Ping Anser Forged Irons

[Golfwolf]

I love the look of those, very sweet.

[Bob57]

An update on the set I had. The original guy I was intending to sell them to wanted to hit some balls with them before he bought them. He was willing to pay what I was asking, but he had heard various opinions on how they felt. He owns a set of i15s so he had a comparison. After a half bucket of balls comparing them to his i15s his comment was how they didn't feel "softer" than his i15s and in fact felt quite hard at impact. He also thought they hit the ball higher than his i15s. Both sets had ZZ65 shafts in them. He said he really didn't want to back out of the purchase but really didn't want something he had no intention of playing after demoing. I do know a ping collector who did want them, so I didn't get stuck with them. The ping collector hit a few balls as well and while he didn't think they felt all that bad he didn't feel they offered any improved playing characteristics that weren't present in todays models. But now he has the set for a conversation piece and something that may indeed be a true collectors piece being Ping's first forged club that they designed (in the U.S) and manufactured (in China). He also has a set that now looks like it won't come to the U.S. until November/December timeframe and then not in any volume. Pings first forgings were designed and manufactured by Golfcraft. Karsten bought those heads and machined the cavities to different configurations. Those were innovative in they were the first forged cavity backs. One set had bent shafts for game improvement but were later declared illegal by the USGA.

[inkoo4]

Those irons look very nice.. first set of Ping irons that have really caught my eye.

[yams22]

It certainly looked like Chopra was bagging these yesterday at the AT&T @ Aroniminck...will try and get some insight as to what his opinions are of the "feel". A friend of a friend caddied for him this week, so maybe I can get some insight!

[CoolBrees]

Cannot wait to get these in my hands, these may finally kick the AP2s out of my bag.

[ntogolf]

Never have been a fan of anything from Ping other then wedges (that I've never played before), and the Craz-E (that I think is awesome). These on the other hand are extremely nice looking. Lofts do seem a bit strong, and being forged can be adjusted but that might affect the dragging trailing edge. If the loft strength isn't a deal killer, finally a great offering from the current leader in shovel technology. LOL

[Colum]

[quote name='Asleep' timestamp='1273497391' post='2432014']This whole loft jacking dance is getting silly. 3-PW now becomes 4-GW just so "we" can trick ourselves into [i][b]feeling[/b][/i] longer. Silly ego exercise.
[/quote]


I agree, I am just back playing golf after 15 years and don't understand this turning an 8 into a 7 and so on, it is a load of nonsense and it seems all the manufacturers do it. But with this set I assume a reasonable solution is to get the 50degree utility wedge with the set, assuming they make one, they do for the i15 as far as I know.

[Colum]

[quote name='Bob57' timestamp='1277994519' post='2548769']being Ping's first forged club that they designed (in the U.S) and [b]manufactured (in China[/b]). [/quote]


Is anything made in USA anymore these days? Was once the worlds greatest producer.

[MyBluC4]

Here is my report from late last season:

Finally pulled the trigger...Ping Anser Forged Irons
Won a small claims verdict and decided to use it to splurge on some new sticks. As many here know, I've been playing Ping ISI BeCu's since '96. Always loved them, but with age my strength, swing and the rest of it changed a bit. I looked and looked and tried and tried some more but could never find a set of irons I felt comfortable with. After much research and soul searching, I found Ping's new Anser Forged Irons. Forged in China, assembled in the US, but only sold in Japan (subsequently released in North America during November 2011).
I got fitted professionally and sent the specs to Tourspecgolf in Japan. 3/4 inch longer than standard, Nippon lightweight steel R's, upright 1.3 degrees.
First day out, couldn't hit a shot. Wanted to kill myself or take up bowling. Went to the range with tears in my eyes to work things out...CABOOOOM! Got my swing adjusted to the new look, feel and set up and went to town. These sticks are terrific. Soft forged feel that I was used to from the BeCu's, nice classic set up at address, topside just a little thicker than the ISI's, but in no way a shovel look. It's a forged cavity back with a sort of muscle back look and feel that reflects a finesse and power energy to it. Also, none of that multi-colored, souped up design on the caddy side of the club head like the G10's and G15's...very clean and classic.
The pre-fitting was essential for the investment I made and worked out well. These are really different Ping's. The design is structured for nice feedback, that I like and the ball stops every bit as well as the old groves delivered on the ISI's. For those who don't cotton to Ping products, this model could really change your mind.