Ping has launched its new Ping Glide 3.0 wedges, which, according to the company, feature a higher-spinning, more forgiving, and lighter overall design. The new additions from Ping also feature multiple sole grind options in order to custom-fit golfers of all skill levels.

Confirming much of what our Ryan Barath suspected about the wedges last month, new Glide 3.0 wedges have been created through the process of leveraging the multi-material construction that combines a 431 stainless steel head with a larger and softer elastomer Custom Tuning Port (CTP) insert. The additional volume of the CTP allows for a larger insert covering more of the back of the face, resulting in activation of the elastomer at impact in a bid to produce a soft yet solid feel.

The new cavity design and larger CTP expand the perimeter weighting to increase the MOI and position the center of gravity higher in order to provide lower-launching, and higher-spinning trajectories for more control, says Ping.

Speaking on the construction and attributes of the new Glide 3.0 wedges, John K. Solheim, Ping President stated

“We approached the design with a goal of creating higher-spinning, great-looking wedges that also deliver more forgiveness with the improved feel from our other proven technologies.

“The Glide 3.0 wedge is a great blend of a players-style design and game-improvement technology. At address, it provides the clean look of a tour-style wedge. We’ve added some offset based on tour player feedback to provide a more captured look.

“At the same time, we’ve increased the perimeter weighting and improved the feel with the softer insert material to ensure golfers have the forgiveness they need to play with confidence on approach shots. The combination of those attributes really sets the Glide 3.0 wedges apart and gives them a much broader appeal.”

The new additions from Ping also feature wheel-cut grooves for a sharper edge radius, which is designed to increase interaction with the ball at impact—resulting in more friction for maximum spin and trajectory control.

The grooves in the lower-lofted wedges (46, 50, 52 degrees) are milled with a 20-degree sidewall and a .005″ edge radius for optimal full-shot performance, while the higher-lofted versions (54, 56, 58, and 60 degrees) feature an extra half groove at the bottom of the face bidding for added spin and are milled to a .004″ edge radius with a 28-degree sidewall to impart more spin, especially around the greens.

• More photos of Ping Glide 3.0 wedges (and comparison pics) in the forums. 

The Glide 3.0 wedges feature four distinctly different sole grinds as the company look to better custom-fit golfers. Each sole grind aims to best match a player’s angle of attack and typical turf conditions while providing performance and versatility on full and partial shots around the green.

Speaking in regards to the four versatile options golfers have when choosing their preferred grind, Solheim stated

“With the new sole grinds and multiple loft options, a fitter can really dial in the wedges to help improve the player’s performance based on how they dynamically deliver the clubhead and the type of conditions they typically play in. During the process, they can also determine the best combination of wedges to provide proper distance gaps between each club.”

Ping Glide 3.0 grind options

• Standard Sole (SS) grind: (46°/12°, 50°/12°, 52°/12°, 54°/12°, 56°/12°, 58°/10°, 60/10°) Mid-bounce sole with heel relief, and designed for golfers with a moderate angle of attack.
• Wide Sole (WS) grind: (54°/14°, 56°/14°, 58°/14°, 60/14°) The most forgiving grind option through the ground, according to the company, while it’s round and cambered sole offers significant bounce. Designed for golfers with a steep angle of attack and who typically play in soft turf.
• Eye2 grind: (54°/10°, 56°/10°, 58°/8°, 60°/8°) High toe design matches the original Eye2 SW sole/face profiles and narrow hosel transition in a bid to provide maximum performance for bunker shots and touch shots near the green.
• Thin Sole (TS) grind: (58°/6°, 60°/6°) With extreme heel relief with bounce grind, the TS grind is designed for golfers with a shallow angle of attack and best suited to firm conditions.

The Glide 3.0 wedge’s grip and shaft have been lightened by six and five grams, respectively, which has led to an overall weight reduction of 15 grams for the entire club. The Dyla-wedge Lite grip is ¾-inch longer than a traditional grip and features a reduced taper, and is designed to allow golfers to choke down for more versatility and trajectory control.

Created by Nippon, the Ping Z-Z115 wedge shaft has been custom engineered with a lower balance point closer to the tip—engineered with the aim of providing lower launch with more control and enhanced feel.

Speaking on the weight reduction in the new wedges from Ping, Solheim said

“The lighter overall weight allows the Glide 3.0 to better blend into a golfer’s full set and help them swing the club easier. We’ve also reduced the head weight by approximately four grams while maintaining our traditional wedge swing weights to ensure golfers still benefit from the clubhead feel they need to play with control and precision.”

Additional Ping Glide 3.0 specs

• Multi-material construction: 431 stainless steel head, elastomer insert, Hydropearl 2.0 finish.
• Swingweight: D2 – D4, depending on loft.
• Stock grip: Ping 360 Dyla-wedge Lite in three sizes (Aqua -1/64″, White Std., Gold +1/32″)
• Stock steel shaft: Ping Z-Z115 Wedge made by Nippon.
• Stock graphite shaft: Alta CB Red (SR, R, S)
• Aftermarket shaft options (no upcharge): True Temper Dynamic Gold 105 (R300, S300), True Temper Dynamic Gold (S300, X100), True Temper Dynamic Gold 120 (S300, X100), Project X LZ (5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5), True Temper XP95 (R300, S300), Nippon Pro Modus Tour 105 (S, X), KBS Tour (R, S, X)

Available in 10 color codes (lie angle). Black is standard.

Ping’s Glide 3.0 wedges are available for custom fitting and pre-sell beginning today at authorized golf shops around the world, and cost $160 per club with steel shaft and $180 per club with graphite shaft.

• More photos of Ping Glide 3.0 wedges (and comparison pics) in the forums.