PING refreshed their forged version of Glide wedges back in the fall, and it’s been well over two years since we’ve been introduced to the Glide 3.0 series. While the golfing world got a glimpse of the new Glide 4.0 Wedges since being released on Tour, we’ve all been waiting for the official details to be released. Well, wait no longer, as today, the Glide 4.0 wedges from PING become official.
The Glide range has been well received over the years, especially by PING loyalists. As we look at this newest generation, it’s not surprising that there are more evolutionary tweaks than a complete rebuild. We get a material change from the 431 Stainless Steel of the Glide 3.0 to 8620 Carbon steel. PING used 8620 Carbon steel back in the Glide 2.0 Stealth, arguably the best feeling wedge within the range. Also helping to enhance the feel is a softer and larger elastomer insert allowing 36% more face contact.
Being that spin control is a vital part of wedge design, PING has utilized precision-milled grooves and a new Emery face blast, which adds even more texture in between all those grooves. The presence of this Emery face blast will produce more friction help to impart more consistent spin from shot to shot. PING also manipulates the grooves depending on the loft. Lower lofted wedges have grooves with a 20° sidewall, while the higher lofts (54° and above) have a 28° sidewall to generate more spin on those shots closer to the green.
PING has long been known as a brand that pushes fitting. Therefore, it should be no surprise that they offer four different grind options to help match a Glide 4.0 wedge to golfers playing conditions and angle of attack. Below is a quick breakdown of the four grinds.
S Grind: Offers heel and trailing edge relief, with plenty of bounce. According to PING, this will fit most golfers.
W Grind: Full sole design and the most forgiving through the turf. Specialized for bunker play and square-face shots.
T Grind: Only found in 58 and 60. Half-moon sole shape with a high leading edge bounce. Overall bounce is the lowest of the group.
E Grind: High toe design with an improved leading edge shape. Emulates that classic Eye 2 wedge design proven to excel out of bunkers.
PING Glide 4.0 wedges offer a compact, rounded shape that should be pleasing to many. The wedges will be available in April 2022 and with a price tag of $208 a wedge, that will surely be part of the conversation.
With plenty of loft and grind options, will a Glide 4.0 wedge find its way into your bag? More information on the latest wedges from PING is available at www.ping.com.
