Ping G - Driver

Before I have time to pen about the Ping G driver, Ping has uncharacteristically released a new version which came back with numbers - the Ping G400. While drivers are getting bigger up to no less than 460cc, Ping has gone the other way making it at only 445cc because they have technology to make them friendlier by discretionary weight placement and the smaller head plays like the head and aerodynamics of a mere 3-wood providing speed for distance.

I have played Ping and my first Ping driver was the G5 and subsequently the G15. It was the combination of the G15 driver and G15 irons that gave me a most memorable game and best score ever. (That was me in action below with the G15 years ago). I have moved on to experiment with many other brands and model of clubs. I thought that my game have arrived then but it never did! I have ditched those more difficult to play clubs and returning to Ping and hope like the Ping slogan says - to "Play Your Best". Well, if you still can't at least to enjoy to the best. In fact, the new and latest G400 irons though in the game improvement category are called "game enjoyment irons".

Since the early part of 2000s, Ping has a best seller in their hands - the G series driver. Noted for its forgiving and stable head, Ping continued to enhance and improve bringing its design forward and Ping always have a longer product life cycle than other manufacturers. From the G2 to the G25 and then the G30 which became a top seller and one of the most happening drivers. So the question is their previous latest which is simply called Ping G (dropping all the numbers) better than the already excellent G30? It was claimed that it is the most forgiving driver Ping has ever made. We are talking about the best selling driver for an 18 month period during its product cycle of the G30. Can you improved on that?

http://gforce-guru.blogspot.sg/2015/12/ping-g30-sftec-driver.html

The previous G30 gave us 'Turbulators' on its crown to disrupt airflow as you move it through so that it could move faster through the air. Ping G now has remodelled size and angles of the turbulators. These look like claws or fins. In addition, they have introduced what their engineers called "Dragonfly" technology on its crown and launched in early 2016 fitted with a new Alta 55 shaft with high balance point and at 45.75 inches. For me, 45.75 inches shaft is unnecessary long. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AELU32_UgAk

From the video, you could see them adopting bio mimicry of the dragonfly. Saving weight from the crown and pushing the MOI (moment of inertia) to become Ping's most forgiving and consistent driver ever. Like the G30 they come in three diffent models - The standard version (neutral), the LSTec (Low Spin Tec) which is for better players and the SFTec (Straight Flight Tec) which has flight correction if you are a slicer. Ping CEO John Solheim was on holiday when he got the idea after being inspired by the wings of a dragonfly. The dragonfly wings have strong structure using beams to support the rest of the wing. Ping designers turn the wing structure into titanium and you could see the beams supporting the five sections on the crown. Underneath the crown is another structure which you cannot see. This resulted in a titanium crown that is just 0.43 mm in thickness and that is very well below what was previously thought possible at 0.5 mm.  

In total, they save 8 g of weight which they moved to the sole shifting the CG (Centre of Gravity) lower by 1.2 mm and made it 1.6 mm deeper than the G30. The drop in CG height is significant and Ping's CG position is the lowest and deepest among all major brands.

Forget the jargon. What it means is simply making the club most forgiving and stable, allowing you to play with less loft if you like or can handle it, launches the ball easily into the stratosphere, more ball speed, more consistent and longer drives. 

There is a new aerodynamic feature at the back called 'Vortec' which is like a spoiler of a vehicle in particular on the back of an articulated lorry/truck. The airflow is smoothen once it leaves the head and reduces friction turbulence toward the back thus reducing resistance. If the dragonfly inspired the crown then an the 18-wheeler inspired the Vortec. So it is not really an insect but a beast. 

However, you have to note that any performance advantage gained is only marginal even if you are a professional player you could gain only one mph in ball speed with a 115 mph swing speed. You may only get a couple more in yardage. According to Ping, the aerodynamics of the G at 460cc are equal to the G25 at 197 cc. What this means is that you are getting more forgiveness at the same speed. Its MOI is 5412 g/cm2. 

The new Alta shaft 0.025 inches narrower tip at 0.325 inches for even greater aerodynamics with a higher kick point. Higher kick point makes the club head feel slightly heavier but the whole thing is only 310 grams but it depends what shaft you use. 

It also actually feels and sounds better than the previous model. I would describe the flight trajectory ad medium-high. Adjustable hosel allows you to adjust loft up or down by 0.6 to 1 degree. Overall, the aerodynamic design of the G reduces drag by 37 per cent during the swing compared to the G30. 

Distance: This is a boomer. Even toe or heel hits do not lose much distance. When you catch it, it goes straight, long and launches high and is very consistent. Some reported it as crazy consistent. Effortless, powerful and that few models can match its averages. 

Forgiveness and Accuracy: One of the best if not the best. Possibly the best ever? It hits straight and you may find it boring to often hit so straight. G is for Gold and tops in its class. Drivers are hard to hit and they just don't get easier than Ping G. The sweet spot is like a chunk of Angus beef. Helps tame some misappropriate swings.  

Feel: Balanced, Stable and Powerful. Feels like a resounding smash at impact. Some described the feel as explosive, violent even. Fun to hit. Just rip it! Head is 206 g. D3 swing weight is apparently best for most golfers and in a driver. It feels soft from centre hits. (I changed the shaft to a Graphite Design Nano Reloaded and chopped it to 45.5 inches and set at D3 swing weight).

Look: More pear-shaped head. I love the matte black. It looks like a high tech weapon that Batman would use. It also looks like a stealth bomber. Easy to aim and feels impossible to miss. For some, the crown may look a bit too busy. For others, it look mean and bad. The crown actually looks like a dome.

Play: According to Ping, the combined aerodynamics changes reduce drag by 11% during the entire downswing and 37% less drag on impact. This is a point and shoot club. Flies high and keeps it pace through the wind better than an air plane through clouds. It is low on stress and will not ask too much of its user. It is many testers' choice as driver of the year! Normally, a more forgiving club is less playable meaning if you wish to fade or draw it but this one is. It is reliable and dependable with a big edge over others. Believe the hype! Definitely one of the top clubs if not the best.

Beginning with the cover, this has moved with the times and looks more a boxing glove.

When you set it up, it looks ready to perform.

Its looks may be controversial to some but as for me, it looks like a weapon from Batman's armoury. Stealth and mean. Ready for destruction of opposing forces or come what may.

Matt finish is non-reflective and I have no issue with the butterfly beams or air flow fins. I thought it actually help frame and aim the ball.

Can you see the Vortec as mentioned earlier?

It is a very stable head. 

I didn't like whippy shaft. I did not try it. I went straight for the change.

I went to this place. Sometimes I wonder if I should get more than a driver. Should I go for wisdom or go over to the dark side. 

It is a constant debate in the head. Go for wisdom.

Another voice would rage - go over to the dark side. Moving to the dark side is quick and easy and can look powerful too.

Wisdom keeps one calm and steady.

I just chose to be on the right path so I got the gentle giant Razel to fit my club to a Graphite Design Nano Reloaded after market special shaft and this wisdom, it shall lead me to the right path always in the middle of the fairways even if I were to be in a galaxy far, far away.

A head must give you confidence. A look here and you know which way the ball will go as it raptures.

Smiling sheep aside, look at the size of the sweep spot where there are no lines thus creating less spin.

Look at all the spoilers of the Batmobile. Robin and all your flight mates would exclaim: "Holy Smokes". I have not hit a 250m drive for a very long time until this beast came along and for stability I won a Happy Gilmore longest drive novelty prize in a tournament.

If you wish you could set it to a 0.6 to one degree lower or higher loft.

This is how it looks when teeing off.

I like mind in its original neutral position and loft of 10.5 degrees.

Look at this very old Callaway Warbird driver of mine and its size.

The Warbird was a favourite of its time. In the below photo I am comparing an old time driver side by side with a TaylorMade Burner of recent times. I suppose golf has become a whole lot better than in the old days. Technology helps. You are among the luckiest lot.

Before, you buy any driver, I suggest you give this one a try - the Ping G. It is the best all rounder in a driver. 

Golf as in life, play as it lies.