After much buzz about its success on the PGA Tour and beyond, Ping is ready to unveil its newest and most expansive line of wedges yet: the S159 line, which comes in 25 different loft and grind combinations. Accompanying this wedge release is Ping’s new WebFit wedge app, which helps guide golfers through the wedge selection process.
“These new wedges represent our most extensive and versatile wedge line to date, significantly advancing wedge performance and expanding fitting options,” John K. Solheim, Ping’s CEO and president, said in a release. “They are already winning on Tour and we’re seeing a lot of players converting to them around the world. They love the clean look, the soft feel, and most importantly, the ability to launch and spin their shots with precise control.”
New look inspired by Tour-player feedback
One of the standout features of the S159 wedges are the aesthetics, which were inspired with input from Ping’s stable of Tour players.
Each head is cast from 8620 carbon steel and features a straighter leading edge to fit modern players’ preferences. The head also helps with alignment on full shots. Behind the face sits a soft elastomer insert to provide a soft feel at impact. As the wedges transition into the lower/stronger lofts, the hosel and offset geometry has been designed to blend seamlessly into the short irons and wedges of the new Blueprint S and T irons.
PING S159 Custom Wedge
2. Precision grooves = precision control
The key to the S159’s spin performance is a set of wheel-cut precision-milled grooves that transition through the lofts to maximize control. The 54- to 62-degree lofts have more tightly spaced MicroMax grooves, while the 46- to 52-degree lofts are engineered for greater control on full swing shots at higher speeds.
It’s no secret that Ping wedges have historically performed well under wet-condition testing, and the S159 continues that tradition.
“A lot of fitters refer to it as the ‘spray-bottle test,’” Solheim said. “The S159 consistently leads in this testing, outperforming other wedges. Considering it’s rare when a shot doesn’t encounter some level of moisture or friction loss, this type of control provides a clear and convincing short-game advantage.”
Fitting made easy
Ping engineers know that trying to determine which of Ping’s 25 wedge options you should put in your bag might feel like a daunting task. So, to help you find the right S159 wedges for your game, Ping also is launching a WebFit Wedge app to give golfers a quick and easy way to help find the wedges for their needs.
The best part is the app doesn’t require any type of login or downloading — it’s as easy as accessing a QR code in stores (or going through this link: Ping WebFit Wedge App.)
“In conjunction with the new wedges, we’re excited to introduce the WebFit Wedge app,” Solheim said. “It’s a web-based app engineered to help golfers find the best grinds and gapping solutions for their games. It’s a quick and easy experience to help golfers cut through a lot of the confusion associated with buying wedges, ultimately making a recommendation on which s159 wedges will allow them to greatly improve their performance around the greens.”
Easy, right? Golfers answer a series of questions about their wedge game, including typical playing conditions and technique, which results in two suggested grind options. Golfers can then take those recommended options to a fitter to help them dial in the specs. The process takes only a few minutes and also helps to provide gapping information to help golfers configure the rest of their sets.
More grinds than ever
To help explain all of the new grind options, here is a quick guide from Ping:
“H” / Half-Moon Grind: Built for players with steeper angles of attack who like to manipulate the handle and play with versatility. This grind performs best in softer conditions. Available in 54°, 56°, 58°, 60° lofts.
“B” Grind: For players with a shallow angle of attack and neutral face delivery. The 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° lofts.
“T” Grind: This is the most versatile option and allows players to manipulate the face for shot-making around the greens. This grind is ideal for medium to firm turf conditions and, for the first time, includes a 62-degree option. Available in 58°, 60°, 62° lofts.
“W” Grind: Designed to offer maximum forgiveness through the turf. This grind best fits golfers with 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° lofts.
“E” / Eye2 Grind: The E grind carries on the 40-year tradition of the original Ping Eye 2 grind and is considered to be the ultimate bunker club. It plays with relatively low bounce on square or slightly open-face shots. Available in 54°, 56°, 58°, 60° lofts.
“S” Grind: This grind fits the widest group of golfers, conditions, and techniques. It has been designed with ample bounce in the mid-section of the sole to play full shots while still providing greenside thanks to heel and toe relief. Available in 46°, 48° (new), 50°, 52°, 54°, 56°, 58°, 60° lofts.
Price and availability
The Ping S159 wedges are now available for custom fitting and custom order and will be in retail shops starting on Feb. 22. They are priced at $197 each with steel (Ping Z-Z115 wedge) and $212 with graphite (Ping Alta CB Black).
PING S159 Custom Wedge
Other optional shaft options include Ping AWT 2.0, Dynamic Gold Mid 100 & 115, Dynamic Gold, Dynamic Gold 105 & 120, KBS Tour, Nippon N.S. Pro Modus3 105, Elevate MPH 95, UST Recoil Dart 65 & 75, and Ping’s ALTA Quick (35, 45)
All of the S159 25 loft and grind combinations are available in both finishes: Hydropearl 2.0 chrome or Midnight, a new glare-reducing finish option.
Want to overhaul your bag for 2024? Find a fitting location near you at True Spec Golf.
