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| Ping's new Rapture V2 driver (left) and Rapture V2 fairway metal
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Ping Rapture V2 iron
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Ping Rapture V2 hybrid
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Ping's G10 range of equipment will be a hard act to follow but the Gainsborough-based company aims to challenge its own high standards with the introduction of the new Ping Rapture V2 range of clubs.
As Ping nears its 50th anniversary in 2009, the family-owned club-makers believe its Rapture V2 Driver, fairway woods, hybrids and irons will raise the bar even higher, when they arrive in Europe in mid-September.
“Our newest products are the result of our focus on multi-metal technology," says Ping chairman John Solheim. "The common material throughout is tungsten and from the driver to the putters, we’ve utilized the density of tungsten in strategic positions in the clubs to make the most of weight distribution and maximize performance."
The 460 cc Rapture V2 driver (recommended price £310) has a titanium body with external tungsten weights near heel and toe and a centre of gravity positioned for lower spin, higher launch and maximum stability. With its deeper face and lower spin rate, it will be available in 9-, 10.5- 12- and 13.5-degree lofts, with Ping TFC939D or Mitsubishi Diamana Blue shafts as standard.
The driver made its debut at Oakland Hills in the USPGA Championship and immediately went in the bags of Angel Cabrera, Ryan Moore and Louis Oosthuizen.
Rapture V2 fairway metals (£185), with a larger but shallower head, have a stainless steel body and tungsten sole plate and will be available in 3- (16 deg), 4- (17.5), 5- (19) and 7-wood (22) models. With similar sole plates for higher launches, the four £135 hybrids (lofts of 17, 20, 23 and 27 degrees), have a longer face profile to expands the hitting area.
The oversize Rapture V2 irons - priced at £105 per club for steel, £120 for graphite - are made for maximum forgiveness but with stronger lofts to generate extra distance. Irons will be available from 3- to 9-iron, plus PW, UW, SW lob wedge, with Ping TFC939I or Ping AWT shafts fitted as standard.
“It’s hard to believe its has been 50 years since that Ping sound first emanated from our garage in Redwood, Kansas,” added Solheim, who began working at his father Karsten's side when he was 14 years old. “A lot has changed since then, but one thing hasn’t and that’s the foundation my parents built for this company.
"We remain loyal to the values my parents established in everything we do. When it comes to the product, make it better than it was and don’t take any short cuts getting there. From a business standpoint, we maintain the trust and integrity that has earned the Ping name a reputation for innovation and quality around the world.”
