Cant Get Past Looks of G400

Spent some time on the launch monitor yesterday hitting various clubs and overall hit the Ping G well second only to the G400. The G400 was slightly longer but of course plays half a degree stronger. Had higher spin rate with the G400 and a bit better dispersion. Dramatic enough to switch, not sure. However, I just cannot get past the appearance of the G400's. I cannot stand that black plastic/rubber loking insert and cover used on the back fo the head. It just looks cheap and gimmicky to me. I like clubs that have a clean look to them. The occasional colored badge or insert is okay on an iron but when I see manufacturers use inserts or badges that are large or distracting it just doesnt do it for me. Personally, I cant get past that. My other concern with the G400 is, I have heard and read many complaining that the hydropearl finish is just not holding up well under regular use.

Lastly, the Pro at my course unbeknownst to me does pretty intensive club tests using trackman at the range. He's got all kinds of data for clubs going back the last 8 years or so, its pretty interesting stuff. In any event, he showed me data for the PingG30, G and G400. It shows incremental improvements in ball speed and distance from G30-G400. However given the slight loft change in the G400 and his own on course experience with all those clubs, he felt if I was already playing the G3 not to waste money switching to the G400. He knew I had played a set of G5's and said I will definitely see some distance gain but more importantly the forgiveness gains going from the G5's which were and still are great clubs. Basically he said dont throw in the towel on the G's. So, I am going to get in a few lessons to fix my current swing issue that has robbed me of a club worth of distance and go from there.

Excellent conclusion. If you can’t get over how it looks, don’t buy it.

Surprised to hear that from someone using a G though.

Edit: You’re talking about irons. Sorry! Coffee insufficiency, I’ll see myself out.

I agree with you. IMO, Ping is now putting out some of the nicest looking clubs, but the G400 isn’t one of them. If I was looking to get a new set of G’s, I’d go with the G700 over the 400’s. I know, I know, the look of the club in the bag shouldn’t matter but it does to some people. That said, they are a fantastic club. I’ve seen numerous pictures where guys have cleaned up the finish with scotch rite and they look just fine. They’d probably look just fine after enough rounds to even up that wear.

I don’t even notice the looks when I am hitting bombs down the middle

I don’t play that model but if they had turbulators and dragonfly tech on the back…

Ping irons are just money easy to hit at pins.

The badge is to help damp the noise that's enherent in thin spring face irons, particularly on mishits. I had some G's and noticed quite a bit more noise than the earlier clubs. Can't say about G400's though.

Regarding the new G's vs. older models, as someone that played G10, 20, 25, 30 and G, I can say that in my experience there isn't that much difference. The size and overall head shape as visible from the playing position is very similar though the years. I will say though that the G5's have more offset in the short irons compared to the newer clubs.

The heads may look like mini disc players but you won't mind when they play sweet birdie music.

It took a lot of me convincing myself that I could "get over the looks of the G700's".

Now that is the best golf decision I have made this year. Now the G700's do not look big or unusual to me anymore, and my mid and long iron game is the best it has ever been.

Ping drivers all seem to have that look IMO. I used the G30, then the G and I actually liked the look of the G400 best of all of them but I just felt they has too much spin even in the LS version compared to some other drivers I was fit into.

Ping drivers all seem to have that look IMO. I used the G30, then the G and I actually liked the look of the G400 best of all of them but I just felt they has too much spin even in the LS version compared to some other drivers I was fit into.

Ah yes the G700s. My bad. IMO those irons are quite nice

So, I am going to get in a few lessons to fix my current swing issue that has robbed me of a club worth of distance and go from there.

Oh how I laughed....I shall be watching your Whats in the bag closely :)

Seriously - I have G400 driver to lob wedge. Combined with lessons and some practice I am ending the summer more consistent and with my best ever gross score.

Vanity. It's a funny thing.

I'm amazed by the number of folks who won't play a certain club because of the look or sound.

Personally, if it works, it makes the cut.

I carry an 11 wood. It's so old and ugly, my buddy's call it my geezer stick. Over the years, I've won enough money with that thing to make several mortgage payments.

Many "playa's" around here wouldn't dare be caught with such a monstrosity.

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank them.

One of my playing buddies plays the G400 irons, he’s a 2 index and the shots coming off them look pretty good to me.

You don’t see the crap on the back standing over the club, does it look ok to you at address?

The hydro pearl finish definitely wears. It’s cosmetic but they aren’t like the old unplated Ping irons that would barely show any wear for years. I am less convinced it helps with wet grass but suspect it does soften the feel of the irons a bit.

The G400 irons are just brilliant to hit. I love mine.

One of my playing buddies plays the G400 irons, he's a 2 index and the shots coming off them look pretty good to me.

 

You don't see the crap on the back standing over the club, does it look ok to you at address?

 

The hydro pearl finish definitely wears. It's cosmetic but they aren't like the old unplated Ping irons that would barely show any wear for years. I am less convinced it helps with wet grass but suspect it does soften the feel of the irons a bit.

After a good heavy summer of golf the soles of my wedges are shiny silver and the hydro pearl has all gone. Doesn't bother me in the slightest. Anyone who believes it repels water or whatever, I am selling some snake oil on the 'bay. Rub it on your wedges, increases back spin