50 Words or Less
The PING Glide Forged wedge is the best-feeling wedge PING has ever made. Sole designed for creativity around the greens. Tons of spin.
Introduction
Given the success of the Glide 2.0 wedges, the release of the PING Glide Forged wedge came as a bit of a surprise. After having tested it, however, it’s place in the PING line up became clear. For the skilled player, or those that put a premium on feel, the Glide Forged will be a strong contender for a spot in the bag.
Looks
The better player appeal of the Glide Forged wedge starts with the looks. It’s slightly smaller than the Glide 2.0 (below, Glide Forged on the right), and the hosel has a refined taper. This wedge has a round shape with a slightly curved leading edge.
In the bag, the Glide Forged stands out with unique milling along the back of the club.
For those that want to make their Glide Forged wedge a bit more personal, PING is offering customization. You can get graphics on the back of the wedge – boomerang shapes, Mr. PING, the American flag, or an Arizona desert landscape – or you can choose to stamp up to three letters.
Sound & Feel
As impressed as I have been with the feel of the i210 irons, I am every bit as impressed with the feel of the Glide Forged wedge. This is easily the best-feeling PING wedge I’ve ever hit.
When you hit the center of the face, impact is barely noticeable. Even range balls feel soft. The sound is very quiet and low-pitched which enhances the soft feel.
Performance
The Glide 2.0 wedge has been in my bag since it was released because it gives me everything I need: lots of spin, a sole that fits me, and some forgiveness. I was eager to see if the Glide Forged wedge could step in and take its place.
One area where the Glide Forged shines is in spin creation. From tight lies to thick rough to morning dew, the Glide Forged is at the very top of the spin rankings. PING credits this to grooves with a sharper edge radius and their ability to create more friction with the ball.
The other thing that impressed me was the forgiveness. At a glance, the Glide Forged looks like a standard muscle back wedge. I expected that it would be since PING already has the Glide 2.0 – a forgiving, cavity-back wedge. However, a closer look reveals a tungsten weight in the toe (see below, right) that creates more stability on mishits. While the Glide 2.0 is still be the better choice for higher handicap players, you don’t need Tour-level ball striking to game the Glide Forged.
Unlike the Glide 2.0, which has four sole options, the Glide Forged has one sole. PING describes the sole as being between the Thin Sole and Standard Sole of the Glide 2.0. This sole offers increased versatility and shot making thanks to the cambered heel and toe. The only drawback is that there isn’t as much forgiveness if you hit the turf before the ball.
Conclusion
With the i210 irons and the Glide Forged wedges, PING has clearly put an emphasis on feel and appealing to the skilled player. Both clubs are a huge success, pairing forgiveness, performance, and the subjective qualities that good players covet. Expect to see a lot of Glide Forged wedges in play on Tour and at your local course.
PING Glide Forged Wedge Price & Specs
Matt Saternus
Latest posts by Matt Saternus (see all)
- Wilson Dynapower Irons Review - June 8, 2023
- Podcast Episode 189 – Upgrade Your Golf Practice - June 7, 2023
- 2023 Adams IDEA Irons Review - June 5, 2023
I am 76 , play 5-6 games a week, 7 -8 hcp . I have the new Ping i500 irons 5-GW Recoil regular shafts . Awesome by the way.
I will be purchasing a new Ping Glide Forged Wedge 54* . Should I get a steel wedge shaft, Alta CB regular or stiff , or Recoil regular or stiff if it is offered. What would your recommendations be?
Brian,
If checking with your fitter is not an option, I would suggest the Alta CB in regular flex.
Best,
Matt
Hi Matt,
I play Ping i500, purchased last week. I liked them better than the G70, even though I am a high handicapper. On the fence between the Glide Forged and the 2.0. Can you help guide me as the fitter didn’t make a recommendation. Also have the Alta CB graphite shaft, do you know if that is changing with the new Ping lineup being released?
Thanks,
Scott
Scott,
I don’t know if there will be a stock shaft change with the forthcoming line up.
As far as choosing between the Glide 2.0 and the Glide Forged, the first question is what kind of sole you need. If the one option on the Glide Forged fits you, the question is whether or not you want to pay extra for the softer feel. If you need something other than the standard sole, you need to go with the 2.0.
Best,
Matt
Pingback: 2019 Valero Texas Open Recap - Plugged In Golf
Pingback: 2020 The Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard Recap - Plugged In Golf
Great review Matt. As there is only one sole, which Vokey grind would be most similar to these in your opinion?
Adam,
Good question. My knowledge of Vokey grinds is far from encyclopedic, but I’ll guess that it’s somewhere in the M or S range.
Best,
Matt
From your experience, what has performed more consistently and has a better feel? Vokey SM8 or Ping Forged Glide?
Van,
I didn’t test the SM8, so I can’t offer a knowledgeable comparison.
Best,
Matt