Brand new Ping clubs, frayed shaft ends

[mrshinsa]

Just received delivery of brand new ping g400 clubs. When I took the original grips off to install some winn grips, I noticed that these brand new shafts are frayed at the end. 6 out of 7 shafts were frayed one way or another and the below are some examples.

Is this acceptable? Any long term issue?

[hammergolf]

Ping has the best customer service in the world. I am sure they would want to see the pics and research what may have happened. I've been a Ping guy for over 20 years and never seen something like that leave the factory. No doubt they will either build you a new set or resghaft all of the irons.

[mjf34g]

Yes it is unacceptable if the clubs were ordered from a reputable shop and directly from Ping. The cut to me seems to be at an angle which would indicate someone cutting the shaft without r the use of a proper cutoff saw and blade. Were these purchased new?

I personally have ordered at least twenty sets over the years from Ping and have replaced every grip on every club over time I have NEVER seen anything like this. If they were purchased new and directly from a Ping Acct I would return them. I would guarantee they would correct the problem. Call Ping CS first 1-800-474-6434

[dwh24]

They will 200% snap in the grip one day sooner than later. I bought a used three wood once that had a proforce V2 shaft in it. I wanted a new grip and when they removed the old grip it looked just like the pics listed above (other than that shaft was mint). Went after it one time off the tee and shaft snapped inside the grip right in my hands. I would send pics to them ASAP. They will probably blame it on grip removal.

[braincramp52]

Did you get them straight from Ping?

[mjf34g]

I would be curious to know how this turns out.

[mrshinsa]

Thank you for all the response. Really appreciate everyone's input.

If you look at the second picture, you can see a group of strands which were not cut properly and is sticking out longer than the rest of the shaft, so it would be hard for ping to argue that the "damage" was from re-gripping.

I sent an email to Ping with pictures attached, so we'll wait and see how this turns out. I also sent an email to world wide golf, where these were purchased.

 

[mjf34g]

Did you order these from Ping thru World Wide Golf or were they just purchased from them and they had them advertised as "new".

[HateTheHighDraw]

One of those looks like the grip removal blade went right through it...

[mrshinsa]

the later

[mrshinsa]

You mean the first picture? Yes, I can see how it would look like that, but if you were to feel it in person, you can see that it's actually the strands splitting apart. Also that huge chip is not possible from a removal blade. In fact, the strands splitting apart is most likely due to the huge chip.

Lastly in the same picture, notice how the cut is not straight, but rather at an angle? I had to actually start the grip install from the longer end of the shaft in order to make it fit.

 

[mjf34g]

I would suspect they were used. A previous owner cut them down from the original length. Call Ping CS with the serial number and ask for the original specs as too length and such. Then check the lengths. Standard 7 iron should be 37" if they were ordered standard length.

[Jeff58]

If they are Alta CB graphite shafts, that’s not how they’re labeled, and that’s not how they would come from Ping. The appearance is oddly that someone bought a set of pull-outs, attempted to cut them down, likely with a steel-wheel pipe cutter, then somehow returned them to the vendor, who sold them to you as new.....

Would be interesting to know from Ping what the original configuration was.

[mrshinsa]

Thank you mjf34g,

The iron heads were definitely brand new.

The shafts were wrapped with masking tape in a swirl fashion, which I assume only factory clubs are done, as I've never seen shops or individuals wrap them this way.

These were ladies shafts, so it will measure 36.5" and it does seem correct.

These are all good information so really appreciate them.

Ping rep came back and I gave them the serial numbers so waiting to hear back now.

[mrshinsa]

These were Ping g400 ladies irons.

TFC 80 Graphite Shaft

[mjf34g]

Not to be a pain in the a$% but were the grips Ping OEM? What are the shafts labeled as? Let us know what Ping CS says.

[Ri_Redneck]

Looks like they were cut with a SKIL saw!!

BT

[tbowles411]

Yeah, from our experience with their CS, PING will probably want to see those.

[mrshinsa]

You're not a PITA at all. In fact I really welcome all the questions.

The grips were just regular golf pride grips. I'm assuming undersize, since these were ladies shaft.

The shaft labels, I have no clue as they tore up when I removed the original grip tapes. In fact you can see the swirl marks the original grip tapes left.

 

[mjf34g]

Okay now I'm even more convinced they were just a reshafted set of irons. First off the TFC 80i shafts were stock options all the way back to the G Series irons (5 years ago maybe). They came in a lite flex or a soft reg so you could make the case that they are a "women's shaft". G400 irons were never offered with that shaft. It would have had to be what they call a WRX Dept order. The grips also would have been a WRX Order as they are not the stock grips. However looking at the cut on the butt ends I would confidently say they were a men's set of irons that someone buffed up with a Scotch Brite pad (works great on that Ping finish) and picked up a set of the TFC 80i shafts and reshafted them. Hopefully for your sake Ping proves me wrong but I think i'm right and if so I'd got kick the door down at that retailer.

[mrshinsa]

 

These are Lite flex, so definitely not Mens shaft. My son has same clubs in SR flex (Custom ordered from Ping through WWG), and now I'm wondering whether I should try opening up his grips as well.

Interesting note about the grips not being stock. I know it doesn't have the color dots, but ping website do list golf pride grips as stock grips.

Also I see other vendors selling womes G400 with TFC80i shafts, so they are out there, even though ping might not be listing them on their website. 2020 Ping Golf Clubs - PING G400 Womens Combo Iron Set - Graphite Shaft - Free European Delivery - Just Shop OK Ping Women's G400 Irons Ping G400 Iron Set Ping TFC 80i Ladies Gold Dot Right Handed New Golf Clubs | 2nd Swing Golf

 

 

 

[mjf34g]

Well as I said I hope Ping proves me wrong. How ever I still say someone (not Ping) cut those down. If it was Ping I'd be shocked. Let us know what Ping says.

[braincramp52]

I agree. Someone who didn't have a clue got a hold of these irons irons.

[mrshinsa]

Well, here's the response I got, after providing everything they have requested.

We apologize for the issue you are having with your PING golf club(s). We will need to have clubs sent to PING for evaluation. Warranty eligibility is determined on a case by case basis.You may have the club (all pieces) sent in direct or you may have the PING authorized retailer nearest your location to send it in on your behalf.. Upon receiving club, a PING repair technician will contact you or the retailer with findings and options. If you choose to send your clubs directly to PING repair, please mail to the following address: PING Repair DepartmentAttn: Repair2201 West Desert Cove, Ste. 100Phoenix, AZ 85029 Please leave your name, phone number, return shipping address and a brief explanation of what you would like repaired on a note in the box. We are currently anticipating 20 days in house for repair request turn around. Thank you for your patience and understanding during this challenging time. Play Your Best,WyPING Customer ServiceEmail:  [email protected]Phone: 1-800-474-6434Monday - Friday: 7:30am - 4:30pm MST

Pretty weak imo.

I'm gonna try to to see if WWG can do any better, as I'd rather not be without clubs for a month. Only problem is that all their retail stores are closed right now. ?

 

[tbowles411]

That's what I expected. Standard stuff. They're going to want to inspect it and they'll determine what they can do and where the process went wrong. They can even trace who put them together. If it's their error, I'd be shocked if they didn't make good. Even if it's not, I've seen guys get their repairs covered, and in some instances, new sticks. Conversely, I've seen people not get replacements. But if you're asking for warranty repair, most shops will send them back to PING to have them address it.

[DFS PFD]

Ping is following protocol exactly, they can't just send a new set of clubs or shafts based on images emailed to them. They must go through the trust but verify process and will 100% take care of you accordingly. As many have said, Ping's customer service is the best in the game, you have to trust the process here.

[mrshinsa]

Yes, I guess you're right. But I just got these clubs couple of days ago, and now I'm already going through the warranty process. It just makes my head spin you know? Imagine doing the same with some other thing you bought, like a car?

[DFS PFD]

Extremely frustrating. Fortunately, you can rest easy knowing Ping will alleviate the problem by either fixing the clubs or giving you the precedent needed to make the seller right the problem. Less than ideal, but at least you have a solid course of action available to you. Hope it works out for the best.

[dubbelbogey]

I'd at least ask if either Ping or the retailer (or Ping force the retailer) to loan you a set of clubs to use in the interim. This is not like a single club that went bad, but the whole set. You're now in a situation where you can't play golf without significant extra expense on your part unless they help out.

[billybaroo]

My 1st thought is the shop tried to pull something shady on you. My money is on them, not Ping, being the perp.