Following my recent time spent reviewing the XC1 irons, I was highly eager to get my hands on the matching Maxfli XCW wedges to see if they warrant a conversation as a suitable alternative to some of the best wedges in the game.
Under the hood, Maxfli has refused to cut corners. The XCW wedges are fully forged from 1025 Carbon Steel to ensure the high-end response better players demand. Much like the iron lineup, these wedges strategically utilize internal Ceramic Matrix Composite (CMC) technology to achieve optimal mass placement.
This translates to progressive vertical weighting, which cleverly positions the center of gravity (CG) lower in the low-lofted options to ensure predictability on full swings, and higher in the high-lofted heads to aid in controlling trajectory and maximizing spin on delicate partial shots.
On the face, CNC Milled Micro Grooves allow for more physical scoring lines (grooves) on the hitting surface to maximize backspin. This is paired with a CNC spin-milled sole designed to guarantee precise bounce consistency across every loft and grind combination.
In the bag - as with the rest of this Maxfli comeback range - these wedges look stunning. The back of the club is wonderfully clean and minimal, embracing the unadorned, premium aesthetic that I value so highly. However, much like my experience with the XC1 irons, the XCW wedges don't 100% suit my eye when down behind the ball.
At address, there is a slight notch of offset that interrupts the visual flow from the leading edge into the hosel.
Additionally, the hosel-to-top-edge transition doesn’t quite follow the same smooth, sweeping curves as the rest of the top edge. It creates a somewhat distinct shape that took a bit of getting used to. Of course, aesthetics are entirely subjective, and what jars slightly for me may well sit perfectly in someone else's hands.
Once you hit a few shots, any minor visual critiques quickly evaporate. The feel at impact is standout - offering a very soft, deep sensation that immediately alerts your hands to a high-quality forging.
When it comes to short game control, the XCW generates plenty of bite. In my testing, the backspin and trajectory control were fully comparable to premium flagship models like the Titleist Vokey SM11 and the Callaway Opus SP.
Maxfli offers three distinct sole shapes to cover different swing types: the A Grind (available in 50° and 52° for full gap-wedge swings), the X Grind (available in 56° and 60° featuring a wide sole for bunker forgiveness), and the multi-purpose M Grind (available in 54°, 56°, 58°, and 60°).
I tested the M Grind in both the 56° and 60° options and found it to be brilliantly versatile. While it didn’t offer much in the way of heel and toe relief to open the face up around the greens, it still beautifully coped with the tight, hard, burnt-out links turf of a traditional UK summer.
Overall, there isn’t much to dislike about these wedges, and I would deem them another strong component of a brilliant comeback into the hardware game from Maxfli.
At $129.99, these wedges represent excellent value for a fully forged product.
Sadly for the UK audience, they are currently a US exclusive available only at Golf Galaxy and Dick's Sporting Goods, but they are a phenomenal addition to a legendary brand’s comeback.
