Since I saw Maruman’s KS Zero Bounce Forged Wedge back at the Japan Golf Fair I’ve been wanting to try one, mostly out of curiosity as to how a zero bounce wedge would work.  We frequently get lots of requests for wedges with low bounce as possible which is actually not that common in Japan because of the lush and soft conditions. Many of the wedges also have medium to higher bounce to match the average golfer who typically needs more bounce. So how about a wedge featuring a sole with no bounce at all? Can it work?

Square grooves, Forged S25C Steel…

Maruman wedges are ground by master craftsman Kenzo Sugiyama and forged from S25C steel. They feature several interesting design points including a deeper hosel insertion which Maruman claims creates more unity with the shaft and head thus increasing MOI. The KS wedge also features square non conforming grooves and a micro spin finished face for even more spin. Maruman touts the KS Zero Bounce wedge as being for the better player offering great feel and versatility. As an average golfer I really wanted to test these out to see how playable and versatile they actually are.

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Sole Design that works with 0* Bounce

The KS Zero Bounce wedge is rather pleasing to the eye aesthetically. It is a rather clean design with a rounder shape. It’s not tiny by any means nor is it a large sized head. It’s right in between. The neck is straight though it looks like it has a touch of offset, this is actually an illusion created by the curved leading edge.  The straight neck joins at the heel of the face but then the front edge curves outwards creating that offset illusion.  The black satin PVD finish really compliments the wedge and its clean looks.  The main point of  the wedge is of course the flat sole which has zero bounce.

In order to make a zero bounce sole work, Maruman incorporated a large amount of leading edge relief and trailing edge relief to allow for clean entry and exit in various lies.  This really works as the wedge did not dig at all for me even though I consider my swing on the steeper side.  The sole is further tweaked by being very round which does lead to the rounder leading edge as well. This also contributes to it’s ease of use and “forgiveness”. The rounded sole and leading and trailing edge relief allow the wedge to be used on uneven lies and with an open or closed face.

Rounder head = Versatility?

Maruman decided to go with a rounder shaped head as opposed to sharper toe and a more teardrop style shape. This taller rounder face allows players to really make use of the entire face for approach shots of all kinds, high and low on the face producing high or low shots with various spin.  Opening up the wedge for a lob shot creates a lot of friction as the ball sweeps across the wedges face form the heel of the leading edge up to it’s highest point on the toe for a short high stop on the spot lob.  A typical miss for the average golfer on a short approach or pitch shot is catching the leading edge on the ball.  I’m glad to report that the rounded leading edge makes short pitch and runs are easy as no bounce and leading edge relief helps make very pure contact by getting under the ball cleanly.  Usually I use a wedge with lower bounce like a 50 or 52* for a pitch and run type shot but with no bounce, any KS Zero Bounce wedge loft can be used making the wedges very versatile (I was testing a 58*).

Surprised at ease of use…

I have to say I was pleasantly surprised at the KS Zero Bounce wedge. I thought it would be more difficult to use but contrary to what I had expected, it was rather easy to play. I had no problems using the 58* wedge for short pitches, short or mid range high lob shots, full swing shots from 70y in. I tried it on the fairway, fringe around the green, rough around the green and even in the sand where opened up surprisingly worked even with no bounce. I like the finish and the clean looks and the amount of spin it generates. Negative points for some may be the feel as its not quite as buttery soft as some of the premium forged wedges out there but it’s still reasonably soft with nice feedback. Another negative for some may be the way the straight neck joins on to the rounded leading edge creating the illusion of more offset than it actually has. The round leading edge is one of the factors that really aids the zero bounce wedge’s usability so its something that has to be there.

So if you’re looking for a usable low bounce wedge that is versatile, forged, has non conforming square grooves, the Maruman KS Zero Bounce wedge is definitely worth some consideration especially with the broad range of lofts available (50 52 54 56 58 60). I’m definitely considering one for my bag based on its versatility around the greens.

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