Ping have been designed some of the best wedges for decades, so how does the s259 model compare? Here’s everything you need to know…
With all of the best golf wedges there is a real emphasis on increasing spin, but doing so with lower launch. The Ping s259 wedges have been purposely-designed to generate higher spin than the s159 wedges with a more penetrating ball flight.
Ping have always built specialty wedges for golfers of all abilities, but the s259 wedges are perhaps their most versatile in this area, with an extensive amount of loft and grind combinations available.
More, more, more!
How have Ping made improvements on the s159 wedges? It’s simple. More spin, more control, and more loft and grind combinations.
The sole purpose of a wedge is to hit and hold greens. The best way of ensuring this will happen for golfers of all skill levels is by increasing spin and control. So, how have Ping achieved that?
High friction and high spin: By maximizing friction at impact this in turn creates higher spin and control for a lower, more penetrating launch. The s259 wedges machined face features wheel-cut grooves which are complemented by the advanced face-blast technology to enhance the surface texture and deliver the high friction and high spin.
In the higher-lofted s259 wedges (54°-62°), they sport more tightly-spaced MicroMax grooves to help with spin and control. And in the lower-lofted wedges, they are milled for greater control on full shots.
Loft and grind combinations: To ensure that every golfer has the option of playing with s259 wedges, Ping are offering them with 25 loft and grind combinations. This includes six grinds that can be paired up with certain lofts.
Tour-inspired performance and looks
Ping worked with their tour pros on the s259 wedges so they would deliver optimal performance and look inviting at address – as well as in your golf bag.
For a Tour-preferred feel, the cast 8620 carbon steel head features a larger, reshaped elastomer insert behind the face.
To make the s259 wedges more appealing to the eye, Ping have refined the hosel transition and added a full-length bottom groove to really exagerrate the clean, square look. The progressive hosel shaping and refined heel height provides a smooth transition from the s259 wedges into short irons.
The Centre of Gravity locations vary by loft to match the performance intent of the wedge.
“A lot goes into the wedge design that’s not readily noticeable,” John K Solheim, Ping’s CEO and president explained. “Everything from CG location to offset can vary by loft to optimize the primary role of the wedge.
“For example, our lower- lofted wedges are designed for full shots, so we position the CG to increase ball speed and improve gapping. In higher-lofted wedges, there is more visual offset to provide the player more confidence when manipulating the clubface. It’s a perfect example of what we call custom engineering.”
The s259 wedges are available Hydropearl 2.0 Chrome and Midnight finishes. Hydropearl 2.0 Chrome helps repel moisture for control and consistency, while the darker Midnight finish repels glare.
Ping have introduced a new Dyla-Grip which include hand-placement indicators for more greenside versatility. It’s is three-quarters of an inch longer with a reduced taper and marked with indicators for gripping down, leaning the shaft and manipulating the face to play with more precision.
Which grind will work for you?
With the tour-proven s259 wedges being offered in 25 loft and grind combinations, determining the right one for you and your game may seem difficult, but the Ping Wedge WebFIT App makes it easy to find your recommended loft and grind combinations for the perfect setup. Here’s how the six grinds differ.
S grind: Fits a wide range of players and conditions. A mid-bounce design supports square-faced and full shots, while heel and trail-edge relief offer added greenside creativity.
H grind: Inspired by the Ping Wrx half-moon grind, the H ensures versatility in softer conditions. It accommodates various face and handle positions and supports steeper swings with excellent control and turf interaction.
B grind: Tailored for shallow attack angles and a square setup, the B grind features a low bounce profile that sits tight to the turf. Its wider sole provides forgiveness in firmer conditions, for full and finesse shots.
T grind: Has the lowest effective bounce at 6°. It’s the most versatile option and features steeper trail-edge relief to make open-face shots easier and more controlled. Performs exceptionally well on tight lies across medium to firm conditions
W grind: Maximum forgiveness through the turf. Best fits a player with a steep angle of attack who might have a lot of shaft lean and prefers the look of a specialty wedge with more forgiveness in their scoring clubs.
E grind: Eye 2-style dishing in the mid-sole delivers softer, more controlled shots from tightly mown areas around the green. Wider back-edge bounce preserves reliable, confidence-building performance for bunker shots.
“Fitting for the ideal sole grind remains a key to unlocking improved wedge performance in the new s259 series,” Solheim explained.
“We work closely with our tour staff to ensure their needs are met and, at the same time, we’re focusing on a selection of grinds and lofts that will help all golfers improve their short games. That includes grinds that are more forgiving and grinds that are more versatile. It’s one of the reasons getting custom fit for wedges is so important.”
GrindAvailable loftsS46°, 48°, 50°, 52°, 54°, 56°, 58°, 60°H54°, 56°, 58°, 60°B58°, 60°T58°, 60°, 62°W50°, 52°, 54°, 56°, 58°, 60°E58°, 60°What do Ping say about the s259 wedges?
John K Solheim, Ping CEO and president: “The new s259 wedges are already winning on tour and they continue to find their way into players’ bags around the world on a weekly basis.
“The pros love the clean look, versatility and, most importantly, the ability to launch and spin their shots with precise control. The s259 wedges represent our ongoing commitment to advancing wedge performance and expanding fitting options for golfers of all skill levels.
“We’ve refined two of the grinds and added some loft/grind combinations to better fit more golfers with an emphasis on proper gapping. With six grinds designed to perform in a variety of playing conditions and techniques, we’re confident we have a wedge to fit every golfer.
“Our wedge-face technology has earned a strong reputation for its ability to not only create high spin with control, but retain it in all types of conditions.
“Considering it’s rare when a shot doesn’t encounter some level of moisture or loss of friction, this type of control provides a clear and convincing short-game advantage.”
Price: $217.50 / £190.00