Ping G driver review

Golf Monthly's Ping G driver review, the model that replaces the popular G30 and now features Dragonfly and Vortec technology to improve performance in key areas

There’s a whole host of new technologies featured on the new Ping G driver but the real question is, do they contribute to better performance over the G30. We’ll cover the direct comparison in performance in another video but for now, let’s talk about G.

It seems strange there is now no number in name of the G series, meaning all reference points in time are now lost. Presumably the next G driver will also be called G, which could get confusing.

Aside from that, our testing of the Ping G LS Tec driver so far has left us with nothing but praise.

When you first put the Ping G driver behind the ball at address, there is a lot to take in at first. Both the turbulators and Dragonfly technology feature, which means there isn’t much space left over. But because it all remains in the classy matte black we saw on G30, it isn’t overly distracting and most will soon forget it’s there after a few swings.

The face does look less rounded than the G30, which arguably makes it easier to align. Strike a few away and you soon become hung up on how light the club feels to swing. It feels effortless and stable both during the swing and at impact, where a powerful sound combines with a hot, lively feel to deliver soaring drives.

Accuracy seems easy to come by, only really bad swings contribute to significant drop offs in dispersion. It is strikes above the sweetspot that really deliver. I hit my longest shot with an impact that was high on the face and it nearly broke the 300 yard barrier.

This may be because Ping have increased the top-bottom MOI by six per cent, compared to just one per cent on heel and toe strikes. By minimizing the spin loss on high-impact shots, the ball will stay in the air for longer, increasing total distance.

I also found that using a lower loft compared to G30 produced better results, perhaps because of the change in CG location within the head. Coming down a full degree to 9.5° produced the best results and the flatter lie angle also reduced my miss to the left.

My swing speed remained relatively unchanged. There was perhaps a marginal increase, but not one that I could attribute to new crown technology entirely. I guess I’ll never know if it was the crown or me putting a little extra effort into these swings without knowing.

All three Ping G drivers have an RRP of £349 and go on sale on February 11th. The standard G and G LS Tec models coming in 9° and 10.5° lofts, and the SF Tec in 10° and 12°.