Ben Hogan Equalizer II Wedges: Precision Forged, Tour-Proven Feel
Outwork Them
True to Ben Hogan’s legendary work ethic, the Equalizer II wedges are built for golfers who demand more from their short game. By pushing the design envelope, Hogan engineers have delivered wedges that blend advanced technology with timeless craftsmanship. The result? Exceptional spin, control, and the buttery feel that only a premium forging can provide.
Available in multiple lofts, two durable finishes, and the versatile “Texas Grind,” Equalizer II wedges are purpose-built to handle everything from tight lies to deep bunkers—giving golfers a complete short-game arsenal.
Technology That Matters
Forging isn’t just a manufacturing choice—it’s the foundation of feel. Unlike cast wedges, which melt and pour metal into molds (disrupting molecular structure), forging preserves the steel’s natural grain flow. This ensures soft, uniform density across the face for consistent feedback and reliable performance.
Spin control is where Equalizer II wedges shine. Each face is CNC-milled to absolute flatness, eliminating imperfections and ensuring maximum friction at impact. A subtle textured surface between the grooves adds another layer of spin, giving golfers confidence around the green.
The grooves themselves are cut to the most aggressive U-shape allowed under golf’s rules. Machined after forging and finishing, these grooves bite into the ball and reduce roll-out, ensuring more shots finish close to the pin.
Classic Design Meets Modern Engineering
Equalizer II wedges are designed with weight strategically repositioned behind the impact zone, optimizing launch and trajectory for each loft. From straighter leading edges to rounded toes, the shaping is both clean and confidence-inspiring—built to perform without visual distractions.
Their size is tour-comparable, offering the precision better players expect, while maintaining forgiveness for a wide range of skill levels.
Grind Options: Standard vs. Texas Grind
Versatility is at the heart of the Equalizer II design.
- Standard Grind – Ideal for players looking for all-around performance. The V-Sole® geometry combines a high-bounce leading edge with a softened trailing edge, allowing the club to glide through turf and sand effortlessly.
- Texas Grind – Tour-inspired for firmer conditions and shallow attack angles. With additional sole and heel relief, this grind allows players to lay the face open and pick shots clean from even the tightest lies. It’s the ultimate weapon for creative shot-making.
Finishes & Customization
Golfers can choose from two premium finishes:
- Nickel-Chrome – Traditional, durable, and timeless. Protects forged heads and maintains a tour-proven look.
- Diamond Black Metal (DBM) – A sleek, glare-reducing finish that’s more durable than painted coatings. It enhances groove longevity, preserving spin performance over time.
Shaft Options
- Equalizer II wedges are available with both premium steel and graphite shafts.
- Steel Shafts – Provide a traditional, stable feel with a penetrating trajectory. Ideal for players who prefer a firmer response and more weight behind the ball.
- Graphite Shafts – Lighter and more forgiving, graphite helps players generate consistent swing speeds with less effort. Our review panel especially recommends graphite for senior golfers or players with slower swing speeds, as it can reduce fatigue while maintaining spin and control.
Paired with an array of premium aftermarket shafts, Equalizer II wedges offer customization to match any golfer’s short game style.
Performance Validation: Our Review Panel
To validate performance claims, our independent review panel of PGA pros, avid golfers and low-handicap testers put the Equalizer II wedges through extensive short-game trials.
The feedback was overwhelmingly positive:
- Feel – Testers consistently praised the soft, responsive feel off the face, calling it “pure Hogan forged feedback.”
- Spin & Control – The CNC-milled faces and aggressive grooves provided exceptional stopping power, with testers noting significantly less roll-out on chips and pitches.
- Versatility – The Texas Grind won high marks for tight lies, with one panelist saying it gave him “the confidence to hit shots I usually avoid.”
In summary, the Equalizer II wedges didn’t just meet expectations, they exceeded them, delivering tour-level performance to everyday golfers.
$129.99 – $139.99 per wedge
Specifications
| Loft | Length | Lie | Leading Bounce | Trailing Bounce | Offset |
| 48° | 35.50″ | 64.0° | 23 | 6 | 0.076 |
| 50° | 35.50″ | 64.0° | 23 | 6 | 0.076 |
| 52° | 35.25″ | 64.25° | 23 | 7 | 0.063 |
| 54° | 35.25″ | 64.25° | 23 | 7 | 0.063 |
| 56° | 35.125″ | 64.5° | 23 | 8 | 0.045 |
| 58° | 35.125″ | 64.5° | 23 | 8 | 0.045 |
| 60° | 35.00″ | 64.75° | 23 | 6 | 0.045 |
| 50° Texas Grind | 35.50″ | 64.0° | 23 | 6 | 0.076 |
| 54° Texas Grind | 35.25″ | 64.25° | 23 | 6 | 0.063 |
| 58° Texas Grind | 35.125″ | 64.5° | 23 | 6 | 0.045 |
Final Thoughts
Ben Hogan’s Equalizer II wedges embody the company’s timeless philosophy: precision through craftsmanship. Forged for feel, milled for spin, and offered in multiple grinds and finishes, they represent one of the best short-game tools available today.
Our review panel’s verdict was clear—these wedges aren’t just worthy of the Hogan name, they elevate it. They loved the profile of the clubs, their ability to control distance and flight, and the excellent customer service. For golfers serious about their short game, Equalizer II wedges are a must-try.
Barry Lotz, J.D., Ph.D. is the director of the Professional Golf Teachers Association of America. Visit www.facebook.com/PGTAA to see all the latest mental strategies, travel, and equipment reviews. Currently, he also works with between 10 to 12 PGA TOUR players on the mental side of golf.
He is a member of the Golf Writers Association of America and serves both as a consultant and mediator to the golf industry. He is also the author of numerous books, including “333 Best Web Sites for Golfers” and his previous book, “How to Build Business Relationships through Golf,” which is still on the Top Ten Golf Business Book’s bestseller list. His current books, “The Right Mind for Golf,” is now in its 12th reprint and is available on Amazon and at the Torrey Pines Golf Course. Just released in 2024 are his new books, “The Right Mind for Putting” , “The Back Nine”’ and “The Right Approach to Golf”, are all at https://www.pgtaa.com/product-category/books-and-apparell/