Ping G5 Vs. Ping G2
Overview
The Ping G2 and G5 drivers were released only a year apart. Built as more of a forgiving driver, the G2 was designed to improve performance for players of all abilities. The G5, made with the pro in mind for its improvements in distance, was developed with advancements in design to decrease spin at contact as compared to the earlier model.
History
Ping was established in the 1960’s by Karsten Solheim out of his family garage in Redwood City, Calif. In 1966 Solheim designed the Anser putter, which went on to be used for more victories than any other in the history of the PGA Tour. A pioneer in golf engineering, Solheim’s putter designs became a staple in golf, reaching 2000 victories during the 2002 season. While not being known for its drivers, Ping’s G2 was the first to earn market acclaim.
The Facts
Released in August 2004, the G2 got off to a hot start with three Tour victories within the first month. Because of the size of the club and the high moment of inertia, the G2 was the most forgiving club Ping had designed. With improved accuracy on mis-hits, Tour players claimed distance gains of 10 to 15 yards.
The G5 was released in 2005 to much anticipation. With the success and popularity of the G2, the G5 did not disappoint by offering even greater distances. The similar design shape of the driver head, coupled with advancements in the internal weighting system, create a lower center of gravity than its counterpart and gives golfers higher launch degrees for greater carry and roll.
Features
Sporting a now industry-standard 460cc titanium head, the G2 has a precision-milled variable thickness face. The face is robotically plasma-welded to the driver body allowing for increased energy transfer, pushing the driver to its limit of ball speed at launch. The PING TFC 100D graphite shaft comes standard with the G2 and is designed with proprietary dampening material.
The G5 also comes with a 460cc titanium head. Improved weight placement allows material from the crown to be put in the sole to lower CG for reduced spin. A new crescent moon alignment aid is positioned on the crown for more accurate drives.
Expert Insight
Given the overall similarities of the two drivers, reviews for the sister clubs don’t differ by much. With the G2 being billed as a more forgiving, golfer-friendly club, Golf World echoed the production release from Ping, saying it’s “not the longest … but extremely forgiving, top-performing … love the looks.”
As an upgrade in technology and marketed as the “Tour club,” Golf World agreed with Ping’s assessment of the G5: “Outstanding performance … easy to use … and a powerful club.
Benefits
Because Ping does not have the same reputation for drivers as it does for putters, it is overlooked for the quality as compared to other names in the market. The G2 and G5 series, made with an eye for accuracy and forgiveness more so than power, give the amateur golfer a reliable club with game control in mind. Whether it’s the large club face with high MOI for command over mis-hits, or the combination of MOI with a lower CG for more distance, Ping has designed a quality club for all skill levels.