When deciding on your wedge setup, it’s important to not only think about yardage gapping, but to find wedges that achieve the necessary performance for that specific wedge. For example, you want a 46-degree wedge to perform more like an iron that will be used on full shots, while your 60-degree wedge should have a more versatile grind for not only shots from the fairway, but also open-faced shots from various lies around the greens.

Since the launch of its MP-T10 wedges, which introduced loft-specific grooves, Mizuno has sought to build wedges for golfers that satisfy the needs of each specific loft. With its T5 wedges, Mizuno made loft-specific grinds, and with its T7 wedges, it designed loft-specific head shapes.

Now, Mizuno’s new S18 wedges combine all of those loft-specific concepts from recent wedge lines — with specific groove, grinds and head shapes — and have made other improvements, as well.

The center of gravity for each wedge now flows upward through the set to achieve the proper flight for those lofts; lower-lofted S18 wedges have a lower center of gravity (CG) for a higher flight and lower spin rates, while higher-lofted wedges have a higher CG for a lower, more-controlled flight and more spin.

Mizuno is using also its familiar “quad-cut grooves” on the S18 wedges, but with some changes compared to older models to make the S18 set more progressive. Now, the lower-lofted wedges have narrower and deeper grooves for better performance on full shots, while the higher-lofted wedges have wider and shallower grooves for better performance on shorter shots. Mizuno has also given the higher-lofted wedges more sole grind for versatility, and lower-lofted wedges less sole grind for iron-like performance.

With the goal to increase durability and spin throughout the line, Mizuno also tested older wedges — using Luke Donald’s old S5 wedge head design as a benchmark, according to Mizuno — with newer materials and designs. Mizuno found that adding boron to its 1025 mild carbon steel made it 30 percent stronger, which will help it perform better for a longer duration. Therefore, the S18 wedges are made with 1025 Boron.

Graphic courtesy of Mizuno

You’ll also notice head shapes that blend the aggressive design — or more contours and sharper lines — of the S5 wedges, and the more conservative design of the T7. The S18 wedges satisfy the middle ground, which is likely to appeal to a greater amount of golfers.

Mizuno’s S18 wedges will be available in Chrome, and a “Gunmetal” black IP (Ion Plated) finish. They will sell at retail for $149 per wedge starting September 15, and will come stock with a True Temper Dynamic Gold wedge-flex shaft and a Golf Pride MCC Black/White 60Round grip. Check out the full spec options below.

Stock SKU’s

Custom Offerings (Click to Enlarge)

Related

• Mizuno brings MP family closer together with its new MP-18 irons