Ping’s new S159 wedges have been widely discussed in the GolfWRX forums since we spotted them on tour late last year. I was fortunate enough to get two of the newest S159 grinds out on the course to put them through their paces around the green. I will admit that some of Ping’s previous wedge offerings never really suited my eye, but that definitely changed with these S159 wedges.

For a more in-depth discussion and a full review, please check out the Club Junkie podcast on all podcast platforms and YouTube below.

Out of the box, I like the clean and simple look that Ping went with. From address, the wedges have had some of the offset removed and the line from the hosel into the leading edge is straight. A lot of wedges with a little offset have a curve, or “hook,” from the hosel to leading edge that I just don’t love. Ping, however, did away with most of that.

Speaking of the leading edge, Ping has gone a little straighter with it as you see very little curve on the lower lofts (like the 52 degree) and just slightly more radius as you get into the lob wedge. I like the simple look with minimal branding on these wedges and the Hydropearl 2.0 chrome finish looks nice while still reducing glare.

Ping added some new grinds and grind options to the S159 line and if you need a place to start with what wedge fits your game the best, Ping’s WebFit app is a quick way to get some suggestions.

I have been hitting the 56 H grind and 60 B grind. The wedges are cast from 8620 carbon steel and have a nice soft feel to them. When you do miss the center, you will get a little more vibration to your hands as well as a more audible click at impact. My miss with a wedge is typically low heel and definitely noticed a firmer feel and louder sound.

Spin on the S159 was very good, and Ping’s use of smaller grooves on the face produced shots that checked up hard from any distance on the green. Now the smaller grooves are a little hard to clean, so I suggest investing in a nice plastic bristled brush. Playing this early in Metro Detroit does not offer you tight, manicured fairway lies, and the S159 wedges were still allowing me to spin the ball back on fuller shots. Shots out of the rough still spun well and were met with very predictable, although shorter, release. I went a little long on a green and had very little green to work with, so I hit a little chip that just landed beyond the fringe and stopped after about one foot, leaving me well short. I didn’t think the wedge could get enough friction on the ball from that deeper rough, but the S159 proved me wrong.

Ball flight is a little higher than the Vokey SM10 wedges on standard shots for me, but you can still flight the ball down easily for a penetrating shot with a lot of spin. Ping states the S159’s shape is tour-inspired, but they do offer some good forgiveness when you don’t hit it perfectly. As I mentioned earlier I tend to miss low heel with my wedges and the S159 would still give me decent launch and spin, producing a solid shot.

Ping S159 56-10 H Grind

I was a little intimidated by this one, as I haven’t played a sand wedge with this little bounce in a long time. I am a steeper swinger and play in soft conditions, so most of my wedges are in the teens when it comes to bounce. However, Ping does describe the H as “A shot-saving option for players with steeper angles of attack who like to manipulate the handle and play with versatility,” so I didn’t need to be so cautious.

The H grind offers good turf interaction on full shots as the course was soft from a few rainy days, but the wedge got through quickly. Divots were just a touch deeper than some of the higher-bounce wedges I have used, but the H got through and out of the turf pretty quickly.

Around the green, the H grind was versatile and allowed you to open the face while the leading edge stayed close to the turf. I don’t open a 56 up a ton, but it was easy to open it slightly and hit a higher-lofted pitch or chip shot around the green. When you went wide open with the H grind in the bunker, it offered good float and slide through firm sand easily and quickly.

Ping S159 60-8 B Grind

This grind was the one I was most excited to try, but I was a little taken aback when I saw how wide the sole was. Now I am light years away from a tour player who can play flop shots off concrete lies, but I like to open the face a little bit. The B grind is wide and only has a little bit of heel and trailing edge relief. As Ping says, the grind is “For a shallow angle of attack and neutral face delivery. Low-bounce design sits low on the turf on square-face shots.” 

Now the B grind does have a nice bevel from the leading edge to the sole that is subtle but allows the wedge to be “thumped” into the turf without worrying about digging while playing it square. As Ping says, square shots are great and you have a bit of forgivness if you hit just slightly behind the ball as the B will glide effortlessly across the turf. You can still open the face a little in some more lush and softer conditions. Shots hit very high on the face don’t carry a ton and lose some spin compared to some of the high-toe style wedges.

Bunkers with softer and fluffy sand are where the B grind will thrive as well; the wedge just floats like a pontoon boat through it. I am usually a 56-degree wedge player out of the bunker unless I am short-sided, but I could see myself using the B grind more and more, as it is just easy and consistent.

My final thoughts on Ping’s S159 wedges: They are very versatile and playable for a wide range of golfers. If you are looking for ultimate shotmaking or just some consistent wedges that spin well, these can be both. And now that Ping added some grinds and grind options to the lineup, you should be able to find a two, three, or four-wedge setup that complements your wedge game, swing, and course conditions.

Vortex Optics, a player in the hunting space since 1986, is breaking into the golf world with three rangefinders. The Barneveld, Wisconsin-based company just announced its Blade, Blade Slope, and Anarch laser rangefinders.

In addition to riflescopes, spotting scopes, and binoculars, Vortex Optics has been producing rangefinders for years, so they’re anything but novices. The customer-first, family-owned business is leveraging what it already knows about making great rangefinders and applying its technology and Clear View optics to products designed for the fairways, rather than the forest or field.

“Entering the world of golf rangefinders was a natural choice for us,” said Vortex CEO Joe Hamilton. “When our customers, dealers, and team members – all part of Vortex Nation- unanimously called for our expertise in optical quality, technology, innovation, and customer service to elevate their golf experience, it became a clear path forward. We’re excited to bring our proven success to the golfing community.”

Vortex Optics Blade

An impressive laser rangefinder.

Featuring 6x magnification and a black LCD display, the Vortex Optics Blade is reflective up to 1,400 yards and to the flag at up to 350 yards. The minimum range is six yards and accuracy is +/- one yard. The linear field of view at 100 yards is 37 feet 6 inches. Measuring time is one second.

The Blade and Blade Slope rangefinders are slightly smaller than the Anarch, measuring 3.9 inches by 3.0 inches by 1.5 inch. The Blade weighs 6.5 ounces.

Range modes include line of sight and scan and Pin Spotter Mode (vibration when the pin is locked onto) is an additional feature. Handily, the Blade rangefinder is equipped with a cart magnet.

Built from a polymer chassis, the Vortex Optics Blade rangefinder is waterproof and shockproof.

The Vortex Optics Blade retails for $299.

Vortex Optics Blade Slope

A laser rangefinder with slope functionality.

Just like the Vortex Optics Blade rangefinders, the Blade Slope features 6x magnification and a black LCD display and is reflective up to 1,400 yards and to the flag at up to 350 yards. The minimum range is six yards and accuracy is +/- one yard. The linear field of view at 100 yards is 37 feet 6 inches. Measuring time is one second.

Slope mode, of course, is the distinguishing feature between the Blade and Blade Slope. Slope mode accounts for the changes in gradient, i.e. a downhill shot plays shorter, an uphill shot plays longer. Presently, slope mode is not legal in tournament play, but the Vortex Optics Blade Slope allows users to toggle it on/off.

As mentioned earlier, the Blade Slope rangefinders is slightly smaller than the Anarch. It measures 3.9 inches by 3.0 inches by 1.5 inch and weighs 6.5 ounces.

Again, range modes include line of sight; Pin Spotter Mode is an additional feature. The cart magnet — essential for riders — is present in the Blade Slope.

Polymer chassis. Waterproof. Shockproof — just like the Blade.

The Vortex Optics Blade Slope retails for $399.

Vortex Optics Anarch

An image-stabilized laser rangefinder.

The Vortex Optics Anarch features 6x magnification and a red illuminated LCD display. It is reflective up to 1,400 yards and to the flag at up to 450 yards (100 yards more than the blade). The minimum range is 10 yards and accuracy is +/- one yard. The linear field of view at 100 yards is 31 feet 8 inches. Measuring time is one second.

The Anarch is slightly larger and heavier than the Blade models, measuring 4.0 inches by 3.0 inches by 1.6 inch. It weighs 9.2 ounces.

Range modes include slope, line of sight and scan and Pin Spotter Mode is an additional feature as well as image stabilization. A cart magnet is present here as well.

Like the other rangefinders in the lineup, the Vortex Optics Anarch is waterproof and shockproof. While the blade models feature a polymer chassis, the Anarch is crafted from a magnesium chassis.

The Anarch retails for $599.

In addition to the rangefinder, all packages include a case with a carabiner, a ball marker, and a lens cloth.

All rangefinders are backed by Vortex Optics’ VIP warranty — a lifelong, fully transferable promise to repair or replace your rangefinder should it become damaged.

Rangefinders are available now. For more purchase details, head here. You can catch up with the company on social media: Instagram, X, Facebook, YouTube.

TaylorMade’s new Qi10 drivers are packed with new technology for maximum performance. Whether you are looking for maximum forgiveness or low-spin workability, there is a Qi10 driver for your needs. The faces are still 60 layers of carbon fiber, but in contrast to the Stealth line, feature a much more subtle blue tone. TaylorMade’s new Infinity Carbon Crown not only gives a weight advantage but also gives each driver a much cleaner and better look, to my eye. Each driver is a little different but built for maximum performance.

For the full, more in-depth review, check out the Club Junkie Podcast on every podcast platform and on YouTube.

TaylorMade Qi10 Max

This is the driver that is getting the most buzz it seems from the 2024 TaylorMade lineup thanks to its 10K MOI measurement. This 10K MOI means that the Qi10 Max head is extremely stable on mishits and will prevent the head from swinging open or closed.

The Max definitely has the largest-looking profile from address and has a more rounded shape to it compared to the other Qi10 drivers. I like the more rounded shape, and even though it doesn’t have the classic TaylorMade shape, it is easy on the eyes. The new blue carbon face is also more subtle and you don’t notice it compared to the previous red faces on the Stealth and Stealth 2 drivers.

Out on the course, or range, is where you will notice where the 10K comes into play. The first bad swing will be met with a shot that is more than likely more playable than you would have thought. The head keeps the ball on a straighter trajectory with reduced curve once in flight. You will still miss the fairway right or left with those swings but the shot will typically be straight to either side.

While my numbers from my most recent range session don’t show it, the launch on the Qi10 Max was more mid-high for me on the course. Ball speed was consistent and the Max held onto a good amount of it, even when you didn’t catch the center of the face. I went through my shots and was pretty impressed with the limited variation in ball speed throughout my session.

The spin numbers were also lower than expected and to be fair I was hitting a 9-degree Qi10 Max head, and I typically hit a low draw shot shape. I am not considered a high-speed or spin player, but the Qi10 Max didn’t spin a ton, even when hit low on the face. Only a handful of shots touched the low 3,000 RPM mark while most stayed lower than that. I think moving to the 10.5-degree head would be a better fit for me, adding some launch and a little spin to my shots would increase the distance by a few yards.

TaylorMade Qi10 LS

The model that we first drooled over in Rory and Tiger’s bags early this year! TaylorMade’s 2024 low-spin driver sports a new name, dropping the “Plus” designation. The LS model clearly has the traditional TaylorMade pear shape to it and a noticeably more compact look. A deeper face and shorter length from heel-to-toe give the look of a driver that the more skilled player will be able to easily shape shots with. The head also looks a bit more open than the Max head, and I love that TaylorMade has been able to create toplines that look more open than they appear.

The Qi10 LS creates some very long drives out on the course and range. This driver offers a little more feel and slightly quieter sound than the other two models, you can really feel the ball compress on the face at impact. For players who routinely hit the center, you will be rewarded with consistent fast ball speed and great distance. I hit my two longest drives with this head when I was going through my range session the other day.

Ball flight was flat, but the head is still easy to elevate and hit towering, boring tee shots. I thought the LS was actually going to come out really low, but I had no problem hitting higher shots with almost no spin. If spin is your problem with driver, the LS could be the pill you need as it is a very low spin head. I was rarely getting into the mid-2000s and had most shots in the high 1900 RPM. I never saw a ball go over 2,600 RPM, no matter where I hit it on the face.

Now the LS will show you a little less love when you aren’t swinging well and hitting it close to the center. For me, the start line of my shots was the farthest right of the three heads, but I saw more movement in the air on poor swings. There was also a little more drop-off in ball speed when the ball traveled away from center compared to the Qi10 and Qi10 Max heads.

TaylorMade Qi10

This is TaylorMade’s “bread and butter” head should fit a wide range of golfers. We have seen Rory move into this head, and we should see it in a lot of amateur bags as well this year. The Qi10 head bridges the gap between ultra forgiveness and low-spin distance with a little larger profile than the LS.

The shape is closer to the LS with a slightly more tapered line from the back of the hosel to the round back of the driver. I can’t stress enough how much I like the sleek look of the new Infinity Carbon Crown as it just gives a great view to the golfer.

This driver is the underrated one of the bunch in my opinion. While it isn’t the most forgiving or the lowest spin, it does everything rather well. It is pretty darn forgiving and definitely isn’t in a high spin category so plenty of golfers will find this head working for them.

I found the standard Qi10 the most consistent for me as it was easy to launch, and I think if you took away a few of the shots I hit higher on the face on the LS, this would have been the highest launching head of the group. The launch was mid-high and with that, the spin still never got wildly high. The misses were very straight and like the Max had less curve to them, more straight right or left.

To me, the ball speed numbers seemed to stay more consistent on mishits compared to Stealth 2 and center strikes had a softer feel to them. High-toe misses stayed in play with a more gentle draw and more carry than I expected, most of those shots ended in a pretty tight area. Swinging the Qi10 also felt a little different than the Max as I think the CG placement gives each driver its own unique feel through your swing. The Qi10 felt like it was a touch easier to release and rotated back to square at impact just a little faster than the Max. I don’t know if you could tell if you didn’t hit them side-by-side but if you do you can probably feel the difference.

TaylorMade definitely brought some changes to the Qi10 line, and I think, overall, they’ve crafted some really good drivers. The Qi10 Max will be great for those players who need the most stability they can to find the fairways, and I think will play to lower handicaps than expected. The Qi10 LS will be a skilled player’s wand to create shots and work the ball to positions on the fairway that allow them to score better. The Qi10 will fit a wide range of golfers who are looking for a driver that helps them on bad shots but still has the ball speed and spin to hit their longest drives.