PING G25

It's one of the most important clubs you'll own. We review 10 Hybrids and put them through the ultimate test with a PGA Pro and Protracer technology. Who comes out on top?

Andy Roberts and Charlie Lemay

29 May 2013

Brand: PING
Hybrid: G25
Category: Game improvement
RRP: £170
Best price: £129
Loft: 20-degree
Lie: 58.5-degree
Length: 40.25"
Shaft: TFC 189H

Summary: The CG is more forward in the PING G25 20-degree hybrid to minimise spin. The squared-off low toe and heel provide more forgiveness on off-centre strikes.

Appearance: PING has moved away from the snub-nose look of its G15 and G20 in the new G25 hybrid.The pear-shaped clubhead and subtle graphics with PING logo stretching across the sole is beautiful, as too, the familiar charcoal non-glare finish which eliminates reflection and inspires confidence. Could have done with a better alignment aid, however. 4

Feel: Tremendous feel in hands and again during the strike with an explosion-like thud through impact. The club is fuelled with an innovative TFC 189H shaft – a lightweight, high balance-point shaft developed specifically for the G25 – and that no doubt helped increase clubhead speed. 9.5

Performance: Up there with the Cobra AMP Cell in the accuracy stakes. Consistently straight, average distance, desired mid-to-high launch and very little distance loss on off-centre strikes. Not the longest, but no surprise given the additional loft for this 3-hybrid. Superb forgiveness on off-centre hits and requires little effort to get the ball airborne. We felt as long as we put a smooth, easy swing on it, the ball would jumped high and straight off the face every time. 8.5

Verdict: Some players may prefer a more compact, workable head, but not for us. It’s ideal and does the job. Lacks a bit of distance but it looks the part, feels superb in the hands, gets up quickly in the air and is very forgiving. 22

Pro Verdict: Big fan of the matte black crown. Very easy to launch off the deck but lacks a little fire compared to the others.