![\"\"](\"https:\/\/pluggedingolf.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Mizuno-S18-Wedges_0099.jpg\")
<\/a><\/h2>\n50 Words or Less<\/h2>\n
The Mizuno S18 wedges have Mizuno\u2019s signature feel.\u00a0 Performance characteristics tweaked to optimize each loft.<\/p>\n
Introduction<\/h2>\n
Prior to the USGA\u2019s groove rollback, wedge technology was all the rage.\u00a0 Each new model claimed to tear the cover off the ball unlike anything else.<\/p>\n
Today\u2019s wedge technology may not have the same sex appeal as urethane-shredding grooves, but it\u2019s still very important to performance.\u00a0 In the Mizuno S18 wedges, everything from the sole to the CoG is optimized for each loft.\u00a0 Will the average player benefit?\u00a0 We tested to find out.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/pluggedingolf.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Mizuno-S18-Wedges_0085.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nLooks<\/h2>\n
My first impression of the S18 wedge was that it\u2019s larger and rounder than I expected.\u00a0 Those two things tend to go hand in hand, at least to my eye: round wedges usually look bigger than teardrop-shaped wedges.\u00a0 The\u00a0leading edge on the S18 is squared off, but the toe is very round<\/strong>\u00a0and the face stays tall through the heel.<\/p>\nThe Mizuno S18 wedge is offered in white satin and gun metal finishes.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/pluggedingolf.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Mizuno-S18-Wedges_0095.jpg\")
<\/a><\/h2>\nSound & Feel<\/h2>\n
My experience with the S18 was unusual, but it speaks to how good the feel of this wedge is.\u00a0 The first time I used it, I started hitting pitch shots.\u00a0 I thought to myself, \u201cThis feels pretty good, but not as good as I was expecting.\u00a0 Soft, but not really special.\u201d\u00a0 Then I looked at the number on the launch monitor, and they weren\u2019t very good.\u00a0 I decided to spray the face with food powder to verify that I was hitting the center of the face.\u00a0 It turns out that I was missing noticeably toward the heel.\u00a0 A couple swings later, I found the center and said to myself, \u201cThere\u2019s the feel I was expecting.\u201d<\/p>\n
When you hit the center of the face, you know you have a forged Mizuno wedge: it\u2019s\u00a0soft, crisp, responsive<\/strong>.\u00a0 The feel is good even when you miss the center, but there is a difference.\u00a0 This consistently good feel is both a blessing and a curse because you\u2019ll need to pay more attention to know when you\u2019ve missed a shot.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/pluggedingolf.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Mizuno-S18-Wedges_0093.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nPerformance<\/h2>\n
Mizuno doesn\u2019t have a great soundbite or high tech sounding name for the grooves.\u00a0 Instead they have a thoughtfully designed progression that skilled players will understand and appreciate.<\/p>\n
For each loft, the sole, center of gravity (CG), and head shape has been tweaked to best suit that club\u2019s use<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0In the lower lofts, the CG is lower because those clubs are typically used for full or near-full swings.\u00a0 As you move into the higher lofts, the CG moves up the club face.\u00a0 This is done by making the top of the blade thicker.\u00a0 The reason for this is that impact on high lofted wedges is often higher on the face, so a higher CG means more consistent performance.<\/p>\nMost of the lofts in the S18 line have just one bounce option.\u00a0 The exceptions are the 56 and 60 degree wedges, which each have two.\u00a0 As you move up in loft, Mizuno makes the sole grind slightly more aggressive, offering relief in the trailing edge and heel.\u00a0 This allows you to\u00a0open the face of the wedge without raising the leading edge as much<\/strong>.<\/p>\nUltimately, what I found in my testing, both on the launch monitor and on the course, is that the\u00a0Mizuno S18 is a very consistent, high performing wedge.<\/strong>\u00a0 The spin rates were in line with other premium wedges, and, because of the high CG and the face milling, the spin stayed high even on shorter shots and mishits.\u00a0 I found the sole to offer ample forgiveness, even in mushy conditions, but the grind still allowed for shot making and creativity around the green.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/pluggedingolf.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Mizuno-S18-Wedges_0089.jpg\")
<\/a><\/h2>\nConclusion<\/h2>\n
If you want a wedge that comes with cool sounding names for the grooves, the Mizuno S18 wedges are not for you.\u00a0 If, however, you like consistent spin, a versatile sole grind, and heads shaped for the shots you hit, you\u2019ll want to check these out.\u00a0 And if you don\u2019t care about any of those things?\u00a0 Try them just for the exceptional feel.<\/p>\n
Mizuno S18 Wedge Price & Specs<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\nLooks<\/h2>\n
My first impression of the S18 wedge was that it\u2019s larger and rounder than I expected.\u00a0 Those two things tend to go hand in hand, at least to my eye: round wedges usually look bigger than teardrop-shaped wedges.\u00a0 The\u00a0leading edge on the S18 is squared off, but the toe is very round<\/strong>\u00a0and the face stays tall through the heel.<\/p>\n The Mizuno S18 wedge is offered in white satin and gun metal finishes.<\/p>\n My experience with the S18 was unusual, but it speaks to how good the feel of this wedge is.\u00a0 The first time I used it, I started hitting pitch shots.\u00a0 I thought to myself, \u201cThis feels pretty good, but not as good as I was expecting.\u00a0 Soft, but not really special.\u201d\u00a0 Then I looked at the number on the launch monitor, and they weren\u2019t very good.\u00a0 I decided to spray the face with food powder to verify that I was hitting the center of the face.\u00a0 It turns out that I was missing noticeably toward the heel.\u00a0 A couple swings later, I found the center and said to myself, \u201cThere\u2019s the feel I was expecting.\u201d<\/p>\n When you hit the center of the face, you know you have a forged Mizuno wedge: it\u2019s\u00a0soft, crisp, responsive<\/strong>.\u00a0 The feel is good even when you miss the center, but there is a difference.\u00a0 This consistently good feel is both a blessing and a curse because you\u2019ll need to pay more attention to know when you\u2019ve missed a shot.<\/p>\n Mizuno doesn\u2019t have a great soundbite or high tech sounding name for the grooves.\u00a0 Instead they have a thoughtfully designed progression that skilled players will understand and appreciate.<\/p>\n For each loft, the sole, center of gravity (CG), and head shape has been tweaked to best suit that club\u2019s use<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0In the lower lofts, the CG is lower because those clubs are typically used for full or near-full swings.\u00a0 As you move into the higher lofts, the CG moves up the club face.\u00a0 This is done by making the top of the blade thicker.\u00a0 The reason for this is that impact on high lofted wedges is often higher on the face, so a higher CG means more consistent performance.<\/p>\n Most of the lofts in the S18 line have just one bounce option.\u00a0 The exceptions are the 56 and 60 degree wedges, which each have two.\u00a0 As you move up in loft, Mizuno makes the sole grind slightly more aggressive, offering relief in the trailing edge and heel.\u00a0 This allows you to\u00a0open the face of the wedge without raising the leading edge as much<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Ultimately, what I found in my testing, both on the launch monitor and on the course, is that the\u00a0Mizuno S18 is a very consistent, high performing wedge.<\/strong>\u00a0 The spin rates were in line with other premium wedges, and, because of the high CG and the face milling, the spin stayed high even on shorter shots and mishits.\u00a0 I found the sole to offer ample forgiveness, even in mushy conditions, but the grind still allowed for shot making and creativity around the green.<\/p>\n If you want a wedge that comes with cool sounding names for the grooves, the Mizuno S18 wedges are not for you.\u00a0 If, however, you like consistent spin, a versatile sole grind, and heads shaped for the shots you hit, you\u2019ll want to check these out.\u00a0 And if you don\u2019t care about any of those things?\u00a0 Try them just for the exceptional feel.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/h2>\nSound & Feel<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\nPerformance<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/h2>\nConclusion<\/h2>\n
Mizuno S18 Wedge Price & Specs<\/h2>\n