Ping G425 Iron/Hybrid Review

by Joe Dier, Club Fitter

G425 Irons:

Maximum forgiveness has always been a staple of the PING “G” series irons. With that in mind, the new G425 line-up continues that tradition in an iron that also offers a more compact and aesthetically pleasing shape. Let’s take a look at some of the technology offered:

Perimeter Weighting: A tungsten toe screw and hosel weight expand the perimeter weighting to create a new standard in forgiveness for an iron its size. The resilient hydropearl chrome finish repels moisture to improve performance from wet conditions.

Speed-Generating Face: A stronger, variable-thickness, Hyper 17-4 stainless steel face delivers our fastest ball speed ever in the G-Series for generating higher, longer results with stopping power.

Stopping Power: A patented cascading sole and top-rail undercut combine to perform like a hinge, flexing to launch the ball faster and higher with green-holding precision consistently and predictably.

Multi-Material Bridge: Extensive finite element analysis was used to develop a three-piece, multi-material cavity badge that covers more of the face to damp undesirable frequencies for superb feel and sound.

During testing with the new G425 irons, I could definitely see the forgiveness in the club. As a player who typically hits it off the toe of the club, I was still getting good launch and speed from those shots, which resulted in a smaller loss in distance than you would see in other clubs. On center contact strikes I saw a nice high ball flight while maintaining a small amount of backspin, resulting in high, long iron shots.

Overall, I think the G425 iron will be a great option for high handicappers looking to maintain forgiveness while adding distance to their game.

Numbers:

Hybrids:

In past years, PING hybrids have been a solid option but maybe not everyone’s first choice to try during fittings. I believe that will change with the new iteration of the G425 hybrids. The G425 has a great classic look, as PING got rid of the “turbulators” they featured in past models. Instead, they added the “alignment guide” which shows three dots on the head, a big one in the middle, to help with better alignment at address. Along with the new look, PING has added weight to the back of the head creating a high “MOI” and more forgiveness. Here we discuss some of the technology used:

Spinsistency™: A complex face curvature modifies the roll profile, mainly low on the face where loft decreases, to bring more consistent spin performance and increase ball speed for added distance.

Facewrap™: The thin, high-strength maraging steel face wraps into the crown and sole to increase flexing for faster speeds that result in greater distance and high-launching shots.

Alignment Guide: On the crown, a new 3-dot alignment feature (large dot in the middle) offers alignment guidance and inspires confidence at address.

Tungsten Weighting: A tungsten sole weight strategically positioned in each club increases the MOI in the stainless-steel head for added forgiveness.

While testing the G425 19-degree hybrid, I was pleasantly surprised. As a person who doesn’t typically play a hybrid, I had a lot of fun hitting this club. The results show that I was hitting it really long (for me), getting good launch conditions, flying high and landing it soft. It also provides a penetrating enough ball flight to hit off the tee when I need a controlled shot on a tight par 4.

Overall, people should be excited to give the new G425 hybrid a try in all future fittings.

Numbers:

More information can be found at https://ping.com/en-us/