Mizuno Golf is updating its S family of wedges with the second generation of the line, as the S18 will replace the S5 wedges from 2015. Like S5, the S18 wedge isn't quite a wedge built solely for the lowest of handicaps, but it's meant to capture a wider swath of players who want a little forgiveness and technology in their wedges without it looking like a shovel.
The big headline with the S18 wedges is loft-specific center-of-gravity placement. That's something we've seen, but Mizuno has really dialed it in here for their thinking and philosophy. As the loft increases, more mass is added to the upper portion of the wedge to move up the center of gravity to where you'd expect to hit the ball on most shots. The idea is to deliver the performance you expect on the most shots you'll hit with that club. Hosel lengths vary and the back weight portion is a little wider than the S5.
The sole grind options are plentiful, particularly to combo with some aggressive bounce options (love having 6 degrees bounce on a 60-degree wedge as a sweeper). If you come in steep and play in soft conditions, get more bounce. If you sweep and don't put it in the turf, get less bounce.
The grooves vary by club, too. Weaker lofts have wider, more shallow grooves for better playability since those shots stay on the face for less time.
The 1025 Boron head -- which was introduced in T7 wedges -- is back here, and a new Gunmetal Ion finish accompanies the classic Satin. The boron strengthens the steel alloy, and it allows the wedge to be more durable.
The Mizuno Golf S18 wedges will be available Sept. 15 for $150 each.
