Mizuno S18 Wedge Review
The Mizuno S18 wedge is an excellent choice for the mid- to low-handicap player looking to take their game to the next level. With a forged head, variable centers of gravity based on loft, deeper and wider Quad Cut grooves, and increased heel and toe grind, the options for set makeup and shot choices are endless.
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Since it was first released in late 2017, the Mizuno S18 Wedge has not only received the highest rating of Gold in the 2018 Golf Digest Hot list, but has also become one of the most popular wedges of 2018. If you’re an avid golfer, the Mizuno brand is one you’re surely familiar with.
For years, golfers across the globe have associated the name with a “player’s club.” While the brand has made concerted technological and design efforts in recent years to accommodate the higher handicapper, their appeal still largely lies with low handicap players. For this type of player, getting to the next level often comes down to a shot or two per round and those shots are most often inside of 125 yards. As a result, having fine-tuned well-designed wedges is of the utmost importance. The new Mizuno S18 wedges, which replace the previous S5 model are certainly no exception. With cutting edge design features, a forged (instead of cast) head, and a variety of lofts, the low- to mid-handicap player will certainly have plenty of options to customize the perfect wedge for their game with the S18.
Key Features
- Unlike most wedges made by other manufacturers, the Mizuno S18 wedge is forged instead of cast which enhances feel and precision around the green.
- The S18 wedge features grooves which are wider and deeper than other grooves on the market allowing for cleaner contact and increased spin on full and short shots for greater control.
- Variable center of gravity heights strategically placed right behind the point of contact on the face allow for more consistent trajectory and distance control.
Mizuno S18 Wedge Detailed Review
Design and Technology
The Mizuno S18 wedge is designed for the low- to mid-handicap player in in mind who is looking for exacting precision and control inside of 125 yards. This new 2018 model features a forged head, wider and deeper grooves, variable centers of gravity and an improved grind design that allow a player to optimize the wedge arrangement that is truly best for them.
The use of Grain Flowed Forged 1025 Boron Steel in the forging process allows for increased feel and control off of the face. This forged steel has enabled Mizuno to increase the width and depth of Quad Cut grooves for maximization of spin and control without sacrificing the lifespan of grooves commonly found in other forged clubs.
The incorporation of variable centers of gravity depending on loft has set the S18 wedge apart from other wedges on the market. By placing the center of gravity lower on the face on lower lofted wedges with a straighter face, and higher on more lofted wedges with a flatter face, Mizuno has optimized the impact point in wedges of all lofts for more consistent ball flight and distance control on both full shots from the fairway and around the green.
Compared to the previous S5 wedge, the S18 features increased toe and heel grind which allows a player to either open or close the face depending on the shot without losing the full effect of the bounce on the bottom of the club. The result is more consistent contact, trajectory, and distance control.
The Mizuno S18 wedge is an excellent choice for the mid- to low-handicap player looking to take their game to the next level. With a forged head, variable centers of gravity based on loft, deeper and wider Quad Cut grooves, and increased heel and toe grind, the options for set makeup and shot choices are endless.
- Variable loft and bounce options allow for customization of perfect wedge makeup
- Forged clubhead provides players optimal feel and control
- Wide and deep grooves and variable center of gravity allow for consistent contact and distance
- Design features are for advanced players and may not be suitable for higher handicaps
- Price is comparatively higher than other wedges on the market
- Limited to only two finishes, which may not be what every player is looking for cosmetically
Specs
The Mizuno S18 wedge comes in even numbered lofts ranging from 46 to 62 degrees in both men’s right- and left-handed with either a chrome or black nickel finish. The forged head allows lofts to be bent to odd numbered lofts should you desire. The stock shaft option is either a Dynamic Gold S300 (103 grams) or R100 (101 grams) in wedge flex with a swing weight of D4. Bounce options are plentiful depending on loft. Customization of other shafts is also available.
Conclusion
With the introduction of the S18 wedge, Mizuno certainly remains at the forefront of technology and design for the low- to mid-handicap player. The multitude of loft and lie options combined with variable centers of gravity give the low to mid handicap player plenty of options to choose from when deciding the optimal wedge makeup for their game. Additionally, the implementation of wider and deeper Quad Cut Grooves in a forged steel head optimize spin and control without sacrificing the shorter shelf-life of grooves in other forged clubs. Lastly, the increased toe and heel grind on the S18 allow for greater face manipulation depending on the shot without sacrificing the use of the entire bounce. If you are ready for a wedge that will help you from 125 yards and in, then the Mizuno S18 Wedge is the club for you.
Mizuno S18 Wedge Video Review
How Does the Mizuno S18 Wedge Compare?
Cobra King Black Wedge
The Cobra King Black Wedge was introduced in early 2018 and met with critical acclaim by golfers of all skill levels looking for the very best in craftsmanship and materials. While many brands tout the latest and greatest in design and technology, Cobra knows one thing—they have the design that works. The Cobra King Black is no exception as it has received a Gold Rating in Golf Digest’s 2018 Hot List. There is new doubt, the Cobra King Black wedge is by far one of the best wedges available on the market. With a Black Diamondized Metal Finish, thicker face, Progressive Spin Technology, and CNC Milled grooves, the Cobra King Black wedge allows players to improve their control, precision, and consistency regardless of the lie. The Cobra King Black is perfect for any player looking for greater control and precision with their wedge game.
Cleveland RTX 4 Wedge
The Cleveland RTX 4 Wedge is designed to make every shot, from around the greens all the way into short approach shots. No matter what shot you need to hit, the Cleveland RTX 4 Wedge has a sole shape just for you. Its traditional Full shape is stable through impact and works well in the sand when the clubface is opened, while its Mid shape features a V-shaped grind that assists golfers who have steep or neutral angles of attack. Its Low and XLOW sole shapes remove bounce from the heel, toe, and trail edge, allowing the leading edge to sit lower and slip under the golf ball. Lastly, if you want spin the Cleveland RTX 4 Wedge is the club for you. With its Progressive Feel Balancing, sharp deep grooves, and precision milled face, the Cleveland RTX4 allows players to hit shots with greater spin with little to no effort. So, if you are ready for a wedge that will help you from 100 yards and in to stop a ball on a dime, then the Cleveland RTX 4 Wedge is the club for you.
Callaway Mack Daddy MD4 Wedge
The Callaway Mack Daddy MD4 Wedge was at the beginning of 2018 and it soon became one of the hottest wedges of the year. So much so that the Mac Daddy 4 even received a Gold Rating in the 2018 Golf Digest’s Hot List. The Callaway Mac Daddy 4 wedge features revolutionary Groove-In-Groove technology that allows players of all levels the ability to increase spin rates and gain greater precision and control. The variety of loft, bounce and grind options gives golfers plenty of choices to customize a wedge makeup that is suitable for their ability and the conditions they play in. If you are a player looking to get the ball to stop on a dime or even spin back, then the Mac Daddy 4 is the club for you.
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