PING G425 Crossover

When hybrids were introduced they really changed up the game for some people. It gave the control of an iron with the strength of a Fairway wood. Well for some folks the hybrid launched to high, spun too much or became a big time hook machine. For those people companies have over the last 10 or so years introduced the driving iron. While the hybrid looks like a small fairway wood, the driving iron looks like a large iron. Instead of calling this club a driving iron PING calls it the crossover. The G410 was a nice move forward but where does PING go from here?

Sound Matters

The biggest thing PING is promoting on the Japan website is the use of a new “sound rib”. I know this doesnt sound like a huge deal but it really can affect a club in a major way. The biggest component to feel is sound. In my opinion the hollow head PING models (i500 etc) sound terrible. Its a high pitch ting sound. It makes the club feel much harsher than it probably is but it was a serious no go from me. Hopefully this new “sound rib” really dampens that sound. If it doesnt it could be a no go again.

Stealth Mode Engaged

PING has really touted their hydropearl finish which repels moisture in a very effective way. It also makes for a very cool chrome finish. The club looks almost frosted. Well PING has moved away from the Chrome Hydropearl and decided to release the club in a black hydropearl finish like the one seen on the Glide 2.0 Stealth.

I personally love the way the black looks but after a few range sessions some folks have a problem with how the finish looks. Black clubs tend to appear more worn than they are and that bothers some folks. Again I like the wear spot on a black club. I think it looks pretty cool.

Small Improvements

As I have said a bunch of times this week its a year of small improvements on each club. Nothing too major and the Crossover appears no different. Small weight changes has allowed them to increase MOI by 4%. Weighting isnt the only change they have made either. They have been able to thin the face by another 7% which is going to increase ball speeds. More ball speed, most of the time, equals more distance.

Final Thoughts

Its good to see PING address the sound issue they run into with their irons. They make the sound rib a very large part of their Japanese marketing so I would assume its going to play a large role in their marketing materials here in the US.

Again not a huge improvement but simply put more forgiveness (MOI) and more distance (thinner face) should be great. For me it all depends on that sound rib. If it works it will be a true winner