Ping G fairways and hybrid launched

The new Ping G fairway woods and hybrid are designed to be longer and more versatile than the G30 thanks to a thinner crown, lower leading edge and hotter clubface

The new Ping G fairway woods and hybrid are designed to be longer and more versatile than the G30 thanks to a thinner crown, lower leading edge and hotter clubface

With the G30 drivers, Ping expanded from a standard head to include low spin and draw biased models, and for 2016 this theme has continued into the new Ping G fairway woods.

CHECK OUT THE NEW PING G RANGE

For the first time ever, it is available in a standard version (169cc, 14.5°, 17.5° and 20° lofts), a larger and lower spinning Stretch 3 model (184cc, 13° only) and a draw biased SF Tec model (175cc, 16° and 19° lofts).

New Stretch 3 and SF Tec models have been added to the G fairway wood range for 2016

Apart from those notable differences, all three of the new adjustable G fairways enjoy the same breakthroughs in technology, the highlight arguably being a new leading edge design. Ping has managed to move it closer to the ground and in turn this raises the impact area 12 per cent higher to increase the ball’s launch angle.

Ping has also upgraded the steel face since G30, switching from a 17-4 stainless steel to a new carpenter 455 VFT steel that is stronger. Thanks to its strength qualities, it can be designed thinner, allowing for more flex across the face and better forgiveness on heel and toe strikes.

A cascading sole has also been introduced, and this hinge style design spreads the bending at impact more efficiently so the head can spring more powerfully for longer distance.

Finally, like the new Ping G drivers, the fairways have thinner crowns. Theirs are 25 per cent thinner than the G30 fairway, and like the drivers, that saved weight is moved lower and deeper in the head to boost forgiveness.

Turbulators now feature on the Ping G hybrid as well as the fairway woods

The Ping G hybrid features many of the same new technologies as the fairway woods, which should give you a more consistent feel and similar performance through the bag.

These include the cascading sole design that engages more of the head structure at impact for a more powerful springing effect for increased distance.

The new carpenter 455 VFT steel face also features, and not only is it thinner than on the G30 hybrid to allow for more forgiveness in the heel and toe, but because it is thinner it is also 8g lighter, saving weight to be used elsewhere in the head.

Unlike the G30 hybrid, the new G model does feature turbulators on the crown, and these combine with unpainted grooves in the sweetspot area of the face to improve alignment and capture the ball at address.

Technical specs All three fairway woods will feature the Alta 65 High Balance Point shaft as standard, and retail at £220. On sale from February 11th. The hybrid will come in a large range of lofts at 16° (2H), 19° (3H), 22° (4H), 26° (5H) and 30° (6H), and will feature the Alta 70 High Balance Point shaft, with an RRP of £180.

 

Joel Tadman
Technical Editor

Joel has worked in the golf industry for over 12 years covering both instruction and more recently equipment. He now oversees all product content here at Golf Monthly, managing a team of talented and passionate writers and presenters in delivering the most thorough and accurate reviews, buying advice, comparisons and deals to help the reader find exactly what they are looking for. So whether it's the latest driver, irons, putter or laser rangefinder, Joel has his finger on the pulse keeping up to date with the latest releases in golf. He is also responsible for all content on irons and golf tech, including distance measuring devices and launch monitors.


One of his career highlights came when covering the 2012 Masters he got to play the sacred Augusta National course on the Monday after the tournament concluded, shooting a respectable 86 with just one par and four birdies. To date, his best ever round of golf is a 5-under 67 back in 2011. He currently plays his golf at Burghley Park Golf Club in Stamford, Lincs, with a handicap index of 3.2.


Joel's current What's In The Bag? 

Driver: Titleist TSR3, 9° 

Fairway wood: Titleist TSR3, 15° 

Hybrid: Titleist TSi2, 18° 

Irons: Ping i230 4-UW

Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM8, 54°. Titleist Vokey SM9 60° lob wedge, K Grind

Putter: Evnroll ER2V 

Ball: 2023 Titleist Pro V1x