Origional set of Ping Eye 2 Square Grooves

I have a set 3-pw all seriel numbers match.I called Ping and they said the year made was either 1982 or 1985.They have patent pending in the cavity and square grooves.these were the sets that started off being illegal due to the square grooves.I was wondering if I have something rare here and worth holding on to.

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There are a gazillion square groove Eye 2's out there...the earliest Eye 2's I believe did not have the square grooves that were later the subject of controversy. Perhaps if yours are 82's they are the Eye 2 head with the non box grooves. Sorry I can't be of more help...I used to know Eye 2 facts from A to Z but I've forgotten more than I know. But I'd keep em anyway, they are a rare thing...a classic set from 20+ years ago that is still very very playable.

Thanks for the info...I have to call ping again and get the exact year they were made.

This site has a lot of information on Ping clubs:

http://www.pongman.com/index1.htm

I believe the Pat Pending models actually have V grooves. They are pretty rare but I do not know the value. I believe any Ping Eye 2 with a patent number has square grooves. Depending on date, they have either the original grooves or grandfathered grooves. Karsten modified the grooves somewhere around early 1985.

Sometime around 1984, manufacturers started using "U" grooves because it was easier in the casting process. However, the grooves were shredding the soft, balata balls that many players used so Karsten Solheim "radiused" the grooves to make them less sharp. However, I do not believe he ever submitted the modified grooves for approval.

It was not until a few years later that it was brought to the attention of the USGA. By that time, thousands of sets had been sold. Everyone from pros to 25 handicappers had Ping Eye 2's. The USGA was going to make them illegal and Karsten sued. Out of court settlement was reached that grandfathered the sets and Karsten modified the grooves on sets to meet USGA specs.

All this was over about .001" of radius at the top of the groove.

This site has a lot of information on Ping clubs:

 

http://www.pongman.com/index1.htm

 

I believe the Pat Pending models actually have V grooves. They are pretty rare but I do not know the value. I believe any Ping Eye 2 with a patent number has square grooves. Depending on date, they have either the original grooves or grandfathered grooves. Karsten modified the grooves somewhere around early 1985.

 

Sometime around 1984, manufactures starting using "U" grooves because it was easier in the casting process. However, the grooves were shredding the soft, balata balls that many players used so Karsten Solheim "radiused" the grooves to make them less sharp. However, I do not believe he ever submitted the modified grooves for approval.

 

It was not until a few years later that it was brought to the attention of the USGA. By that time, thousands of sets had been sold. Everyone from pros to 25 handicappers had Ping Eye 2's. The USGA was going to make them illegal and Karsten sued. Out of court settlement was reached that grandfathered the sets and Karsten modified the grooves on sets to meet USGA specs.

 

All this was over above .001" of radius at the top of the groove.

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thanks for the great info.