Ben Hogan Equalizer II Review

The Ben Hogan Equalizer II bring a forged feel to affordable tour-level wedges.

For three years Ben Hogan Equalizer wedges have featured not only amongst our favourite wedges of the year, but they’ve also been amongst our highest spinning models too.

Throughout this time the Equalizer has stood out as a cracking wedge shape, spin has been consistent between shots hit up and down the face and they’ve felt every bit as good as any other wedge we’ve tried. But after three years service the model is being retired and replaced by a new Equalizer II, here’s everything you need to know about them.

Progressive CG

Hogan say the majority of wedges on sale today have lots of weight located near the sole so golfers get high but uncontrollable shot trajectories. Hogan instead use a progressive CG.

Sso the highest lofted wedges have the lowest CG’s, which makes it possible to high soft landing approaches. Where the mid and lower lofts have progressively higher CG’s so shots are more penetrating and controllable, which helps eliminate ballooned shots.   

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Forged feel

Forged wedges can be pretty hard to come by nowadays as leading manufacturers like Titleist Vokey Design and Cleveland insist only on making cast wedges.

Ben Hogan are a company bucking that trend though as the Equalizer II are forged from soft 1025 carbon steel. And they do so because they believe by stamping their heads into shape it’s possible to maintain molecular integrity, which is destroyed when metal is melted down and cast    

Hogan say that feel and feedback are essential throughout the bag (which is why they choose only to make forged irons) but especially so in the short game if you’re ever to fulfil your short game potential. And to ensure you have maximum help stacked in your favour Hogan have also increased the hitting area size, so the new Equalizer II heads are a fraction larger too.   

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V-Sole

Hogan’s V-sole which combines lots of leading edge bounce with lower trailing edge angle is legendary. For years it’s helped to ensure clean turf interaction and promote a solid contact with both their irons and wedges.

Hogan say the idea has been refined for this new model and there’s a new Texas Grind sole, which has extreme toe and heel relief, so the clubface can be laid wide open and hit cleanly even from the tightest of lies.    

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CNC Milled face and grooves

The short game is all about precision, which is why Hogan insist on CNC Milling the face and grooves on every wedge they produce. The milling gives a slightly rougher face texture which maximises spin, and ensures every face is perfectly flat and free from any casting imperfections.    

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Ben Hogan Equalizer II wedge specs

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Review written by: Simon Daddow   

Job title: Today’s Golfer – Equipment Editor

Ben Hogan Equalizer II wedges

RRP: £125

Lofts: 48° - 62° in 2° increments

Head finishes: Chrome or Black

Sole options: Standard or Texas Grind

Stock shafts:

Steel - KBS Tour V, KBS Tour 90, True Temper Dynamic Gold

Graphite - UST Recoil

For further information visit www.benhogangolf.eu