Ping G, G LS Tec and SF Tec Drivers

[jimes]

I played a 9* G30 LS Tour S shaft all of last year. Even had a 1 on a 324yd Par4 with the club. Thought I would go to the grave with the club. I drank the koolaide though in October and got fit for an M1. It was slightly longer and I tried to convince myself it was just as forgiving. Fast forward to yesterday and I dropped by my local Golfsmith. They had just taken in a 9* G LS on trade. I decided to hit it a few times on their monitor. I couldn't believe the numbers. Having trouble spinning it over 2000 and I remembered my G30 averaging around 2500. So out to the car I went and grabbed both the G30 and the M1. I'm not sure what the magic in this head is but I was consistently 300-400 rpms less spin on the G vs the G30 with my same Tour 65 shaft. This pushed the G back past the M1 in distance and don't even talk about dispersion. I averaged just over 2000 total spin and 260 total distance with my meager 100mph swing and that's with the bad shots added into the equation. So if anyone wants a mint G30 LS 9*, one has been traded at Golfsmith in Duluth GA. Plus they have 15% off all their used clubs. I snagged this G for $298 out the door before trade. I'm keeping the M1 for now and will let them battle it out on the course over the next couple of weeks.

 

Not sure what the magic is in this head. I think I may have just run across "the one" for me. With the variances in manufacturing as such, sometimes you can luck into these situations if you don't want to wait for a digitally lofted perfectly fitted. Still I see more of an evolution in this head so if many on here are getting great results with a G30, no reason to upgrade. Just be sure to try it before you write the differences off.

 

The demo G LS at my local golf shop produces significantly better numbers than all other clubs I tested including the standard G with the same shaft (swapped between the two) and my current gamer i25. I almost feel like it is a 'magic' club for me but it isn't for sale. Hopefully the G LS I ordered performs as well as that demo. They didn't have any in stock or I would have hit the available stock to make sure.

[rynosandberg23]

I haven't had a chance to hit one of these yet, but I really love the look of the head and how it sits. I'm not a huge Bubba fan but has anyone heard if Ping is going to release his pink and black G driver? I think that looks really cool.

[Geaux Gators]

I would love one with Blue where his is pink and orange in the negative space....

[boycer]

I would love one with Blue where his is pink and orange in the negative space....

 

Ping wrx might do it but it will cost extra. I know I ordered different colors on the bottom of my i25 in the past. Also had my name lasered into the hotel of irons.

[3woodvt]

I would love one with Blue where his is pink and orange in the negative space....

 

Ping wrx might do it but it will cost extra. I know I ordered different colors on the bottom of my i25 in the past. Also had my name lasered into the hotel of irons.

Google Continental Golf in Raleigh NC. They can do it for you. Just search in here as they have numerous photos up from members in here that have used them. They currently offer discount to wxrs

[MrFlapjack]

I got my Gsft, and it was digitally lofted to 9.5. I actually hit it better in the 10.1 degree setting.. A LOT Better. I have a 105-107 SS, i have a negative angle of attack that its pretty severe. at the fitting, lofting up did not make things better.. but in this case, KILLING IT.

 

Our driving range is about 250 to the back and to the left end is the maintenance barn with the dumpster about 270-280ish... I hit several (now they were tugged left about 15 yards from my target) and I hit several that bounced over the dumpster on the first hop...

 

Our range balls are about 10 yards short on most irons, but i would imagine as long as they arent knuckling, they arent that bad with the woods... so I'm pleased.

They did not get the lofting the way I wanted. I did not specify what position I wanted the 9.5 at (i ASSuMEd that it would be neutral. but that is not how they do it.

 

a 10 degree driver with 9.4 and 9 degrees at the adjustablilty points digitally lofted to 9.5 without specifying, is a 10.1 degree driver.. then adjusted down to 9.5 at the first adjustment point.

 

Just a heads up to anyone else that is thinking about ordering a digitally lofted head. you need to specify neutral.

 

I don't want to wait for a new one. But also, I hit this thing so well at the neutral setting, why get another one...

 

This seems pretty sketchy. I ordered a digitally lofted 9 degree head, and not gonna lie, I'm gonna be pissed if its simply adjusted with the hosel settings. That basically limits you on your adjustment from then on.

[Geaux Gators]

I got my Gsft, and it was digitally lofted to 9.5. I actually hit it better in the 10.1 degree setting.. A LOT Better. I have a 105-107 SS, i have a negative angle of attack that its pretty severe. at the fitting, lofting up did not make things better.. but in this case, KILLING IT.

 

Our driving range is about 250 to the back and to the left end is the maintenance barn with the dumpster about 270-280ish... I hit several (now they were tugged left about 15 yards from my target) and I hit several that bounced over the dumpster on the first hop...

 

Our range balls are about 10 yards short on most irons, but i would imagine as long as they arent knuckling, they arent that bad with the woods... so I'm pleased.

They did not get the lofting the way I wanted. I did not specify what position I wanted the 9.5 at (i ASSuMEd that it would be neutral. but that is not how they do it.

 

a 10 degree driver with 9.4 and 9 degrees at the adjustablilty points digitally lofted to 9.5 without specifying, is a 10.1 degree driver.. then adjusted down to 9.5 at the first adjustment point.

 

Just a heads up to anyone else that is thinking about ordering a digitally lofted head. you need to specify neutral.

 

I don't want to wait for a new one. But also, I hit this thing so well at the neutral setting, why get another one...

 

This seems pretty sketchy. I ordered a digitally lofted 9 degree head, and not gonna lie, I'm gonna be pissed if its simply adjusted with the hosel settings. That basically limits you on your adjustment from then on.

 

then you need to call your proshop/club and tell them to SPECIFY it needs to be at NEUTRAL...

 

it could be that my pro didn't know what to tell them as he had no clue what I was talking about..

 

but you might want to call just to be safe.

 

NG

[MrFlapjack]

I got my Gsft, and it was digitally lofted to 9.5. I actually hit it better in the 10.1 degree setting.. A LOT Better. I have a 105-107 SS, i have a negative angle of attack that its pretty severe. at the fitting, lofting up did not make things better.. but in this case, KILLING IT.

 

Our driving range is about 250 to the back and to the left end is the maintenance barn with the dumpster about 270-280ish... I hit several (now they were tugged left about 15 yards from my target) and I hit several that bounced over the dumpster on the first hop...

 

Our range balls are about 10 yards short on most irons, but i would imagine as long as they arent knuckling, they arent that bad with the woods... so I'm pleased.

They did not get the lofting the way I wanted. I did not specify what position I wanted the 9.5 at (i ASSuMEd that it would be neutral. but that is not how they do it.

 

a 10 degree driver with 9.4 and 9 degrees at the adjustablilty points digitally lofted to 9.5 without specifying, is a 10.1 degree driver.. then adjusted down to 9.5 at the first adjustment point.

 

Just a heads up to anyone else that is thinking about ordering a digitally lofted head. you need to specify neutral.

 

I don't want to wait for a new one. But also, I hit this thing so well at the neutral setting, why get another one...

 

This seems pretty sketchy. I ordered a digitally lofted 9 degree head, and not gonna lie, I'm gonna be pissed if its simply adjusted with the hosel settings. That basically limits you on your adjustment from then on.

 

then you need to call your proshop/club and tell them to SPECIFY it needs to be at NEUTRAL...

 

it could be that my pro didn't know what to tell them as he had no clue what I was talking about..

 

but you might want to call just to be safe.

 

NG

 

Too late, my club will be here mon or Tues..

[Skeeterfire]

Ordered today. LS Tec in 9 degree with 65 Tour S shaft. Can't wait, awesome club.

[jwo]

I know this is sort off topic, but I wanted to share my good experience with Ping CS today.

 

I cracked the face of my trusty G20 at the end of January. I sent it in to Ping on January 28th, and was offered a very fair price on a digitally lofted G LS replacement. I also separately ordered a G 3 wood to replace my ancient ISI Tec. I was told the club would ship after release date.

 

Reading this thread made me very excited for both clubs to come in. I called on the 16th and was told the club would ship out that week. I didn't hear or see anything from Ping, so I called on the 25th. I was told that they were waiting on a new stock of heads to be delivered on 3/2, which was contrary to what I was previously told.

 

I sent an email explaining my situation. I have no problem if a product is back-ordered or delayed, I just wanted to be told up front so I can set realistic expectations. Gerald from Ping called today, apologized for the miscommunication and explained that they had to first find a head that met my specs, which took longer than usual due to low stock. He said the club was being finished today and assured me I would have it before my first tournament of the year, even if it meant overnighting it.

 

Ping really came through and delivered the same amazing customer service that I've experienced the past few years. I can update when I receive the LS, but I am confident Ping will follow through.

 

For the record, I did receive the G 3 wood. I typically go with an aftermarket shaft due to my higher SS (114-116 with driver), but I have been incredibly impressed with the performance of the Tour 80 shaft. Can't wait for the G LS to come in!

 

Hand down the best CS in golf. Puts one of the Carlsbad giants to complete shame IMO.

[Geaux Gators]

I got my Gsft, and it was digitally lofted to 9.5. I actually hit it better in the 10.1 degree setting.. A LOT Better. I have a 105-107 SS, i have a negative angle of attack that its pretty severe. at the fitting, lofting up did not make things better.. but in this case, KILLING IT.

 

Our driving range is about 250 to the back and to the left end is the maintenance barn with the dumpster about 270-280ish... I hit several (now they were tugged left about 15 yards from my target) and I hit several that bounced over the dumpster on the first hop...

 

Our range balls are about 10 yards short on most irons, but i would imagine as long as they arent knuckling, they arent that bad with the woods... so I'm pleased.

They did not get the lofting the way I wanted. I did not specify what position I wanted the 9.5 at (i ASSuMEd that it would be neutral. but that is not how they do it.

 

a 10 degree driver with 9.4 and 9 degrees at the adjustablilty points digitally lofted to 9.5 without specifying, is a 10.1 degree driver.. then adjusted down to 9.5 at the first adjustment point.

 

Just a heads up to anyone else that is thinking about ordering a digitally lofted head. you need to specify neutral.

 

I don't want to wait for a new one. But also, I hit this thing so well at the neutral setting, why get another one...

 

This seems pretty sketchy. I ordered a digitally lofted 9 degree head, and not gonna lie, I'm gonna be pissed if its simply adjusted with the hosel settings. That basically limits you on your adjustment from then on.

 

then you need to call your proshop/club and tell them to SPECIFY it needs to be at NEUTRAL...

 

it could be that my pro didn't know what to tell them as he had no clue what I was talking about..

 

but you might want to call just to be safe.

 

NG

 

Too late, my club will be here mon or Tues..

 

what club did you order?

[erock9174]

Anyone know who makes the Alta shaft for Ping ?

[ace036]

I could be wrong but I thought UST was making their stock shafts... Someone will have to confirm.

[Stuart_G]

I heard Aldila makes the Alta's (Ping frequently uses both Aldila and UST) but can't say how reliable that source was.

 

Interesting question for the sake of curiosity but not sure it really matters which of the two companies made any particular Ping shaft. The specs wouldn't change at all.

[getair23]

I haven't had a chance to hit one of these yet, but I really love the look of the head and how it sits. I'm not a huge Bubba fan but has anyone heard if Ping is going to release his pink and black G driver? I think that looks really cool.

 

Ping wouldn't confirm or deny the release of a pink version. They did say that they usually release the pink heads every other release (G20 and G30). Since we got the pink G30, it seems unlikely that we will get the G.

[erock9174]

I got a G coming Monday. I'll pull the grip and check the shaft label on the Alta. Surprised nobody has done this yet and checked.

[Stuart_G]

Mine should show up today so can do the same.

[Hifade]

Confirmed.......Aldila and UST do make their stock shafts. The Tour shaft is patterned after UST's Elements Chrome.......no clue on what the Alta is patterned after at Aldila.....probably a proprietary PING design that's contract manufactured by Aldila for them.

[Holy Moses]

Confirmed.......Aldila and UST do make their stock shafts. The Tour shaft is patterned after UST's Elements Chrome.......no clue on what the Alta is patterned after at Aldila.....probably a proprietary PING design that's contract manufactured by Aldila for them.

 

Why not just use the actual Chrome?

[Hot Rod 71]

Confirmed.......Aldila and UST do make their stock shafts. The Tour shaft is patterned after UST's Elements Chrome.......no clue on what the Alta is patterned after at Aldila.....probably a proprietary PING design that's contract manufactured by Aldila for them.

 

Why not just use the actual Chrome?

 

May have something to do with PING wanting every component to have their name on it, and not UST's.

[PinonMagnolia]

Grabbed the 9* LS G and popped by Fuji Speeder TS in it, I really like it. I was in between a 9 & 10.5 LS for the G30, the 9* G at the +1* setting is perfect. Lower spin and more distance so far, but I will verify it all with trackman in the coming week.

 

The Alta shaft is junk, although in true Ping fashion, it'll probably work well for 40% of the market.

[Byrdman2230]

I'm planning on getting fit for a G30 or G driver this week. For those of you hitting the tour 65 shaft, what's your swing speed? I'm in the 97-102 range. Would that put me in a regular or stiff?

[MrFlapjack]

I'm planning on getting fit for a G30 or G driver this week. For those of you hitting the tour 65 shaft, what's your swing speed? I'm in the 97-102 range. Would that put me in a regular or stiff?

 

I would think that would be in the stiff range?

[MrFlapjack]

I got my Gsft, and it was digitally lofted to 9.5. I actually hit it better in the 10.1 degree setting.. A LOT Better. I have a 105-107 SS, i have a negative angle of attack that its pretty severe. at the fitting, lofting up did not make things better.. but in this case, KILLING IT.

 

Our driving range is about 250 to the back and to the left end is the maintenance barn with the dumpster about 270-280ish... I hit several (now they were tugged left about 15 yards from my target) and I hit several that bounced over the dumpster on the first hop...

 

Our range balls are about 10 yards short on most irons, but i would imagine as long as they arent knuckling, they arent that bad with the woods... so I'm pleased.

They did not get the lofting the way I wanted. I did not specify what position I wanted the 9.5 at (i ASSuMEd that it would be neutral. but that is not how they do it.

 

a 10 degree driver with 9.4 and 9 degrees at the adjustablilty points digitally lofted to 9.5 without specifying, is a 10.1 degree driver.. then adjusted down to 9.5 at the first adjustment point.

 

Just a heads up to anyone else that is thinking about ordering a digitally lofted head. you need to specify neutral.

 

I don't want to wait for a new one. But also, I hit this thing so well at the neutral setting, why get another one...

 

This seems pretty sketchy. I ordered a digitally lofted 9 degree head, and not gonna lie, I'm gonna be pissed if its simply adjusted with the hosel settings. That basically limits you on your adjustment from then on.

 

then you need to call your proshop/club and tell them to SPECIFY it needs to be at NEUTRAL...

 

it could be that my pro didn't know what to tell them as he had no clue what I was talking about..

 

but you might want to call just to be safe.

 

NG

 

Too late, my club will be here mon or Tues..

 

what club did you order?

 

G LS digitally lofted at 9 degrees, with the Tour 80X shaft.

[erock9174]

I'm planning on getting fit for a G30 or G driver this week. For those of you hitting the tour 65 shaft, what's your swing speed? I'm in the 97-102 range. Would that put me in a regular or stiff?

Stiff for sure.

 

I'm right around 89-93 and the Tour 65 and 80 in R flex is the best staft I've come across yet. I had the Tour 65 S abd it was too much shaft for me.

[harveycs]

I'm planning on getting fit for a G30 or G driver this week. For those of you hitting the tour 65 shaft, what's your swing speed? I'm in the 97-102 range. Would that put me in a regular or stiff?

I played the G30 LST last year and bounced back and forth between the stock TFC in Stiff and the Tour 65 S last year and my swing speed range is the same as you. The Tour 65 stiff is a stout shaft and I could hit it further than the TFC but on off days or when a little tired late in the round the shaft was a bit much. I just upgraded to the new G LS and will be trying the Tour 65 R this year. So far has felt great in my basement and doesn't seem like I will be able to overload it. I think you could play either the Tour 65 R or S but might come down to if you consider yourself a smooth or aggressive swinger.

[norge5]

Grabbed the 9* LS G and popped by Fuji Speeder TS in it, I really like it. I was in between a 9 & 10.5 LS for the G30, the 9* G at the +1* setting is perfect. Lower spin and more distance so far, but I will verify it all with trackman in the coming week.

 

The Alta shaft is junk, although in true Ping fashion, it'll probably work well for 40% of the market.

Is that the popular opinion on the Alta Shaft? Anybody know how it performs in x-stiff? What didn't you like about it?

[Geaux Gators]

I wouldn't call it junk. But for someone that is a little more finicky, might prefer some of the other stuff.

[Aren]

So weird thing today. Took my G30 9degree stiff flex into my local store today and hit about 15 drives it, then proceeded to hit 15 with the GLS and 15 with G standard.

 

My G30 was clearly better than both newer versions but I just felt like the new drivers seemed heavier. I mentioned this to the salesperson so we went and tested the swing weight of all 3:

 

G30 - D3

G - D6

GLS - D8

 

I didn't have my best swing today and didn't have time to see if we could find a true D3 but am stumped these can come from the factory THAT FAR OFF!

 

D4 ok whatever, D5 becoming a concern, D6 and up is not acceptable. Are these not check before leaving the factory? One of the Drivers was not a demo, it actually came from the retail rack! This concerns me on any new purchase in the future for sure.

 

Had a similar experience. My G actually came in at C9. I posted under the equipment section about this "anomaly", lol. Had my Titleist 915F 3 wood also tested, came in at D0 (spec is D2), so it's not only Ping that is guilty of this. Most important lesson I learned, let them test the swing weight before I pay.

[gambit]

Took my 9* G LS to the shop to get hot melted and it came in at exactly D4 with the tour 65S prior to hot melt. He said it would take about 15 grams to improve sound and it would bring swing weight up to around D8 so he put just a little hot melt towards heel side and cotton balled the rest for me. I put a Tour AD BB 6S tipped an inch in and had it cut down to play at 44.5", 10* and D4. I like it better than the Tour 65 shaft. Probably because it's counter balanced. Took it to the course today and it was raining, wet, and a bit windy. Wasn't sure what to expect with no warm up and not having hit this combo. Let me preface this by saying my efficiency with driver is poo poo. I swing about 103-106 usually, but my smash is laughable because I'm always off center. That said the sound and feel have improved drastically and all this thing wants to do is go straight. If I put a good swing on it and make good contact I think it will go as far as anything out there. When I don't, and that's more often than not, it's probably more forgiving than most anything out there. Probably going to stay in the bag...probably.