Kasco Dolphin Wedge DW-120G Test Review
Today, I had the opportunity to test this golf club.
Test club: Kasco Dolphin Wedge DW-120G.
Shaft: Dolphin DP-201.
Loft: 56°, club length: 35 inches, shaft flex: WEDGE, shaft weight: 54g, swing weight: D0, kick point: mid, total club weight: 402g.
This is the new model of the Kasco Dolphin Wedge.
The Dolphin Wedge gained huge popularity for making short game shots—especially bunker shots—dramatically easier.
As a wedge enthusiast, I was excited to try the latest model.
Like past models, the black-finished head looks sharp.
While light-colored heads can sometimes be advantageous in drivers, for wedges—where precision is key—I believe a darker, contracting color like black is more suitable.
The size is also standard and appealing.
The “G” in DW-120G likely stands for “goose” (referring to offset).
The sole width is distinctive.
This type of design is rarely seen in wedges from other manufacturers.
Not only is the width unique, but the sole shape is also unconventional.
This feels like a true innovation, breaking away from traditional concepts.
In a market filled with similar-looking clubs, such a distinctive design is refreshing.
The neck length is standard—not a long-neck design.
The matte black finish looks fantastic.
The unique sole design may be possible because of this “fin”-like feature.
It appears to have evolved significantly from the initial model.
The hosel features the Kasco logo—stylish detail.
The face has fine milling.
I expected this, as it was also present in previous models I tested.
It feels noticeably rough to the touch, though not overly aggressive—more on the refined side. The scorelines are also precisely crafted.
The grip feels soft and comfortable, with a sleek Kasco logo.
At address, it looks quite good.
There’s a slight goose (offset), which isn’t my personal preference, but it’s not excessive. Combined with the matte black finish, the white ball really stands out—ideal for approach shots.
It felt a bit light in hand; I generally prefer wedges with a bit more weight for better stopping power.
When opening the face, it didn’t feel optimal for me.
The fin on the heel seemed to interfere slightly. However, this wedge seems designed more for square-faced shots than for players who open the face significantly.
Testing Impressions
The feel at impact is soft and pleasing.
The scorelines and milling provide good bite on the ball.
The club picks the ball easily, with a slightly lower launch typical of offset designs.
The sole glides well through turf, though excessive opening may cause the heel fin to catch.
Spin performance is high.
The ball stopped well on the green, though a heavier build might improve control for some players.
Stability is average—not as forgiving as a cavity-back—but directional control is easy.
Workability is decent.
The shape and size suggest high control, but the fin slightly limits shot-shaping versatility.
Distance control took some adjustment due to the light weight, but improved with more shots.
It performed well from the rough without digging.
In the bunker, this wedge truly shines.
The heel fin plays a major role, helping the head bounce off the sand cleanly, launching the ball out with ease. For golfers who struggle with the club digging in the bunker, this could be a game-changer.
Post-Test Thoughts
This wedge is specialized for bunker play—a common weakness for many golfers.
While it’s less versatile from the rough, its sand performance more than compensates.
It’s not an all-rounder, but a specialist tool—more of a “craftsman’s” wedge than a “generalist” one.
Golfers who prefer semi-goose, traditional-looking wedges but want superior bunker performance should find it appealing.
The high spin performance, helping the ball stop quickly, is another highlight.
☆
Ease of address: ☆☆☆
Feel: ☆☆☆
Spin performance: ☆☆☆☆
Launch: ☆☆☆☆
Stability: ☆☆☆☆
Distance control: ☆☆☆☆
Workability: ☆☆☆
※ (100-point scale)
☆1 = 0–20 pts
☆2 = 21–40 pts
☆3 = 41–60 pts
☆4 = 61–90 pts
☆5 = 91–100 pts
*Addition: Introduction to this club (I researched this club after writing this article)
Kasco Dolphin Wedge DW-120G Test Review: Effortless Bunker Escapes & Precision Spin
The Kasco Dolphin Wedge DW‑120G revolutionizes short‑game performance by enabling golfers to escape bunkers and control spin without the need to open the clubface—offering confidence, ease, and consistency exactly when you need it.
Product Specifications (Verified Facts)
Semi‑Gooseneck with Quad Sole: The DW‑120G features a semi-gooseneck hosel and a quad‑sole design. It’s engineered so that the leading edge is set 3.5 mm behind that of the straight-neck DW‑118, which helps deliver the club under the ball more naturally without needing to open the faceAmazon Japan+13Tourspecgolf+13
Loft Options: Available in eight lofts—44°, 48°, 50°, 52°, 54°, 56°, 58°, 60°, and 64°Tourspecgolf+1.
Shaft Choices: Compatible with N.S. PRO 950GH Neo (steel, S or R flex) and Dolphin DP‑201 (wedge‑specific shaft, add‑on cost)アマゾン+12Tourspecgolf+12Tourspecgolf+12.
Directional Stability Enhancements:
Heel groove improves hit‑point consistency, reduces head twist, and enhances directional stabilityTourspecgolf+2Tourspecgolf+2.
Inverted Fuji‑type grooves, concentrated near the leading edge, maximize spin performanceTourspecgolf+1.
Fine loop milling on the face promotes consistent contact and shot stabilityAmazon Japan+12Tourspecgolf+12Tourspecgolf+12.
Purpose of the 64° Loft Option: Studies show about 70% of average golfers open the face during bunker shots, often losing alignment and control. Investigations found that opening a 56° equals holding a 64° square, so the 64° loft option allows golfers to deliver an open-face trajectory with a square setup, improving alignment and confidenceTourspecgolf+1.
Finish Options & Pricing: Two finishes (Silver or Satin Black) are available. On sites like TourSpecGolf, the DW‑120G is listed around $198.00 USDMega Shop Japan+12Tourspecgolf+12Tourspecgolf+12.
While the DW‑120G is relatively new and direct user testimonials are limited, the predecessor DW‑118 has received strong praise, offering relevant insight into the wedge’s design philosophy and performance:
From a hands‑on review:
“The ultimate bunker escape wedge… I can get out almost every time with a square face setup”
“Consistent distance—even on off‑center hits”Zoo Park+11 Tourspecgolf+11.
These sentiments reinforce the DW‑120G’s mission: to simplify bunker play and enhance short-game confidence.
The Kasco Dolphin Wedge DW‑120G combines smart design—semi-gooseneck, quad sole, spin-enhancing grooves—with practical loft choices to make bunker exits and high-spinning approaches easier and more consistent. It’s especially valuable for mid-handicap golfers who struggle with open-face techniques.
Detailed Breakdown & SEO-Friendly Sections
Design & Performance Highlights
Semi-Gooseneck + Quad Sole: Helps swing deliver under the ball smoothly while maintaining alignment, reducing common bunker errors.
Center-of-Gravity & Stability via Heel Groove: Promotes better timing and reduces twisting—even on mis-hits.
Spin Technology: Inverted Fuji grooves + fine milling—designed for high friction and spin, especially near the leading edge.
64° Option Explained: Offers the flight of an open-face 56° with a square face—clear alignment and reduced technique complexity.
Strengths & Limitations
Pros
Square-face bunker technique increases confidence and ease.
Forgiving on mishits due to weight distribution.
Spin-optimized face enhances control on tight and soft lies.
Wide loft selection offers flexibility across shots and yardages.
Matte finish options reduce glare during play.
Cons
Limited head‑speed vs. carry data—users need to test individually.
Few independent reviews yet for the DW‑120G specifically.
Loft selection may require fitting to match carry distances precisely.
Who Should Use (And Who Shouldn’t)
Suitable For… | Not Ideal For… |
---|---|
Mid-handicap golfers who struggle with bunker face-opening | Low-handicap players favoring fade/draw workability |
Those seeking forgiveness and consistency in short-game shots | Golfers demanding extensive carry charts and precise yardage control |
Players preferring square setup alignment in the bunker | Those comfortable manipulating face angle for shot shaping |
Approximate Carry Yardage by Clubhead Speed (Example Guidance)
(Subject to verification during fitting sessions—provided here as general reference with disclaimers)
Clubhead Speed (mph) | Typical 56° Carry (yards) | Typical 64° Carry (yards) |
---|---|---|
70 | ~70–80 | ~60–70 |
80 | ~80–90 | ~70–80 |
90 | ~90–100 | ~80–90 |
Note: These figures are illustrative; carry distances depend on swing dynamics and conditions. No official carry data from Kasco is available.
FAQ Section (SEO & SGE-Optimized)
Q1: Do I need to open the face with the DW-120G in bunker shots?
A1: No. Its semi-gooseneck and leading-edge design allow you to hold the face square while achieving high launch and escape spinGK GOLF オンラインショップ+11Tourspecgolf+11Tourspecgolf
Q2: Why offer a 64° loft?
A2: Because opening a 56° often misaligns the swing path. The 64° gives the same flight with a square face, simplifying setup and alignmentTourspecgolf+1.
Q3: Are both steel and graphite shafts available?
A3: Yes—choose between N.S. PRO 950GH Neo (steel) or Dolphin DP-201 (graphite) for different feel and weight preferencesTourspecgolf.
Q4: Where do I find official specs?
A4: Kasco’s Japanese page lists lofts, shaft options, finishes, and key design features like heel groove and millingTourspecgolf.
Q5: How is this different from the DW-118?
A5: The DW-120G moves the leading edge 3.5 mm back compared to the DW-118, enhancing ease of use in bunkers and preserving square-face alignmentTourspecgolf+1.
Conclusion (Final Point)
The Kasco Dolphin Wedge DW‑120G elevates short-game confidence by integrating smart engineering with user-centered design—enabling square-face bunker exits, dependable spin, and versatile loft options. It’s especially valuable for mid-handicap golfers seeking simplicity and consistency in their scoring wedges.
If you prioritize user-friendly performance over complex technique, the DW‑120G may be one of the most accessible high-spin wedges you’ve yet tried.
Sources
TourSpecGolf product listing: semi-gooseneck, 3.5 mm leading-edge offset, quad sole, lofts, shaft options, heel groove, grooves, milling, 64° rationaleTourspecgolf+1
Want to read the original article in Japanese? Click here