GWD_MAY_16

KEY TECHNOLOGIES
PING G SERIES
While we have got used to the idea of the
clubface adding speed by flexing like a
trampoline, the face of Ping’s G series
flexes more like a diving board. COR-Eye
technology actually stiffens up the centre
of the face, encouraging it to flex back as
a whole at impact, the sole staying solid
while the length of top edge softens.
The G has a chrome finish, while the
sole and top line are tapered and, for
the first time, there’s a ferrule.
undercut cavities small. These traits
still show up in the C200, as does
Ci6’s vibration-dampening elastomer
layer.
The 2010 Ci9 introduced an
exoskeletal rear cavity to boost MOI,
while the elastomer insert was stretched
out across the entire cavity. The insert
was retained in 2011’s Ci11, which
mated an even more futuristic look with
a dark PVD finish.
The 2014 C100 followed the Ci11
with a thinner, faster face. The C200,
however shows more fundamental
revisions, heralded by a return
to chrome. The club has been
redesigned to add flex and power by
minimising contact between the face
and the rest of the clubhead. It does this
through 360 degrees of rubber-filled
‘power holes’ around the clubhead,
which boost feel while aiding flex, and
by pulling more of the back of the
clubhead away from the face.
The background: Mizuno
JPX-EZ forged
While Mizuno is best known for the
elite grain flow forged irons of its MP
range, the brand has worked hard to
OUR TEST SAID…
Launch monitor data appears to confirm
the effect of COR-Eye. A consistently
highest average smash factor reading
of 1.36 across the team suggests even
flexing across the face, while that divingboard
action was surely contributing to
impressively easy launch and ball speed.
It must be added, however, that the club’s
low, deep CG location, a thinner face and
improved perimeter weighting would all
produce consistent ball speeds and quick
height. COR-Tec plays its part within a
wider design, created to help the
improving golfer.
SUMMARY
To isolate the influence of COR-Eye is
impossible, as it is simply an integral
part of the club. However, the impressive
performance of the club for speed,
height and forgiveness suggests it is a
welcome addition to the G family.
‘Despite one-degree less loft, the G launched the
ball highest, thanks to its offset and low, deep CG,
but with no loss of power; the iron was longest on
test for two testers and second longest for two’
94 Golf World May 2016