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Country: us Page generated at: Wednesday, 15 April 2026 at 4:53:06 British Summer Time
reviews
Wedges
Introducing the SCS1: The new golf wedge from Rife for under £80

published: May 8, 2025

Introducing the SCS1: The new golf wedge from Rife for under £80

Jack BackhouseLink

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What’s new? How does it feel? And is this the best value wedge on the market today? Jack Backhouse took the Rife SCS1 wedge out on the golf course to find out.

Table of Contents

Jump to:

  • Rife scs1 wedge review: first impressions
  • Ncg verdict
  • Final verdict
  • Rife scs1 wedge review: the details

The price of golf wedges has soared in recent years, making high-quality short game tools less accessible for many players. But with the release of the Rife SCS1 wedge, there’s now a compelling case for affordability without sacrificing performance. Known primarily for their putters, Rife have now added to their offerings with this budget-friendly wedge. At under £80, could this be the best value wedge on the market today? Find out in our full Rife SCS1 wedge review…

  • RELATED: Cobra King X Wedge Review: A great option for mid to high handicappers
  • RELATED: Cobra King Forged Wedge Review: A Sleek and Versatile Short Game Weapon
  • RELATED: Cleveland RTX Full-Face 2 Wedge Review: Boost Your Spin and Confidence on the Course
National Club Golfer and National Club Golfer magazine
NCG SUMMARY

The Rife SCS1 wedge is a brilliant option for golfers who want solid feel, forgiving shape, and functional design—without paying a premium. While it doesn’t generate the tour-level spin of higher-end models, it punches far above its price tag in terms of overall performance. For beginners, budget-conscious players, or anyone looking to add a reliable wedge to their bag without breaking the bank, this is a wedge worth serious consideration.

PROS

  • Exceptional value
  • Easy to hit and confidence-inspiring behind the ball
  • High-quality finish reduces glare and looks premium

CONS

  • Spin levels weren’t particularly optimal
  • Greg Norman Bandit Golf Shoes

    £79.00 – 2 for £129

    View Deal
  • Rife SCS1 Steel

    Check Now

    View Deal

Rife SCS1 Wedge Review: First Impressions

Premium look

Visually, I think the SCS1 immediately punches above its weight. It comes in a non-glare satin silver PVD finish, which not only looks premium but also offers genuine functional benefit, reducing glare at address, particularly in bright sunlight. It maybe a small detail, but it is one that helps increase real-world playability.

Rife SCS1 Wedge Review

The head shape is clean and confidence-inspiring. With a compact toe and generous top line, it avoids intimidating less experienced players, yet still offers enough visual clarity for seasoned golfers to trust its precision. The branding and rear design are kept minimal, I like a more muted appearance.

NCG Verdict

Good balance and feel

During my testing, I put the S Grind through its paces. I tested its performance from a full range of shots, including bunker play, lob shots, delicate chips, and pitch shots. I have to say, it held up admirably on all of them. The wedge felt well-balanced, with a swing weight that suits both full and partial shots.

I also liked how it felt in the swing. This wedge does have milled grooves which is a big bonus for a club that is this well priced.

Rife SCS1 Wedge Review

Grind options

For such a cheap wedge it is an added bonus that there are a number of grinds available to the consumer. As well as the S Grind that I tested, there is also a C Grind option. The S Grind is the versatile sole, where golfers are able to open and close the face to play variety of different shots around the green. On the other hand the C Grind is the much more standard option of the two that sits more squarely at address.

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I personally like how the toe of the wedge looks quite short as it makes the grooves of the club head look a bit longer to give it a bit more of a playable hitting area. This plays into the added forgiveness of the club for most club golfers.

Th topline is also quite generous. This certainly isn’t a wedge that you will stand over at address and think you will struggle to make a good contact with, it is very much a confidence inspiring profile and not a blade.

Rife SCS1 Wedge Review

Spin performance

One slight downside was the spin performance. While it’s not the highest-spinning wedge on the market, it still delivers more than enough grip for the average golfer. The milled grooves offer reliable traction on the ball, especially from clean lies, and certainly more than one might expect at this price tier.

Final Verdict

Standout performer

The Rife SCS1 wedge is a standout performer in the value category. While it may not spin like a tour wedge, it delivers where it matters most. Offers confidence at address, versatility around the green, and dependable build quality. At such a great price, this wedge is definitely worth a go, especially for players who are new to the game of golf.

Rife SCS1 Wedge Review: The Details

Available: Now

RRP: £79.00

More information: American Golf website

  • Greg Norman Bandit Golf Shoes

    £79.00 – 2 for £129

    View Deal
  • Rife SCS1 Steel

    Check Now

    View Deal
  • RELATED: Meet the Motocaddy PROTEKTA: The golf cart bag with the best accessory ever!
  • RELATED: Meet the Thriver – the new ultimate fairway-finder from Ping
  • RELATED: Deals of the week

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About the author

Callaway Epic Max driver review
Jack Backhouse

A member of the PGA for 13 years, Jack has lived golf for more than half his life. Inspired by Tiger Wood’s winning putt at the 2008 US Open, an obsession began with watching slow motion golf swings on the internet and reading What’s In The Bag articles in magazines.

Not destined for a life behind the desk in a pro shop, Jack has focussed more on coaching, working closely with regional teams in North Yorkshire and helping golfers of all levels on their journey to enjoying playing the game more. Jack has coached many junior golfers into the county teams, and once worked with a player at the 2018 Open Championship at Carnoustie.

After letting his game fall apart prior to COVID, Jack rediscovered his love for playing golf after joining Silloth Golf Club in 2020 and whipping round the windy, firm links course. Playing regularly with a half set of clubs he has a passion for shot making and developing skill, and claims to have the sharpest 30-100 yard game in the North of England (only because he doesn’t know anyone in the South), and now maintains a +1 handicap at a club much closer to home, Sand Moor GC.

Jack has always tinkered with his equipment, once building his own Frankenstein one length set of clubs after watching Bryson DeChambeau burst onto the scene after winning the US Amateur. He firmly believes in getting custom fit and is happy to debate anyone about blade irons being superior to any other iron category.

Jack loves: playing quickly, 2 ball golf, match play, heathland courses, pencil bags, foursomes, Tiger Wood’s swing 2005-2009.

Jack hates: buggies, unnecessary trees, giving shots, the 7 iron loft debate, graphite shaft lovers weird superiority complex.

What’s In Jack’s Bag:

Titleist TSR2 Driver

Titleist TSR2 Fairway wood

TaylorMade P7MB 3-P

Titleist SM10 wedges

TaylorMade TP Reserve Blade putter

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