Golf Monthly Verdict

I've played both quite a bit and have really warmed to the Platinum, which I reckon is among the longest around, yet is still amply comfortable on approach play. My swing speed is perhaps not quite high enough to reap the Black's maximum benefits.

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By Jeremy Ellwood

Published 1 June 2008 In Reviews

Both feature Progressive Density Cores that are softer in the centre and firmer towards the edges to reduce excess spin and maximise energy transfer. The Black is designed to help higher swing speeds eke out extra yards, while the Platinum's outer mantle is engineered for enhanced short iron spin.

Jeremy Ellwood (Jezz) has worked in golf since 1993 and for Golf Monthly since 2002 when he started out as equipment editor. He is a senior panelist for Golf Monthly's Top 100 UK & Ireland Course Rankings and has played all the Top 100 plus 94 of the Next 100, making him well-qualified to compare our premier tracks. He has played over 1,100 courses in 35 countries, from remote nine-holers in the Scottish Highlands to grand international resorts, hitting the 1,000 mark on his 60th birthday in October 2023 on Vale do Lobo's Ocean course. Put him on a links course anywhere and he'll be blissfully content.

Contact Jezz on X - @JezzEllwoodGolf

Jeremy is playing...

Driver: Ping G425 LST

3 wood: Srixon ZX

Hybrid: Ping G425

Irons 4- to 11-iron: Honma TWorld TW747Vx

Wedge: Ping Glide 54˚

Putter: Ping Fetch