Ping G5 Vs. G10 Driver
Overview
In 2008, PING released a revamped driver design with the G10. Because of a taller face and a crown that was more extended than previous PING models, the G10 quickly became a favorite of professionals. It was used on tour by Chris DiMarco and Angel Cabrera. The earlier version released in 2005, the G5, has many of the technological advancements of the time, with the same classic look of the line.
History
In the 1960s, Karsten Solheim established PING Golf out of his family garage in Redwood City, Calif. Since then, PING has been an industry leader in putter development and other club technologies. The Anser putter, for instance, is responsible for more victories than any other putter in history.
The Facts
The PING G5 was released in 2005 to high expectations. Billed as a significant improvement over the previous model, the G5 was redesigned with an internal weighting system that gives the driver a greater moment of inertia, creating more stability and forgiveness over mishits. Material was removed for low stress areas in the crown and repositioned to the sole, lowering the center of gravity, which allowed for reduced spin and increased distance.
A 2009 selection to the Golf Digest Hot List, the PING G10 was designed using finite element analysis as engineers optimized the crown, sole and face structure interaction to make for maximum energy transfer to the ball. The 460 cubic cm clubhead on the G10 is larger than the G5, and produces a higher moment of inertia.
Features
The PING G5 comes with a 460 cubic cm titanium head, which provides more stability and forgiveness at the point of impact. Improved variable face geometry improves the performance and durability of the club. The Robotic Plasma welds are accurate and consistent, ensuring quality and construction of the head and face of the driver.
With the use of a Cray supercomputer, engineers were able to design a club that could strike a bill with the most ball speed possible. The G10’s biggest advantage, however, is that it is extremely forgiving when mishit. The 460 cubic cm clubhead takes a different approach to design aesthetics. Its larger profile, taller face and deeper crown produce a high moment of inertia and greater forgiveness.
Expert Insight
With an upgrade in technology over previous models of the early 2000s, the G5 was marketed as a tour club. The assessment from Golf World echoes that: “Outstanding performance and easy to use … a powerful club.”
While you would expect the G10 version of the PING line to receive rave reviews because of how well the G5 performed, some of Golf Digest’s player comments were understated concerning the 2009 club: “Seems to be missing a ‘wow’ factor, but it’s a nice club with good results.”
Considerations
Both drivers were released to high grades, although just one, the G10, was named to the Golf Digest Hot List. However, with the advancements in golf club technology, some expert reviewers expected a little more out of the 2009 release. While the G10 does seem to be a more forgiving and easy to control driver, the gap between it and the G5 isn’t as great as could be expected in terms of distance. If a golfer is looking for a quality, playable club with durability and forgiveness, either club would be a sound addition to any bag.