HIGHLIGHTS
Club Comparison
Ping Glide 4.0 Wedges
When Ping began to conceptualize its new Glide 4.0 wedge, Tony Finau, along with other members of Ping’s Tour staff, were front and center during the design process to offer constructive feedback as the wedge came to life.
Finau’s initial feedback aligns with the key improvements Ping made on Glide 4.0. In an effort to lower the overall launch for control purposes and up the greenside spin, Ping added an Emery blast texture to the face and grooves to generate more friction and interaction between the club and ball. The end result is a noticeably lower launch with more spin.
The 46-, 50- and 52-degree lofts include wheel-cut grooves with a 20-degree sidewall that’s designed to manage spin on full shots, while the 54- through 60-degree offer milled grooves with a 28-degree sidewall and tighter radius for added zip around the green and from the bunker. Ping’s hydropearl 2.0 chrome finish enhances spin from wet and rough conditions by displacing moisture at impact.
During recent head-to-head testing between Glide 3.0 and Glide 4.0, GOLF’s gear experts saw a massive spin improvement (and low launch) on half and three-quarter shots, with spin increasing by as much as 3,000 RPMs with a 5-6 degree lower launch window.
To give the wedge a softer, Tour-esque feel, Ping changed the head material to 8620 carbon steel and added a larger elastomer Custom Tuning Port (CTP) in the back cavity for increased perimeter weighting. Enlarging the overall size of the CTP also allows for 36 percent more face contract, when compared to Glide 3.0, to deliver solid acoustics and feel at impact.
Subtle changes were made to the overall size and shape of the head — as well refinements to the leading edge and hosel transition — to provide a captured look at address. The slightly rounded, compact design is meant to blend seamlessly with the rest of the iron set, something the better player will appreciate.
