteelFiber Cleveland HB 11S

SkyCaddie SX400

[quote name='yankeeboy644' post='1918965' date='Aug 27 2009, 11:32 PM'][url="http://www.callawaygolf.com/Global/en-US/Products/ClassicProducts/X-TourIrons.html"]http://www.callawaygolf.com/Global/en-US/P...-TourIrons.html[/url] they never made anything past a pw so I gotta say fake... but why fake a $40 club??? lol[/quote] Some people will do anything to make a buck!

Driver -Callaway Rogue ST Max LS  3 Wood - Cobra F8  Irons- Srixon ZX7 3-PW  Wedges- Haywood  Putter -Seemore M1W  Ball- Snell MTBX, Vice Pro Plus

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Callaway X-Tour Wedges

Callaway x-tour wedges .

Short-game scoring tools for more accomplished golfers looking for tour-proven precision in their wedges.

USER REVIEWS

This article is truly amazing! I am very impressed with the depth of insight presented and the clear and easy-to-understand writing style. The content of the article is very relevant and informative, providing a deeper understanding of the topic discussed. In addition, the analysis presented is also very profound and provides a different perspective. Thanks to the writer for the effort and dedication in presenting high-quality articles like this. I am looking forward to reading more articles! Read more on: Arta4d

Wonderful Article! tstoto tstoto tstoto tstoto

The X-Tour Wedges feature a classic and clean design that appeals to golfers seeking a traditional look. The clubhead typically has a compact shape with a thin topline and minimal offset. by tstoto

No weaknesses. All very good.

Awesome wedge. This has the signature forged feel and the spin is unreal! I can get chips and pitches to spin backwards effortlessly. My complaints though are that they chew up my Pro V1s like there is no tomorrow, and they have a feel that I find to firm. Firm wedges aren't exactly my forte.

Similar Products Used:

Titleist Vokey Oil Can 58.12 (Better feel, slightly less spin), Mizuno MP-T (Great feel but not enough spin), Carbite Tour Insert (also chew up ball, and rifle 6.0 shaft too heavy)

A damn good wedge. A very soft feel, yet firm. I find it to be very versatile around the greens for 70 yards and in. Good out of the sand, and it compliments a 52 or 54 degree wedge well. Great on bomb and runs.

Customer Service

Callaway has good service. They knocked off 10 bucks on the price, and added a new grip free of charge.

Maxfli A10a, Titleist Volkey Design

The Xtours are the previous model in Callaway's lineup, and I found it to be a solid wedge. I have the Vintage 58/9 (non MD) and I love my new club. The feel is amazing. I also have the new Vokeys and for my level of play, the Xtours are better suited. The length from head to toe is longer than a Vokey, and I find the Xtour easier to hit. Less accurate than the Titleist, but superior feel and sexier looks. I play a variety of shots from 60 yards in with the 58/9. I may order a 54 soon. Very satisfied with the Xtour Vintage.

Callaway is numero uno in CS.

Vokey Spin Milled 07 and 09 (very good, in the closet for now), CG14 (gets the job done but nothing special), Rac Tp Satin (great feel but lacks something), 588 (a classic)

The Callaway X-Tour Vintage wedges are the greatest wedges I've ever played with. Very easy to hit, regardless if it is an approach or chip shot. The clubs have a very clean look and give confidence when addessing the ball. Both wedges produce a great amount of spin and control. Be warned that the 58° wedge with MD groves will shred just about any golf ball if you take a full swing. You're more likely to find white shards from a golf ball than grass or dirt in the grooves. I prefer a softer ball like the Srixon ZUR-S, so finding a compatible ball with a durable cover has been a challange. The worst ball i've hit so far has been the Titleist NXT-Tour, which this wedge does more damage to than a cart path. Having been a lifelong user of Cleveland wedges i was a bit hesitant to try a new wedge, especially one from Callaway. I'm glad I made the switch, but wish the 58° wedge with MD groves wouldn't shred every ball it comes into contact with.

Got mine used from the Callaway Pre-Owned website, which made these an even better value. No problems with customer service when used in the past for a broken shaft on my Callaway driver.

Cleveland 485 SW 56 degree

Wow....Picked up this Wedge on Saturday after another day hitting good looking chips and pitches followed by the familiar cry of " Check, Sit Down" only to see the ball roll on 10 feet past. Hit some practice shots on the chipping green and was amazed, this baby just allows you to spin the ball like a Pro, even 15 yard chips just sit down quickly and spin back a few inches, on longer shots it just rips back, out of the rough I was amazed. Its so versatile that you feel you can pour on the spin of dampen it down a bit when required. Amazing, have never been so impressed with a club before. Downside it shreds golf balls like a lown mower but hey its great to be able to spin it like Phil....

I have played golf for a long time and the first time I came across Callaway was their fairway woods. As far as wedges, I have tried Cleveland (very good) Mizuno (look great but heavy feeling) and Titleist Vokey (good looking but not great on anything beyond hard fairways), but admittedly they were lower bounce wedges. I recently tried Callaway X Tour with the increased bounce and they are wonderful in all conditions, hardpan and soft turf. I wish I were a better wedge player and could get up and down from any lie with any club, but these make it heck of lot easier. I would recommend for anyone looking for confidence around the greens or from 100 yds to green.

I have never used.

Ping, Mizuno, Cleveland, Titleist and MacGregor

I actually had these wedges on the counter and was going to trade them in after 3 weeks of rounds, buckets and backyard chips. I’d say the best way to put it is that for a mid handicap (12) there could be a big learning curve. I already was using a Mizuno lob wedge in this style so I was expecting to do OK. Nope! I really was fighting these things. I could see how coming from a cavity back would be an even bigger problem. Well, now I’m happy the salesman convinced me to keep working with them. Like I said, I always thought I knew what I was doing with this style of wedge, but (like the X-Tour irons) these require some serious consistency. I cleaned up my fundamentals on full swings by using the more repeatable shoulder swing and things seem to be fine now. I took a review of my sand game as well and now the 54-13 has become a monster (my last 3 trips in the sand went up and down). In short, these are “players” wedges but even a mid handicap can work them with practice. Finally yes, like everyone said here, you need a tee to dig pieces of ball out of the PM grind.

Callaway always takes care of you.

Mizuno MP-50, Callaway Forged

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Added to cart, product news, what you need to know: new sure out 2 wedges.

Last year we introduced the popular Sure Out Wedge to give golfers more confidence around the green. And now with the new Sure Out 2, we’re making any short game shot incredibly easy to play from the sand, fairway, or rough. It’s designed to help you get out, and get up and down and now that we’ve officially announced it, here’s what you need to know.

Better Playability From All Lies

The sole is the key to Sure Out 2’s performance. We’ve enhanced the sole design to refine the bounce angle, and added more heel relief for better playability in all short game situations. It’s a confidence-inspiring shape that promotes more consistency and makes the short game easier.

Full-Face Grooves

We’ve engineered 17 full-face grooves with an aggressive groove pattern to promote fast, shot-stopping spin. This allows you to play more aggressively with better distance control.

New Lamkin Step Down Grip

We’ve collaborated with Lamkin Grips on a new design, with 3 “step down” markings for quick and effective shot selection, and even more distance control. It’s a premium grip that adds to the Sure Out 2 performance package.

New Loft Offerings

We’ve expanded our loft options and now you can choose from a 56, 58, 60, or 64 degree model. Whatever wedge shot you want to play, we have the perfect loft for it.

Complete Golf Club Set Buying Guide (2024)

Golf ball buying guide (2024), golf wedge buying guide (2024), golf irons buying guide (2024), putter buying guide (2024), fairway wood buying guide (2024), hybrid golf club buying guide (2024), callaway community product testing: epic max star.

17 Best Moscow Tours

Are you planning a visit to the capital of Russia and looking for the best Moscow tours? From Red Square to the Kremlin and from world-class art to fairytale buildings, Moscow is an enchanting city that offers plenty of excitement and elegance. Its history dates back more than 800 years, and there is culture in abundance for visitors to immerse themselves in.

Make the most of your visit with 17 of the best Moscow tours that let you see everything the city and its surroundings have to offer.

1 – Guided Tour of the Moscow Metro

Moscow’s metro is world-famous, thanks to the architectural delights on offer underground stations around the capital. This guided tour of the Moscow stations, otherwise known as “the palace of the people” lasts for 1.5 hours and includes an English-speaking guide who will tell you how the Russian metro became one of the most beautiful in the world. Highlights include Mayakovskaya station with its aviation-themed mosaics.

• Moscow metro tours

2 – Cosmonautics Museum Space Tour

Discover Cosmonautics Museum with this space tour. Dive into one of the greatest battles between the Soviet Union and the United States – the space race. Hear about the space programs of the USSR and learn about how the USSR shaped space travel and technology.

• Cosmonautics Museum tours

3 – Guided Tour of the Kremlin

A Kremlin is actually a citadel in Russian towns, and Moscow’s version is, without doubt, the most famous. The Kremlin is the heartbeat of the city, and this guided tour takes you to the most important points of interest. See Cathedral Square with its orthodox temples; Tzar Cannon with its 890mm calibre, which is the largest in the world; and the exterior of the all-important government buildings that are located within the Kremlin’s walls.

Click here to learn how to book Kremlin tickets .

• Kremlin tours

4 – Moscow City Walking Tour

One of the best Moscow tours for seeing everything the city has to offer, this small-group walking tour lasts for 2 hours and includes an expert guide. Make the most of the capital and see the cobbled spaces of Red Square, take pictures of St Basil’s Cathedral, visit the elegant Bolshoi Theatre, and enjoy the ornamental Alexandrovsky Garden.

• Moscow walking tours

5 – Night Tour of Moscow

When the sun sets, the fun begins – and it all starts with a night tour of Russia’s most famous city. The beauty of Moscow comes into full effect after hours, as iconic buildings like St Basil’s Cathedral illuminate against the night sky. Other locations on this tour include the Moscow River and the Ukraine Hotel, which is a landmark skyscraper that was constructed during the era of Stalin.

6 – Sergiev Posad Day Trip

One of the best Moscow tours that take you outside of the city, the Sergiev Posad day trip provides the opportunity to see The Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is the spiritual centre of the Russian Orthodox Church. It’s made up of a number of different buildings that include the blue domes of the Cathedral of the Assumption, Church of St. Sergius and the Bell Tower.

• Sergiev Posad day trips from Moscow

7 – City Sightseeing Moscow Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with Optional Cruise

If your time in Moscow is limited, this hop-on, hop-off bus tour is ideal – and it even features an optional cruise on the river. Choose between a 2 and 3-day ticket and see famous landmarks like Red Square, the Kremlin and the Bolshoi Theatre from an open-top panoramic bus with informative audio commentary. Take your experience to the next level by upgrading to a boat tour.

• Moscow hop on hop off bus tours

8 – Guided Tour of the Tretyakov Gallery

As one of the world’s most important galleries, the Tretyakov Gallery is a must-see for any art lovers and is one of the best Moscow tours for culture vultures. Learn about the masterworks of Pablo Tretyakov with a guided tour and discover the secrets behind the paintings. Other noticeable artists on view include Fedotov, Vasnetsov, Rokotov and Kiprenski, who is the author of the famous “Portrait of Alexander Pushkin”.

• Tretyakov Gallery tours

9 – Alternative Moscow: 2-Hour Walking Tour

See a different side of Moscow with this 2-hour alternative tour. An expert guide will take you around quirky streets, suburbs and squares while as your veer away from the traditional tourist hotspots. Highlights include a ride on the famous “Annushka” tram and a visit to the neighbourhood of Khitrovka, which was once known as the criminal district of the city.

10 – St.Basil’s Cathedral and Red Square: Private Tour and Ticket

Combine two of Moscow’s biggest attractions with a visit to Red Square and St.Basil’s Cathedral. Admire the beautiful architecture of St.Basil’s Cathedral from inside and out, before wandering Red Square and learn about the soldiers, farmers and revolutionaries that all called this famous square their home. Round things off with the changing of the guard at Alexander Garden.

• Red Square tours

11 – Bunker-42 Cold War Museum Guided Tour

Moscow is notorious for the Cold War, which lasted for about 45 years between 1945 and 1990. Head to the world-famous Bunker-42, located 65 meters below ground level, and learn about the storied past. Visit rooms and passages that were set up to shelter 3,000 people in case of nuclear attack and discover other sections, such as the equipment room and the war-proof telecommunications system.

• Bunker-42 Cold War Museum tours

12 – Architecture Tour of Moscow’s Metro and Kolomenskoye Estate

Combine the beauty of the metro stations with the Kolomenskoye Estate and see some of Moscow’s grandest sights. After visiting the elegant metro stations, it’s time to go to the Kolomenskoye Estate, which is filled with UNESCO-listed sites that are dedicated to Tsar Peter the Great.

• Kolomenskoye tours

13 – Tour of Soviet Moscow

Unpick the history of the USSR with one of the best Moscow tours for discovering Soviet Moscow. Starting at Monument to the Conquerors of Space, a tribute to the success of the Soviet space programme, the tour includes historical landmarks and interesting tidbits about Soviet Russia. There is also a visit to the All-Russia Exhibition Centre (VDNKh), a site that was constructed under the aegis of the USSR in tribute to state achievements.

14 – Moscow: 2.5-Hour Luxury River Cruise with Dining Option

Sail down the Moscow River on this 2.5 hour tour that provides a different perspective of the city and includes landmark sights. The boat features two decks and has panoramic views as well as free Wi-Fi access. Attractions along the route include Ukraine hotel, Sparrow Hills, Christ the Saviour Cathedral, Crimean Bridge, St. Basil’s Cathedral, Zaryadye Park and more.

• Moscow boat tours

15 – Izmailovo Market and Vodka Museum Tour

Visit the museum of Vodka and gain insight into one of Russia’s most famous exports and head to the Izmailovo antique and handicraft market to find a gem or two. The tour starts with Izmailovo market, which features the iconic matryoshka dolls, fur hats and amber jewellery. Next up is a trip to the Museum of Vodka, where you will discover a distillery that dates back to the 15th century.

• Izmailovo market tours

16 – Súzdal and Vladímir Day Tour

Discover Russia’s famous “Golden Ring” on this tour of two medieval cities outside of Moscow. The historic city of Vladimir is first up with its Golden Gate, which is an ancient city-fortress that dates back to the 13th century. Next up is the neighbouring town of Suzdal, which features historic architecture and the Kremlin, where you can see its striking white walls topped with blue domes.

• Suzdal & Vladimir tours from Moscow

17- Moscow Food Tasting & Walking Tour

Sample the unique flavours of Moscow with this food tour that lasts for 3 hours and features more than 15 different food and drink tastings. Weave in and out of small alleys in the city centre while enjoying the best food spots in town. See Moscow like a local while trying classic dishes from local breakfast haunts, bustling markets, the oldest monastery in Moscow, and dumpling cafes where you can taste authentic dumplings and enjoy local coffee.

• Moscow food tours