PING Glide 4.0 Wedge Review 2023 (Updated)

Looking for a reliable and versatile wedge to enhance your game? Check out our unbiased in-depth review of the PING Glide 4.0 wedge to know if it right for you.

I. What’s new about PING Glide 4.0 In Comparison To Glide 3.0?

Here is what’s new about the PING Glide 4.0 series wedges in comparison to PING GLIDE 3.0:

• Material: The PING Glide 4.0 wedges are made of 8620 carbon steel while the PING Glide 3.0 wedges were made of 431 stainless steel.
• Manufacturing Process: The Glide 4.0 wedges are cast from 8620 carbon steel, while the Glide Forged Pro wedges are forged from the same material.
• Elastomer insert: The PING Glide 4.0 wedges have a larger and softer activated elastomer insert, which provides a better feel and performance compared to the PING Glide 3.0 wedges.

II. My experience review with PING Glide 4.0 Wedge 

I’ve been using PING clubs for a long time now, so naturally, I wanted to try out the PING Glide 4.0 wedge. With the golf club market constantly evolving, I wanted to reserve judgment until I had a chance to play a few rounds with it.

With that in mind, I took the club out to the course to give it a try. I quickly noticed that the club had a positive feel and a well-balanced design, which greatly contributed to its ease of swing and control. It seamlessly blended with my playing style. 

After giving them a thorough tryout, I must say that the club’s balance is spot-on, making it easy to swing and control. The launch angle and smash factor also played a significant role in helping me land the ball exactly where I wanted it to go, and the spin rate proved to be beneficial on the course.

I tested the Glide 4.0 wedges on both dry and wet courses, and just as PING claims, the performance remained consistent in both conditions. These clubs provided me with the right combination of accuracy, distance control, and spin rate, all of which are crucial for achieving good scores.

My test stats

Yards	Ball speed	Club headspeed	Launch angle	Back spin	Side angle	Carry	Total distance
95 yards	80.9 mph	76.4 mph	31.8degrees	9134 rpm	1.3 degrees	96 yards	96 yards
50 yards	55.8 mph	56.9 mph	31.2 degrees	8059 rpm	1.6 degrees	56 yards	57 yards

To further analyze the performance of these clubs, I have tested them using a launch monitor. I put the PING Glide 4.0 wedge to the test from 95 yards and 50 yards.

I used the PING GLIDE 4.0 S grind to hit three shots from 95 yards away, and the results were consistent. Each shot was hit at the right angle and with a lot of spin, so the ball went straight to the hole.

The cavity back design gave me a solid feel and good feedback, which helped me feel like I could control my shots. With the Glide 4.0, I felt more freedom to swing harder, so I was able to hit the ball farther than I usually do with my other wedges.

Later I played three 50-yard shots with my PING GLIDE 4.0 S grind. The shots were accurate, consistent, and straight with a very satisfying sound at impact. I was also impressed with the amount of forgiveness this club offers. Additionally, I noted that the club provided a high degree of forgiveness.

When I hit the bunker, the rate of spin was also noteworthy. I was able to get out of tricky lies because the ball stopped quickly. I was sure of my shots from the rough and lob shots because I could consistently hit the ball.

III. Is PING Glide 4.0 worth it? 

The PING Glide 4.0 wedge is definitely worth considering if you are looking for a golf club that can improve your performance on the course. Constructed using 8620 carbon steel and featuring four distinct grind options, this versatile wedge range offers confidence at address with a compact design. 

With 17 different combinations of loft, bounce, and grind, golfers have the ability to tailor the club to their specific needs and preferences with the help of PING WebFit. 

This level of customization is available for both left and right-handed golfers, making it a versatile choice for golfers of all skill levels.

IV. Performance factors of PING Glide 4.0 Wedge

Almost 3 years after its predecessor, the Glide 4.0 wedge has been engineered with a precision-machined face and grooves to give golfers more control over their shots. 

As a seasoned golfer who has tried the Glide 3.0 and 4.0, I can attest to the improved performance this club offers.

Here is a list of performance factors to assist you in making an informed decision: 

1. Forgiveness (Score – 9/10)

The Glide 4.0 stays true to PING’s reputation for making wedges that are forgiving without sacrificing style or performance. Among different grind options, grind E is the most forgiving option. 

This club, with its innovative Eye2 sole design and traditional PING aesthetic, can help you play more consistently and accurately from any lie or distance.

2. Look (Score – 10/10)

The PING Glide 4.0 wedge has a sleek and minimalist design, featuring a rounded toe and leading edge. 

The design adapts as the loft changes, with the lower lofted wedges giving off a more iron-like appearance and the higher lofted ones having a more rounded shape. 

The club boasts an ultra-sleek and sophisticated look in the bag, with a distinctive black line running across the back.

3. Sound and feel (Score – 9/10)

With the PING Glide 4.0 wedges, you will notice exceptional audio feedback with every shot. The club produces a quiet sound on-center strikes, while off-center strikes are louder but never harsh.  

The solid feel of the club is unparalleled, offering top-notch performance for well-struck shots and mishits. Hitting the sweet spot of the club is a truly gratifying experience, delivering a satisfying, soft feel every time.

4. Distance control (Score – 9/10)

The Glide 4.0 wedge is very consistent in terms of distance control, with a predictable launch and spin rate that helps you stick to your targets. 

The precision-machined grooves and improved textured face blast help you achieve more spin on shots, giving you more control over your distance and accuracy.

V. Grind options in PING Glide 4.0 

We must admit that the Grind options in PING Glide 4.0 are quite impressive! You can choose from 4 sole grinds, each with its own characteristics to suit the needs of all golfers. 

The PING Glide 4.0 provides various Grind options tailored to meet the requirements of different golfers. It offers four sole grinds, each with distinct characteristics.

1. Standard Grind (S grind) 

The S Grind offers a generous trail edge and heel relief, allowing for better control and accuracy. It has a high bounce that makes it versatile for many types of golfers, including those with a rounded leading edge.

• Available loft angles: 46, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60 
• Trail edge and heel relief
• Ample bounce
• Rounded lead edge 

2. Wide Grind (W Grind)

The W grind is designed with a classic full sole and high bounce, ideal for golfers with a steep angle of attack or playing on softer courses or from fluffy bunkers. It provides the best performance for square-face chip shots.

• Available loft angles: 54, 56, 58, 60
• Traditional full-sole design 
• Rounded lead edge
• Forgiving through the turf 
• Optimized for square-face and bunker shots 

3. Thin Grind (T Grind)

With the lowest bounce option of the range, the T Grind is perfect for tight lies such as firm links turf.

• Available loft angles: 58, 60
• Increased center bounce width 
• High lead-edge bounce
• High-moon sole shaping 

4. Eye Grind (E Grind)

The E Grind was crafted with inspiration from the PING Eye2 wedge face profile, featuring a big-toe profile for enhanced forgiveness. It also has a dished sole and tapered hosel to maximize performance in bunkers.

• Available loft angles: 54,56, 58, 60
• Forgiving through the turf rounded lead-edge
• Dished sole and tapered hosel for bunker performance 
• High toe 

VI. Features and benefits of PING Glide 4.0

The features of PING Glide 4.0 has a lot to offer. Let us take a closer look at the features and benefits of this club to gain a better understanding.

1. 8620 carbon steel and activated elastomer

The multi-material construction of the PING Glide 4.0 series wedges combine durable 8620 carbon steel with a larger and softer activated elastomer insert for an optimal feel, improved control, and accuracy when swinging. 

The additional volume of the elastomer insert allows for 36% more face contact than standard wedges, creating a soft feel that golfers crave in their shots. 

Not only does this insert offer more surface area to make contact with the ball, but it also delivers a higher level of spin control, direction, and distance control, allowing you to shape your shots with ease and get the desired results on the course.

2. Friction face with emery blast

The precision-milled grooves and new emery face blast adds extra spin to your shots, helping you stay on target. This creates higher friction between the club and the ball. 

The 46º, 50º, and 52º loft models feature wheel-cut grooves with a 20º sidewall for optimal partial shots. And 54º to 60º options are milled with a 28º sidewall and tighter radius for more spin and accuracy on full and finesse shots. 

Additionally, the hydropearl 2.0 chrome finish provides an extra boost of spin and lower launch, even in wet or rough conditions.

3. Precise shape and size

The PING Glide 4.0 series are designed to inspire confidence at address, with its slightly rounded, compact shape and advancements to the lead edge and hosel transition. 

The engineers designed this series to be visually appealing while also scaling down the S and T grinds compared to the W and E options for a confident and captured look.

This design offers improved control over shots without compromising forgiveness or launch, while the size of all four options promotes maximum maneuverability and accuracy on course.

VII. Alternatives for PING Glide 4.0 

PING Glide 4.0 is a high-performing wedge that offers exceptional control and distance to golfers. However, if you’re looking for alternative options, there are three products that are worth considering.

1. PING Glide 3.0 

If you like the features of the Glide 4.0 but are looking for a more budget-friendly option, then you should look into the PING Glide 3.0. 

It is the predecessor of Glide 4.0 and is still a great option for golfers. It offers many of the same features and benefits as the newer model but with a slightly different design. 

2. Square Strike Wedge

Square Strike Wedge is a unique wedge that offers golfers a different way to approach their short game. The square design of the club head is designed to help golfers get out of tricky lies, and the wedge also features grooves that promote a high level of spin.

3. Callaway Mack Daddy CB Wedge 

Callaway Mack Daddy CB Wedge is a top-performing wedge that is designed for precision and control. The club features a compact head design, and the grooves are specially designed to promote maximum spin and control. 

This wedge is a great option for golfers looking to improve their short game and get more out of their wedge shots.

My take

With its versatility and reliability, the PING GLIDE 4.0 wedge is a must-have club for golfers of all skill levels.

Low handicappers will appreciate the lightweight head, making it easy to swing and launch the ball with precision, delivering ample spin and control for optimal performance.

Mid handicappers will find the rounded leading edge to be a valuable alignment aid, allowing for consistent shots.

High handicappers will be inspired by the precision of the PING GLIDE 4.0 wedge, which provides a boost of confidence for fairway shots and chip shots with effortless clubface control. This club is truly a great asset to any golfer’s collection.