Ping MB wedge black dot

Club:Ping MB Wedge 56 degree black dot
Shaft:Ping steel regular flex
Grip:Ping cord spiral

Looks:Ping wedges have never won any beauty pagents.They have always been ugly at best,but there has never been any shortage of users before the Ping MB wedge black dot.The Eye2 and beryllium copper Eye 2 have long been favourites of the club golfer and pro alike.The main reason was that even though bladed wedges looked the part,the Eye 2's were very versatile and could be used easily from a variety of lies and were particulary good from sand.Because they were cast they were also durable and the grooves and bounce angle (the amount the back of the sole is beneath the front) didn't wear away as quickly as with forged clubs.This Ping MB wedge is a relatively good looker,however!It is a blade as near as is not worth talking about with a black plastic insert located back and low in the club.It feels reassuringly heavy in the hands,but well balanced for all that.There seems to be plenty of bounce on this wedge (between 10 and 14 degrees is normal for a 56degree wedge) and the non-glare satin finish is customary Ping quality.There is a notch on the hosel (as in i3 irons) and a rounded trailing edge (which could help in gliding through rough and sand).The leading edge is rounded and the club sits very nicely at address,but looks somewhat larger than competitor models (eg.TaylorMade RAC,Titleist Vokey,Mizuno Black Ox).A nice overall look,if a little strange for Ping Fans.
Marks:(out of 10) 8

Performance:On full shots this club hits for excrllent distance and on a reasonably strong trajectory.As would be expected from it's design and apparent abundance of bounce it is a solid performer from sand (particulary from loosely packed and deep sand).The heavy head and bounce makes it a piece of cake to use from the rough and the club fairly rips through the long grass,despite it's relatively large head.Spin is very good on full shots,proving (as is the case with Vokey models) that a club need not be forged to spin the ball at a high rate.It can be opened up to play flop and lob shots around the green,but not as easily as some (eg.Snake Eyes,Hogan) amd it's hard work to hit really delicate shots around the green because of the combination of large head,weight and bounce.High handicappers will like this wedge best because of it's reassuring weight,good distance and versatility,but low handicappers may look elsewhere for looks and workability.
Marks:8

Value:120$ makes these wedges excellent value.Resale and trade-in value will hold well as with all Ping clubs.
Marks:9

Verdict:A solid performer,this Ping will garner many users,particulary as some pros will put it in play.It is a good allrounder but not a standout in any one area.Low handicappers will prefer the good looks of a Hogan or Snake Eyes and the street cred of a Vokey or RAC,but would be advised to give these a test drive first,particulary if they struggle from sand or rough (as if!). Marks:8