3balls Golf
This year has been a crazy one for fans of Ping irons and wedges. First, the new Ping Glide wedges popped up on tour in October 2014 and were finally released to the public in early 2015, then the Ping Glide ES Wedges were added to the lineup in July. The GMax irons followed, along with the new i-Series irons. It’s been a huge year for Ping irons, so we thought we’d break them down so you can decide exactly which set is right for your game.
Glide Wedges. Officially released in January 2015, the biggest thing about the Glide Wedges is what Ping has dubbed the Gorge Grooves. The grooves are meant to optimize the friction of each club for the conditions in which it’ll be used. Wedges with lofts between 47 and 54 degrees have a 16 degree sidewall to help maximize the groove’s volume, increasing spin rate on a full swing. Higher lofted wedges have a 24 degree sidewall and tighter radius to optimize partial swings like chips and pitches.
The original offering appeared in three sole types, Thin Sole (TS), Wide Sole (WS) and Standard Sole (SS). TS models are recommended for courses with hard surfaces or firm sand; WS models were created with soft conditions or fluffy sand in mind. SS models are theoretically suitable for both surfaces.
Glide ES Wedges. Like the original issue of Glide Wedges, the ES models are all cast from 431 stainless steel, but they have a very different sole than the initial release. On the Glide ES wedges, the sole resembles that of the popular Ping Eye2 wedges, hence the official title of “Eye Sole.” This sole is a scoop sole, making it easier to get the edge of the wedge under the ball with the face square. With an open face in a bunker, this special sole can help a player avoid digging. Available in 56, 58 and 60 degree models, the July addition to the Glide wedge line may help a lot more players dig out of the sand.
GMax Irons. Another July release, the GMax irons promise an increased flex across the face for faster shots and more forgiveness, using Ping’s COR-Eye Technology. The wider sole allows for a deeper center of gravity, as well. It would appear that the GMax irons were built with players who struggle with irons in mind — and that’s a great thing. The GMax set runs from a 4 iron through sand wedge, with lofts from 21 degrees to 56 degrees, as well as a progressive swingweight through the set.
Ping i Irons. The i-Series irons, unlike the GMax series, are designed for more experienced players. Also cast from 431 stainless steel, these irons are sleeker to help create more workability in tight spots and have a softer feel to help minimize vibrations on impact. Each iron in the set is designed specifically with the types of shots they’re needed for in mind — the shorter irons are small and workable, the longer irons offer lower, further back centers of gravity to increase distance and forgiveness when it’s needed most.
These new irons and wedges are exciting additions to the Ping line-up, but even if they’re not for you, we have plenty of other irons to choose from at 3balls.com. Come see all the great irons we offer, in both new and gently used conditions. We’ll help you find new irons that you love at a price you can’t believe.
