PING has launched a new range of performance wedges, the s159, which are designed to offer more spin and control into and around greens.
Offered in 25 different loft/grind combinations, and two finishes, this latest model boasts a cast 8620 carbon steel head with a straighter leading edge than its predecessor, which enhances performance on full shots. An elastomer insert behind the face contributes to the soft and responsive feel. At address, the compact head features an improved hosel transition with constant offset.
More consistency and control
Wheel-cut grooves are precision-milled to help ensure consistency while minimizing the variations in spin in various conditions, leading to more control. The 54-to-62-degree options feature more tightly spaced MicroMax grooves. The 46-to-52-degree wedges are milled for greater control on full shots. In combination with a friction-adding face blast, the s159 wedges deliver the launch and spin control to execute score-lowering wedge shots from every distance.
From a spin comparison standpoint, the s159 wedges deliver strong results in the company’s much acclaimed “wet to dry” test. Performed in a controlled environment hitting 50-yard shots indoors with moisture applied to the face and ball, it’s a key factor in validating on-course performance.
Priced at £175 per club, the s159 wedges are offered in eight lofts (46°-60°) and two finishes, a Hydropearl 2.0 chrome finish or Midnight, a new darker option that provides an anti-glare appearance.
Enhanced Grind options
New “H” or Half-Moon Grind: A shot-saving option for players with steeper angles of attack who like to manipulate the handle and play with versatility. It performs best in softer conditions. Available in 54°, 56°, 58°,60°
New “B” Grind: For a shallow angle of attack and neutral face delivery. Low-bounce design sits low on the turf on square-face shots, providing forgiveness via the sole width to deliver score-lowering performance in firmer conditions. Available in 58°, 60°
“T” Grind: The most versatile option allows players to manipulate the face for shot-making precision around the greens. Ideal for medium to firm turf conditions, includes a 62-degree option at the request of our tour pros for more versatility. Available in 58°, 60°, 62° (new)
“W” Grind: Maximum forgiveness through the turf. Best fits a steep angle of attack who might also have a lot of handle lean and a player who prefers the look of a specialty wedge but relies on a little more forgiveness in their scoring clubs. Available in 54°, 56°, 58°, 60°
“E” or Eye2 Grind: Continues to be the ultimate bunker club, carrying on a 40-year tradition of helping golfers get up and down from the sand. It plays with relatively low bounce on square or slightly open face shots. Available in 54°, 56°, 58°, 60°
“S” Grind: Fits a wide variety of conditions and techniques. Designed with ample bounce in the mid-section to play full shots and provides greenside versatility due to heel/trail edge relief. New 48-degree option helps in gapping. Available in 46°, 48° (new), 50°, 52°, 54°, 56°, 58°, 60°.
Stock shaft and grip
PING’s lightweight Z-Z115 shaft has a lower balance point for more clubhead feel. The PING 360 Dyla-wedge Lite grip, which is ¾-inch longer than a traditional grip with a reduced taper, allows golfers to choke down for more versatility and trajectory control.
New web-based Wedge Fitting App
In addition to the S159, Ping has also launched a new WebFit Wedge app which provides golfers a quick and easy way to determine the wedge grind that best fits their game.
Golfers answer a series of questions about their short game, including their typical playing conditions and technique, which results in two grind suggestions. They can then take those recommendations to a fitter who can help validate them and further fine-tune the specs of the wedge. The app, which takes just a few minutes to complete, also provides gapping information to help the player build out their wedge set.
“It’s no secret shopping for wedges can be confusing as golfers try to understand all the nuances of a wedge’s design and what’s best for them,” said PING President John K. Solheim “With our new WebFit Wedge app, our goal is to simplify the process of finding a wedge that fits the golfer while also educating them why a particular grind is best for them. It was developed in-house by our data scientists and relies on our massive collection of wedge data, much of it mined from our relationship with Arccos, to make very precise recommendations.”
“The app doesn’t require downloading, logging in or signing up for anything. It’s a very simple, but very rewarding experience for users. It is accessible via a QR code in golf shops and on ping.com. We strongly encourage golfers to engage the app in their wedge-buying process.”
For more details, visit ping.com