Ping reveal new G Crossover

Ping Crossover

Its not everyday golf companies claim to invent a new product category, and when they do we usually greet the statement with a hell of a lot of scepticism. However Ping’s lead Engineer Marty Jertson insists “The Crossover is not a Driving Iron…it delivers hybrid like launch and distance but with the spin of an iron.” So the Crossover is aimed at golfers that either don’t like hybrids or those wanting the option of being able to hit high or low shots on command. Which is particularly useful in windy conditions. So how does it do it?

Iron styling with Carpenter Steel 455 face

Ping have taken the high strength steel used in their fairway and hybrid faces and created the G Crossover around it. Which means increased ball speeds as the face is machined thinner to maximise bending. There’s also a wide body construction to increase playability.

Extreme Toe Weighting

Ping say a large weight pad in the toe helps reposition the CG and expands perimeter weighting. Ping also point out the MOI of the G is 31% higher than the Rapture driving iron, which is hugely significant. If we compare spin the Crossover generates more than a 4 iron but less than a hybrid making balloon’s into the wind less likely. And looking at ball speed the Crossover’s higher than a 4 iron but less than a hybrid, yet launch angle between the three is pretty similar.

Tiered internal sole

To wring out every last drop of juice from your swing Ping have incorporated an internal tiered sole which allows the Crossover’s head to deform at impact and rebound quicker. Effectively meaning you harness extra energy no matter where you impact the club face.

RRP: £180 (s) £180 (g)

Lofts: 3/18deg 4/21deg 5/24deg

For further information visit www.ping.com

First Hit…Simon Daddow

I’ll be honest I’ve never had success with driving irons as I’ve struggled to launch them off the deck. So I didn’t hold high hopes for the Crossover. But after a session on the range I’ll put my hands up and say it actually does exactly what its supposed too. The Crossover launched higher than a traditional long iron and was much more friendly to hit. I’m excited to put one in the bag for 2016. Long term the versatility of having both a hybrid which I love and a Crossover in the bag which is more controllable I’m hoping will bring an extra dimension to my game.