Citing major performance improvements, Ping Golf is introducing its G5 Series, marking the first time in the company's 46-year history that it is launching products in all categories under one name simultaneously.
The new series includes drivers, fairway woods, hybrids, irons and putters. Ping also is introducing the i5 iron, a mid-sized club head with reduced offset.
"We're bringing golfers a series of clubs that represents our ongoing commitment to innovation," said Ping Chairman John Solheim. "Each club in the G5 Series is engineered to help golfers lower their score and increase their enjoyment of the game."
Under the G5 name, Solheim said, golfers can create a set of clubs to match their ability and personal preference.
"We're in the business of improving the scores of all golfers," Solheim said. "The G5 Series features technology which will benefit every skill level. Plus, with the i5 iron we can satisfy the needs of golfers looking for a slightly smaller club head. This launch expands our product line deeper than ever before."
Similar in shape to Ping's popular G2 driver, the 460cc titanium head G5 driver (suggested retail price $350), Solheim said, features new internal weighting distribution that repositions the center of gravity (CG) for lower spin rates and greater distance.
Eight grams of weight, according to Solheim, was moved from the crown and face to the sole to achieve the lower CG location. In addition, Solheim said new face geometry ensures high ball speed for improved distance.
Lower spin rates, according to Solheim, allowed the engineers to increase the available lofts (7.5, 9, 10.5, 12 and 13.5 degrees) by half-degree measurements to ensure golfers are fit to the proper launch angle. The G5 driver begins shipping Sept. 1.
Designed to promote a right-to-left ball flight, Solheim said, the G5 Offset Driver (SRP $350) features a quarter-inch offset that blends subtly into the head to create a clean appearance. The G5 Offset Driver, which includes all the technology of the standard G5, is available in lofts of nine, 10.5 and 12 degrees. The driver begins shipping Sept. 1.
The G5 Fairway Woods, which also begin shipping Sept. 1, feature stainless steel heads combined with a 455 steel face. The strength of the face, Solheim said, allowed Ping engineers to design a thinner, more responsive hitting area. The face, according to Solheim, is machined and robotically, plasma welded to ensure consistency.
Solheim said internal weight pads progress toward the back of the club in the higher-lofted fairway woods for optimal spin, lift and control. The rocker sole design helps square the face at impact from a variety of lies.
The G5 Fairway Woods will be available 3-woods (13 and 15 degrees), 5-wood (18), 7-wood (21), 9-wood (24) and L-wood (27). The suggested retail price is $200 (steel) and $260 (graphite).
The first-ever wood-like hybrid from Ping, Solheim said, is distinguished by a sloped crown that positions the center-of-gravity low and back to promote a higher launch. The stainless steel head's compact design, according to Solheim, ensures playability from all conditions.
The 455 steel face is machined and robotically plasma welded to provide distance and consistency. The G5 Hybrid is available in lofts of 16, 19, 22 and 25 degrees of lofts and begins shipping Nov. 1 with an SRP of $185 (steel) and $215 (graphite).
The G5 irons, Solheim said, feature a deeper, parallel cavity design that widens the sole and expands the perimeter weighting to make them the most forgiving Ping irons to date. The larger head, cavity design and sole width, according to Solheim, provide higher-launching, more consistent shots. The 17-4 stainless steel heads are investment cast and heat-treated at Karsten Manufacturing's foundry in Phoenix.
The G5 iron's feel is improved, Solheim said, through a larger, thinner Custom Tuning Port (CTP) by which the expanded port is positioned closer to the face to ensure consistency and a solid, pleasing feel. The lead-edge radius, according to Solheim, is designed for improved ground impact and more solid ball contact.
The G5 irons will be available 2-9, PW, UW, SW and LW and in 10 color codes to custom fit each golfer to the proper lie angle. SRP is $115 per club (steel) and $145 (graphite). The G5 irons begin shipping Sept. 1.
The i5 iron, Solheim said, is a mid-size, stainless steel iron with reduced offset. The perimeter weighted iron shares many of the G5 iron features, according to Solheim, including the larger, thinner Custom Tuning Port (CTP) for improved feel.
The sole width and cavity size are created for forgiveness and playability, while the lead edge and bounce angle are designed for a smoother, forgiving transition through the turf and from the rough.
The i5 irons are 2-9, PW, UW, SW and LW and in 10 color codes for custom fitting. SRP is $115 per club (steel) and $145 (graphite). The i5 irons begin shipping Sept. 1.
Numerous advancements, including a dual durometer face, Solheim said, highlight the G5i putter series. The new insert design, according to Solheim, features a soft perimeter injected with a higher durometer impact surface for optimal feel and sound. The insert cavity is precision machined to ensure consistency.
Solheim said inertia increases average 10 percent across the new line and are attributed to redistribution of weight resulting from the addition of through holes and sole cavities.
In addition, Solheim said alignment is improved with a ball-width, crescent-shaped top rail -- a feature first introduced on the popular Ping Craz-E Series. Solheim said the new series also applies a new Optigraphic Alignment System in the back of each model to further assist in alignment.
The G5i putters are available in 11 models: Anser, Zing, B60, Mini-c, Tess, Craz-E, Craz-E B (mid-length), Craz-E C (center-shafted), Craz-E H (Anser-style hosel), Craz-E L (long) and Ug-Le. SRP ranges from $135-$205 depending on model. The putters begin shipping Sept. 1.
Ping's Tour Black Nickel Wedges, according to Solheim, offers a Black Nickel Chrome finish that creates higher spin rates for improved control on approach shots and around the green.
The rounder sole profile, Solheim said, adds to the versatility by allowing golfers to set the club head in most any position to play the required shot. The machined face and grooves ensure proper spin rates and consistency for wedge shots of any length.
The new wedges will be available in lofts of 50, 52, 54, 56, 58 and 60 degrees beginning Sept. 1. Low bounce (8-degree) versions are available in lofts of 58 and 60 degrees. SRP is $115 per club (steel) and $145 (graphite).
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