PING launch G400 Max driver, G700 irons, Glide 2.0 Stealth wedges

PING has launched its new G400 Max driver, G700 irons and Glide 2.0 Stealth wedges for 2018.

“We’re on a mission to help golfers play better, and we know that starts with clubs that deliver across-the- board performance gains,” said John K. Solheim, PING president.

“The new G400 Max is engineered with the same technology as the original G400 but we’ve optimized the size to gain even more forgiveness, which leads to tighter dispersion and lower scores. With the addition of the Max to the G400 driver family, golfers now have four fitting options to ensure they’re getting the most out of their game.

“If you struggle finding the fairway with consistency, the Max is likely the best fit for you.”

The brand say this is the most forgiving and lowest CG driver on the market, and it comes in a new 460cc head design (the G400 is 445cc).

PING’s highest MOI driver - offering maximum forgiveness - thanks to a new crown and face design in a larger profile and multi-material head.

A tungsten weight also wraps around the back of the sole to bring down the MOI.

The Max version of the G400 driver has nearly four times the discretionary weight from Dragonfly technology and a thin, forged face.

“Our engineers focused on increasing the forgiveness of the driver while maintaining the distance gains and powerful sound of the original G400 driver,” said Solheim.

“It’s remarkable how long and straight the G400 Max flies. The forgiveness is off the charts and leads to tighter dispersion, which reveals just how consistent your distance and accuracy results will be on the golf course. We encourage all golfers to get fit and look closely at their dispersion, not just their one best shot on a launch monitor.”

The forged face is designed to offer superb feel, and also allowed for a unique thinner face for higher ball speeds.

The G400 Max is available with a colour shifting Alta CB shaft, which transitions from copper to black. The shaft is counterbalanced, for increased energy transfer.

Shaft options: PING Alta CB (counter-balanced) 55 (SR, R, S, X), PING Tour 65, 75 (R, S, X), Alta Distanza 40
Aftermarket shaft options (Upcharge): Mitsubishi Kuro Kage Silver Dual-Core TiNi 60 (R, S, X), Project X HZRDUS Yellow 75 (5.5, 6.0, 6.5), Aldila X-Torsion Copper (50R, 60S)

Loft options: 9⁰ & 10.5⁰
Loft adjustability: Up to +-1⁰ Stock grip: Golf Pride Tour Velvet 360 in six sizes (Blue -1/16, Red -1/32, Aqua -1/64, White Std., Gold +1/32, Orange +1/16)

Designed to offer power and forgiveness thanks to a hollow body design and thin, maraging steel face.

PING say this is their longest, highest flying iron ever.

“The desire for golfers to hit their irons farther continues to grow,” said Solheim. “We want to provide options that greatly increase distance without sacrificing other performance attributes, such as consistency, forgiveness and feel. With the G700 iron, we’ve been able to accomplish all of that in a very appealing design with a sound that screams distance from the moment golfers hit it.”

The hollow design has an internal design that positions weight away from the face, creating a frame for strength which allows for maximum flexing of the face.

Maraging steel, used in PING’s metals, is one of the strongest alloys in the world, but is also flexible.

“We’re seeing significant ball-speed increases in the G700 while maintaining the consistency and control golfers need to improve their iron play,” said Solheim.

“It also has a great overall look, especially at address, and a premium finish. When golfers hit it, they’ll experience a sensation and sound that’s unlike any they’ve ever felt or heard.”

Available 4-9, PW, UW, SW in 10 color codes (lie angle). Black is standard.
Shaft options: Stock steel shaft -- PING AWT 2.0 (R, S, X); Stock graphite shafts -- Alta CB (counter-balanced) powered by AWT, UST Recoil 760 ES SMACWRAP (A), UST Recoil 780 ES SMACWRAP (R, S)

Aftermarket steel shaft options (no upcharge): True Temper Dynamic Gold (S300, X100), Dynamic Gold 105 (R300, S300), Dynamic Gold 120 (S300, X100) Project X LZ (5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5), True Temper XP95 (R, S,), Nippon NS Pro Modus 105 (S, X), KBS Tour (R, S, X)

Std. grip: Golf Pride Tour Velvet in six sizes (Blue -1/16, Red -1/32, Aqua -1/64, White Std., Gold +1/32, Orange +1/16)

Designed for a soft feel and high spin thanks to a 8620 carbon steel head and precission milled grooves.

A new Stealth finish has less glare and makes the head appear smaller, while also offering more durability.

A wheel cut half groove near the leading edge (56, 58, 60 degrees) hopes to improve strike, especially when hitting low on the face.

Grooves in lower lofted wedges (46, 50 and 52 degrees) are milled with a 20 degree sidewall and .005 inch edge radius for performance, while higher lofts are milled with 28 degree sidewall and .004 inch radius to allow for more spin.

“The tour player response has been exceptional,” said Solheim.  “The players’ first comment about the Stealth finish, which not only looks cool, they like how it makes the head appear smaller and it limits reflections on bright days. Once they feel it and see how much spin and control the grooves provide, the wedges go straight in the bag.”

SS GRIND (46°/12°, 50°/12°, 52°/12°, 54°/12°, 56°/12°, 58°/10°, 60/10°)

An all-purpose mid-bounce sole with heel and trail edge relief to create versatility on touch shots around the green. Ideal for moderate attack angles and divots. Fits most golfers.

WS GRIND (54°/14°, 56°/14°, 58°/14°, 60/14°)

Full-sole design that provides turf security for players with a steep angle of attack. The reduced camber and added width prevent digging.

TS GRIND (58°/6°, 60°/6°)

A PING WRX-inspired design based on the Tour-proven half-moon grind. The TS grind facilitates shot making and precision from even the most difficult lies. The heel relief allows shots to be executed with an open face to difficult pins or from firm lies without fear of the lead edge sitting too high.

ES GRIND (54°/8°, 56°/8°, 58°/8°, 60°/8°)

Eye 2-inspired sole design provides the ultimate in bunker performance, resulting from the classic dish profile and the tapered hosel. A refined lead edge upgrades all-around performance with the iconic ES grind.

Shaft options: Stock steel shaft -- PING AWT 2.0 Wedge; Stock graphite shaft -- PING CFS 65/70/80 (Soft R, R, S)

Aftermarket steel shaft options (no upcharge): True Temper Dynamic Gold (S300, X100), Dynamic Gold 105 (R300, S300), Dynamic Gold 120 (S300, X100) Project X LZ (5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5), True Temper XP95 (R, S,), Nippon NS Pro Modus 105 (S, X), KBS Tour (R, S, X)

Std. grip: Golf Pride Tour Velvet in six sizes (Blue -1/16, Red -1/32, Aqua -1/64, White Std., Gold +1/32, Orange +1/16)