Ping has had a somewhat convoluted array of wedge offerings over the years, including the Glide, Glide Pro, and Glide Forged, among others.
While Ping has seen success with their wedges on the professional tour circuit, they’ve struggled to make a similar impact in the retail market. Hence, they’ve introduced their new s159 wedge, which consolidates a wide range of options into a cohesive style and brand.
In this comprehensive review, we’ll delve into the key technologies of the new s159, explore its loft and bounce options, and discuss which golfers stand to benefit the most from these wedges. By the end of this review, you’ll be equipped to make an informed decision about this year’s wedge selection.
Key Technologies
One of the standout features of the Ping S159 wedge lies in its precision-engineered wheel-cut grooves. Meticulously crafted to varying dimensions, these grooves play a pivotal role in enhancing performance across a range of loft options.
In the 46-to-52-degree wedges, the grooves are expertly milled to maximize volume. This meticulous design ensures greater control and consistency, particularly on full shots where precision is paramount.
By maximizing groove volume, the S159 enables players to achieve optimal ball flight and spin for improved accuracy and distance control on full and partial shots.
For the 54-to-62-degree wedges, the focus shifts to tighter spacing with MicroMax grooves. This design is tailored to impart maximum spin, especially when finesse and precision are required around the greens.
Whether executing delicate flop shots or tight approach shots, the MicroMax grooves in between the main grooves provide the necessary bite to stop the ball on a dime.
The incorporation of a friction-enhancing face blast technology, complemented by meticulously crafted grooves, defines the innovative Friction Face feature.
Becoming an industry standard, Ping precisely roughens up the face of the S159 to get maximum friction which equates to maximum spin.
Loft And Bounce Options
Here’s the information presented in a chart format:
| Loft | Bounce Options | Grind Options |
|---|---|---|
| 46° | 12° (S grind) | S grind |
| 48° | 12° (S grind) | S grind |
| 50° | 12° (S grind) | S grind |
| 52° | 12° (S grind) | S grind |
| 54° | 14° (W grind), 10° (H grind), 10° (E grind) | W, H, E grind |
| 56° | 12° (S grind), 14° (W grind), 10° (E grind), 10° (H grind) | S, W, E, H grind |
| 58° | 10° (S grind), 14° (W grind), 8° (E grind), 6° (T grind), 8° (H grind), 8° (B grind) | S, W, E, T, H, B grind |
| 60° | 10° (S grind), 14° (W grind), 8° (E grind), 6° (T grind), 8° (H grind), 8° (B grind) | S, W, E, T, H, B grind |
| 62° | 6° (T grind) | T grind |
B Grind
Offers a wide sole and amble bounce to help players with a shallow angle of attack get proper turn interaction.
H Grind:
Good for players with a steep angle of attack who still prefer to open the face around the greens.
S Grind
This grind fits a wide variety of turf conditions giving players ample bounce on full shots while also allowing them to open the face around the green due to heel/trail edge relief.
W Grind
Optimal forgiveness across various turf conditions. Ideal for players with a steep angle of attack and significant handle lean. Particularly effective in soft bunkers or wet environments due to its generous bounce characteristics.
E Grind
Made specifically to help players get up and down out of the bunker.
T Grind
Offering exceptional versatility, this option enables players to finely control the face for precise shot-making around the greens. Well-suited for medium to firm turf conditions.
Navigating these grind options can be confusing. Ping understands that and in response they released their “Find Your Grind” web app.
Click on the link to go through their questionnaire which will help you determine which grind is the right one for you.
Pros
- Classic minimalistic look at set up
- Groove technology is tailored to both high and low-lofted wedges since they each have different requirements.
- Wide variety of grinds to accommodate all playing styles.
- Wedgefit web app to help players easily decide which grind is right fo them.
Cons
- Don’t include many forgiveness features that higher handicaps would need.
Who This Wedge Is Good For
The Ping S159 wedge is good for the player who wants the most precision setup possible across all of their different lofted wedges.
This wedge’s focus on the lower lofted clubs is distance control and accuracy while its focus on the high lofted wedges is spin and precision.
They are also for mid to low-handicap players who aren’t looking for a lot of forgiveness from their wedges.
For my testing I didn’t necessarily find the s159 unforgiveness, it just doesn’t include some of the features for forgiveness that other clubs on the market offer.
This wedge is also built for the player that prioritizes different grind options. Different playing styles and swing types require different setups and the Ping S159 gives you that.
Key Takeaways
Ping’s Evolution
Ping’s wedge lineup has historically been complex, with various models like the Glide, Glide Pro, and Glide Forged. Despite success on the professional tour, their retail impact has been limited.
Introducing the s159
Ping addresses this complexity with the introduction of the s159 wedge, consolidating options into a unified style and brand, aiming to appeal to both professional and retail markets.
Technological Innovations
The s159 boasts precision-engineered wheel-cut grooves tailored to different loft options. These grooves enhance control, consistency, and spin, crucial for accuracy and distance control on full and partial shots.
Other key features include MicroMax grooves on higher lofted wedges and a friction blast face.
Loft and Bounce Options
With a wide array of loft and bounce options, including various grind choices, the s159 caters to different playing styles and turf conditions, offering versatility and forgiveness where needed.
Player Suitability
The Ping S159 is ideal for players seeking precision and versatility across their wedge setup.
Its focus on precision in lower lofted clubs and spin in higher lofted wedges makes it suitable for golfers looking to fine-tune their short game.
Additionally, its range of grind options ensures compatibility with various playing styles and swing types.
Before making your decision, consider our Top 5 Wedges for 2024 (link), offering further insights into the best options available this year.
