Ping G, G LS Tec and SF Tec Drivers

[Resili22]

Just replaced my Titleist 915D3 with a G driver after some comparison in a simulator, a driving range and 18 holes in my home course.

 

Just to avoid confusion, my drives are ok (short here in WRX) and although I'm tall (6.3") and athletic with a reasonable belly :D , my swing speed is just 95 MPH.

 

The shaft of the Titleist was a Rogue Black 70S and in the Ping a (fantastic) Tour 65S.

 

Feel is solid (better than the Titleist IMO), sound is loud (much louder than Titleist), shape is better in the 915D3 but for me is fine (definitively improved from the G30 that I could not even look at) and after 5 swings I got used to the turbulators and the dragonfly structure.

 

Distance is surprisingly similar to my previous driver. Initial numbers in the simulator and visual confirmation in my home course were that carry was better with the Ping and more roll with the 915D3.

 

You can imagine that what really sets apart the Ping is its forgiveness and precision (high, low, slight fade, slight draw). I honestly cannot believe how easy to hit is this driver. The best part were that the misses always stayed in the fairway (I did not miss a single of the 13 fairways played with the driver. First time ever in 15 years playing golf...).

 

Ok, I am aware of the honeymoon period and promise that if something strange happens in the next months I will come back here to report.

 

Ping is really making great products (I also changed irons six months ago) and I really encourage you to compare this driver to your gamer.

 

Have a great game.

 

This is to update the information of my original post. After 10 more rounds with the driver, one thing has changed and other it has been reaffirmed so far.

 

I am still finding much, much more fairways than before. Not all of the ones played with the driver, but I just miss one or two per round and I always find the ball... :D

 

I am now clearly getting more distance with this driver than with my previous one. I can confirm this because of the places from where now I play my second shot. It is not massive distance but I am sure that is at least 10-15 yards more.

 

The fairways are not harder compared to previous months since this has been the warmest winter I can remember with only two or three nights below 0º (32F) and the ground is neither hard or soaking wet.

 

The only reasonable explanation might come from two facts:

 

- Confidence: not missing many fairways is probably having an influence the way I now play from the tee

- Shorter shaft: I ordered a Ping Tour shaft 1/2 inch shorter and probably I am hitting the ball closed to the sweetspot than before.

 

I hope that most of you are as happy as I am with the change.

 

Have a great game.

[Stuart_G]

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?

 

I actually got noticeably better results with the Alta than the Tour 65 (in stiff). Higher launching but much lower spin so it was clearly getting me into a much better face contact position and delivery of the head into impact. Maybe a touch soft feeling for my tastes but not enough to impact the results and nothing a little tipping couldn't tighten up if it ever became a problem for me.

 

Unfortunately, it's very common for some people to refer to shafts (particularly the stock shafts) as "junk" when they just don't happen to be a good fit for them. But that's no indication of how well a fit it might be to anyone else. Sure it wont be a great fit for everyone but no shaft will. Give it a try and make your own decision based on the results you get when compared to the alternatives.

[csiachos]

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.

could be a result of your swingweight scale. I had all of my drivers set at D4, and then measured mine on a brand new digital scale, and they were actually D8!

[3woodvt]

Or all the scales could be wrong?

 

Reminds me of the milk test. All testers said they could

Taste the difference between whole, 2%, and skim. When blindfolded no one could. They could see the difference but no one could actually taste the difference.

 

I wonder how many amatuers could pick up a D8 driver off the rack a D6 and a D4 and blindly get all 3 correctly if they had to tell the tester. My bet is less than 10%.

[3woodvt]

The other thing about swing weight that will blow most people's mind that fret over this, is that they seldom take in affect the weight of their golf glove w measuring SW. If you wear a GG then measure it as well or if not just take off minus about 5 SW points. A D3 plays to about a C8 if you're a GG wearer.

[DNice26]

The other thing about swing weight that will blow most people's mind that fret over this, is that they seldom take in affect the weight of their golf glove w measuring SW. If you wear a GG then measure it as well or if not just take off minus about 5 SW points. A D3 plays to about a C8 if you're a GG wearer.

 

The married guys might want to weigh their wedding rings too. Lol...

[3woodvt]

The other thing about swing weight that will blow most people's mind that fret over this, is that they seldom take in affect the weight of their golf glove w measuring SW. If you wear a GG then measure it as well or if not just take off minus about 5 SW points. A D3 plays to about a C8 if you're a GG wearer.

 

The married guys might want to weigh their wedding rings too. Lol...

nice!!

[MrFlapjack]

The other thing about swing weight that will blow most people's mind that fret over this, is that they seldom take in affect the weight of their golf glove w measuring SW. If you wear a GG then measure it as well or if not just take off minus about 5 SW points. A D3 plays to about a C8 if you're a GG wearer.

 

The married guys might want to weigh their wedding rings too. Lol...

 

Always remember to trim those finger nails as well! At least one swing point right there!

[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.

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

 

I actually got noticeably better results with the Alta than the Tour 65 (in stiff). Higher launching but much lower spin so it was clearly getting me into a much better face contact position and delivery of the head into impact. Maybe a touch soft feeling for my tastes but not enough to impact the results and nothing a little tipping couldn't tighten up if it ever became a problem for me.

 

Unfortunately, it's very common for some people to refer to shafts (particularly the stock shafts) as "junk" when they just don't happen to be a good fit for them. But that's no indication of how well a fit it might be to anyone else. Sure it wont be a great fit for everyone but no shaft will. Give it a try and make your own decision based on the results you get when compared to the alternatives.

 

Just pointing out that I did put this qualifier in with my statement:

 

although in true Ping fashion, it'll probably work well for 40% of the market

 

I thought it was weak, wobbly, unresponsive, and just not solid at all. No feel in the butt/grip end of the club, kind of like swinging a garden hose.

[SwingBlues]

The other thing about swing weight that will blow most people's mind that fret over this, is that they seldom take in affect the weight of their golf glove w measuring SW. If you wear a GG then measure it as well or if not just take off minus about 5 SW points. A D3 plays to about a C8 if you're a GG wearer.

 

The married guys might want to weigh their wedding rings too. Lol...

 

Always remember to trim those finger nails as well! At least one swing point right there!

 

Don't forget those acrylic nail paint and polish....nowadays, you never know :busted_cop:

 

Alta - I have hit that, its ok and would not say its a pos. I prefer the Tour 65 myself. What is junk for someone is treasure for another.

[jwo]

I played my first round yesterday with a 10.5 G/Phenom 70. I had the same shaft in a G30 same loft most of last year. I liked it plenty and after only one round shouldn't judge but didn't feel like it was as long as G30 but very straight. Only missed 2 fairways and not by much. Definitely hit it higher and have a Element Chrome coming to try in it. The strangest thing is the guy I was playing with also had a 9°G. I swear his sounded like an aluminum bat hitting a rock. So different than mine.

[puttitin]

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?

 

I actually got noticeably better results with the Alta than the Tour 65 (in stiff). Higher launching but much lower spin so it was clearly getting me into a much better face contact position and delivery of the head into impact. Maybe a touch soft feeling for my tastes but not enough to impact the results and nothing a little tipping couldn't tighten up if it ever became a problem for me.

 

Unfortunately, it's very common for some people to refer to shafts (particularly the stock shafts) as "junk" when they just don't happen to be a good fit for them. But that's no indication of how well a fit it might be to anyone else. Sure it wont be a great fit for everyone but no shaft will. Give it a try and make your own decision based on the results you get when compared to the alternatives.

 

I am of the opinion that 90% of people would find the Alta shaft just right for them. Few golfers can really make out the difference between one modern shaft and another in the same flex.

[Stuart_G]

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?

 

I actually got noticeably better results with the Alta than the Tour 65 (in stiff). Higher launching but much lower spin so it was clearly getting me into a much better face contact position and delivery of the head into impact. Maybe a touch soft feeling for my tastes but not enough to impact the results and nothing a little tipping couldn't tighten up if it ever became a problem for me.

 

Unfortunately, it's very common for some people to refer to shafts (particularly the stock shafts) as "junk" when they just don't happen to be a good fit for them. But that's no indication of how well a fit it might be to anyone else. Sure it wont be a great fit for everyone but no shaft will. Give it a try and make your own decision based on the results you get when compared to the alternatives.

 

I am of the opinion that 90% of people would find the Alta shaft just right for them. Few golfers can really make out the difference between one modern shaft and another in the same flex.

 

Wouldn't surprise me at all if it were a bit higher. Although not really conclusive of anything, it would be interesting to see numbers from Ping on what % are built w/ the stock shaft vs how many with upgrades.

[Orlimar1]

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?

 

I actually got noticeably better results with the Alta than the Tour 65 (in stiff). Higher launching but much lower spin so it was clearly getting me into a much better face contact position and delivery of the head into impact. Maybe a touch soft feeling for my tastes but not enough to impact the results and nothing a little tipping couldn't tighten up if it ever became a problem for me.

 

Unfortunately, it's very common for some people to refer to shafts (particularly the stock shafts) as "junk" when they just don't happen to be a good fit for them. But that's no indication of how well a fit it might be to anyone else. Sure it wont be a great fit for everyone but no shaft will. Give it a try and make your own decision based on the results you get when compared to the alternatives.

 

I am of the opinion that 90% of people would find the Alta shaft just right for them. Few golfers can really make out the difference between one modern shaft and another in the same flex.

 

 

 

Come on now. This is WRX. Where people get upset about 1/4" difference in the playing length of their shafts. And then, even after a golf publication did an article stating that no one measures the lengths/clubs the same way. Not even all the tour van guys.

 

And then there are the guys that swear they can feel the difference in 1 sw point.

[DoNDoN]

I took my new G series to the course today. After hitting 2 drives this is what happened. I have never seen a crack in that part of a head.

[Stuart_G]

Wow, never seen a crack there either. Did you notice if it might have been there before you started hitting the balls?

[Golferitis]

Wow, never seen a crack there either. Did you notice if it might have been there before you started hitting the balls?

very uncharacteristic of a ping product.

[DoNDoN]

Wow, never seen a crack there either. Did you notice if it might have been there before you started hitting the balls?

 

I would have noticed it was there when I changed the shaft out. I noticed it because I was about to change the setting on the driver. Good thing I took my backup G30.

[boycer]

I need to save that picture and show it to the wife. Good excuse to always have a backup driver.

[Peanut191]

I took my new G series to the course today. After hitting 2 drives this is what happened. I have never seen a crack in that part of a head.

I had an R5 crack in that same spot before. I think I hit a shot far towards the heel that caused it to crack in that spot. Either way, it shouldn't crack there.(luckily back then, TM sent me a free Burner replacement for the R5)

[DoNDoN]

I took my new G series to the course today. After hitting 2 drives this is what happened. I have never seen a crack in that part of a head.

I had an R5 crack in that same spot before. I think I hit a shot far towards the heel that caused it to crack in that spot. Either way, it shouldn't crack there.(luckily back then, TM sent me a free Burner replacement for the R5)

 

One was in the center and one was center toe. No heel shots. I am sure ping will take care of this for me.

[wobgon]

Is that a legit head.....I never saw one with the serial number where that one is? Everything about it looks off to me.

[DoNDoN]

Is that a legit head.....I never saw one with the serial number where that one is? Everything about it looks off to me.

 

Yup. Purchased at Golfsmith. I am not sure where you have looked but all of the G series heads that I have seen look like that.

 

I just got off the phone with Ping. They will not warranty the head until they see it. I guess I will go buy the PXG driver instead of being out of a new driver for 2-3 weeks. First world problems

[SwingBlues]

Color is off because of the lighting/shadow. The font looks legit and the serial position appears right. Can always get that ID# checked out. Anyway, jmo.

 

Sh*t happens, just take it back...even the M1 had those cracks in the 460 heads but not the 430s.

[dave willie]

Is that a legit head.....I never saw one with the serial number where that one is? Everything about it looks off to me.

Look at the very first picture at the beginning of this thread. The serial number is in the same place.

[Stuart_G]

Is that a legit head.....I never saw one with the serial number where that one is? Everything about it looks off to me.

 

Yup. Purchased at Golfsmith. I am not sure where you have looked but all of the G series heads that I have seen look like that.

 

I just got off the phone with Ping. They will not warranty the head until they see it. I guess I will go buy the PXG driver instead of being out of a new driver for 2-3 weeks. First world problems

 

If it's a new purchase at a local store (instead of online), you might try and see if Golfsmith might replace it for you instead (and let them deal with Ping). Some stores are willing to do that. Certainly couldn't hurt to ask.

[MarkFromTheUK]

My first thought was that it must have been over tightened, but then I thought some more and realised that the Incredible Hulk doesn't play golf, and Gary Woodland doesn't play Ping.

[UnderPar18]

Mine look like this....I'm certainly not saying it is not legit.....Just trying to help out. Sorry about fuzzy pics. Looks different to me, could just be that your pics are better quality.

 

 

 

 

What looks different. Now that I see yours and his they look like they're in the same location

[BlkNGld]

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?

 

I actually got noticeably better results with the Alta than the Tour 65 (in stiff). Higher launching but much lower spin so it was clearly getting me into a much better face contact position and delivery of the head into impact. Maybe a touch soft feeling for my tastes but not enough to impact the results and nothing a little tipping couldn't tighten up if it ever became a problem for me.

 

Unfortunately, it's very common for some people to refer to shafts (particularly the stock shafts) as "junk" when they just don't happen to be a good fit for them. But that's no indication of how well a fit it might be to anyone else. Sure it wont be a great fit for everyone but no shaft will. Give it a try and make your own decision based on the results you get when compared to the alternatives.

 

Agree.

 

If I go looking for a shoe or clothes and try something on that's not not going to work, I might say it's not for me, doesn't fit my body, or whatever, but I don't call it junk for that reason.

[wobgon]

Mine look like this....I'm certainly not saying it is not legit.....Just trying to help out. Sorry about fuzzy pics. Looks different to me, could just be that your pics are better quality.

 

 

 

 

What looks different. Now that I see yours and his they look like they're in the same location

It is probably fine.....It was just that something about his pic made it look different than the ones i have here. It even looks like the font is larger, but again, probably just the pic. I'll take my pic down.